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 Bev (USA) on 10/13/2006
★★★★★
I learned of Oil Pulling several months ago. Immediately my teeth became whiter. My mouth and teeth feel amazingly clean. My receding gums have started growing back and my teeth feel tighter or more secure. I have found switching back and fourth between different oils keeps my teeth their whitest. Sesame oil is my favorite. Olive oil gives the most dramatic results. I have also used Coconut oil. This is so easy and inexpensive! I plan to OP for life.
Eczema
Posted by Tricia (Astoria, NY) on 09/29/2006
★★★★★
I have been pulling since july 06 with sesame and safflower oils. I just love the sesame because it tastes like halvah to me. My skin on the top of my right foot was covered with eczema and it was itchy and inflamed constantly. It is still discoloured from all the abuse it received from me. The wonderful result though is the inflamation has subsided. I am noticing new skin growing back slowly. It is thrilling to know that this harmless protocol is helping this painful debilitating disease that orthodox meds cannot heal. Peace and Health to all.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sue (New Zealand) on 09/25/2006
★★★★★
Wow! Have only done this twice so far. I only did it to help support my husband who has been suffering from recurring boil
s in his ears. I said I would do this if he would. I didn't actually have a major problem with my nose. An annoying drip at times and as there is a lot of pollen around at present it has been a little clogged but nothing serious or even annoying. This morning I had to spit the oil out & start again as there was so much mucus draining down the back of my throat from my nose I was almost sick from the tickling & not swallowing. After using the salt/soda water up the nostrils, my nose is much clearer. The mucus from one side was quite yellow. I can breathe easily and have no drip. My husband's boil burst of its own accord with less pain than previous boils. The worst experience he had was with one in his finger and one underchis arm at the same time. He had antibiotics. It took a long time to clear and he has had several in his ears since then so we have decided to give this a go & see if it clears the toxins out faster and with less pain. He also took turmeric in warm water and this relieved the pain almost immediately. I'll let you know if the boils disappear completely.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Tamara (USA) on 09/19/2006
★★★★★
This follows the last email that I wrote. I use mostly cold pressed olive oil but I have seen people who can't stand the oil in their mouths use pure water and it turns white as well. I don't have scientific reasearch to back it up but any oil I have used works for me. One other caution is that if someone is really toxic, five min can be enough or the toxins will burn the mouth. Once I forgot and swished for about 40 min and ended up with mouth sores for about a week as the toxins burned my mouth. I now set a timer that I carry around with me as to not go over twenty min.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Patricia (Astoria, NY) on 08/02/2006
★★★★★
Oil pulling has stabilized my overeating, reduced the itching due to eczema. I have also released 5 pounds in 10 days. I started pulling in mid July during a power failure that lasted 9 days. I started with roasted sesame oil which I loved but switched to cold pressed after reading a lot of testimonials on curezone. I pulled in the morning on an empty stomach and my mouth would fill with saliva after 15 minutes. I have since started pulling after 2 pm and after 5minutes the saliva is flowing. I then spit it out and do the pulling for another 15 minutes. I feel energetic. I haven't noticed my teeth getting any whiter. My face has lost its puffiness. There are some pimples that broke out since I began but their time on my face is short lived. I will write an update when new healings come to light. Peace, Patricia
Dental Issues
Posted by Kitty (Clatskanie, OR) on 07/11/2006
★★★★★
We have a group of people doing this procedure on curezone.com
http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=738
also www.oilpulling.com has info
There isn't a lot of information on it, in english anyway. It's excellent for dental health with results within days if not hours. It's truly amazing!!! One lady had 3 #9 pockets plus numerous 8, 7, 6 and 5s. After Oil Pulling for 5 minutes a day for two months, she went to the dentist with 2 #7 pockets at worst.
