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.
Castor Oil
Posted by Susan (Oshkosh, WI) on 03/18/2009
Hello everyone! I have become addicted to the site like everybody else. I have a question about oil pulling. I made it through five pages and did not see anything about food grade Castor Oil. I kept thinking about the Cayce remedies and his great results for many ailments using Castor Oil. Has anyone tried it? Does anyone know of a reason it should not be used for oil pulling? My intuition keeps telling me to try it, and I believe that we are often led to the right thing for ourselves. To everyone who is working on healing themselves, don't give up! If one thing does not work for you try again and again. In the trying you reinforce the "health"vibration around you. You are not alone in your seking and all of us who read your posts are pulling[no pun intended] for you and with you!
Insights and Theories
Posted by Melissa (Marseille) on 09/16/2021
For the real oregano essential oil ... I found it in www.maisonlaget.fr amazing quality, .
Insights and Theories
Posted by Liz Turner (Devon, Uk) on 01/15/2014
Have started using coconut oil but not sure how you can fit a whole tablespoon in your mouth, even a full teaspoon feels a lot of oil! Are you sure its not meant to be a teaspoon?!
Loose Teeth
Posted by Hollis (Hilo, Hawaii) on 11/04/2007
★★★★★
I've been pulling oil since 10/06 and feel that the most obvious improvment is in my teeth and gums.....bright white teeth and healthy gums that hold my teeth firmly in place where they used to be loose before. Also I sleep more soundly and feel refreshed in the morning. I want to do this for the rest of my life and wonder if that would be OK or not. Is there anything negative that could come from my pulling oil once a day forever.....I'm 65 and it sure beats medication.
Weight Loss
Posted by Arlene (Findlay, Ohio) on 07/27/2007
★★★★★
I have been doing oil pulling since June 1st. I have used extra virgin olive oil but today bought some sunflower oil to try. I cleaned my mouth before and after oil pulling but read today that you do it after. Anyway, I have lost 12 pounds so metabolism has increased. My mouth feels healthier. I have more energy. I plan to do it for a very long time. Let me know about cleaning mouth before and after. Thanks
Broad Benefits
Posted by Arlene (Findlay, OH) on 07/16/2007
★★★★★
I have been using extra virgin olive oil. My psychologist told me about this after studying Native American history. I am bipolar. I have noticed increased metabolism, teeth tightening, weight loss of 12 pounds since starting the oil pulling June 1, 2007. I have so much more energy, teeth seem to be whitening. A clearer mind. The weight loss has been the best for me.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kimberly (Mineral, Virginia) on 07/08/2007
★★★★★
Hello Everyone, I hadn't intended to responded this soon, but I am so amazed at how well the OP is going that I just had to give my 2 cents. I decided to try OP because I am desperate to feel better. I am 45 years old and am sick of feeling sick all the time. I stumbled on to the web sight reading about ACV and looked at the OP while I was here. I decided to give it a try as I had extra virgin olive light oil in my kitchen at the moment and a number of reader said they had used different oils with success. I did decide I would order the cold pressed seseame oil as soon as I could though. Well, I've been oil pulling now for a week and here is what I have to report. My teeth look fantastic! I have NEVER had white teeth even as a kid!! And my face, I have had oily skin and large pores with blackheads sense I was a kid as well. I'm talking 10 year old kid! Well last night I went to do my normal, you know express the pores so they don't look so large and OMG they were so small, it was unbelievable!! I could not really find anything to express. Then I realize that my face had not been as oily has it had been in the past and I actually had two dry patches on my chin which in the past has only happened when I was pregnant with my two girls and that was 25 years ago!
And now for my hair. I have always, again sense I was a kid oily hair. My hair looks great!! It is soft and shiny and it doesn't look like an oil pit 24 hours after the last washing. It is wonderful to have my hair looking nice the entire time between washings!! I can't wait to see what other benefits come out of OP!! You have one sold customer here! I will check back later on and let you all know what else has happened. Oh yeah, one more thing, I had some generalized tooth pain that I could not pin point on one side of my right upper jaw when I started, well after the second session of OP, the tooth pain was all but gone! This is GREAT!! Kim
Insights and Theories
Posted by Pamela (Asheville) on 02/02/2020
★★★★★
I've read that it's better to do a sequence of 5 minute oil pulling sessions totaling 20 minutes instead of a single 20 minute session. Reason being that doing shorter “pulls” and spitting avoids the potential re-absorption of toxins one might get from the long pulling session. Makes sense to me! This might solve any gagging problems!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 01/23/2015
Hi Janine,
We are grateful that you have taken time to contribute your findings on the recent oil pulling. It is with joy that we hear it is working out. You will never bother us with any comment, good or bad, on your experience with a remedy or question about a problem. We all enjoy learning from each other at Earth Clinic! Thanks.
