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 Mychelle (Pacific Northwest, Wa) on 11/23/2010
★★★★★
Hi, I am 44 years old and have severe allergies (corn, wheat, gluten, peanut, trees, molds, dust mites, ibuprofen, aspirin, nsaids and the list goes on) I had an allergic reaction in mid Sept 2010 to an antibiotic after a gum graft surgery. I ended up in the ER twice and have now developed chronic hives. I went to a new allergist who was highly recommended and although I really liked her, she prescribed several medications that my insurance held up with red tape. So, I was at home, miserable and nothing was helping.
I got online and found https://www.earthclinic.com and Oil Pulling. I was desperate and even though I have a very sensitive gag reflex, I got the oil (cold pressed sesame) and it has been a little over one week since I have been swishing 1 tbsp each morning. The very first time I swished, my nasal passages opened up while I was doing it. I thought NO WAY, are you SERIOUS?! Yep. Then, by day 2, I was coughing a productive cough and spitting up all this gunk. This is a good thing. My sinuses are now opened enough that I can use my neti pot again, something I could not do before unless I was on prednisone for the crisis my body was in. I loathed taking prednisone and now I know I will not have to take it again for clogged nasal sinuses. My husband reported that I am no longer snoring at night (another thing that happens when I am blocked with inflammation. )
I am still having hives but they are getting less and less each day and part of that is I believe because I am on a restrictive diet that does not include (corn/peanut/gluten/wheat). I have also noticed after just one week that I can chew on both sides of my mouth now because hot/cold does not bother me anymore. I love the way my mouth feels after I OP and brush. I feel like I have just stepped out of the dentist for a cleaning. Oh yeah, my gum graft does not bleed anymore when I floss now (which has little to no plaque since OP). So, I share all this to say, OP is working for my sinusitis and I am enjoying sleeping better because of it. I must admit, I do have a spit bucket because I am still coughing up gunk and I am not sure how long that will last! ? My mucous is thinning and white in color compared to the green/yellow it was before OP. I can't wait to see my doctor on the 29th of Nov. I am not going to tell her what I have taken or NOT taken until after her examination of me. My asthma is still not on track and I researching other remedies to help with that along with my inhaler. Any suggestions anyone??
Broad Benefits
Posted by Farmgirl (Northern, Mn) on 07/12/2012
I have had asthma for years and tried all kinds of herbal remedies but nothing really helped until I started taking a Tablespoon of good quality fish oil, a Tablespoon of organic flax oil and several scoops of probiotics in a morning smoothy. After two weeks of a daily smoothy I noticed that I didn't need my rescue inhaler. I had been taking it every day for years. It was allergy season also. Previously I would have an asthma attack every time I sneezed, but after taking the above mentioned in the smoothy I noticed significant improvement of allergy symptoms as well. I went for three months without having to use my rescue inhaler but twice, then I ran out of ingredients and got lazy about making the smoothy. I actually stumbled on the concoction so I didn't put two and two together right away. It only worked for me when taken together not separately. I also was drinking a green drink during that time.
After Knee Replacement
Posted by Coregon (San Diego, Ca) on 06/09/2013
The symptoms you describe were probably "detoxing effects" from the oil pulling. I had symptoms similar to yours and I believe it was from all the medications I was on before and after surgery leaving my body.
Your artificial joint likely had no "glue" or "cement". Newer joint replacement surgeries today use pegs and screws and eventually bone tissue grows over the new joint making it even more stable. Glue and cement are rarely used anymore. There is no way coconut oil could get into your joint from your mouth and loosen something in your leg. I asked my surgeon how sturdy the joint with the bolts was and he said "nothing.. short of severe trauma (car accident, etc. will loosen it". Here's a description of how joint surgeries are done now.. to relieve your concerns:
"In a non-cemented procedure, components of the implant have a roughened porous surface designed to allow bone to grow into it, eliminating the need for cement.
