Oil Pulling: Unlock Natural Oral Health & Detox Benefits

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.

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

I'm in the affirmative group on this one. I began OP last of Aug 2011 w/ my health having been deteriorating consistently since 2009; and hitting some real lows especially because I have limited support and live alone. In desperation I began reading E.C. site for anything that might help me in any way. "Oil Pulling, proly not" was my skeptical reasoning despite open-mindedness and desperation. Completely out of solutions I tried the OP w/ Canola Oil once then twice daily and regained the long lost ability to fall asleep before daybreak. I continued a temporary major recovery of daily functions over a period of about 1 mo then tapered back down as it appeared my condition was too severe for only OP. Unfortunately for me, I never read about the need for extra mouth sanitation especially for individuals like myself who are infected w/ multiple chronic pathogens. I'm afraid my teeth have suffered some loss, but of course I am dealing w/ that. I also felt heavy metal releasing during many of the OP sessions as I have very high Manganese levels confirmed by hair analysis. The sensation (which has been common for yrs) feels like electrocution especially thru the legs and feet.

My theory on pulling is that it's simply an oral Oil method of chelation. Since many heavy metals, biological pathogens, and chemical toxins are lipophilic, the oil reservoir established in the mouth (I always get almost as much as I can hold) forces those toxins from a lipo gradient of lesser value and "pulls" them to the reservoir of greater value, much like a crowed pool of Salmon or Trout brave all obstacles to make it to the spacious unpopulated lake upstream. It's not an issue of "solubility" as an EC poster viewed it but of molecular weight & mass. Not an issue of "dissolve" but of "attachment". All of course IMHO.

I pull once a day now w/ good results (I can actually feel a very strong pull from my liver/pancreas region). I do back-to-back pull, both for about 20 min as this seems to be a stronger method than way apart times.

"Love is the only answer - hate is the root of cancer" --YES

I'm not really sure any of us understand how it works. We just know it DOES. I wouldn't be without OP now, I do it probably 5 days a week and I can't tell enough people how much different I feel. I'm keen to go to the dentist and get him to take a look at my teeth just for the hell of it!!

Study done on oil pulling:

http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2009;volume=20;issue=1;spage=47;epage=51;aulast=Asokan

Francisca - It certainly makes sense that 'pulling' harmful bacteria from our mouths will keep it from entering our system/affecting our organs. And who knows what is possible in terms of cures without that harmful bacteria. You certainly don't, despite your assertion to the contrary.

You're basically saying that people like Ted, Dr. Deepak Chopra, etc. Are quacks. Just because something doesn't work for you, doesn't mean it won't for someone else. And just because you can't wrap your brain around the idea of oil pulling curing anything, doesn't mean that it can't. It just means that you don't understand it.

I don't understand why ACV lowered my blood pressure to where I don't have to take med's anymore, but I do know that it worked. It wasn't a "placebo effect". The numbers don't lie. And, I suspect the same is true for those who oil pull.

You don't have to agree with everyone's testimonials, but you should at least respect them.

I fully agree with you! I do oil pulling at times like now when my gums are irritated and I think that it is a good exercise for your mouth but I don't believe that it would cure illnesses! I think that the cures talked about on this site and others are more a placebo effect! Sorry, but this is the way I have always viewed it! I think that it is useful and it may indeed have some effect on your gums and teeth, that I don't deny, even because of the massage you do on your gums but people having allergies and all kinds of strong side effects from it.... I think that this is all imagination! Please don't be cross but oil pulling toxins from your body, people feeling depressed, allergies being cured..... Sorry but that can't be true! Like you I am also a big fan of alternative therapies but things are as they are! Who on earth can feel depressed because they swish oil around in their mouths, no matter the type of oil.....

I 1st heard about oil pulling at this site a few days ago. The given explanation makes no sense to me. It seemed to be a totally safe procedure so I tried it with VOO. I will readily admit that my teeth and mouth felt incredibly clean. Perhaps bacteria designed for an aqueous environment are killed by emersion in a lipid (oil). I will continue to do this for the next few weeks to see the result.

The oil turning white is simply the oil, and saliva forming an emulsion from the physical action of sucking it through the teeth.

I do not know that metals are particularly soluble in oil. We certainly didn't cover that in any of the chemistry classes I have taken. The concept of pulling toxins out of the body from under the tongue seems far-fetched to say the least. Yes some drugs can enter the body sublingually, but in minute doses.

I could believe that some health effects could be from reducing the bacteria, and resultant load of toxins in the mouth, but the given explanation is not something I can believe.

If it makes sense to you, that is totally your decision. I am interested in alternative therapies, and I am sure many of them are effective. The explanations for why they work are often very misleading. …. In my opinion

I would be extremely hesitant to use any oil that wasn't organic and unrefined. Canola oil specifically undergoes about 147 steps in its processing including being treated with hexane gas, then burnt to remove the majority of hexane, and finally bleached. Yummy!

Penawan.... I really hope you aren't gargling any oil you're using because I have read the instructions in the oil pulling section and they clearly say NO gargling! You should be swishing the oil and it must be done for at least 20 minutes. Gargling isn't suggested cause tilting your head back to gargle might cause some of the oil to be swallowed and you REALLY don't want to do that!!

