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 Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★
Hey All! Been awhile. Here's a suggestion! As far as getting rid of the oil, make a point of keeping the plastic bags from the grocery store to spit the residue into after oil pulling. I knot the bag closed and toss into a trash container. This keeps the oil out of the pipes and the bagged oil avoids smelling up your container as it would if spat directly into it.
As far as oil-pulling goes, it is fantastic. I had stopped for a while and restarted. I must say, what a differance only 5 days has made! The grayish palor and lines on my face, forehead, and under-eyes are disappearing again. My face and body feel smoother and look less tired. Also, my bones don't crick when I roll out of bed each moring. My tongue is turning a beautiful shade of pink. Also, the oil-pulling's natural jaw exercise is refining and prominating my Indian cheekbones. The oil-pulling soothes my tummy and I'm also happier, calmer, and sleeping well after 2 months of insomnia. At the same time as oil pulling, I've up my water intake and I believe that is helping a lot, as well. As water drinking is hard for me for some reason, I went and purchased an extra large, tall beer mug from Walmt which I fill to the brim with filtered water and 1 TBLsp of ACV. I drink this 3 times a day, sipping with a straw. The jug is so large, that I barely taste the ACV. But, it is doing wonders for regulating my bowels and moistening my skin which usually stays on the dry side (DUH!).
Insights and Theories
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 01/27/2013
Canola is a modified version of rape. I don't know if it was done by cross breeding or by GMO but it was done to reduce the acidity of the oil as the acidic rapeseed oil was considered to be unhealthy. I use grape seed oil for all my cooking as it has zero cholesterol. I am 54 and have "the blood pressure of a healthy 150 pound 18 year old" at 330 lbs.. Has anyone used grape seed oil for oil pulling?
Dental Issues
Posted by Sue (Johns Creek, Ga) on 01/17/2013
Sesame seed oil has distictive smell which is wood burning smell as you described it. If you are not fond of it, you can perhaps switch to another oil. Although sesame oil is the oil to do the job. Hope it helped.
Dental Issues
Posted by Jenn (Cork, Ireland) on 01/12/2013
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling with olive oil for six months. I would use a different toothbrush for oil pulling and another for normal tooth brushing, and alway rinse my mouth out with warm salt water (one teaspoon in a small glass). I feel I am less likely to cross contaminate my mouth by using a different toothbrush.
My mouth feels much healther and my teeth are stronger, my dentist recommended for me to use a filler toothpaste as I have sensitive enamel. I choose to oil pull instead, and six months later my teeth are not as sensitive. I would recommend everyone giving it a try as it is inexpensive. It's just getting into a routine, like brushing and flossing teeth. Soon it becomes second nature. Of course you should follow your dentist advice also, I just made my own decision that suited me.
Safflower Oil
Posted by Francine (Houston, Tx) on 12/31/2012
Anytime I've done oil pulling and later feel achey, tired or headache, I knew that was a healing crisis or a detox time when lots of junk is pulled out from your organs and tissue. Drink A LOT of water and help keep your kidneys flushed and you'll recover soon. Weekends are a good time to hit it hard. Try it 2 or 3 times a day... Always 2 hours after a meal or first thing in morning. Take advantage of weekend timing and sleep a lot and DRINK WATER.
Cheers, Francine
Side Effects
Posted by Cameron (Brisbane, Qld, Australia) on 12/29/2012
Do not brush your teeth after Oil Pulling!!!!!! If you just use the Oil and then rinse your mouth after you will not have bad breath, if you really need to brush do so before Oil Pulling. Try using Sesame as it is the most highly recommended and best tasting(to me) my breath is great the following morning after OP the night before and no plaque or yuck taste first thing.
Dental Issues
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 12/28/2012
★★★★★
I have been oilpulling for over a year. My teeth have by nature a yellow tinge but have become whiter and brighter. My gums still bleed occasionally but are much healthier and firmer. Moreover, two molars that were lose have become firm and make no more trouble. If there is infection in the roots, take colloidal silver and keep in the mouth for a while. Do this for at least three days. The infection will go. I use only sesame oil as it penetrates all the skin levels and nourishes the tissue. I am 78 years old and have all my teeth sans one that went many years ago. Oil pulling is mandatory for sinus drainage otherwise the body becomes toxic.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/28/2012
Farra, there are 2 things you can do: 1. continue just as till now and within a week, it should clear us IF the oil is "doing something". 2. Switch to a different oil and see if you get other results.
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 12/28/2012 2042 posts
I too get bad breath from O.P. It must represent the condition of some type infection or toxin in the body. I use mouthwash before and after O.P. , and also take 1 grm Vit-C before and 3 grms MSM after O.P. I also swish H2O2 occasionally to reduce the yellowing of the teeth.
