The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Catalina (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) on 05/05/2007
★★★★★
I thought I was too young for arthritis, but my shoulders, hips, knees, feet and neck were getting achey in the joints. After two months of oil pulling, all aches are gone and have not returned six months later. Also, my keratosis pilaris is cleared up, skin is softer, facial wrinkles have markedly decreased. My teeth are whiter, tongue cleaner and pinker, gums pink, dark circles under eyes have lessened, less gray hairs. Yes, it's true. Both my husband and I have noticed a 50% decrease in gray hair, with brown hair returning. I'm sleeping more soundly, have more energy, and generally feel better all around. I know this all sounds too good to be true, but after 9 months of oil pulling, I don't see how this can by attributed to a placebo affect. Something is working, either by pulling toxins out and/or allowing oil nutrients in. Whatever is happening, I will never stop oil pulling. I alternate coconut oil with olive and avocado oil, changing about once a month, pulling for 20 minutes at at time once a day. I urge everyone to try this. Give it 30 days and you will see results.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Dani (Queens, NY) on 04/29/2007
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for about 5 weeks now. First thing I noticed was my sweet tooth completely gone, needless to say with that came weight loss. Also it is true that your ailments first worsen before getting better. My biggest thing was leg pain from my varicose veins. When I first started OP it hurt for about a week since then I haven't had any pain. Thank you for all your great help.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Susan (Belleville, Michigan) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★
I started oil-pulling the beginning of March; so it's almost 2 months now.
I am 58 years old and have had health problems, such as throat congestion, constant coughing, menopause problems (for at least a decade), sudden weight problems, some kind of growth in my throat (due probably to ingesting splenda which causes thyroid cancer).
In the last five or more years, I have refused to go to a M.D. for any of those problems. I felt that they are merely controlled by Big Pharma and therefore they would prescribe things that would not work or would treat the symptoms and cause greater distress in the future. I would attempt to try different remedies on my own. I knew that spirit would eventually bring me solutions.
Immediately the congestion and coughing almost disappeared and is now totally gone. The growth in my throat is non-existant now.
Let me explain about the menopause. This was a huge problem for me. I could not get dressed up and go anywhere without having an embarrassing bout with perspiration.
I keep a room temperature thermometer at my desk at all times. When I would feel overheated, I would check it. Before oil-pulling it would read somewhere between 68 and 71 degrees. I noticed that after oil-pulling, I might get warm, but the room temperature became got higher and higher during the course of these two months. Recently I would get hot, look at the room temperature; it was 76 or more degrees. I can say now, I can go anywhere and do anything without a problem.
I have learned through these years, that despite the propaganda about menopause symptoms being merely a natural occurrence, in reality they are your body telling you that it has reached a dis-eased condition and to do something about it (other than taking hormones).
I feel and have the energy of a teenager again and my libido is same.
I am currently checking out whether I can loose weight with OP. This will take considerably longer to give you the results. To follow directions as suggested, and taking full advantage to the promised raise in metabolism, I try never to eat anything without first doing OP. I'll come back in a year to give you the results. But so far it seems to be working. I think that it works by lessening the glycemic effects of carbs, possibly lowering the amount of insulin in your body, based upon my experience with not getting so drowsy after a meal. I can actually stay awake after a meal now!
I initially used organic olive oil, because that was all I had on hand. It would never turn white, and gags you, btw. I can clearly see why they recommend sunflower or sesame oil.
I start the OP proceedure by brushing and then flossing my teeth. Then I set the timer for 20 minutes and op with 1 tablespoon until I feel a bit of mucus released from my throat at about 8 minutes. I spit that out and do another TBs. of oil. I ususally only make it to 18 mins. and then I brush my teeth, gums, and tongue. I flush several mouthfuls of water, and drink down at least 8 oz of water. I do this always before meals. To increase the anti-microbial effect between meals, I drink tea sweetened with xylitol (which starves the little bastards!). Now I hope there is nothing toxic about xylitol, but you never know with these corrupt corporate criminals that control our government today. As a result of the xylitol tea, my mouth feels cleaner and cleaner all through the day. I hope I have helped some of you. Love and light, Susan
Dental Issues
Posted by Jake (Chicago, Il.) on 10/09/2007
★★★★★
Many thanks to Lucille from Jersey City. I had sensitive gums and nerves for several months after having two dental procedures - removal of an impacted and decayed wisdom tooth -lower left,and placement of a crown on a molar above. I was very sensitive to cold especially but hot as well. Oil pulling with coconut oil just three times cured it 95%. It was hard to believe after it was so sensitive it virtually went away. I rarely feel anything anymore except with extreme temperatures and I see even that declining as the days go by.
