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.
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????
Safflower Oil
Posted by Lana (Clinton Township, Michigan, Usa) on 01/25/2010
Safflower Oil Pulling
For the past five days I have been swishing my mouth with 1 tablespoon of safflower oil, once a day, about 10 to 15 minutes, before going to bed. I believe this has started a detox for me as I am experiencing mild skin breakouts, lethargy, and mild depression. A naturopathic doctor once told me that detox is emotional as well as physical, and that people going thru detox may experience a bit of melancholy along with some physical symptoms before they feel better. My gums feel less sensitive now. I plan to switch to a different oil after this detox. I believe in oil pulling, and I plan to start with a different oil after this initial detox phase passes. Thank you!
Sinus Infections
Posted by Mae (Cape Neddick, Maine) on 01/04/2010
★★★★☆
One week in...
I discovered OP while researching a natural remedy for sinus infection. I started with olive oil, three days later switched to sesame oil, then to VCO. While the sinus infection is in control, it is not by any means cured. I have also been using ACV in warm water with honey twice a day and neti pot 3 times a day. I wish I could say I have had the results some of you have had in eliminating tons of mucus. I will stick with it though.
My question is: I have read many blogs over the past week and don't see that anyone is talking about blending oils. I am thinking about mixing sesame with coconut. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?
EC: A few people have mentioned adding a drop of clove or wild oregano to their Sesame, Olive, Coconut, etc. oil.
Dental Issues
Posted by Lindaa (Chipley, Fl) on 12/30/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
How do you hold coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes?
Yesterday I lasted 2 minutes, but it really worked for plaque on my teeth and the white coating on my tongue was gone.
This morning I used the same amount (about a teaspoon) and I had the same problem as yesterday. Saliva poured into my mouth. I lasted 3 minutes. I had to stop and breath through my mouth frequently (I must be a mouth breather) I was a coughing, gagging, spitting mess, but it worked again:) My teeth looked better, my gums are getting a health pink already.
Eczema
Posted by Oregene Chew (Singapore) on 12/21/2009
Oil Pulling With Sesame Oil Caused Eczema Flare Up
I have been doing oil pulling for about 1 week using sesame oil, twice a day on an empty stomach.
I have been suffering from ezcema since age of 7 and I am now 17. My eczema has been under control with the help of betopic cream, I belive to be a mild form of steroids. Though I do not apply much these days after learning about its side effects. As long as I avoid allergic food, My eczema will be under control.
But after oil pulling for a week, my ezcema suddenly flared up all over again. It is intense and I reckon that is the healing effects. Though what I am wondering now is as to how long will it last. I am battling whether to use my cream though I would prefer not to use it as I want a cure and not a temporary relief. I do not wish to interfere with the effects of oil pulling. But what I really do need to know now is as to how long will these side effects last?
And what actually causes these healings symptoms. I am really curious.
Thx in advance
Merry Christmas xD
Eczema
Posted by Nicole (Gatineau, Quebec) on 12/22/2009
Message to Oregine Chew. Hope you are not using dark sesame oil. It could have an adverse effect. If you cannot use clear sesame oil, try something else but make sure it is a good oil, organic if possible. Good luck!
Eczema
Posted by Anndee (Mumbai, India) on 07/02/2012
I had eczema since 2008, and visited this site last year and tried oil pulling with coconut oil.. Like you said my eczema flared up at first... Then sometimes my fingers would go soft, but the patches would appear again.. For better cure of eczema do try chewing on wheat grass early morning empty stomach.. I found my eczema almost gone in two months time.. Oil pulling is good for mouth, teeth, gums, nose and ear related problems.. I had very sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, cavities and was suffering from dust allergies.. All of this went off with oil gargling... I first tried with coconut oil for 6 full months, now have shifted to cold pressed sesame oil.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Lee (Ridgefield, Ct., USA) on 12/10/2009
★★★★★
I used to gag on sesame oil. It was the first oil I ever used (per most suggestions.) First of all, don't stress over it. If you gag, you can always just spit it out. I found that using a better tasting oil was much easier (evco)- also, evoo plus a few drops of clove oil. Now I can use just about anything without gagging. I drink a little bit of water first and then use it as a peaceful way to start my morning. Don't give up - the results are worth it.
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Herb Bob (Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★
Why does oil pulling work? It acts like a lubricant in your body's hydraulic systems. Sucking like a vacuum, the greasy fluid seals off access to your body's water and air availability. It pushes lymph with poisons, air and nutrients in it through any exit it can (lungs, pores, eyes, hair,etc) along with any water it needs to transport the gunk. That is why, you have to drink three glasses of fluid afterwards. Analogizing with frying oil, it does not work until your cells' water is added to the mix. Then with your cell water the oil becomes hydrogenated, less viscous and less effective after 10 or 15 minutes. The oil solution is forced into your system through the opening below your tongue, your tongue's taste cells, your gums, nasal passage, hairs, and etc. Depending who you want to be, mouthwash with Caesar's, French, Russian, Italian, Basil or Pennzoil. Paging Dr.Gupta, Paging Dr.Gupta
Side Effects
Posted by Tashimoto (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 12/11/2009
I don't know if this is mentioned in any of the many oil pulling entries here, but it just might be very important. The site: http://www.curezone.org/forums/am.asp?i=110881 states: Dr. Karach has recommended only refined oil. This has been used by millions of people with wonderful cures and accepted in practice. Regarding unrefined oil there may be ingredients injurious to the body and its taste, color and smell may not be agreeable. It may cause or induce vomiting sensation in some people. Since pesticides and insecticides are used in crops, it is possible that trace elements of such poisonous chemicals are not only harmful to health but also carcinogenic. Since refined oil is colorless, odorless and tasteless, such a situation would not arise. I therefore suggest do not use unrefined oils for OP.
