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 Patricia (Gatesville, Texas) on 06/12/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've been OPing for about four months now. I've noticed some definite improvements, such as clearer skin and less hair shedding. But I'm having a problem with my tongue. For the last month or so, I've been aware of deepening fissures radiating from the middle of my tongue. Also my entire tongue seems to be somewhat raw (I made some popcorn tonight and the salt stung it a bit). I've been using EVOO [extra virgin olive oil] and Flax oil, both recommended for my blood type, twice a day. Has anybody else had this problem? I've heard that cracks in the tongue can be an indication of vitamin deficiency. Could the OPing be leeching vitamins and minerals from my body?
Dental Issues
Posted by Dorett (Lima, Ohio) on 06/07/2009
★★★★★
I was searching on the web for more information about castor oil after reading Kaycee's book on The Oil That Heals when i came across oil pulling. i also wondered how oil pulling that would work. Anyway i decided to give it a try, because I was having problems with gum disease and other problems, I started oil pulling about two weeks ago, and i am truly seeing some changes in my mouth, first of all my breath is so fresh, my teeth has gotton three or so shades whiter.
When I was younger I was able to bite a piece of thread because my teeth was in great shape, but i got to the place that they began to shake, and i could'nt grit the top and bottom togather, My dentist wanted to extract some of them, i would bite the inside of my jaws and lips when i eat. But now my teeth is getting closer together so much that i am able to bite a thread and chew well without biting my lip and corner of my jaws. Oil Pulling is the bomb. I am going to continue this for the rest of my life. there are othe benifits I have notice and i am glad to find out about this site.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Michael (Grand Bay, AL) on 06/05/2009
★★★★★
I recently have started oil pulling with coconut oil(6th day) listed below are my problems and the effects so far. I would like to mention that for me oil pulling is relaxing so I do it several times a day while I am going about
1.obese(400lbs) cravings for continual eating gone. Appetite suppressed, eating much lighter meals, energy levels up
2. pinched nerve in neck. pain reduced by half
3. knees pain in knees reduced while walking reduced
4. lungs (have three inorganic spots in lungs,asthma symptons)
5. breathing easier while laying down less snoring
will keep informed on progress
Broad Benefits
Posted by Michael (Grand Bay, AL) on 06/05/2009
I forgot to mention
5. high blood pressure down. went cold turkey 2nd day, just to see if this works, blood pressure stabilizing and strange as it may seems the oil pulling seems to have a diuretic effect. The edema has gone, in just six days(wow). cant beat this
Detoxification
Posted by Kelly (Atlanta, GA) on 05/19/2009
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for almost a week now, twice a day with 1 tablespoon of expeller pressed organic sesame oil. So far I have experienced a pretty serious "cleanse" it seems... (Men don't read this if you are squeamish about female situations.) I had been having mild yeast infections on and off for a long time, and trying to keep things under control with yogurt and acidophilus supplements. Well I actually became interested in oil pulling for my bleeding gums and bad breath. So I was shocked after my first oil pulling when not only did I have to blow my nose for an hour, getting rid of loads of mucous that I didn't even know I had, but by the end of the day I had a very extreme yeasty vaginal discharge happening. It all came out. It took probably two days and then ever since, my vagina has felt healthier than ever and very clean, if you are a woman reading this then I'm sure you understand what I mean. SO all I can say is be prepared for a CLEANSE if you try oil pulling, and I personally am very happy to have gotten all that out of my system! Looking forward to experiencing more benefits as I continue to oil pull at least twice a day. Thanks so much for all the feedback on this website, it is so empowering to feel like my health is in my own hands.
Side Effects
Posted by Jayne (Pensacola, FL) on 05/15/2009
Well, I lost a filling tonight. I have been oil pulling about a month, first with olive oil, and lately with sesame oil (which I love). It has helped my mouth and my teeth for the most part. This particular filling came out of one of three teeth I have which had already been cracked (backs fell off) for a few years. I was surprised the filling fell out, but there is no pain. I guess it's dead. Overall, the oil pulling feels great and has stopped the almost continuous mouth pain and tooth sensitivity I've had for years.
I plan to continue to oil pull carefully--after all, my long term goal is to replace those mercury fillings--lol! I'm just glad I didn't swallow the filling (came out in three pieces).
