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.
Detoxification
Posted by 2bconscious (West Des Moines, Iowa) on 03/31/2012
★★★★★
I have been using Coconut oil to Oil Pull every morning now for 6 days. The first day I had pain in my left shoulder, arm and upper back. The pain and concern caused me to go to the Urgent Care Center. The doctor diagnosis was inflammation, prescribed pain pills. I never took the pills. The next morning the pain was gone! I noticed my gums are getting pinker in places where they were dark in color. I also notice my energy level is higher!! I did also start walking on the treadmill every morning for 30 min. 1 1/2, 5 days ago!! I also use Coconut oil for my toothpaste and deodorant!! I love it!! Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil is a winner!!
Side Effects
Posted by Dane (Portland, Or) on 03/31/2012
I have a similar question, I'm a 26 year old male in very good health, but ever since moving back to Portland, OR (cloudy wet and rainy) 3 years ago I have had sinus congestion and seasonal allergies pretty badly (I struggled with these issues as a child here as well throughout the grey winters and into spring). I started oil pulling and am now on day 7, the first four days I had really red eyes and heavier bags than usual every morning, which I assumed were detox symptoms and now the past three days I have had an increased heart rate with palpitations upon any activity, restlessness and minor abdominal pains. I have been taking some organic food-based vitamins with probiotics and making sure to drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes, but don't want to overconsume any minerals. Are these normal symptoms?
I have been alternating sunflower and EVCO every morning.
I feel great every year by the end of summer so I think there may be some sort of seasonal deficiency that I suffer from, but I wanted to get on top of this if I am going to live here any longer. Should I keep OPing? Are symptoms I am experiencing very unusual?
Side Effects
Posted by Dorothy (San Francisco, Ca) on 03/31/2012
I've been oil pulling for five months, and I've noticed an increasing heart rate, which got up to around 95 bpm at the most. Usually my heart rate is around 65-72 bpm. I've felt increased energy and have lost weight, even more than I would like. After my heart rate shot up, I quit OPing altogether for a about a week and a half and am now OPing every few days. I realize that I could be going through a healing crisis, but how long do these crises usually last? I've had difficulty sleeping and feel very fidgety frequently. I don't understand it. Can anyone shed light on this? I want to continue OPing, but I don't want my heart rate to be out of control. I'm nearing 60 years of age. Thanks for any feedback!
EC: Hi Dorothy, what type of oil are you using?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jenn (Toronto, Ontario Canada) on 03/28/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Thanks to all who contribute to this wonderful site and for giving me the gift of oil pulling. I originally started oil pulling to rid myself of a sinus infection. I am a bit wary of antibiotic overuse and big pharma in general (my family thinks I am a conspiracy theorist, LOL! ). After reading testimonials and instructions I decided to use one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with two drops of tea tree oil for about 5-10 minutes. I was ill and didn't have cocunut oil in the house and didn't feel like going out to source it. Within two treatments I noticed teeth whitening and what seemed to be what I can only describe as pinkening and tightening of the gums. I had been diagnosed with gingivitis for many years by my dentist. My sinus condition seemed to worsen with more and more discharge and swelling. I smoked cigarettes for about 30 years, and I suddenly had an aversion to smoking. I then developed a terrible cough with lots of mucous, difficulty breathing, terrible headaches, fatigue, body aches, sticky eyes, pimples and a gum infection from heck! The gum infection was raging and I tried all the home remedies on Earth Clinic and only seemed to worsen it. I became very scared and my friends convinced me to stop oil pulling go to the hospital. I got two kinds of antibiotics and used multiple pain killers for one week. They seemed to suppress the symptoms but after I finished the doses the gum infection came back even worse than before with swelling on my cheek and lip. A lot of people told me to go an get a root canal or tooth extraction, neither of which seemed to fit with my idea that gums and teeth can heal like broken bones. There were sores and pimple like outbreaks on both my gums and cheeks. I realized that I was going through some type of cleansing/healing crisis and I needed to let it run its course, although others around me thought I would eventually expire from a septic type infection. Interestingly, the site of the gum infection was a previously identified weaker spot.
