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.
Side Effects
Posted by Flower (Newark, Vermont) on 12/31/2010
Hi Ted and all that read and respond to this site. Thank you for all this great information! I have been oil pulling for a week with sesame oil and I have been exeriencing dizziness, light headedness. Headaches and eye twitching. I believe this may be a healing crisis, but I want to make sure. Is this normal to feel worse and to feel dizzy and light headed? Is there anything else I should be doing. I began taking Apple Cider Vinegar and honey a couple of weeks ago, then started oil pulling with sesame oil a week ago, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before I go to sleep. Thank you for any help that you can give me. Sincerely, Flower
Side Effects
Posted by Therese (St Johnsbury, Vermont) on 12/30/2010
Hi, I have been oil pulling with sesame oil for a week and I have noticed that all my symptoms are much worse, almost exagerated to the point of not being to handle the pain! Everything I have read about oil pulling says that this probably is a "healing crisis" and I should continue with the oil pulling so that I can get better BUT I have to admit that I didn't think I would feel this bad!
I have the following symptoms: dizziness, pain in my neck, upper back and arms (which I have had some neck problems in the past), also the dark circles underneath my eyes are actually darker, I feel exhausted and my anxiety is through very high... Basically I feel and look like a mess!! I pull oil for 20 minutes every morning. Has anyone else had a healing crisis as bad as mine? I hope these symptoms will lessen soon. This site has been a HUGE inspiration for me! Thank you for all the information and personal stories! Therese
Dental Issues
Posted by Brendan (Adelaide, South Australia) on 12/22/2010
★★★★★
Hi Billy, In my experience you might not notice any changes for a while. I started oil pulling a while ago and did it for several weeks and then gave up because I didn't notice any differences, but I resumed oil pulling recently and have been doing it for the last month or so and I have to say, I have turned from a sceptic into a believer as it has gotten rid of my sensitive teeth. I used to get tooth pain when I drank cold water or went from cold to hot too quickly but one day while rinsing my mouth after oil pulling I noticed something, when I felt the usual sensation of the pain coming I noticed as that sensation built it got to a point when I expected a pain to kick in but then it suddenly stopped and I felt the sensation subside, it was quite an odd feeling but it made me think, maybe this stuff does work. I've continued oil pulling and I am now convinced it has even further fixed the problem as I get no pain or sensitivity any more. It's crazy to think something that sounds so silly and simple at first, actually works. It has really made me think about what is possible. I think you should give it a fair go as four days is way too short to tell. I know its time consuming and a bit uncomfortable but you do get used to it and I find now I can just tune out and go about doing whatever I need to do in the morning without it bothering me. I use sesame oil and ive just started using hemp oil too, I do one of each now for 20 mins for each every morning and then rinse thoroughly and drink half a litre of water before breaky. Also I'm interested to know how iodine helped your dermatitis, could you write a bit about how you used it as I have dermatitis on my face which is a massive problem for me. Thanks mate, Brendan.
Coconut Oil
Posted by English Rose (Cornwall, England) on 05/26/2012
I did coconut oil OP when pregnant/nursing with no issues.. Only benefits!
Detoxification
Posted by Randy (Jersey City, Nj, Usa) on 12/03/2010
Could just be a healing crisis--toxins wanting to leave your body. That's a good thing, keep doing it. Just be sure not to swallow... Spit out and clean your mouth thoroughly.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mary (Southern Alberta, Alberta, Canada) on 12/01/2010
To Mychelle, from Pacific Northwest: a liquid menthol called "White Flower" used as a few drops on a tissue, put in a paper bag, and inhaled/sniffed can really help open airways. Most good Healthfood stores, or Chinese pharmacies carry White Flower.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Sara (Rialto, California) on 11/10/2010
★★★★★
Hi everyone I am new to this site and the first thing I read about was all the benefits you get from apple cider vinegar and I tried it for heartburn that I had. For awhile I had a really bad stomachache from the heartburn so I did the Apple Cider Vinegar and it went away.
Well about a week later I came down with a really bad sore throat I had trouble swallowing I was getting paranoid cause I cant stand to be sick so I grabbed my Apple Cider Vinegar and did a mouthwash and gargle. Well lol I did it straight no water and after I spit it out I took a breath and couldnt so I held my breath with constant swalling till I could breath again. I guess maybe I should of drank something right after but I didnt. So anyways I was so relieved that my sore throat was gone. I was so happy so to get to the bottom of all this if you are op-ing and you have side effects can you use the Apple Cider Vinegar to clear some of the symptoms I want to do the op-ing but need to know if I can do other things to help with the symptoms thank you and good luck everyone.