Whitens Teeth
Posted by Kerry (Ibiza, Spain) on 05/08/2009
★★★★★
As I sit reading this information from the Earthclinic I'm oil pulling! I first started it back in February 09 for a 3 months stint, just pulling oil very first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Apparently this is because the mouth becomes extremely toxicated during the night and the oil is eradicating those toxins. I must say it sounds a gross thing to do but actually love the clean feeling my mouth has afterwards, my first cup of tea tastes better and my teeth have become whiter. I'm doing it to see if it will help reduce my fibroids but I won't find that out until my next scan. Thank you to my friend for passing on this web link this morning because now I can see other natural therapies that could help - yeeha!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 08/19/2013
Reply to Douglas, MD: I found your comments very valuable, especially re:diabetes. To overcome the ill effects of using canola oil, you recomended following the Budwig Protocol. You mention mixing flaxseed oil with 4% min., milk fat content cottage cheese; but my researching of the Budwig Protocol shows that lower milkfat content cottage cheese is optimum (eg, 2% fat content cottage cheese or Quark). The lower fat content cheeses allow the flaxseed oil to become more water-soluble, enabling it to more easily enter the body cells.
Heart Issues
Posted by Pam (Ooltewah, Tn) on 05/01/2009
★★★★★
oil pulling and heart: I ran into OP one morning while getting together my sunday school lesson. For some reason my finger hit a site about acv which i take and happen to mention op I thought what is op. I looked it up and bought my sesame seed oil and began. The acv has helped me tremendously but the op makes me feel like I have a new heart!! I could not lay on my left side because i could feel my heart trying to push blood like it was having a hard time and when i would get off the acv for a long period of time my heart would just do weird stuff and almost where i almost faint. I am amazed by op i can lay on my left side and my heart feels like its brand new!! Op at first made me feel so tired for a few days but that left also at first i had a bad taste in my mouth but it left after a few days. Let me know if anyone else have had my symptoms!!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Frances (Tasmania, Australia) on 04/24/2009
★★★★★
My husband and I have begun the oil pulling regime. Both have experienced immediate noticeable effects. My sinus's have been heaps clearer, more regular with bowel movements and a general feeling of wellness. My husband has had the same effect re bowels and his blood pressure has gone down quite dramatically and he also has a general feeling of greater wellness. We are both approx. 60 years old and pretty fit and well, but as we age it seems the balance becomes more critical. Thanks for the tip, I think we will be doing this for life, we have always scrapped our tongues each morning another Arevedayic (?) practice. Great Site.!!
PS we have used sesame oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil, coconut a bit heavy but still OK.
Oil Pulling and Dental Fillings
Posted by Catalina (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) on 06/22/2009
★★★★★
After reading Lee's feedback about the loss of fillings, I want to say that oil pulling does not remove fillings in good condition. My fillings have been in my mouth 50 years. I have been oil pulling for 3 years, and my fillings are as firm as ever. According to the thought on the Cure Zone Oil Pulling Forum, the fillings are not affected by oil pulling. Rather, if they are already loose or deteorating and there is debris in the cavity, it is this debris that responds to oil pulling, causing already compromised fillings to loosen. Think of this as a blessing, as now you will replace faulty fillings with new, non-amalgam ones.
Catalina
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennie (Fort Wayne, IN) on 04/05/2009
★★★★★
For several weeks now i have been oil pulling in the evening with a teaspoonful of organic coconut oil followed with a tooth brushing of sea salt and baking soda. Immediately, my teeth were several shades lighter, and my tongue is now pink instead of white - and much hairier than it used to be. As a result, I found that my taste sensation is heightened: sweets now taste *really* sweet to me, and any kind of processed food tastes even worse than before - canned soups, boxed mixes, and especially awful are artificial sweeteners. I have lost 7 or 8 pounds over the last month or so as a result of refining my eating habits.
Addiction, Smoking
Posted by Ken (Philadelphia, PA) on 04/01/2009
★★★★★
Yes! OP worked for me. 1 tbsp of sesame oil each morning. It absolutely clears all cravings for things you don't want to do, except spurred on by bad choice of food, hence watch your food at least for two weeks, that is if you really want to/ (just) 'want' to quit smoking/ addiction. Because oil pulling does 3/4 of the work. The only problem i encountered was the thought of cigarettes, especially when i see others smoke. In my thinking thats an iota of the real struggle people lament about in dealing with old habits.
You see this was even the first time i tried to quit and it made it feel so easy. In short, i think oil pulling corrects abnormalities in your body and makes you normal. Big two thumbs! up to Earth clinic. I don't know what the big companies are really doing, when the amazing medications lie in the very simple things of life. Thank you for your service on behalf of the world.