"The implants are "press fit" against the bony surfaces that are precisely cut through the use of multiple cutting jigs. Faultless positioning is necessary for bony attachment to occur with initial fixation by metal pegs and screws of the implant to bone. Since this implant relies on the bone to hold it in place, this procedure requires good bone to be successful."
http://ehealthmd.com/content/how-artificial-implant-fixed-bone
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Daniel (Christchurch, Nz) on 10/28/2010
Regarding oil pulling, If you leave water, or any other liquid in your mouth, without spitting it out for 20 minutes you- will end up with a mouth full of mucus. Just try it with any oil or liquid
Dental Issues
Posted by Natalie (Wayne, Ne) on 10/27/2010
★★★★★
I decided to try olive oil for pulling, because I had it in the cupboard. I am a mouth breather and sometimes it's hard to get my roof and tongue in my mouth clean. I figured that I used baby oil to clean up tar once, I bet olive oil might be able to get the real sticky stuff. VOILA! My tongue looks and feels so much better- also I can tell a difference in my gums. So far this is a great experience. I am not sold 100% on the claims to heal everything, but it has helped my mouth!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tim (Portland, Oregon) on 10/16/2010
★★★★★
Sesame Oil Pulling - I have been Oil Pulling for 2 years now and I can say, amazing! Oral health vastly improved, no sinus blockage, and I can feel the toxins being "pulled" out of my system. I look forward to 15 to 30 minutes of swishing prior to breakfast.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
I think one of the reasons they say to oil pull away from meals is because the swishing and chomping when you oil pull stimulates the gall bladder (chewing motions signal to the gall bladder that food is coming so release some bile). Waiting allows the oil pulling to stimulate the liver and gall bladder and get a mini-liver cleanse. If you do it too close to a meal, then you're not getting the added benefit of the liver/gall bladder stimulation.
Also, perhaps too close to a meal has the oil absorbing some of the nutrients your body is trying to absorb from the food. But it's good either way... Still lots of benefits to get from the oil pulling whether you do around food or not. Better to do the oil pulling whenever you can make the time than not do it at all.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Karen (Sydney, Nsw) on 10/02/2010
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for 6 months now. I have experienced quite a few things. Firstly, the rash on the skin but it went away after awhile ( a few weeks). Perhaps it is removing toxins through the skin also. I have bridge work and was getting a gap between the gum and bridge. After a week, the gap closed, the dark discoloration disappeared and any plaque on my teeth is long gone. I usually rinse my mouth with warm water afterwards. I haven't had a flu or any sickness since oil pulling. I use olive oil and have used sesame seed oil but I prefer the olive oil. My breath is fresh and clean. No morning breath smell. My jawline is more chiseled (had a bit of a double chin before).
My best advice is to keep oil pulling until any side effects leave and they will. I have old metal fillings and if anything, the area around the fillings is cleaner. I originally had a sore gum when I started and eating made it worse. After the first oil pull, the inflammation went away. Oil pulling is the best thing you can do for your body. I have my kids oil pull now and the dentist couldn't believe how clean and plaque free my kids teeth were.. I oil pull usually in the morning before breakfast and then rinse my mouth out with warm water or rinse it with ACV I have in a bottle of water. Somedays I oil pull for the full twenty minutes, some days 10 minutes and 10 minutes later in the day. I only do it once a day. I usually eat or drink after pulling, about 30 minutes later. If it hurts your jaw, pull relax, pull relax, or keep your head down to take the pressure off the jaw. This is Gods miracle cure along with Castor oil. I couldn't live without either. All the best to everyone trying it for the first time. Keep at it and you will soon enough realise how wonderful oil pulling is. God Bless you
Detoxification
Posted by Map77 (Grand Prairie, Tx) on 09/22/2010
★★★★★
I appreciate you posting this, as I have been OPing for 3 days now, I have also noticed that I have had MORE frequent trips to the bathroom.