Side Effects
Posted by Farra (Duncan, Oklahoma, Usa) on 12/27/2012
I tried OP for the first time yesterday with pure virgin olive oil. Healthy with no known disease just wanted to try it. I was only able to do it for 5 mins. My partner said my breath was terrible the rest of the day, into the night. She even claims that when we woke up the whole room smelled a little "rotten". This morning I did more research and tried again, 20 mins. I rinsed with salt water after and brushed (I did neither the day before). I read through so many post and seems no one experienced bad breath AFTER, is this strange? I could only think it must be doing something if a tiny bit of olive oil is making that big of difference. Any thoughts or suggestions, should I discontinue use?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jane (Red Deer, Alberta, Canada) on 12/23/2012
★★★★★
Been OP [oil pulling] since mid-November about twice a day with VCO. My first day, noticed a lot of mucus on my tongue after the second pull. I brushed my teeth & tongue after and rinsed with water as well. Most days I just have to blow my nose after & maybe spit mucus once or twice. A couple days back, I felt a scratchy feeling near the back of my mouth towards the throat when I was done. I took out a flashlight & saw a small round bump. Then I noticed what looked like mucus coming out of the throat area around the tonsils, coming through the flesh. Then, the next half hour I started coughing & spitting up phlegm continuously. Then it stopped, the bump & mucus was gone, and I had the best night's sleep I've had in awhile. The changes I've noticed so far include clear skin, I just don't seem to get acne now & I've had bouts of acne for over 25 years. My hair doesn't seem to split as bad as it used to. My teeth are whiter, tartar that has built up on the inside front of two of my lower teeth seems to be reducing, my gums are a lighter pink. I started breaking out in hives a few months back. I would feel like my heart was racing even though my pulse was normal or even slightly low. I would feel a burning inside that sometimes made me physically ill to my stomach. It looked like someone was drawing the world map on my back & legs from the hives. Numerous sleepless nights as a result. It took me awhile to figure out that the triggers were all grains & sulfites. I have had a couple of accidental exposures since the oil pulling & the hives symptoms are significantly reduced. In fact, there was only a slight feeling of racing and a couple small areas of hives. I have also noticed the fibrocystic lumps in my breasts seem to be shrinking and this has been the most pain free period in the last couple weeks than I've had for more than a year (although I should add that for the last few months I have also gone off all caffeine & no bra). Finally, there is no arthritis in my hands so far this year. By this time, last year, my hands were always either stiff or sore. Oil pulling is quite literally changing my life. I have always tried to live healthy, my weight is reasonable, in fact I've only had two periods of time my entire life where I was overweight. Once from childbirth and once from an injury that limited my movement for six months. However, despite all the healthy eating & use of natural medicine, nothing has created as noticeable a difference as oil pulling has. I want to thank you; because it was while I was trying to search for remedies for hives that I came across oil pulling on this site. Thank you!
Side Effects
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 12/04/2012 2042 posts
Oilpuller: I Oil Pull for whole body detox, which requires some additional cleaning as a result. I use otc mouthwash before and Hydrogen Peroxide after O. P. Also I experience symptoms of Esophagitis that causes extreme fatigue; treatment for this is burst Vit-A or Vit-E softgel in mouth and slowly swallow fallowed by Zinc Lozenge.
It appears you need any level of detox, but to stay specific, I personally do a Baking Soda/Sea Salt buffer, wait 15 min. take one grm Vit-C, Oil Pull, H2O2 wash, take 2 grm MSM.
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/detoxification.html
Side Effects
Posted by Oilpuller (Toronto, On,canada) on 12/03/2012
I have done oil pulling in the past, but never was a regular oil puller... I have been in good health, with no major complaints and had excellent immune system.
Since beginning of this year... Life has kind of been on roller coaster ride, fractured bone, death of family member, a miscarriage... Kind of have taken over my health and to add to that, something I kept ignoring until last week, white discharge from gums from couple of places... I was hoping it will go away on own.. but it persisted.
After visit to dentist... He said, most likely one of the lower front tooth will have to come out and I did not like hearing that, Came home and started oil pulling with coconut oil with few drops of oil of oregano... Feel my gums are bit better but the infection is still there, going to dentist tomorrow for cleaning (after 3 long years) and hope he will see some improvement.. plan to pull after the cleaning.
The biggest concern now is... I woke up today and felt like I was hit by a bus... Extreme fatigue.. Forced myself to work... Not able to concentrate... Want to sleep. With a toddler at home, hard to get any rest until its time to hit the bed... I had flu last week... And the cough and cold are still there. Should I switch the oils or continue and hope things will improve...