Neck Pain
Posted by August (Fallbook, Calif) on 04/16/2007
★★★★★
oil pulling- I am 71 years old, neck hurt since I was 12 yr. havent slept with a pillow for 31 years. the first week my neck stopped hurting, and slept with a pillow, second week i gave up my heating pad that i used for 40 years.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sweet (P.O.S., Trinidad, W.I.) on 04/02/2007
★★★★★
On 1/3/07 I gave feedback on OP & promised an update: Mom changed her daily routine only by adding OP... varicose veins (legs) are noticeably smaller; Aunty Y. is relieved... the intensifying pain in her heel has lessened (no more limping); Navindra, my friend, has been getting rid of mucus effortlessly and gives credit to OP. Others have no definite result to contribute (not yet). In addition to OP, I've been using other remedies from this site, eg. molasses, ACV, etc. I'm incorporating these methods and generally feel healthier. Blessings to all. **Sweet**
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amber (El Paso, TX) on 03/30/2007
★★★★★
I've been oil pulling for 5 days now. I've noticed increased energy and I'm sleeping better. I have also had a loose tooth ever since my braces were removed a few years ago. The tooth has stabilized within the last 5 days!! Truly amazing! Also, my skin which is prone to acne has cleared up considerably. My junk food cravings have also greatly diminished.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Katie (Olympia, WA) on 03/07/2007
★★★★★
I started oil pulling about 4 days ago. It sounded crazy to me, but with such outrageous testimonials, I decided to give it a try. I've always had slight yellow tinted teeth, and so far they are a bit whiter (I've officially pulled 5 times now). But my biggest thing that I am so excited about - on 4 of my bottom teeth, at the base of the gums I had bad decay stains. It looked so ugly to me and I've been really self conscious about it for years. Well, after the first 3 pulls they are 80% gone. My dentist had told me that there was nothing he could do for them. But I guess he didn't know about oil pulling! My hair is also much softer and fuller and my skin is feeling much more supple and moisturized. I'm excited to see what changes in the next month or so!
Side Effects
Posted by Carrie (Palmdale , CA) on 10/05/2008
Rinse your mouth with baking soda and water after oil pulling, then drink a glass of water.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Karthik (Mumbai, India) on 02/07/2007
★★★★★
Though i come from the country where Ayurveda was invented and popular, thanx to Earth Cinic in giving me insight on Oil pulling therapy. I started with sesame oil the first week did for 10mts, now 20mts starting from mid jan2007. It helped me with totally arresting from bleeding gums and black circles under my eyes dissapeared. I used to get sleep only at 5am and now i sleep by maximum 10.30. So far I have benefited gums cure/dark circles and good night sleep. Therefore I recommend to all. It is win win situation any which way. No side effects, cheaper remedy and simple too.
Asthma
Posted by Chris (Austin, TX) on 12/23/2008
Be careful of soy as many people have soy allergies...plus it's not as healthy as it once was thought to be. Also, it tends to be even more mucos producing than dairy.
I did my very first OP today. I'm hopeful!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jenny (Nashville, TN USA) on 02/11/2009
To Liz from Bangalore: I've read that many side effects can take place once you stop oil pulling. Oil pulling "cleans" out your insides completely. You are even more prone to infections once you've stopped because your body has become dependent on OP to clean it and does not know what to do with all this "dirt" that suddenly seems to be entering your body. I have also read that because OP brings all infections/dirt to the surface, many people have gotten sick. But they continued OP and found that their body was now officially rid of the hidden sicknesses. I can't say if that's the case with you but I would suggest you continue with OP unless you have a legitimate reason to quit. It's not hurting you in any way so why stop? Hope this helps!
Congestion
Posted by Darla (Tomball, TX) on 02/03/2007
★★★★★
I read about oil pulling on your site, we were looking up benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar, tried the pulling two days ago because everyone at work is getting sick. The first morning I did it, I could tell immediately during and after it was really helping to bring up the phlegm, I was alot more clear. Today was the second day and I am 100% clear and feel somewhat more energetic. I am using expeller pressed organic sesame seed oil for 15-20 mins each morning while bathing. I think its going to be great -- I will let you all know.