Side Effects
Posted by Cyngi (Philadelphia, Pa) on 10/21/2010
I have been oil pulling for a week today day #1pain in my head was gone. I feel like I am coming down with the flu , runny eyes /lots of mucus/pain in my shoulder/heel I think I will go back to using sesame oil maybe coconut oil is not good for me , let me know if these symtoms are part of a healing process.
Seeing Stars
Posted by A.c. (Houston, Texas) on 10/13/2010
★★★★★
I oil pull every morning for 20 minutes day. This has been my practice for over a year now. One weird thing happens pretty regularly after I spit out the oil: I see stars. Can any one explain that phenomenon? Thanks.
Dental Issues
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/12/2010
I would also like to hear from people who have had no issues with their fillings - I have not done it due to reading the posts on the amalgams where people have had problems. I have a mouth full of amalgams darn it. Anyone? Thanks. Carly
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Francisca, Many thanks for your reply. Do you have any amalgam fillings at all? Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/13/2010
Thank you Bessie, Francisca, and Lisa. Your input has been helpful. I think I just may have to give oil pulling a try! Much appreciation. :-) Carly
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Lisa, Were those old fillings you have in your mouth amalgams? I hope so cause that would make me feel even more reassured. Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Dee (Dublin, Ireland) on 10/13/2010
Hi Lisa,
I really appreciate your reply and feel even more reassured now. I will keep at the oil pulling. My lower molars are all mainly amalgam and I have had them for many years too. All the best, Dee
Dental Issues
Posted by Maria (Boulder, Co) on 11/30/2014
Hi, I was wondering if it is okay to do oil pulling with lots of golden fillings and a crown? No more amalgam fillings left though! Thanks!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sarah (Melbourne, Australia) on 09/30/2010
★★★★★
Hi All.. I started oil pulling few weeks back. My tooth sensitivity lost, teeth started to feel whiter that usual pale color. But still some clean feeling was missing after sometime. So I used few grains of sea salt and swished oil and lo the mouth felt very cleaner. I have also started urine therapy from yesterday. Other noticeable things are my toe under surface was cracked and within one or two days it was healed and smooth, hair become shinier, now no need to use conditioner after shampooing, skin has become beautiful, earlier there were so many open pores but now they are not. I have sub mandibular tumor in my right side so want to see what this therapy works here. Also taking Vitamin D3 supplements for depression and flax seed oil capsules since I'm vegetarian and can not take fish oil. I have also taken epsom salt bath once to detoxify and have also started taking cold showers..
Broad Benefits
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/01/2010
As far as the urine therapy goes, aren't you afraid that you will start drinking less healthy stuff you are throwing out in your urine? Remember that for some ailments they test the urine to see whether you need treatment like with a bladder infection.
Side Effects
Posted by Kim (Bellevue, Wa) on 09/25/2010
I read the posts on the oil pulling. I have been doing it for about a week. I have sinus problems and it seems to be aggravating the sinus. I hope this is just a sign that my body is healing. I'm very sleepy with pressure in my nose so I'm taking taking ACV to help too. Also I'm taking Levothyroxine for my thyroid 75 mcg, the oil pulling won't affect that would it?
Side Effects
Posted by Map77 (Grand Prairie, Tx, Usa) on 09/23/2010
I have been oil pulling for 6 days now. However experiencing really bad stomach pains. More like cramps. Is there anyone else that has these going on? I wonder if I should stop, or is this just my body de-toxin??? Anyone! ?
Side Effects
Posted by May (Hamilton, New Zealand) on 01/20/2011
Hi I am doing oil pulling again Last time I did it was about eight weeks ago I started to feel better after about four days except for flem in the throat that was almost gone when I stopped. Teeth felt healthier and gums improved very quickly. I stopped as To many visitors and interuptions over festive season. Ive started again and this is my third day and I have severe pain in right side about kidney area. Ive had pain here before in the past when Ive eaten to much sugar or drunk a couple of glasses of alcohol so I dont do this very often. The pain is like a constant ache- any suggestions? Ive been drinking lots of water but a bit nervous to keep going with OP in case Im damaging something.
Side Effects
Posted by Stladit (Los Altos, Ca) on 02/05/2011
I have also been oil pulling (Sesame oil) for a week and noticed cramps in my lower right side. I don't know if I am detoxing or what. I do feel like I have more energy and less appetite for unhealthy foods. I want to eat more vegetables and avoid sugar. I will keep at it and post results as I continue in this regimen.