I want to know if someone had similar symptoms which subsided and got benefits...
Dental Issues
Posted by Effleurage1 (Aurora, Co, Arapahoe) on 11/17/2012
★★★★★
Hi! LOVE this site! Just wanted to share that I have been oil pulling, sunflower oil, for a week now to help with my dental pain and it has REALY helped me. Im so greatfull! Thanks again for this great site - Aurora Co
Insights and Theories
Posted by Mikeggg (Albany, Ny) on 11/01/2012
★★★★★
I think you're right on in your assessment of what is going on when doing OP.
I would add that the emulsifying effect of the oil being broken down into tinier globules is probably also trapping any loosened material (food particles, bacteria, sugars, dead cells, etc... ) so it is removing a lot of the non-mucous membrane matter from your mouth. This also includes good bacteria, but by lowering the overall population of all types of bacteria, I think it levels the playing field allowing the good bacteria a chance to take hold to maintain the necessary balance for a healthy environment.
I also think that the body may be much more specific in which EFAs it absorbs there so it could pull just the ones it needs instead of everything that passes through the digestive track. These EFAs are also pure and not first acted upon by stomach acids or other digestive processes.
Broad Benefits
Posted by T (Oshawa, Ontario Canada) on 10/23/2012
★★★★★
Love this website. Very grateful for all the drug-free tips.
I've tried oil pulling for the last 3 months and I have only seen benefits. I have noticed my energy has soared and my breath is better, teeth are whiter and no more bleeding gums. I don't feel the need to smoke as much nowadays. Suppressed appetite, and I'm able sleep better and much deeper. I will now and forever keep oil pulling.
Dental Issues
Posted by U.n. Soldier (Vatican City, Italy) on 10/20/2012
★★★★★
Holy Cow! This oil pulling is amazing. That something so simple can have such huge benefits is just awesome. My gums have filled a sensitive hole in, in only 3 days! My teeth are white for the first time in my life! The first day I pulled with Grape Seed oil I slept like a baby the whole night through, which was just non existent for me. The other 2 days I have pulled with Extra Virgin Coconut oil. That is when the teeth whitening happened. Also pulled mucus out like a dam burst the first time. And get this, my molars which 3 days before did not all line up (they did not all touch at the same time when I clenched my teeth, or chewed)... Now they do! So tell how in the world is that possible! LOl I am in amazement, and happy, and sleeping like a baby with my new white straight teeth! Lol Give it a try, you will become a believer also:)
Broad Benefits
Posted by Summer (Hong Kong) on 10/19/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello all, I have been oil pulling for a week, once in every morning with EVOO first then switched to cold pressed sesame oil. My skin glows after my first trial, however I'm unable to sleep since day one of oil pulling, thoughts keep flashing through while lying on bed, even if I finally fell asleep, I'll have dreams non-stop.
While using EVOO, I can still feel quite calm and happier mood during the day even I have trouble sleeping. But after switching to sesame oil, I started to feel anxious during daytime.
Is it a sign of detoxification? or the oil I've used does not suit me? Shall I switch of cold-pressed Sunflower oil for a mild detoxification?
Many thanks. Summer
Insights and Theories
Posted by Cyd (Phila Area, Nj) on 10/17/2012
is there a particular reason this is done in the morning? can it be done before bed?
Sinus Infections
Posted by Mike (Logan, Al) on 10/04/2012
★★★★★
I read for several hours about OP and then drove 20 minutes to town to fetch "OILS"... I have a sinus infection and was very uncomfortable and needed some relief. Sunflower oil for 20 minutes and my nose opened up and the sinus pressure is gone. I intend to continue with OP to see if the claims of better stomach health are true. It was not easy at first... There is a gag reflex, and I must admit that my mouth feels really fresh and clean. The baking soda brushing felt great also... Drink plenty of water and I am sure your experience will be just as good. I am amazed!
Dental Issues
Posted by Jowhitney (Portland, Or) on 10/04/2012
On growing bone: see recommended diet by westonaprice.org. The dentist and researcher Weston A. Price watched post-depression malnourished kids grow secondary dentin in their cavity-ridden teeth. Many of us are much less-nourished than we think. Valuable foods like raw milk (see realmilk.com for info and local listings), homemade mineral-rich bone stock and dietary sources of all-important vitamins A & D have disappeared! You CAN re-grow bone. It's a matter of nutrition.
Side Effects
Posted by Earl (Middleton, Wi. Us) on 09/27/2012
To the person coughing up phlem etc after performing OP. It is quite natural for this to happen because OP causes you to detox. It is not a bad thing but a good thing. People must realize when you do this and obtain a "detox" result, it is working. How can you expect to "detox without detoxing?"