I've been doing it for a few months now. I had gone to the dentist because of problems with a couple deep pockets. He was going to send me to a periodontist for possle surgery. Then I found out about oil pulling. I had posted on the dental forum at curezone and someone mentioned the oil pulling. After a couple days of doing it my gums felt much better. Now after about 3 months my gums are so much better, my teeth are markedly whiter, my mouth feels clean and gums healthy. My cracked heels are almost cured as well (go figure that). I have less aches and pains. It used to be difficult climbing the stairs and getting up my feet would hurt, but I feel much better all around. It's a crazy thing to do but it's fantastic. It's so simple and inexpensive. I use refined expeller pressed (Hain brand) sunflower oil. I also started adding a few drops of oil of oregano, which has anti bacterial properties. Check us out at curezone! Kitty
Dental Issues
Posted by Lisa (Port of Spain, Trinidad)
★★★★★
I began oil pulling 3 weeks after I suddenly developed very horrible bad breath. I have no cavities, am not a smoker, dont drink alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages and I'm a vegetarian. I used EVOO as i couldnt get Sesame or Sunflower oil. The oil pulling has done wonders for my gums and teeth, my gums are more pink and my teeth are now a lot whiter. A gap i had between 2 teeth has closed up and there is no 'gap' anymore. However the bad breath remains and it is driving me crazy as i have to interact with lots of people. I keep wondering if i should continue with the oil pulling: will the bad breath go away eventually or do i need to use other 'remedies' as well, am I suffering from the herx effect or is my body too acidic? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jack (Northport, Ny. Usa ) on 06/12/2012
Thank you so much for this wonderful site. And god bless everyone for contributing from around the world. This is a great example of our potential and the oneness of our world
Peace, love, heal
Insights and Theories
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 06/13/2012
To Jack from Northport - What a lovely and true sentiment about the oneness of our world and how we all can help one another. You have a wonderful "gratitude attitude"! Cheers, Bess.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 06/13/2012
Dear Bess, I surely do share your feelings of gratitude for this life saving and enhancing forum. Thank you EARTH CLINIC for all that you do for all of us....Oscar
Side Effects
Posted by Stellams (Kuwait) on 01/03/2018
I have been oil pulling for a couple of years now but not sure it has made any significance to my overall health. However, I was just about to open a new bottle of sesame oil and decided it was time to research, ie to see if it was still worth while doing it!
It was then I not only discovered I was doing the wrong process - using the oil like a mouth wash, ie rinsing and spitting out straight away - but also read that one of the side effects was stomach pains and diarrhoea, something I have been suffering intermittently from for the last two years.
I have tried to put the stomach pain and uncontrollable diarrhoea down to a particular food, to no avail. Then I read the research on oil pulling, but if I wasn't doing it properly then would I have this digestion problem?
My question is this, if I give the oil pulling a rest, of say a week or two, then try doing the proper 15/20min version, would it work, ie would I feel the real benefits of oil pulling or wouldn't it make a difference, ie would I still suffer from digestive problems?
I would appreciate any opinions on this.
Stellams
Dental Issues
Posted by Wwtd? (Hawaii, US) on 04/22/2015
★★★★★
Oil Pulling Has Cured 14 Year Gum Infection
I'm ashamed to admit that even though I have been "natural" my whole life it never occurred to me that dentistry could be as bogus as western medicine. There is a place for dentistry for sure, just be cautious.
My tale: In 2000 when I was 40, I had a root canal/crown. Infection persisted afterward. Dentist prescribed antibiotics off and on.
I quit eating ALL forms of sugar (except fruit) and grains in 2002. My infection disappeared. It returned a year later when I began eating grains occasionally. My new dentist treated it with antibiotics 2 months then INSISTED I see a surgeon. The surgeon explained he would have to dig out the infection and perhaps any fragment of root left in my gum causing the infection. I didn't want to die so had the surgery.
3 months later my infection returned. The surgeon told me there was nothing he could do except extract the tooth, after costing me nearly $8000.
I came across Dr. Weston Price research. I also read about countless cases like mine on the Net. I am not saying it isn't possible for infection to spread. I am just stating my experiences. The infection continued on and off for 14 years. It was pretty much always there. Not overly bothersome, but definitely there, going away for up to 2 months sometimes. I have been infection free for just over a year. I can't say for sure it is gone forever or if my remedy was the cure. I started oil pulling once a day for 20 minutes with organic cold pressed olive oil or coconut oil. I started oil pulling for my gums, having the infection leave was a bonus!