I didn't restart oil pulling immediately, as I now know that EVOO and Tea Tree Oil mixes (probably the same for other oil and oregano etc mixes) are very potent at drawing out infection and impurities. I used salt/alum poultice, baking soda/salt poultices (use with cotton balls for about 20 minutes, more and your skin will get raw) and rinses, I also got rid of regular toothpaste and started using hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/salt paste. I alternated this with raw garlic clove rubbings and garlic clove/water rinses.
Don't kid yourselves, these remedies hurt worse than childbirth but I felt that this was a bad infection that needed a multi prong approach. If you can, use aspirin rather than ibuprofen or tylenol, I tried all three but something in the aspirin seems to help the healing process. I also used tea bags between the cheek and gum to absorb any pus and blood that came out of the sore area. Use the black bags, they are more effective than other types, I tried peppermint, chai, green tea but found the old fashioned black to be best. As soon as I felt some improvement in the level of swelling, it took about one week, I resumed oil pulling with EVOO and tea tree and took epsom salt baths (rinse afterward).
One more week later, I can say that my gum infection is almost completely gone, my teeth are whiter, stronger and my gums seem to have regenerated. My sinuses and chest are clear and I feel that my energy is greater than before all of this happened. I have taken the tea tree out of my oil pulling regime (twice a day) as I feel it's probably more like an antibiotic. I also think that Ted's simple alkalizing formula (baking soda, lemon juice) will help me avoid many infections in the future so I started that process as well. I also haven't had any cigarettes since I started oil pulling one month ago. OP has the potential for unleashing the remnants of all of your previous ailments and big pharma treatments so if I had to do it again I would not start with EVOO and no Tea Tree, I would get the coconut, and backing off the pulling when the body becomes a bit overwhelmed is perfectly fine. Sorry for the long post, just wanted everyone to know that sometimes the healing crisis is very terrible and you will feel sick and lonely, but it is well worth it to go through to the other side. Thanks Again.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jan (Harper Woods, Mi) on 03/28/2012
Your reply is a bit confusing, maybe explain what your lab results were.
I too have tried oil pulling in the past, I used Sunflower oil since it had a very mild flavor and it seemed less strong in taste then the sesame seed oil did. I didn't stay with it long enough to experience results. But after reading through many of these posts I have decided to give it another try. I chose to use Coconut oil this time, since the taste is milder. I'm on day 2 now, and will commit to doing it twice a day for 20 minutes. I have gum issues with my teeth and have a continous bad taste in my mouth, so I'm hoping the oil pulling will resolve this.
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???
Dental Issues
Posted by Earlygirl (Sacramento, California) on 03/15/2012
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with coconut oil about three weeks ago based on comments posted here on Earth Clinic. I had just had my semi-annual teeth cleaning at the dentist's office and the hygienist was really cranky with me because she was finding 4s. I must say that since I started oil pulling, (once a day in the morning on weekdays, weekends off) my gums are a much lighter pink color and they seem to be growing back. And when I floss, there is no blood. I am thrilled and looking forward to going back for my next cleaning and seeing the hygienist's reaction.
Insomnia
Posted by Nightfire The Mad Alchemist (Danville, Illinois, United States) on 03/11/2012
★★★★★
Hi pibbles I use VCO in the mornings for OPing and in the evening before bed I use Castor Oil and like Vince it makes me sleepy.... other benefits I noticed is that it usually helps my teeth if they have been aching and it's so darn thick that when I'm finished my jaw is usually to tired to 'grind' in my sleep which I have had a problem with on and off at nights, that leaves my jaw sore, and with a bad headache but with CO haha, no more.
Dental Issues
Posted by Mavanou (N.y) on 03/09/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I am so happy to have found your site. I was having a toothache and pain all around my gums. I read about oil pulling and decided to try it for a couple of days. My toothache and gum pains were gone. However, I stopped for a few days because I was having some pain on my right side starting in the front around the liver area and radiating to the kidneys.
Since, I was also doing hydrogen peroxide, so I am not sure which was creating the effect.
I just slowly started oil pulling again using coconut oil and the pain is less. I will try to use black seed oil for op in the future to see if there is any difference.
Thank you so much for your site and for sharing your knowledge.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jennifer (Chicago, Il ) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★
1st my boyfriend tried OP he started almost 2 wks ago we noticed 1st the fresher breath then he noticed the dark pigmentation on his face clearing, his nails looking healthier, and his feet on the heels softer which before the callus was bad so I started on 04mar12 the immediate result that I experienced was a spurt of energy which usually in the am I am so restless and exhausted then I noticed the fresh breath and healthier looking nails only after 3 days of OP ~Wonderful~
Detoxification
Posted by Cococutie (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 03/04/2012
I know you made this post back in December, but I wanted to post for anyone else who may be going through something similar.