Side Effects
Posted by Iris (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/27/2010
I have been using a mixture of sesame oil and coconut oil (half & half to make 1 tablespoon) the last 4 days. I have noticed that I am experiencing emotional issues coming up that I thought I had resolved and that they were long gone. Now they are coming back. I hope to be put out. Is getting rid of emotional issues one of the benefits oil pulling? I did not notice this when I used the coconut oil alone.
Side Effects
Posted by Evelyn G. (San Antonio, Tx U.s.a.) on 07/24/2010
I had been doing OP for two weeks. I wrote on the 21st. of this month asking about my having had problems with the sun's glare and also having blurred vision at the same time. I stopped the OP and it has gone away. I would like to start the OP again, feeling that it has helped to take away a pain from my shoulder that I had for years. Don't know if I should or shouldn't start again. I would appreciate an answer, if anyone has one. Thanks. Evelyn G.
Side Effects
Posted by Bb (Schaumburg, Il) on 09/13/2010
I am having some eye issues too, sensitivity. Maybe switching oil will help?? Would love advice.
Side Effects
Posted by Marsha (Washington Dc, District Of Columbia, Usa) on 10/03/2010
Hello - I've read that symptoms will often get worse before it gets better. Given that this isn't a pharmaceutical-strengthed remedy, perhaps this process takes longer. Just remember - OPing is doing nothing to hurt you. In fact, its aiding your immune system (among many other things). Best wishes to you and, thanks for your input on this forum.
Detoxification
Posted by Ck (Houston, Tx) on 09/12/2011
So what has happened with your OP? Have you seen a reduction in thyroid/hot flash issues? I suffer with these too and would love to hear your feedback...
Coconut Oil
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/29/2012 2042 posts
Mrc, my personal experience w/ O. P. (Canola Oil) was positive as whole body functions go, but after about 1 mo my teeth were showing signs of hurried decay and my breath (after pulling) got bad. Fortunately I didn't loose any fillings as was your case. So now I swish Colloidal Silver once daily or before pull, and always rinse mouth w/ commercial otc mouthwash fallowing pull. If the body is toxic w/ pathogens one gets the foamy oil condition. As an adjunct, I would recommend some herbal antibiotics like Neem, Olive Leaf, Grapefruit seed, Pau De' Arco. Immune boosters like Echinacea, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake. Shark Liver Oil, Bee Propolis, Raw Thymus Glandular are good immune boosters. I like to use any combination of these prior to pulling so as to absorb the die-off toxins from the pathogens.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Skin
Posted by Kim (Champaign, Il) on 10/28/2010
★★★★★
To Emily from Turlock, CA: you should be using Sesame (not toasted) Oil. You will find a big difference! Good luck.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Gayla1957 (Coolidge, Az) on 05/27/2010
★★★★★
I ran across this site by accident a couple of days ago, found it exciting, ordered organic sesame oil and organic sunflower oil. OP'd yesterday morning using ...extra organic grapeseed oil, for 20 minutes. It went well but I did swallow (not oil, I kept the oil in the front of my mouth). Tomorrow morning plan to use organic camelina oil, will have proper oils in a few days.
My girlfriend's granddaughter practices Chinese medicine. I sent her this website and asked her opinion, here it is verbatim:
"Interesting link. I'd have to disagree with the phrase that "According to Ayurveda, mucous is a poison." That is not what Ayurveda teaches. Saliva is very important in Ayurveda and is actually a healing aspect of the body. Saliva decreases Agni or toxins and increases the digestive and assimilation processes. In excess, saliva can be seen as an imbalance--and easily remedied. Sesame oil is good to use at night (swishing it in the mouth) to prevent teeth grinding. Sesame oil is used for a number of things in ayurveda. This type of mouth rinsing can also be done with Tea Tree oil diluted.
I'd also have to disagree with the Note #4 that things will get worse before getting better. Those that study Ayurveda or any other form of herbal medicine know that this effect does not and should not happen if you are using what is right for your body. It is sort of like the "No pain, no gain" myth. But hey, if it works for you and you feel better doing it. then that is all that should matter."