Side Effects
Posted by Ingrid (Sydney, Australia) on 09/12/2010
I have been oil pulling for the past three days - one tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil in morning before breakfast. Yesterday afternoon I came down with a severe urinary tract infection including blood in my urine and severe pain. I succumbed and went to the doctor and am on antibiotics. I have only had a UTI twice before - and I am 49 and in generally good health, eat 70% raw food, exercise daily. I do have periodontitis and am on thyroid replacement (thyroid taken out in 1991 due to cancer). Would a severe UTI within three days of oil pulling with VCO be related to the oil pulling, or just coincidence? Thank you for your help
Broad Benefits
Posted by Reefkeeper (As, Ore, usa) on 03/21/2012
I am not sure what this is about there seems to be no empirical proof of this, so like the nurse that I am, I saved the rements, took it to my favorite lab tech, they checked it and found a few normal oral flora and epithelas, so what are these toxins other than in people's mind. Mine and a few friends did not even have electrolyte changes???
Side Effects
Posted by Mick (Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, Usa) on 07/21/2010
I ran across this website by accident and since I've had oral thrush/candidiasis problems (my own diagnosis not the medical profession since they have run tests A-Z several times and claim I don't have this)for many years resulting in extreme tiredness, bad gas, diahrea, bad taste in mouth when awakening, white junk on my tongue made much worse when consuming foods with sugar, I thought I'd try the oil pulling. Started two days ago with olive oil 3X a day then switched to sesame oil. Almost immediately I started having itchy rashes all over my body with both oils. I am continuing the OP but notice the itching gets alot worse during the procedure and within an hour or so after. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm almost ready to give up.
Side Effects
Posted by Linda Marie (Philadelphia ) on 07/30/2022
This is your “ healing crises “ that is happening! It is the body literally dumping all the toxins which have collected for years. Ride it out …& and much better health will be your reward!
i taught health & wellness for years 🙏🏼
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Sugar Grove, Va) on 05/05/2010
★★★★★
I've been taking the Virgin Coconut Oil softgels for about a month now. I am type o blood type & have had no problems at all. I also use the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil as a mosturizer, my skin looks great! My cellulite is all but gone my spider veins are even disappearing! I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a mosturizer for my face though because I suffer from bad adult acne. The Olive Oil cleared up my acne , took away the begins of all wrinkles & almost all of my acne scars I've had for years are gone. I love it! I'll be 36 next month & I look 10 yrs younger! I love this site! I wash my face with baking soda & water & use Lemon Juice as an astringent.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Shannon (South Park, Pa) on 02/03/2012
Hey, they same thing happened to my forearms but I never connected it. I just started oil pulling with organic coconut oil (3 times so far) and I have had a very itchy throat.... It feels like I am on the verge of losing it. I am oil pulling with my 6 year old daughter who suffers from severe sinusitis. She is a trooper and has made it up to 15 minutes.... Lots of drainage, but still a lot of congestion. I am hoping for good results! I have a few metal fillings in my back teeth... Should I be worried these are going to fall out?
Detoxification
Posted by Kate (Glasgow, Scotland) on 03/30/2010
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi,
I have been oil pulling with virgin coconut oil for just over 4 weeks, to try to address the chronic allergic rhinitis and CFS that I have had for the last 10 years. (I have tried unrefined sesame and sunflower oils with no results in the past). I have been using one teaspoon of oil (if I use one tablespoon, I have to spit out constantly as my mouth gets so full of saliva) and using wild oil of oregano on a 2 week on 2 week off basis, and OPing 2-3 times/ day. Ever since I started, my symptoms of chronic sinus pain/ headache and general exhaustion/ aching limbs have worsened considerably. I have the odd flash of exhilaration and huge energy but this is quickly replaced with having to slog through exhaustion and sinus pain again. After about 4 days the symptoms were so bad that I had to stay in bed for several days before I could function again. After 26 days I have now developed a severe head cold, with a huge, constant downpour of clear mucous, sore throat, swollen glands, and, of course, aching limbs and sinus pain, with continual fits of violent sneezing. I am on my 6th day of these symptoms. This is the first cold I have had in 16 months, and I was beginning to feel quite smug about how well my immune system was holding up while everyone else was getting sick.