Migraines
Posted by Kelli (Silver City, NM) on 01/11/2007
★★★★★
Sesame oil 20 minute pulling with a teaspoon has cured headaches, and raised energy levels. I had OP sent to me in an email and gave it to my mom who is in her early 60's. She called me one morning and said that she woke up with a terrible headache, as she was going to the medicine cabinet she stopped and thought about trying the OP, she said that she sat down and swished for 20 min and before the time was up her headache was completely gone. Also she lives a ways out of town and rarely comes down without goog reason, she has been useing OP for over a week and has gone out with friends and made shopping trips. This may not sound like much, but to me I have my mom back, she is happier and more youthful than she has been in years. It is also helping with age spots she has recently gotten, they are fading at a visual rate. I highly recommend this to anyone who has tried healing on the outside, but may have negleted the inside. She also has said that her mouth feels fresher than ever. I started yesturday and look forward to any results as they seem to differ with different people.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jane (London) on 01/04/2007
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I been oil pulling for a month. I feel good, skin looks better, sleep better more engery. the one down side I have been getting a swollen gland causing a bit of discomfort. My ear has been blocked for months cause this be a herx. I have recently added peppermint to the oil which is either olive or sunflower oil. Thanks for your feedback.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sweet (Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies) on 01/03/2007
★★★★★
Dear EARTH CLINIC, Thank you for the information you share on your site. THANK YOU! I have been annoyed with acne for over 5 years. I will be 24 this month. It is most frustrating when I try everything (with caution) that others recommend that has worked to reduce acne for them, but no positive results for me. October 14, 2006 I did a search online for a "natural acne cure". I was amazed at all the natural remedies on your site. I was eating while reading about Oil Pulling, and felt an urgency to try it. I anxiously awaited a 5-hour period and finallly tried Oil Pulling for the first time, with the Sesame Oil from the kitchen. Needless to say, not a morning passes without me working this remedy. The first thing I noticed was the lack of a morning breath, and a continuous fresh breath throughout the day :-) Next, people started commenting on my 'bright smile'. I live in Trinidad (republic of Trinidad & Tobago) and usually have the worst sinus problems in November & December, yet the dreaded period passed without a sneeze or sniffle! I have more energy throughout the day, and it seems as though each day has an extra 2 hours or so. Last but not least, I still have new acne popping up, however, strangely, my face is noticeably smoother and cleaner, despite the marks from years of acne war. I have been visiting this site ever since October last, and have been recommending others to do the same. Oh, and my entire family and some friends have also started; I will let you know how it works for them. Thank you. **Sweet**
Broad Benefits
Posted by Diane (Philadelphia, PA) on 01/02/2007
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling two times a day for about a month now and notice a vast improvement in my gums. I have had 2 root canals and at my last dental visit, they wanted to do a 3rd root canal to correct the previous two. Needless to say, I had severe gum pain and an abscess that caused me excrutiating pain. My jaw would swell up to the size of chipmuck's. I was in constant pain. I started oil pulling with sunflower oil and notice that my pain had decreased in intensity by day 3. Within 7 days, I had no pain and my abscess was completely gone. I ran out of sunflower oil and am now using extra virgin coconut oil. My gums are a healthy pink--they are no longer receding. I had a loosened tooth that really needed to be pulled but the gums have tightened around the tooth and it is no longer loose. My skin feels softer and I'm no longer plagued with earaches. I tried oil pulling with Olive Oil but could not stand the taste. Once I finish up my coconut oil, I will go back to sunflower (it is a better tasting oil).
Dental Issues
Posted by John (Daly City, CA) on 12/12/2006
★★★★★
Today is Tuesday. Last Friday night and Saturday morning I had increasing pain at the root of tooth #12, upper behind canine tooth. It was getting worse. I found your web page and read about oil pulling with sesame or sunflower seed oil. Saturday morning I bought 8 ounces of sesame oil and started pulling 1 table spoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon at night. Same on Sunday, and Monday. The result was immediate. The first result cut the pain in half, the in half again, and now I can feel only a little discomfort at the root of the tooth. I do not know how this works, but am grateful that it does!
Dental Issues
Posted by Jackie (Sioux Falls, SD) on 11/27/2006
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for about a month now. I was noticing signs that my gums were receeding. My gums have actually stopped receeding and my dentist told me that my gums have never looked healthier. I no longer have any bleeding of my gums when I brush my teeth. My teeth are noticabley whiter