Inner Ear Infection, Imbalance Issues
Posted by Tavora (Brooklyn, NY) on 03/29/2009
★★★★★
OP might help with inner ear infection and imbalance problems
I have a question on oil pulling. I have been suffering from an inner ear infection (or at least that's what I was told) for about 7 months now. I think I've tried everything! Tried the meds the docs/ENTs gave me but they didn't work - my condition is now beyond the acute phase and is chronic. I have two major symptoms: a rocking/imbalanced sensation....and a tightness and suffocated pain in my right ear (the affected ear). I have other mild to moderate symptoms - like tingling and nerve pain but I generally try to ignore them. I had many tests done and all came back normal. However, my upper cervical and lower back are slightly misaligned so this may be causing some compression in terms of healthy nerve flow. I don't feel at a loss - thank God for maintaining faith and hope - but I would like to restore my balance and eliminate the pain in the ear. I feel like the ear is not getting enough blood flow and because the ear houses the balance organs in the body - I surmise this is why I am still dealing with the imbalanced sensation (ie. not enough nutrients and oxygen getting into the area). I've recently seen a nutritionist/ND who is helping me fix my diet and treat other issues but I wanted to know if anyone has experienced a similar issue to mine and saw good results with oil pulling. I actually tried it today for 10 mins w/ coconut oil and it did decrease the pain in the ear - in addition to helping my sinuses drain out (this part really amazed me!) - also important to note - the ND told me he believes the infection may have stemmed from some blockage in my sinuses and that by clearing out this area, I would be in a better position to attack the virus. Well, I did want to say that after immediately doing the OP - and coughing up whatever mucus that came out - I walked around for a bit and did notice that my balance felt a bit more stabilized. Just an observation but definitely worth taking note of. Your thoughts are appreciated. :0)
Chronic Sinusitis
Posted by Joe (Evansville, IN, USA) on 03/29/2009
★★★★☆
I have just now tried the OP. I to have very bad sinus, I am using olive oil as I I have it on hand its virgin oil. I could not do it for even 2 minutes as my sinuses was draining so much in the back of my throat and the nose. I had drainage for a good 10 minutes as I stood over the sink. I cough and spit and knew to hold my head over the sink and just let it flow out and cough it out. I have spent many hours over a sink coughing, but this drainage was a clearing process.
At the first I had globs of yellow then green stuff, then clear.
Today when I did the OP I had a lot less drainage, and I noticed I could already breathe some more deeply I was able to do it for about 4min.
With sinus problems I would not do OP in the Evening or before bed, the sinus needs time to drain. I can see problem with drainage getting into inner ear at night, plus drainage back of throat into the lungs. I have the Netti pot and other nasal rinse, these will not stop the flow of drainage for me, I use it after I quit draining so much after OP to rinse the sinus some.
I have suffered much these past few years with allergy and sinus, with little help from Doctors, they tell me they can not help me, that I have allergy to everything...
The sinus pain has been so bad the past 2 years, that I Have tried several things, the latest thing I was trying for sinus pain in my face, nose. Was to use Epson Salt soak, this is not a lie, the pain was stronger than pain meds. I was getting my meds at Pharmacy and I happen to see the Epson Salt and I thought Hey that is good for pain in foot, I might try and soak my face.
Well I worked out a way, I put 1 cup of Epson in Plastic container and fill almost full with warm water and add a couple drops of liquid soap to make the water wetter so it will soak me better. I purchased a small plastic Snorkel and use it when I put my face in the Epson water to soak my sinus. I do this for about 10 minutes and raise up my head out of the soak maybe 2 or 3 times, my first soak was maybe 2 or 3 minutes.
If I want to slow down or try and stop my sinus from draining I splash cold or cool water on my face for awhile, cool water kinda seals the sinus some, where warm water for me seems to increase the drainage, But with OP I want the drainage as I feel my sinus opening up some..
I will watch and see your outcome with coconut oil as I have many friends in the Philippines and Coconut Oil is abundance there.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Austin, TX) on 03/07/2009
★★★★★
Fantastic Oil Pulling Results in Just One Week!
I have been oil pulling with both organic cold pressed sesame oil and organic cold pressed coconut oil.
First thing I noticed was how white my teeth became after about the 3rd or 4th pull. Yesterday I became extremely tired and took a 3 hour nap. I slept extremely hard and woke up very refreshed. I felt like I could breath better. Like there was more room in my chest to breathe. I also noticed last night that my nasal passages shrunk. They opened up, like they had been swollen all along and I hadn't noticed.
But what is really weird is what happened when I went running today. I sweat profusely. I mean I sweat like I did when I was a kid. I was dripping. Even my legs where sweating. Another thing I noticed was that my hair was greasy by the end of the day yesterday and my skin is softer. When I was a kid (am 36 now) my hair would be kind of greasy by the end of the day. But as an adult I have had very dry hair and skin. Also my heels have been cracked and nasty for a long time. Today I noticed that there is a completely different texture to my heels. They are getting soft! It's incredible! I feel like oil pulling unlocked something. Maybe some glands or lymph nodes have been blocked or something. Who knows, but I feel great! Am going to keep doing this!