Yes, definately continue on. This is a means of detoxing. Your body is clearning out the toxins built up in your body. Please do not make the mistake of taking cold medicine or anything like that to "relieve" your symptoms as that is just making the process counter-effective.
Coated Tongue
Posted by Blac (Detroit, Mi Usa) on 03/01/2012
★★★★★
I recently had a bout of bronchitis. I noticed my tongue was coated from my detoxing. I was reading thru the oil pulling therapy comments and decided to try it with sesame oil. I forgot how well it works. My tongue is pink again. I think I'll do it on a regular basis and see what happens.
Multiple Oils Tried
Posted by Dagmar (Williamstown, Ky Usa) on 02/29/2012
I have had great results with oil pulling (sunflower in the morning and EVO at night). To everyone : you may need to boost your immune system withhedge apple doses (2 caps/day for 30 days - twice a year). Dagmar
Coconut Oil
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 02/29/2012 2042 posts
Mrc, my personal experience w/ O. P. (Canola Oil) was positive as whole body functions go, but after about 1 mo my teeth were showing signs of hurried decay and my breath (after pulling) got bad. Fortunately I didn't loose any fillings as was your case. So now I swish Colloidal Silver once daily or before pull, and always rinse mouth w/ commercial otc mouthwash fallowing pull. If the body is toxic w/ pathogens one gets the foamy oil condition. As an adjunct, I would recommend some herbal antibiotics like Neem, Olive Leaf, Grapefruit seed, Pau De' Arco. Immune boosters like Echinacea, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake. Shark Liver Oil, Bee Propolis, Raw Thymus Glandular are good immune boosters. I like to use any combination of these prior to pulling so as to absorb the die-off toxins from the pathogens.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Mrc (Louisville, Kentucky, Usa) on 02/28/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
My holistic practitioner suggested I learn about and do some oil pulling to help with my fibromyalgia pain. I read everything I could find and figured what the heck - how could it hurt? I began 9 days ago. The first morning seemed odd simply having the stuff in my mouth for so long. It definitely got foamy and white. (The coconut oil simply melts in your mouth in a matter of moments). I op for 15 minutes each morning, for 5 days in a row. My hair got so soft it felt like silk. My skin was also incredibly soft and beginning to glow. My teeth were whiter, my mouth felt clean and silky.
Then the 6th morning I spit out a couple of metal fillings from my teeth along with the foamy white stuff. I was so surprized! I have stopped oil pulling until I get to the dentist and get my teeth fixed. And my aches and pains do feel better. Although after I stopped I woke up two days later with a very painful sore throat and stuffy head. But it only lasted a day. On to the dentist and I will give this more thought as to if I will proceed.
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?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Joy (Harrisburg, Pa) on 02/03/2012
★★★★★
Have been OP with sesame for about a week now. It was tough at first, as I have a strong reflex to swallow. If I couldnt make it the full 15 minutes, I did it for 10 minutes twice that day spaced out. So far I have noticed good and bad properties. The good ones are that I don't seem to be getting the regular corner of the mouth cold sores I used to get on a very regular basis. I notice the stains on my teeth seem to be lessening. The bad is minor and is also attributed to being severely anemic and struggling with depression and unhealthy habits in general, however I am finding myself very tired A LOT.
Another thing to mention is that since the birth of my daughter 11 months ago I have had severe painful acne (and I have always been blessed with beautiful skin). I have started proactive recently, so it may be a combination of things (however I am more consistant with the oil pulling than I am with the proactive system), and I have noticed less large painful deep cystic type blemishes and an overall less red appearance to my face and neck.
I struggle with an addiction to cigarettes right now so I'm not sure how much the oil pulling will have a chance to work with such an addiction but I'm already noticing differences. Also reading about "health crisis" situations I don't feel really uneasy about that... I have been sick most of my life with any number of respiratory and throat issues so I rather welcome a full body purge!
I find that with OP if you just decide you are going to do it and stick with it, it gets easier. I try to distract myself with chores or email checking or read a good article about something that intrigues you... It starts to go faster than you realize!