I did not expect chronic problems to be resolved quickly. After all, I have had these problems for 10 years, so why would they disappear overnight? However, I am beginning to wonder if it is normal to have quite such an extended healing crisis. Has anyone else experienced anything quite so prolonged?
Any advice or shared experience gratefully received.
Detoxification
Posted by Tammy (Seattle, Wa) on 09/24/2010
Have the people that are having such strong bad reactions considered allergy to coconut or nuts in general?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/25/2011
Is there a thumbs down arrow? I meant to click that I didn't like the comment but it came up as an up arrow meaning I agreed with the comment and I didn't.
EC: Sorry, we (EC management and EC contributors) decided against having a thumbs down button. Will find out from the programmers if it's possible to remove it!
Detoxification
Posted by Tracylove (Brooklyn, Ny, Usa) on 03/29/2010
I've been oil pulling with Coconut Oil for just over a week...and I feel HORRIBLE. My skin on my face has gotten dry (I also use it on my skin), I have black circles under my eyes, my throat is very sore and I've lost my voice. The worst is, I am constantly bloated and having awful heartburn...I am also eating like crazy, and always hungry. The heartburn only goes away after I've eaten something, which seems counterintuitive.
I am of the belief that this is detox, but not sure what exactly. I'm taking a day off from OP today, as I just don't feel good enough, and am still not feeling well. I'd like to make it through this, but not sure how long these symptoms last, or if I can take it much longer to see any benefits at all.
Any suggestions would help greatly!
Detoxification
Posted by T (Maryland, Usa) on 03/30/2010
This doesn't sound like normal detox to me. I'd stop the coconut oil immediately, wait a bit and then try a different oil, organic sesame oil perhaps. Coconut oil is not for everybody, whether oil pulling or ingesting.
Detoxification
Posted by Jdixson (Belgrade, Mt) on 04/12/2010
my understanding is that coconut oil is a natural yeast killer, you may have a high candida load, and feeling herx from the oil, look up the benefits of coconut oil, it is different than the others
Detoxification
Posted by Chick P (Kodiak, Ak) on 04/28/2010
I am curious now, after reading what Alex wrote about the blood-type diet, and am wondering if those who have had side-effects from OP with coconut oil are having a reaction due to an incompatible blood type? Would anyone who has had a negative reaction mind posting if they have O-type blood? I am O and LOVE coconut oil, and use it in virtually all of my baking and have oil pulled with it a few times. It has the most pleasant taste of all of the types I have tried OP with but I don't want to use it if it would be bad for me! (Will do some research on this blood-type diet to become more informed on this subject.)
Also, maybe you are actually reacting to the type of coconut oil being used? If non-organic oil is being used, maybe the side-effects are actually a reaction to something that non-organic coconuts have been treated with which is being carried directly to your bloodstream... just a thought...
Detoxification
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/29/2010
I am type O but I haven't oil pulled with coconut oil yet, I will try soon. Some of the problems with oil pulling here were connected to the fillings in the teeth, I had those as well but before people just give up oil pulling I would suggest that you do the same I did and buy yourself a good book on oil pulling. It is not true that there is nothing to learn about the subject. I learned a lot and the most important was that the only filling that started to come out after I started to do oil pulling was because the tooth had some problems. I hope that all is well now....
Side Effects
Posted by Jen (New York City, Ny) on 03/27/2010
BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling for about three weeks now, 1 tablespoon daily, alternating between expeller pressed organic sesame oil and coconut oil. I have had some significant improvements (dark circles under eyes fading, gums stopped bleeding), but am greatly dismayed by the fact that my skin (especially my face and hands) have become wildly oily.
I had normal skin before starting, and now I cannot go more than half an hour after cleansing without oil sliding down my face. I wear makeup to work and it becomes blotchy after a few minutes. Halfway through the day the hair around my face has been saturated with oil (my scalp itself doesn't seem particularly oily - yet). I have to constantly wipe my hands as it is coming out from my fingertips. I also notice that my feet seem to be coated in oil, creating a film on my skin and causing foot odor that has ruined a pair of shoes.
I understand that the oil getting into the skin should be beneficial, but is there anything I can do to prevent this horrible side effect? I cannot go out socially after work, or unless I have recently showered because I am so greasy from this. I am worried the excess oil is going to cause acne/blackheads.
I've tried taking a few days off and that seems to help a little, but the second I go back to it the oil fountain kicks up again. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Side Effects
Posted by Gus (Missoula, Montana) on 03/28/2010
I would not pull with coconut oil.....the other one should not be a problem.