Detoxification
Posted by Gail (US) on 10/02/2014
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started oil pulling with coconut oil 5 days ago . After my first pulling, I was nauseated, but my teeth were whiter and less sensitive . The next morning I awoke with a dull headache that lasted for 3 days , and I was nauseated again after my second op with co . The 3rd day I broke out with blisters around my mouth and I felt very hot but not like a hot flash kind of hot also the third night after I did the op I was getting ready for bed and I started feeling very stressed and depressed . The next morning when I woke up I felt okay . I then read on this site that it could of been because I was detoxing copper from my brain which made me feel relieved . Also on the 3rd day my jaws started hurting and on the 5th day I notice my tongue has turned white not coated white but actually my tongue is white . My jaws still hurt . Will continue although I think I will try sunflower and olive oil I will still use co too . Like this site so very informative . It's nice to hear from people who have some of the problems I do .
Dental Issues
Posted by Joojoo (Tampa, Fl) on 07/16/2014
I have used coconut oil for oil pulling the last 2 days. Part of my gum is inflamed today, like red, puffy, and it feels kind of raw when I touch them with my tongue. I looked everywhere on the internet, and haven't seen anyone with the same experience. Is this normal? Are there ways to heal the gum or should I just keep pulling? I do have lots of fillings and 2 root canals. Thank you!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 09/20/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Oil Pulling REALLY does cleanse as well as make your teeth whiter and improve your oral health. When I started with coconut oil, it did a number on my eczema skin, making it worse. So... I stopped! But going back to it after a couple of weeks also brought another kind of detox I did not go through the first time - i.e., headaches, backaches, blurry vision, but, better skin. Now, the heavy detox symptoms (3 days) are wearing down; skin is definitely looking better, and more importantly, if I oil pull for 15 minutes before bed, I sleep like a baby. Finally deep-sleeping through the night! Getting enough sleep by oil pulling has really improved my mood, my foggy brain, and my dark, under-eye circles -- they have all but disappeared. So, a big YES that oil pulling works where nothing else natural that I tried, did.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Marylynn (Goldman, Oregon) on 06/12/2013
★★★★★
I began OP 7 days ago and have 200 minutes to my credit. I don't mind the experience at all. The longest period was 25 minutes! I am a big tea drinker and my dentist cannor get the inside of my front teeth white, but OP has done wonders! White is working its way down from the top of each tooth! I wonder what my dentist will say?
I use Sesame Organic Oil and am happy with my choice. I rinse well with salt water about three times and then brush my entire mouth, not just my teeth. I do all my spitting in a zip lock bag.
I have been ill for four long months from a six and a half hour gallbladder surgery. The first day that I felt like myself was the day I began to OP. I had more energy and did chores I've not been able to do at all! I was not sitting the day away and it felt so good!
I OP in the morning after waking up and then about 9:15PM if I feel like it. I'm not binging at night on the nights that I do OP. I do have a snack and seem satisfied which is more than a small wonder!
So far so good with me! My jaw dropped when I found this site about OP! If my good health continues I will be doing this forever!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tbs (London) on 03/19/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello all! I started oil pulling about 1 month ago after reading this site - thank you for such an information rich source to read about OP. On to my story with OP.
I am not one to shy away from a challenge so the 'healing crisis' haven't detered me, but I must say they have been intense!
Initially I started to work on my mouth, I have had braces and plates and noticed that my teeth were moving very quickly, I also had receeding gums which my dentist told me was from pressure of my bite. I immediately noticed an improvement in my oral health, teeth which felt loose tightened up and gums are growing back and teeth do look lighter. I don't need to wear my plate at night like I used to!