I'm still going to do OP, because it sounds compelling. I know our mouths are filled with disgusting germs because a human bite will almost not heal, it is so terrible. Perhaps it is these disgusting germs, whatever they are, that the OP'ing deals with.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Lee (New York, NY) on 05/28/2010
★★★★★
Hi Gayla, Good luck with oil pulling. I never had a negative reaction to it. I use a variety of organic, cold pressed oils and it has become a peaceful part of my early morning ritual. Be relaxed about it and you will get to actually enjoy it! Lee
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sabrina (Talking Rock, Georgia) on 05/14/2010
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with sesame seed oil last week. I saw changes in my gums and whiter teeth. I also had great results with my joints. On Wednesday the 1 week anniversary, I got the worst headache of my life. I haven't oil pulled since. So only 2 days. Could it be detox?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Map77 (Grand Prairie, Tx) on 09/22/2010
Hi Sabrina, I also got a BAD headache.. However, I do believe that it's the body "detoxing", I have continued, and the headache went away.
Broad Benefits
Posted by V.srikanth (Bangalore, Karnataka-india) on 04/19/2010
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling almost two months back.The following advantages are seen.
1)No bad or sour from the mouth
2)Sleeping habits has improved
3)Frequent urination stopped during night times
Following disadvantage is seen
My eye sight has become dull
We use multiple oils for oil pulling
Detoxification
Posted by Alex (Mumbai, India) on 04/14/2010
Kate, I think after a month you have made a point that coconut OP is not working for you. It's not working for me either but since I had only used it for a week I was looking for people who had been on it for a longer time to validate my observations. I feel more tired, dark circles around my eyes are getting worse, my skin is drier and crackling, sinus are swelling back after being cleared for a while, my whole body is stiffer but what alarms me the most is that my skin is loosing color! I have to admit though that I've been using coconut oil exclusively since one week not just for OP but in food as well. I wanted to know what was the exact effect of that oil on me. Following blood type diet, O type should avoid coconut products. I'm O type but I wanted to see for myself. One other thing that I find disturbing is that sticky feeling I get in my mouth and throat after using coconut oil. No other oil does that. I used olive oil and sesame oil successfuly in the past weeks for OP so I suggest you switch to those. OP can get you through some pretty harsh detox effects sometimes but even during that time you should see you general level of energy and positivity increase dramaticaly. If it doesn't happen then it's not detox and it's not working. For example, you won't stay tired all day, you can get extremely tired and will fall into deep sleep as soon as you lay down but feel rested afterwards, the need for extra sleep might go on for days and days but not slugginess, unless of course you don't listen to your body and stay up all night. I love the taste of coconut oil more than any other oil but since I got heart palpitations yesterday at the gym, I think I'll switch back to other oils. I might be saturated with saturated fats!
Detoxification
Posted by Karen (Henderson, Nv) on 07/03/2010
Hi, I just now found out about OP and after reading some of the posts of those using coconut oil and getting some pretty strong reactions the first thing I thought of was that you may have had a yeast reaction. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid which is a known yeast antifungal. Just google it and you can read about it. I think you are having a die off reaction to the yeast dying off especially those taking it also in food. You need to go slower. Look up candida and the spit test to check to see if you have candida and then do everything you can to cure it cause systemic candida is deadly. Good luck.
http://www.thecandidadiet.com/caprylicacid.htm
Caprylic Acid (or Octanoid Acid) is an anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. In the commercial world, it is found not only in Candida cures but also dyes and perfumes. http://www.fungusfocus.com/html/caprylic_acid.htm
Detoxification
Posted by Ali (Swansea, Wales, Uk) on 02/17/2011
These reactions are perfectly normal detoxing reactions.
When we get a rash or feel nauseous, vomit or have diarrhea, we assume it is something bad, but these are all ways the body uses to expel toxins.