Dental Issues
Posted by Karen (Broomfield, Co, Usa) on 01/25/2012
★★★★★
I found this website and read about oil pulling. It was of interest to me because the last time I went for a dental cleaning the dentist suggested gum surgery for receeding gums. For the last few months (with breaks while travelling) I have swished organic, white, unrefined sesame oil in my mouth for less than one minute each evening and then spit it out. I know everyone says 5-10 minutes but that's not realistic for me (I will just avoid it) so I decided to do it for a minute or less after I brush and floss and while I am dressing for bed. Just had another dental cleaning today. Normal gums! The dentists didn't even want to measure the gums this time! This healed my gums with minimal time, little effort and little cost. AND to boot, it's helped me tremendously with my allergies. I know the die hard people will say 1 minute it too short but all I can say is that it's worked for me, big time!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sara (Newport Beach, Ca) on 01/24/2012
★★★★★
Oil Pulling Completely Removed Plaque and Decay From Teeth
I'm SHOCKED at my results from oil pulling using coconut oil. I have veneers, 5 on top they were VERY expensive purchased at a time when I had much more money than I do now, they were in dire need of replacing due top unsightly grey decay at the top. I started oil pulling about 3 months ago the GREY discoloration that was decay is GONE, my veneers & all my teeth look brand new. I thought I may be imagining it but went to the dentist today & he said my veneers don't need replacing anymore. He said I had very clean teeth & no plaque.
I have however NOT noticed the oil pulling fixing my psoriasis or my acne, but oh well it fixed my plaque, teeth issues & saved me over $10,000. :) I also don't notice any increase in energy. However it also COMPLETLY FIXED any and all sinus/allergies issues I had.
Dental Issues
Posted by Anuj (Sydney, Australia) on 01/22/2012
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Just wanted to give my 2 cents worth.
Started OP about 7 days back. The first 3 days I used sunflower oil for OP. During that time, had excruciating pain for the first 2 days near one of my molars (the one which had root canaling done; I have 2 root canals ). The third day with sunflower oil was smooth and no pain.
Ran out of sunflowerr oil, so started using olive oil. Again, absolute hell with the headache and mucous for 2 days.
On the positive side, my teeth feel cleaner, no more bad breath and my gums seem to have firmed up. Will continue oil pulling to see how my cavities and dental decay fare.
Only concern being I have a lot of metal fillings- my dental health has been pathetic throughout my life-hope OP helps me cure that.
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 Cf (Delaware, USA) on 01/09/2012
Correction... after switching to a non-flouride toothpaste, I no longer have a problem.
Side Effects
Posted by Cf (Delaware, Usa) on 01/09/2012
I noticed an increase in hot/cold sensitivity when I began oil pulling, too. I use organic, extra virgin coconut oil. I'm not sure why the pulling increased the sensitivity, but after switching to a non-flouride toothpaste I longer have a problem.
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.
Congestion
Posted by Lee (Lake Wylie, Sc, Usa) on 01/04/2012
★★★★★
I would like to thank Earth Clinic and Ted for such a wonderful site. Earth Clinic has changed my life literally! Thank you!
I started Oil Pulling about 5 days ago and let me tell you immediately My clogged up sinuses cleared up drastically! I have lived with stopped up sinuses and all the misery that comes with it for years! Not breathing, constantly trying to clear my throat, just awful. So when I started oil pulling, I could not believe it, I can breathe again! Everyday it has gotten better and better! I started with Coconut oil and alternate with sesame and sunflower oil. I oil pull 2 times a day sometimes 3. I do not take prescription medicine, never ever! I do not believe in the traditional methods of healing anymore. Because the side effects of the medicine are worse than the benefits. Any prescribed medicine I have ever known about is just to treat the symptoms not heal. Home remedies heal! I have not been to the doctor in years because everything I take is natural. I have completely converted over to a hollistic natural way of living.
I recently took my daughter to the emergency room because she hit her head and I was concerned. The nurse asked if she had her flu shot for the season and I said no we do not get flu shots, we choose natural methods. She looked at me like I was crazy. That is ok because we never get sick! By the way, after the doctor looked at her for 20 seconds and did not allow me to ask any questions, the emergency room bill was 1200.00! Ridiculous!
Remember the body is designed to heal itself!