Secondly, I had cystic acne when I was younger and went onto roaccutane for it (evil medicine) which worked but I would still have the occasional breakout appear. The oil pulling went straight to this next and I found myself breaking out severely, I knew this was part of the healing crisis so continued, that cleared up.
Next I broke out in rashes which looked like ring worm or dermatitis which I have never had when younger but now came in full force. I have been persisting with it and now doubled up oil pulling to morning and night - I now do 20 minutes each time, and brush with aryuvedic toothpaste as well - which I recommend.
The latest and by far most severe is a red scalp irritation - so my skin is hyper sensitive at this time - even though I was using aryuvedic shampoo. This has all been about the past week or so.
I would love to hear from other people who have encountered this, how long your healing crisis go for, etc. I know and can FEEL that this is all healing and working its way out so I am not giving up. I can also attest for the notable difference in overall emotions and mindset, the regular removal of toxins you aren't even aware of lightens the mood ridiculously well!
Good luck.
Dental Issues
Posted by Cat (Austin, Texas) on 11/17/2015
Oil pulling will clean your teeth very well and heal (usually) your gum issues, but if you want thicker, stronger teeth, investigate food grade diatomaceous earth. My teeth were shaped like playing cards and thinning yearly. After 3 months on diatomaceous earth, they are thick pearly bulbs and very strong. Plus, my gums are better where they have pockets. The DE rebuilds jaw bone strength too! It, plus oil pulling plus getting rid of carbs (horrible for teeth over the long haul) and softly brushing/flossing once a day before bed, is all you need. I have since learned that a morning salt water/peppermint/coconut oil rinse after oil pulling and a tongue scrape is quite enough rather than brushing twice day. Frequent hard brushing can make pockets worse and weaken/damage gum tissue.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Shannon (Desoto, Tx, Usa) on 01/12/2012
★★★★★
I've been oil pulling for about two weeks and am really pleased with the results. I began with coconut oil but found the texture and flavor to be off-putting. Once I switched to untoasted sesame oil, I found the process completely tolerable. I OP first thing in the morning for 20 minutes and have found the following results: My joints feel better (I have chronic knee and shoulder pain from degeneration), my teeth and gums feel like I've just been to the dentist for a cleaning, my skin is less dry and my muscles hurt less after re-starting to work out.
The best result is the healing of dermatitis. I have severe dermatitis in my ears. They continually itch from the outside all the way down into my ear canal. Not only is it uncomfortable, it's embarassing because of the constant flaking. After two weeks, I have minor itching externally with no flaking and no deep itch. It's as if my ears are healing from the inside out. I'm so thankful for this site and friends with great suggestions!
Side Effects
Posted by Mike (Wilmette, Usa) on 01/08/2012
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've tried oil pulling for a few months with some short breaks. I'm using cold processed sesame oil. I've noticed a lot of benefits (reduced psoriasis, more energy--great substitute for morning coffee) but one side effect. My teeth seem to get more sensitive to cold and hot. Very noticably so. Anyone else have this problem? Would switching oil types help? By the way, I switched from Whole Foods brand to Spectrum and noticed a big change in freshness and taste.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rosemary (White Rock, B.c., Canada) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★
I am a 55 y.o. female, blood type B-, and have only done oil pulling with sesame oil for about 2 weeks now and I am very pleased with the results. My teeth are cleaner, my skin looks youthful and my pores are smaller in the t- zone and am no longer struggling diverticulitis. I am also sleeping somewhat better. I experienced a small rash on my tongue from days 3 to 8 but it disappearred overnight. I love the information this site provides!
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Clare (Shotteswell, Oxfordshire, England) on 07/26/2011
★★★★★
There are several excellent books on coconut oil which you may like to read. In the meantime take one tablespoon of coconut oil and put in in your mouth. Swish it around your mouth energetically pulling it through the gaps in your teeth. Do this for twenty minutes. At the end of the time spit it out in your rubbish bin, and not down the plughole in your basin. Put a teaspoon of sea or rock salt in a mug and add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda [baking soda I think in the States], and add hot water, as hot as you can stand. Thoroughly swill this around your mouth and spit out and repeat. Repeat the above twice a day if possible. It may seem impossible at first to swish for twenty minutes, but believe me it will only take a short time to get to twenty minutes. Happy oil pulling.