Oh, and I notice that the coconut oil makes me salivate much more than the sesame. Can't imagine why though. For some reason I am drawn to the coconut more.
Congestion
Posted by Jules (Hampshire, England) on 02/10/2009
Hi. I do oil pulling. After spitting out old oil put some bicarbonate of Soda and a little salt in warm water. Rinse a few times then use the rest with your toothbrush. Then rinse with warm water only. Gets rid of the taste of oil and makes your teeth even whiter. I got this tip from earthclinic so its not my own. Just thought I would pass it on as it is hard to read everything that was written before. Jules
Dental Issues
Posted by Sonia (Charlotte, NC) on 02/05/2009
★★★★★
Hi, I have been oil pulling for 10 days now since my dentist told me some of pockets are 6. I do see it removed some plaque in just few days from 1 tooth. My teeth are little bit whiter too. I do see benefits and will continue this.
Side Effects
Posted by JD (Anchorage, Alaska) on 02/01/2009
Greetings from Alaska !
Have been reading your post on O.P., and decided to give it a try. Last night I used approx. 1 tbsp of organic C.O. I followed the basic directions, but was only able to 'swish' for 11 minutes. The oil became extremely runny, as if a ton of saliva had mixed with it. My throat felt heavy with phlegm and I had to hold back gagging. I rinsed very well & went to sleep. I woke up 3 times in the night, needing a drink of water (unusual for me). This morning when I woke up, I had severe angio edema around both eyes bilaterally. The edema had even weeped into lower pockets on my cheeks below, looking like little water balloons. Under my right eye, my skin felt crusty, as if something had leaked around the area. When I looked closer, the edema under my right eye appeared to have little pin head size pebbles in it and when I attempted to wash it, it was extremely painful. I had my partner look for some kind of puncture wound (unlikely a spider bite up here). As the day wares on, the puffiness is decreasing. Ironically, my skin tone was aglow, my teeth much whiter and I coughed up copious amounts of phlegm. I have searched this web site for a similar reaction, without luck. Any thoughts or advice; I am remain hopeful that OP is a healthy move for me. Thanks for creating such a wonderful space for "collective healing" !
Side Effects
Posted by Brenda (Alexandria, VA) on 02/07/2009
Coconut Oil is an anti-fungal oil. The detox effect from using this oil can be pretty strong. I did oil pulling two years ago, then I let life get in the way. Lets just say I am back to where I started (so, tip . . . keep it up. Anyway, I used coconut oil after swishing with Olive Oil for a few months. Within a few hours I was coughing up lots of mucous. I remember searching all over my purse while waiting for a train to blow my nose. the Needless to say, I started oiling pulling again this morning. My oil of choice is Coconut Oil (1TB). I will post the detox effects if I have any.
If the detox effects of Coconut Oil is too strong switch oils.
Side Effects
Posted by M (St Louis, Mo) on 02/09/2009
Answer for JD from Anchorage, Alaska: I too got face bumps or redness from coconut oil, I am a blood type A and found out that type A's often have a sensitivity to coconut oil. Try another oil, Sesame works for me. If my teeth get sensitive from its astringency I'll add a little bit of another type, like canola or olive oil. Like someone else suggested switch around every so often to keep the OP working well. It is also good to research individual oils for their benefits, EFA's, anti-biotic or anti-viral capabilities etc.
Side Effects
Posted by Cured (Niceville, Fl) on 01/21/2010
For JD and others new to OP--more specifically coconut oil. It sounds like you had a detox and possible candida die-off reaction. To avoid potentially embarrasing detox effects, I don't recommend starting out with the coconut oils. Some people have an array of reactions and some don't.
I did a test first with VCO to see how I would react. I made 2 eggs for breakfast one day before work (big mistake). I used about half a teaspoon. Hour 1 I was fine. Hour 2-3 my tummy rumbled and cramped quite painfully but bearable. Hour 4 was a loose bowel movement. After that I was fine. This experiment told me I had some detoxing to do from what was most likely a candida reaction.
From there I took it slow and just used externally, almost daily. I use as all over lotion/moisturizer(even rubbing around eyes--though not at first). I laid off the VCO a day or so if I had symptoms appear such as sinus or acne detox problems. It was around the end of month 1 before I started eating and OP with it. I believe I did another egg test before I tried OP again. My face did get worse before it got better. I also have been using turmeric capsules for acne this whole time--i still broke out--can't imagine how bad it might have been if I wasn't taking turmeric multiple times a day but no more than a teaspoon a day. I am now about 2 months into this routine and acne is gone less one here and there. I hope this helps those new to CO. Take it slow and enjoy its wonderful benefits!