Coconut Oil
Posted by Holdemexpert (Irvine, Ca, Usa) on 09/25/2012
★★★★★
I am crossing posting this with Oil Pulling since I did a combination therapy and either or both may have done the trick. I had a medium size abcess right at the junction of the gum and my cheek, above a tooth where a very large filling came out, and the tooth cracked in half.
It wasnt too painful, and not too much swelling on my cheek, but bad enough to make that side of my smile lower.. Almost a bells palsey look. I knew if it got worse Id be in deep trouble and a lot of pain. I started with Oil Pulling using EV Coconut oil, 20 minutes first thing in the morning and 20 minutes last thing at night. It seemed to arrest any growth in the infection, but didnt reduce it noticeably after 3 days. It did make the rest of my mouth feel great, and seems to be whitening my teeth a bit. I had no stomach issues, and I like the taste of coconut.
Since I was anxious to get the swelling down before leaving on a business trip, I tried the garlic method on the 3rd night. One large clove, cut in half, and lightly smashed to release the oils. I just tucked the first half clove in the corner of the gum and cheek. Some burning and tears for the first couple of minutes but not bad (I am a garlic lover to begin with). After 10 minutes I switched to the other half clove. I didnt chew or "gargle" with what was in my mouth, although I didnt spit out much either.
The next morning I thought there might be some minor reduction, but I wasnt sure. By that night it was definitely about half the original size, and this morning (a day and half after the treatment) its totally gone. The gum is almost totally healed, maybe a little bit tender.
I am going to continue with the Oil Pulling, Id like to see if it cleans up the tarter and improves my gums before I go to a dentist so he doesnt prepare a more extensive treatment plan than necessary.
Thanks to all contributors in both threads!
Dental Issues
Posted by Kay (In The Valley, Ca) on 09/14/2012
I have to agree with Sophie, it sounds like an infection. Until you can get to a dentist, I would use some fresh garlic. If you slice it and apply it to the area that is painful, it should help. I leave it between my cheek and gum, with the cut side facing the gum, overnight while I sleep. It's works miracles. Read up on it on EC, many people have had much success. I wish you luck.
Dental Issues
Posted by Sophie (Dayton, Ohio, Usa) on 09/12/2012
Victoria, I hate to say this, but I seriously think you have an infection in your jaw! This is NOT a typical detox reaction!! It is the infection causing the soreness in your jaw. If you have pressure in your head, especially when upside-down, it is likely the infection has spread into your sinuses, and that is also causing the decaying smell. Infections smell gross, they have a rotten smell! Do not mess around, you need to get an antibiotic treatment. Infections, especially in your head, can go terribly wrong very fast. Please go see a doctor or dentist right away. Antibiotics are very cheap now! Usually they are only $4. If you have a very kind doctor or dentist they may be able to call in the prescription without an office visit, if you explain your situation. Most doctors/dentist also will discount their price if you ask and do not have insurance. Don't cause yourself more harm by waiting. Infections in your head or bone are very serious.
Dental Issues
Posted by Victoria (San Diego, Ca) on 09/12/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello. I started oil pulling one week ago, mainly due to a massive toothache I had. I've had work done in the area, but with no insurance, a trip to the dentist was definitely not happening. So I looked for everything. I'm happy to say that I no longer have the sharp pain in that side of the mouth. But the area, my jaw, and my mouth in general still feels sore, almost like when I got my wisdom teeth pulled. I've also been experiencing general fatigue and body aches that I assumed were just detox symptoms. But aren't they supposed to last just for a few days? I feel like I've been sick for a week.
Another curious thing is anytime my head is upside down (I practice yoga), I feel pressure at the top of my nose and smell a strong scent that reminds me of tooth decay. I know this is disgusting, but it seriously reminds me of when I got my last root canal... The smell when the endodontist was removing the decay. What can be causing this? I do, unfortunately, have a mouth full of amalgam fillings. I've read about the concerns about pulling with these, but I've also read the arguments. Like wouldn't you want to draw out the mercury if you're able to spit it out? And if your fillings do fall out, oil pulled the decay from under it, and it's time to get them refilled anyhow. I don't know how true any of this is. I've read everything online, but there definitely isn't much on the topic. I pull for 20 minutes in the morning every day and some days in the afternoon a second time. I started with coconut oil since that's what we had but have bought sesame oil to use instead now. Should I continue pulling? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!