Side Effects
Posted by Lavender (Seattle, Usa) on 01/05/2010
Tashimoto,
using organic unrefined oils should eliminate the concern of pesticides and insecticides.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mickayla (Blue Springs, Missouri) on 10/21/2009
★★★★★
I pretty new to the whole oil pulling. I started about 2 weeks ago. I've seen such great feed back on sesame oil and decided to try it. and WOW im impressed. not 100% sure on what it's doing exactly inside, but the things I can see are amazing. I typically take about 1 tblsp in the morning (not consitently) but before I consume anything. so far my results have been, My Breast are fuller and perkier, better sleep, wake refresh, amazing energy, discharge decreased but not gone, so far I have lost 3 1/2 pounds, appitite totally supressed! and a major thing, my depression systoms are pretty much gone ( im Happy). My only question is, is it safe for my little brother to use it? he is 13 and he notices the change with me and is eager to try some!
Dental Issues
Posted by Danielle (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 10/15/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi. I have been oil pulling for approximately three weeks with coconut oil. At first with a little more than a tablespoon, more recently I have been measuring a tablespoon exactly. I do it in the morning once I get up before brushing teeth or eating breakfast. I rinse my mouth out afterwards and spit a few times.
Although it seems to be draining my sinuses, and the health of my gums have improved (better shade of pink, no more bleeding) and the white coating on my tongue has disapeared, my tooth sensitivity has been getting worse and my teeth have been turning more yellow. I can also see a line in one tooth now that looks almost like an internal crack and it feels like the outer layer of another tooth, near the base of the gumline has been scraped off. This seems to be the opposite of what most people experience.
I know that sometimes there is a worening of symptoms for a bit, but I haven't read any accounts of this happening with teeth, usually more with rashes, sinues etc.
Has anyone else had this problem? Did it get worse or better in the long run? Did your teeth become damaged? Should I stop oil pulling or continue on? I am afraid that my teeth are deteriating in front of my eyes due to some strange reaction that a rare few may have.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Dental Issues
Posted by Rachael (Georgetown, Ohio) on 05/12/2010
Danielle from Toronto, did your teeth every improve? I OP for two weeks and my teeth became so sensitive that I could not eat. I haven't OP for 2 weeks at all now, and my teeth still hurt. Never had these symptoms before OP. Just wondering if i should have stuck it out!
Lung Debris Expulsion
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca) on 09/21/2009
This is just a thought. I would consider using the hydrogen peroxide method to really clear up all that mucus. It is absolutely amazing! Both my husband and I did it with incredible results and had our two kids do it as well. I didn't even realize just how much phlegm could be in a body! Chinese medicine has lots to say at the havoc it can wreak. Check out the H202 section.
Migraines
Posted by Lily (Pasadena, Ca) on 09/14/2009
oil pulling and migraine side effect
I am middle-aged woman who has been oil pulling with 1 TBSP organic sesame oil for a little more than 3 weeks - 20 minutes in the mornings only. My teeth are whitening and that's nice. But, for about the same amount of time, I've been getting severe headaches that debilitate me. If I am detoxing, that's terrific, but I can't take much more of the pain. It starts about 2 hours after I finish all my morning routines - which are not different except for the OP. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? The headache seems to start at the back of my neck and then move to the left side and grow in throbbing intensity. I've tried white willow and feverfew - and a Gaia combo called Migra-Profen, and a homeopathic remedy called sinusalia and even tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen - (not together!). Nothing touches this headache. It goes on for hours and hours and finally wears off around 8 at night. I guess I will have to give up the OP because I have to function.
Migraines
Posted by Rin (London, Uk) on 09/14/2009
Lily, I had the very same problem with sesame oil and oil pulling. Headache at the back of the head that then moved to the bottom left of my head. I too have stopped as I couldnt function with the pain. I hope someone can help us both with an answer.
Migraines
Posted by Dan (New York, Ny) on 10/30/2009
Response to Lily and Rin: Have you tried a different type of oil such as sunflower oil? Perhaps it has something to do with the sesame. You may have to leave the seed family altogether and try a different oil.
Some others have also speculated that severe headaches after OP can be due to detoxification. Toxins may become dislodged and may cause symptoms such as yours (also including joint pain and fatigue).
Lastly, try not to clench your jaw while swishing the oil around. Relax and let your cheeks and tongue do the work. Hope this helps!