To be fair I must add I am very healthy. I eat 80% or more raw foods. nothing processed, so these results might not be attained by people with poor diets.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Suchitra (New York, US) on 12/01/2014
★★★★★
Oil Pulling is best if made into an everyday morning routine just as brushing. Start it with little oil for less duration to get used to it .. then gradually increase the oil amount to a full table spoon and duration to every morning. You may even want to do more often in a day, let's say 3 X 7 minutes each if you can't do for the full 20 minutes .. as this will help your body to start working the toxins.
Teeth and Gum Health
Posted by Bee (New York, US) on 09/14/2014
★★★★★
Hi Yuko... oil pulling
I have been oil pulling for almost a month now and have seen a significant difference in my teeth and gums... I can actually see the plague that came off of my teeth..My gums look better and I do believe toxins are coming out of my body as some days I have flu like symptoms and a rash... I love it because yes again I can see the plague off of my teeth.....and they are whiter..
I am using organic safflower oil
Oil Pulling During Pregnancy
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 02/03/2014
Dear Alexa,
My understanding has been that you should avoid doing things during pregnancy that cause detox, as toxins released could get to the baby. Unfortunately, the same recommendation holds during breastfeeding, so you end up having a long time where it is not best to do things that detox the body. Of course, in some ways the body is always detoxing...elimination channels are taking out toxins and waste regularly; the idea is just that you don't want to do extra detoxing while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Now, midwives do sometimes recommend epsom salt baths (to stop pre-term contractions) and that can be detoxing. Perhaps it is milder. Though you wouldn't want to take a super-hot bath as it can raise the temperature of the baby.
If you are looking to do general detoxing, it would be best to wait. If you have a specific issue in your mouth you are dealing with, there may be some other things that would be better to try while pregnant.
~Mama to Many~
Loose Teeth
Posted by Billie (Washington State, Usa) on 09/16/2013
Elsa, I take two capsules of serrapeptase a day, as well as one capsule of blackstrap molasses for iron and two capsules of chasteberry. I only drink ACV and water throughout the day. I avoid soy, and I also try to avoid dairy unless it is organic. My periods have been consistent and now because of the oil pulling, light. I am very happy with the results.
Detoxification
Posted by Tinydancer (Ohio, Usa) on 08/13/2013
The same tiredness and heart racing happened to me too with the oil pulling. After a couple of days of pulling and I realized what was doing it, I stopped oil pulling completely....... Haven't done it in months. I miss it but the increased heart rate scared me. I used olive, sesame, and coconut oil. All organic and it happened with all of them. Oil pulling should not be taken lightly for some people. MHO
Detoxification
Posted by Elle (America) on 04/01/2021 67 posts
★★★★★
As stated by Steve in Vegas, "sounds like you both are experiencing some detox symptoms"... In this case it's best to dial back and approach this gently. I would trial (*EVOO) pulling for 4 minutes and see how your body tolerates that for one week. When well tolerated proceed incrementally, adding 4 minutes each week g.e.n.t.l.y. Slowly increasing to 15-20 minutes. Additionally, I would also recommend adding 1-2 Activated Charcoal capsules with a full glass of clean water while you're body is detoxing. Charcoal is an excellent aid in assisting our bodies eliminate toxins and reduce the detoxing symptoms. It can cause constipation so be sure to drink extra water. The combo of reducing the pulling time while including the activated charcoal maybe necessary & supporting approach.
*EVOO - Many olive oils have been found to be badly adulterated now, mixed with other cheap, garbage, even rotten olives and non-olive oils. Problems plaguing the olive oil market has become a huge issue. I highly recommend knowing that your oil is pure. One that has been tested clean is found at Costco. Kirkland Signature organic extra-virgin olive oil is a very secure & reliable as pure.
Detoxification
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 08/14/2013
Val and TinyDancer: When starting oil-pulling you are using muscles that haven't been used in this way maybe ever. Altho we use our mouth muscles for eating and talking, oil-pulling is a whole new area. The tiredness and heart racing might possibly be the overuse of powerful muscles that haven't been conditioned to such movements. Jaw muscles are very powerful: witness people who can balance a heavy bench on their lower teeth!
For this reason I did not start the full 20 minutes as recommended. I barely made it to 3 minutes at first. Working up slowly, the muscles get stronger and can do more.