The body will 'grab' a cold virus (or in some cases, even 'make' one) to enable the body to detox. All colds are usually accompanied by lots of mucous and discharges. Even coughing helps the body to expel toxins from the lungs.
Many people, when they start to detox - and detox properly and more deeply, will get a 'detox' cold. Don't try to suppress it, just let the body do what it needs to do.
We don't always give our bodies the credit for being able to heal - always interfering and throwing drugs down our throats, which just ends up adding to the toxic burden.
Things like coconut oil are potent detoxers. It is better to start gently with it and gradually increase the dosage - both in oil pulling, and when ingested. People who start throwing the stuff down their throats will often get quite a major reaction and get frightened - it's not an allergy, it's a heavy detox reaction.
As with any food that encourages detoxing it is always better to start gently and let the body detox slowly, otherwise the toxins can flood and overwhelm the body and make people even sicker. They need to be disposed of gradually - safely.
We speak of 'die-off' reactions, but are they die-off, or are they really detox....?
For more information on slow detoxing, please check out 'Healing Naturally by Bee'.
Detoxification
Posted by Littlelight (Healdsburg, Ca) on 09/05/2010
As this practice has its origins in Ayurveda, it might be better to chose your oil based less on blood type, and more on your predominant Ayurvedic constitution:
Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. You can take a quiz to find it out here:
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/index.html
And get some info on which oils are best for your dosha here:
http://www.chopra.com/kapha
You might find a better fit using this method.
Dark Eye Circles
Posted by Shirley (Singapore) on 03/12/2010
★★★★★
Hi, I OP on an empty stomach / I used to have black patch under my eyes. They are gone.
Side Effects
Posted by San (Delhi, India) on 03/12/2010
I started OPing 3 weeks back. Within 3 days of oil pulling with sesame oil I had severe reactions as in my Blood Pressure dropped considerably, had a feeling of extreme fatigue and felt some pain in my chest. I took it as healing crisis and thought of continuing with OPing but because of lowering of BP i had to stop it. Within a week i was recovered of the symptoms and felt comparatively fresh and energetic. Now, since last 5 days I have started OPing again with saseme oil I can notice whiter teeth, but now I have started gaining weight. Believe it or not in last 4 days I have gained around 2 kgs. I am sure its because of OPing as my entire lifestyle is same as before. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
Side Effects
Posted by Claudia (Skania, Sweden) on 03/05/2010
Hi, am hoping you can help me. Started oil pulling with extra virgin olive oil - and, horror of horrors one of my very old silver fillings fell out. I have not had a cavity in years; I do however, still have silver fillings in some teeth. Should I still continue oil pulling? Or possibly wait until I replace my silver fillings? This may take me some time as the procedure is quite expensive. Can anyone advise me? Is it perhaps the EVOO usage? Should i use sesame oil instead (as prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine)? HELP!! THANX SO MUCH FOR YOUR WONDERFUL WEBSITE..
Side Effects
Posted by Cag3db1rd (Tulsa, Oklahoma) on 06/13/2012
It might be a good thing that your silver fillings are coming out. Silver fillings are often full of mercury. I might suggest seeing if they can be replaced with acrylic.
It's amazing how our modern lifestyle has caused us all these health problems, and the only thing we can do to repair the damage is go back to the old ways of healing. Western medicine just doesn't seem adequate anymore to me.
Dental Issues
Posted by Eveline (Toronto, Canada) on 02/14/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I have been oil pulling for about a year now, switching oils between sunflower, olive, grapeseed. Sometimes it's only about which oil is at a better price. I was quite dismayed to see my dentist this week to find I have an infection in the gum around one tooth. There is a gapping there larger than they like and she said there is some pus in there. She also said that I have less plaque than most people. I would hope that is from using my special toothbrush that I bought last year that is supposed to zap the plague . But this infection thing has me really bothered. I would think that with my religious o/ping there shouldn't even be a remote possibility of this happening. I have been following another famous health practitioners advice and spitting the oil every 4 mins. He feels that keeping the oil in longer will allow the toxins to reabsorb. But reading all the testimonials here and seeing that most everyone pulls with the same Tbs. of oil for 15 - 20 mins. I think I might change that practice. Having been out of work now for 3 months anything that will help save money is a bonus. Using 3 - 4 Tbs. a day makes a bottle of oil go rather quickly.