Heart Issues
Posted by Leah (Nyc, Nyc) on 09/13/2009
★★★★★
I started getting heart palpitations every day for the last month or two. They are very scary. I was told to cough hard to get the heart back in rhythm. That worked for a second or two. I then took Black Strap Molasses (1 teaspoon) and a 1/2 hour later I drank water with 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. That combo usually stops the palpitations for 1/2 a day.
HOWEVER, I started OP (Oil Pulling) every morning on an empty stomach (1 teaspoon of either virgin olive oil or 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil) and since I've started, I've had no palpitations at all! It's amazing!
If you want to try this, please read up on it (on this website) first.
Leah
Dental Issues
Posted by Jake (Chicago, Il) on 09/10/2009
I would try rinsing with wild oregano oil several times a day in addition to the oil pulling.
On 02/19/2009 Fran Block from Pittsburgh, PA. USA recommended wild oregano oil as the most effective remedy for tooth pain and infection. Someone else on this earthclinic site suggested 3 or 4 drops of wild oregano oil in a quarter cup of water as a periodic rinse - unquestionably the best remedy for tooth issues and pain.
These recommendations saved me after a week of excruciating pain, and probably also from extensive dental drilling and fixing - maybe even tooth pulling. Now at any sign of tooth pain or infection - I mix wild oregano oil in a quarter cup or so of water and rinse with a little bit several times a day, nighttime too if I awaken.
I've been cured from what I suspect would have been more extensive work at the dental office after several cavities were filled by my dentist. He questioned at the time - about 6 weeks earlier - whether the infected teeth would in fact be saved, since the cavities had reached so close to the nerve. But the wild oregano oil saved the day and the pains slowly dissipated over 4 to 5 days, and I've needed no further dental professional attention afterward!
Detoxification
Posted by Ranjana (Arlington, Tx Usa) on 09/02/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I tried the oil pulling for bleeding gums and a tooth that had started to feel loose. I did 10 minutes two mornings with unrefined sesame oil followed by brushing with baking soda. The results were amazing for my tooth and sums. The tooth was not loose anymore, no bleeding and I could chew on that side after many months. However, I started to feel sore with serious headaches and neck pain, and fatigue. I have chronic fatigue, and I really try to avoid doing anything that would trigger this. So, I stopped the oil pulling. Things got worse, I had to go see my doctor, he said I was badly congested and that was causing the severe headaches and neck pain. Now I am on 3 different medications with no relief. Could this be due to the oil pulling? Did it bring out all this mucus without getting rid of it?
Any comments would be appreciated. I would like to go back to the oil pulling for my teeth, but cannot risk the sinus congestion. One episode last year led to 5 months on 2 different antibiotics, and I really wish to avoid a repeat. Thanks.
Detoxification
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, usa) on 09/28/2009
Hi Ranjana, I'm glad to see you braved it and went back to doing the oil pulling. Again, the itchiness is another detox symptom. It is the heat and toxins trying to get out of your skin. Remember, our skin is one of the largest organs to detox from. I would also stay with the sesame oil because it is obviously doing its job. Since you are not allergic to sesame then understand that you are detoxing. You will have to move through the symptomology if you wish to truly detox. Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Perhaps try taking baking soda to alkalinize yourself as well. In Chinese medicine, red eruptions on the skin or itchy skin is too much heat built up in the body. Try some cooling herbs. Hope this helps.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Peanut (Sebring, Fl) on 08/14/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling about a month ago. I've noticed my sinuses are a whole lot better and I sleep better at night. The changes I noticed were fever blisters on my lips and my eyes are having that crusting over thing going. Something's definitely happening.
Allergies
Posted by Mindy (London, England) on 08/13/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have just started OP and have found that on each occasion (first thing in the morning for 3 mornings now) I couldn't get past the 5 to 6 minute mark of 'swishing' before I would start gagging and have to spit out. What I have noticed is that the oil I'm swishing seems to change - we all know that it needs to thin out and goes white but it's as though the toxins are infusing the oil, taste absolutely vile and thereby make me want to puke. I'm guessing that as I continue with the OP, this will lessen. Has anyone else experienced anything similar.
I should also add that I have horrid allergies which seem to have significantly reduced even from day 1. I also feel alot more engergised in the morning after OP. So I'm definately feeling benefits which is why I'm keen to continue and indeed make this a part of my daily ablutions.
Thank U. Mx
Allergies
Posted by Villageofone (Euless, Tx, USA) on 11/05/2009
I had the same result after using sesame seed oil by Dynasty - it was an amber color - tasted like liquid peanut butter - very heavy. I have switched to Sesame Oil - (without the word seed) - it is a light - see thru yellow color and it has worked better.
Keratosis Pilaris
Posted by Summerhaunt (Licking, Mo, United States) on 10/15/2010
★★★★★
Keratosis pilaris isn't ingrown hairs, but a buildup of proteins or keratin and looks like tiny hard white pimples (but aren't pimples). I've used several different oils, but coconut oil has worked best for me. Only 2 or 3 sessions of oil pulling smoothes out the bumps from the keratosis pilaris. It will take a bit longer for the red spots where the bumps were to heal up and fade away though. And I have noticed that if I don't oil pull the bumps will come back.