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Debra (Macon, Ga) on 08/06/2013
Thank you so much, I just discovered this site and oil pulling. I have used plain EVOO not organic is this okay?I have been doing OP for 2days. Yesterday before I started to do yoga I had a coughing fit and kept coughing up phelgm and it lasted for 15min. I kept spitting out lots of phelgm. I did my yoga at about 9pm.
That has never happened before, is it from the OP and by the way I stopped smoking on Friday. I thought about the connection... I drank half a shot glass in the morning, after I read about OP. This was mid-morning and today about noon. I thought about the coughing maybe it does have to do with the smoking.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Diverguy1979 (Lebanon, Indiana) on 01/12/2014
★★★★★
I'm 34 y/o male and have been using this site for seven years, it is truly my go to for all my ailments. I feel what you may be experiencing is a sick like condition from the oil pushing out toxins. I read about this affect on the hydrogen peroxide treatment page. I urge you to read up on this and then decided for yourself to push through or discontinue. I wish you luck in your research!
Castor Oil
Posted by Wendi (Co) on 11/04/2017
But who eats the apple seed? :-/
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mark (Newton Abbot, Devon Uk) on 05/14/2013
Hi Tbs from London, This most definitely sounds like your body is processing old accumulated waste and bacteria, fungus etc., stick with it. My wife (a long term health junkie! ) recently discovered (like you are now) that she was not quite as healthy as she hoped,
She recently started on an oxygen based product (oxy -----, Raise up! , not allowed to advertise here so search), after reaching the higher dose in around 2 weeks her symptoms of detoxing really kicked in.
My wife has not been ill or had a cold /flue or anything really for well over 10 years (hence she thought she was healthy) but after 2 weeks on the oxy product she came out in a red spotty rash on her face, sore chest/ throat , runny nose, sinus pressure/ draining, headache and odd aches and pains in various joints, anyhow these are all reported detox signs so to control the situation she reduces the dose by half and in 48 hours her symptoms have all faded to a manageable level, I am trying to get her to start oil pulling soon as well as we have a unopened bottle of sesame oil to use up soon,
I was thinking if you really want to give your body all you can to heal detox and repair itself you might want to search for and look into an oxygen/mineral type of product as well, If you want to look into it search Ed Mc cabe to read up on this aspect of health, this is the same reason so many people turn to and use hydrogen peroxide (oxygen) as written about all over this site, fortunately there are now far better alternatives available and without the gacky taste!
Side Effects
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 03/02/2013
I had this once when I used sunflower oil and when I switched to virgin coconut oil, I have not had this problem again. I will say, when I eat sunflower seeds, I get a rash around my mouth. I think perhaps that I may be allergic to sunflower seed and oil. If I were you, once my mouth healed, I would go with testing one oil at a time until I found one that did not cause blisters. Many recommend starting with sesame.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★
Hey All! Been awhile. Here's a suggestion! As far as getting rid of the oil, make a point of keeping the plastic bags from the grocery store to spit the residue into after oil pulling. I knot the bag closed and toss into a trash container. This keeps the oil out of the pipes and the bagged oil avoids smelling up your container as it would if spat directly into it.
As far as oil-pulling goes, it is fantastic. I had stopped for a while and restarted. I must say, what a differance only 5 days has made! The grayish palor and lines on my face, forehead, and under-eyes are disappearing again. My face and body feel smoother and look less tired. Also, my bones don't crick when I roll out of bed each moring. My tongue is turning a beautiful shade of pink. Also, the oil-pulling's natural jaw exercise is refining and prominating my Indian cheekbones. The oil-pulling soothes my tummy and I'm also happier, calmer, and sleeping well after 2 months of insomnia. At the same time as oil pulling, I've up my water intake and I believe that is helping a lot, as well. As water drinking is hard for me for some reason, I went and purchased an extra large, tall beer mug from Walmt which I fill to the brim with filtered water and 1 TBLsp of ACV. I drink this 3 times a day, sipping with a straw. The jug is so large, that I barely taste the ACV. But, it is doing wonders for regulating my bowels and moistening my skin which usually stays on the dry side (DUH!).