On an unrelated note, I have been working with a Naturopath to deal with stagnant blood in my system. Not with much success yet but it's been hard to see the Naturopath consistently lately. There are indications on my tongue of liver stagnation. I desperately want to clear that up and since having a very stressful two months moving my aging parents into a seniors home I have had a relapse with very bad pain in both knees (seems to happen whenever I work too hard lifting and schlepping boxes as in a move). They hurt standing from sitting, going down stairs, and when I walk it just feels like the knees are not connected properly and are wobbling all over the place, like a broken marionette. Long walks make it worse. I have tried castor oil packs, take D, E, Omega 3's, ACV, bentoninte clay, drink a green drink every morning with aloe juice, eat lots of raw. I have a suspicion I need to get back off wheat products. I was doing really well on an alkaline diet before Christmas and avoiding wheat but since Christmas have been off the regime there.
Mostly I would wish to have the success many people write about. They oil pull for some weeks and now everything seems cured. As I said, I was shocked and dismayed to find this infection in my mouth. I told the dentist I would work on this and see her again in 3 months. They, of course, wanted to do costly laser repair including freezing etc. I like to have as few "procedures" as possible. But about 2 years ago I lost a back tooth to infection. The dentist was amazed that I wasn't sick from how bad it was when she went in there to extract it. So I was happy to have that out and thought I was on my way to full health. Now another area has got an infection. I just don't get it.
Thanks for any helpful hints. I love this website and have recommended it to many people.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 02/14/2010 490 posts
★★★★★
After diving into EC again and seeing so many OPing with sesame oil and their reports of different things improved with this little old oil, I went to plant database looking for sesame. Wow, now I am going to have to get myself some of this stuff and see what it does with hypertension. It has a lot more than the chemicals I am going to mention (most of the B complex vitamins, iodine, etc) but I only wrote down the ones in larger parts per million (ppm).
I am leaving the ECers to search the chemicals to see what they can do, but at least 3 of these chemicals includes anti-alopecic (anti-baldness or anti-hair loss). Chemical parts per million
alanine 5,510 - 24,802
alpha-linolenic acid 3,760 - 3,945
alpha-tocopherol 22 - 24
arachidic acid 1,312 - 6,910
arginine 15,800 - 34,930
aspartic acid 9,890 - 23,795
beta carotene ppm not given
calcium 800 - 12,638
choline 1,320
glutamic acid 24,760 - 51,927
glycine 5,890 - l9,918
guaiacol 8,000
hexadeconoic acid 2,880
histidine 3,050 - 7,112
inositol 740
isoleucine 4,430 - 22,586
linoleic acid 123,656 - 278,784
lysine 2,890 - 8,729
magnesium 3,052 - 4,082
methionine 3,120 - 9,413
myristic acid 328 - 1,728
oleic acid 114,800 - 284,544
palmitic acid 25,584 - 54,144
phenylalanine 5,710 - 9,863
phosphorus 5,000 - 8,898
proline 8,100 - 14,277
serine 6,150 - 13,751
stearic acid 11,808 - 32,832
threonine 7,360 - 12,396
tryptophan 2,010 - 4,969
tyrosine 4,220 - 11,818
valine 5,490 - 15,527
zinc 24 - 102
Wow, wonder how the witch doctors, shamen, cooks, etc. came up with using this little seed before we had chemists to tell us what was in them????
At least now we know why the pharmaceutical companys, medical field, and other scientists went out collecting home remedies from all of the above, don't we????