Root Canals, Crowns and OP
Posted by Marilyn (Victoria, Bc) on 09/07/2012
★★★★★
Insights and Theories
Posted by Faddist (Gibraltar) on 09/03/2012
My tinnitus is caused by too many heavy metals - in my case from my teeth from crowns- I am trying the pulling therapy - but so far it has not improved my tinnitus. I think it should and maybe I am not doing it for long enough.
I detox metals by juicing greens and occasional liver cleanses.
Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 08/23/2012
Vero, it seems that sesame oil is milder for OP than coconut oil. Switch and experiment. Right now you cannot afford the "detox" stuff.
Improved Vision
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 08/23/2012 2042 posts
Betty, the ammonia smell could be some kind of chemical reaction w/ your tooth brush formula as I have never read any report of this as result of O.P. so do your brushing at another time but do a post-clean w/ H2O2 gargle; then monitor for the A smell.
Side Effects
Posted by Hope (Sacramento, Ca) on 08/22/2012
I also experienced great teeth whitening with coconut oil, but it raised my blood pressure rather severely.
A year later I had forgotten about that and decided to oil pull with it again, as I was going to my dentist in a few weeks for a teeth cleaning and wanted to impress him with my whiter teeth.
Unfortunately, (or fortunately), the office was now taking blood pressure readings before doing the work and my BP was Extremely high and they would not clean my teeth as a result. I remembered about the VCO and have not used it from that day on.
I also do not go to the dentist anymore, as oil pulling with sesame oil, flossing, and using baking soda, keeps my teeth in very good health :-)
Side Effects
Posted by Vero (El Paso, Tx, Usa) on 08/22/2012
I started OP just a few days ago to better my oral hygiene and also for help with my allergies. I'm starting with coconut oil because I am currently breastfeeding and wanted to start slowly with something mild then work up to the sesame/sunflower oil. What I've noticed these past few days is my teeth are whiter and my sinuses are draining but also I notice I'm experiencing panic attacks and feel a bit light headed at times. I'll continue to OP because I read a worsening of symptoms is a sign of being cured but are these symptoms "normal" or should I switch oils? Also I do feel completely drained and can't afford to with a toddler. Can I expect these symptoms to go away and if so, how soon? Thanks in advance.
Improved Vision
Posted by Betty (Groningen, Netherlands) on 08/22/2012
★★★★★
Most weekends I use virgin olive oil for OP, swishing it around while I prepare breakfast for the family, refusing to answer anyone bothering me with irritating questions and remarks - OP is a perfect way to shut yourself off from unwanted conversations while the brain has not woken up yet!!
After 20 minutes I spit the oil into a little plastic bag with tissues, tie a knot in it and dispose of it. Then I brush my teeth with a toothpaste containing bicarb and other goodies, but here's the thing I have been wondering about: I get a strong taste/smell of ammonia in my mouth during and after brushing, until I rinse with propolis tincture. Any comments anyone?
PS My eyesight has improved so much I've had to replace my spectacles. And I don't need any glasses at all for reading now! My optician was amazed. he clearly didn't believe me until he had tested me.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jim (Syracuse Ind., Indiana) on 08/20/2012
is there any help for tinnitus?..... Ringing of the ears?
Dental Issues
Posted by Nordlanding1 (Uniontown, Alabama) on 08/12/2012
★★★★★
I've been oil pulling with organic extra virgin coconut oil for about 2 months now. I literally ran from the dentist over a year ago when my hygienist cleaned my teeth and told me that I have gingivitis, bleeding gums and what not. When I brush my teeth, my gums would bleed. Almost immediately I started oil pulling, I noticed that my teeth felt tighter. When I brush, it doesn't bleed anymore so I scheduled me a dentist appointment. The same hygienist from a year ago asked where I had been and she remembered that my teeth were jacked up so to speak. So she asked have I been flossing everyday. Of course not was my response so to make a long story shorter, when she finished with my cleaning she was flabbergasted at how well my teeth are now compared to last year. I had a second cleaning a week later. She said, "Mr. Nord, your teeth are great, you've been doing something". that's when I told her about oil pulling.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rbmj1485 (Grand Blanc, Michigan, United States) on 08/11/2012
Hey Joy! Just wanted to say that you could replace the Proactive System with apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. I would suggest organic either way, and
unrefined virgin coconut oil. I have had severe acne for over ten years and have been recently using these products. I have noticed a dramatic change in just the first week! First, bring 1 cup of purified water to a warm temp, but not boiling, using a small pot. ( no microwave) Then pour water into heat-safe glass cup. Add 1-2 Tbsp of ACV and then use a cotton swab to dab affected areas. Second, after ACV has dried completely, apply the coco oil to the same affected areas.
I do this process myself and cover my entire body! Its absolutely refreshing!