Side Effects
Posted by Cameron (Brisbane, Qld, Australia) on 12/29/2012
Do not brush your teeth after Oil Pulling!!!!!! If you just use the Oil and then rinse your mouth after you will not have bad breath, if you really need to brush do so before Oil Pulling. Try using Sesame as it is the most highly recommended and best tasting(to me) my breath is great the following morning after OP the night before and no plaque or yuck taste first thing.
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 12/04/2012 2042 posts
Oilpuller: I Oil Pull for whole body detox, which requires some additional cleaning as a result. I use otc mouthwash before and Hydrogen Peroxide after O. P. Also I experience symptoms of Esophagitis that causes extreme fatigue; treatment for this is burst Vit-A or Vit-E softgel in mouth and slowly swallow fallowed by Zinc Lozenge.
It appears you need any level of detox, but to stay specific, I personally do a Baking Soda/Sea Salt buffer, wait 15 min. take one grm Vit-C, Oil Pull, H2O2 wash, take 2 grm MSM.
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/detoxification.html
Broad Benefits
Posted by Summer (Hong Kong) on 10/19/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello all, I have been oil pulling for a week, once in every morning with EVOO first then switched to cold pressed sesame oil. My skin glows after my first trial, however I'm unable to sleep since day one of oil pulling, thoughts keep flashing through while lying on bed, even if I finally fell asleep, I'll have dreams non-stop.
While using EVOO, I can still feel quite calm and happier mood during the day even I have trouble sleeping. But after switching to sesame oil, I started to feel anxious during daytime.
Is it a sign of detoxification? or the oil I've used does not suit me? Shall I switch of cold-pressed Sunflower oil for a mild detoxification?
Many thanks. Summer
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 10/01/2015
I'm a little late on this one....but, if you discover, especially after a period of detox, something you are doing is not making you feel better, sleep better, have a semblance of energy for your daily functions, stop doing it! In the case of oil pulling, change up on the oil if you don't get good reactions to a certain oil. Life is too short to wallow in misery! Love to all ECers after some time away.... THE CAT
Dental Issues
Posted by Sophie (Dayton, Ohio, Usa) on 09/12/2012
Victoria, I hate to say this, but I seriously think you have an infection in your jaw! This is NOT a typical detox reaction!! It is the infection causing the soreness in your jaw. If you have pressure in your head, especially when upside-down, it is likely the infection has spread into your sinuses, and that is also causing the decaying smell. Infections smell gross, they have a rotten smell! Do not mess around, you need to get an antibiotic treatment. Infections, especially in your head, can go terribly wrong very fast. Please go see a doctor or dentist right away. Antibiotics are very cheap now! Usually they are only $4. If you have a very kind doctor or dentist they may be able to call in the prescription without an office visit, if you explain your situation. Most doctors/dentist also will discount their price if you ask and do not have insurance. Don't cause yourself more harm by waiting. Infections in your head or bone are very serious.
Dental Issues
Posted by Kay (In The Valley, Ca) on 09/14/2012
I have to agree with Sophie, it sounds like an infection. Until you can get to a dentist, I would use some fresh garlic. If you slice it and apply it to the area that is painful, it should help. I leave it between my cheek and gum, with the cut side facing the gum, overnight while I sleep. It's works miracles. Read up on it on EC, many people have had much success. I wish you luck.
Side Effects
Posted by Vero (El Paso, Tx, Usa) on 08/22/2012
I started OP just a few days ago to better my oral hygiene and also for help with my allergies. I'm starting with coconut oil because I am currently breastfeeding and wanted to start slowly with something mild then work up to the sesame/sunflower oil. What I've noticed these past few days is my teeth are whiter and my sinuses are draining but also I notice I'm experiencing panic attacks and feel a bit light headed at times. I'll continue to OP because I read a worsening of symptoms is a sign of being cured but are these symptoms "normal" or should I switch oils? Also I do feel completely drained and can't afford to with a toddler. Can I expect these symptoms to go away and if so, how soon? Thanks in advance.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 08/23/2012
Vero, it seems that sesame oil is milder for OP than coconut oil. Switch and experiment. Right now you cannot afford the "detox" stuff.