Casey... How do you use the hemp oil for insomnia, pain and anxiety? And what else can it be used for? I haven't read much about hemp oil being used for ailments.

WHAT WERE YOUR SIDE EFFECTS? I HAVE NOT USED HEMP OIL FOR PULLING BUT FIND IT EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE FOR MANY OTHER AILMENTS INCLUDING INSOMNIA, PAIN, AND ANXIETY.

I have found something to replace flu shots. I haven't had so much as a sniffle since I upped my vitamin D. Flu shots are approx 50% mercury and there is aluminum in there too. Not to mention the shot only covers a couple of specific strains and often the flu that comes around is a noncovered strain. They are a waste if you ask me. I take 5000 units a day. I started with a 1000 and worked my way up. My doctor tests my levels with a blood test just to make sure I need it.

.... Another point is that a mutating virus means that if you take something for it today, it will have mutated by the next day, rendering the effect of the medicine useless...... but hey, what do we know??? Shots are big money for big pharma, playing on the heartstrings of the not-so-informed.

I too have been driven absolutely crazy by the efforts of the medical community and government with the flu shot. I am recieving pamphlets in the mail for goodness sakes. I am sick to death of them making people believe that if you don't get it you are inconsiderate and dumb... Grrrr. Don't believe the hype. I have gotten a total of 2 flu shots in my life and both did nothing but make me sicker. My kids have never had one and I will never get them one. Back when my two oldest were little and in daycare they did not allow children to get flu shots at all. Thank God since I probably would have been naive enough to believe the hype back then.

I could not agree more with Timh -

The flu shot question from the MD's office was out of line. It seems that last year (and this year especially) the medical community - ie big Pharma and the Government - have been SHOVING the flu shots at us like our lives DEPENDED upon receiving them.

They DO NOT.

Research the stats on if the flu shot is effective. You will pull up something like "There is a 62% chance that the flu shot in any given year will be effective".

PLEASE, Dig deeper.... read more....

Statistics being what they are, they are molded to the needs of the person or conglomerate who has a vested interest in convincing you that you need their product.

In fact, the flu shot has about a 12% chance of protecting you. You will find this to be true if you read enough about it, and how the statistics are read / formulated.

Ask yourself if the CRAP in those shots is worth the benefit they MAY provide.

I say emphatically - NO, they are NOT.

Sidebar: My neighborhood Safeway grocery store just constructed a brand new, and very LARGE enclosed room off of the pharmacy for the sole purpose of giving flu shots. We all know how valuable grocery store floor space is. I figure they plan on giving a LOT of flu shots.

This crap makes me insane. No offense to the mentally ill.... I truly do feel insane at times with what is going on in the medical field. It is SO WRONG.

Okay, off the soap box. Thank you for listening to my rant if you have read this far.

Have a wonderful and very healthy day!

~Carly :-)

Lee, the flu-shot question was quite inappropriate, but the medical industry has the clout to push their agendas on we general public; so it is not wise to be point blank on something like this. I would have said something like "Oh yes, we've been considering that but have not yet made a decision". Rick Perry down in Tx lost his Pres bid on his cervical cancer vaccine mandate for girls not of age or at risk. Obamacare insurance mandate, same thing; loss of peoples/patients choices.

The nurse was just following protocol and pushing the big profits agenda. I had an endocrinologist interrogate me of my medical history concerning several different doctors, and several yrs agone, and their treatment recommendations to the point that I shut my lips and prepared to walk out of the office. It's not about public health (choices), it is about corporate profits! Be very careful how you vote, because health care choices and freedoms are, to some degree, under attack. Join Citizensforhealth. com and singe up for the free newsletter and become active in your constitutional rights for choices.

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!

Hello, I'm interested in trying oil pulling! I have amalgams in my mouth. Is it ok to oil pull while having them?

I was reading about oil pulling on the Baseline of Health Foundation (link below) and one of the replies was about having side effects of oil pulling while having amalgams.

http://www.jonbarron.org/detox/nl110404/oil-pulling-strong-immunity?page=2&utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Jon Barron&utm_content=

Please let me know what you think. And thank you in advance Ted for your reply :)

Does anyone know if it is safe to do OP during pregnancy? I have avoided doing any type of cleanse during pregnancy because I do not want to expose my unborn baby to any stirred-up toxins in my body. Does anyone have any advice on this?

I have discovered this website and after reading about oil pulling (and researching on other websites) I decided to try it.......... After two weeks I need to share my story.

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with a tumor/goiter on the right side of my thyroid that was noticeable in size. Oddly enough the left side is trying to compensate for it so my specialist and I decided to just leave it be and I would monitor its size and my well being (noticing any changes to my health) so after several years of blood tests etc.... I am now on yearly monitoring. Seems to be fine but the size has never changed. No matter what kind of cleanse or supplement I did. I just thought it was my little pet to carry around with me. Now I need to mention that I eat very healthy clean whole foods as I am sensitive to a lot of things (thanks goodness my body has a natural defense to all the bad stuff, makes it easier to say no! ). And then I decided to try oil pulling!!!!!!!!!!! The first day I had an awful metallic taste in the back of my throat. From the second day on I would expel a considerable amount of phlegm a few times after I had spit out the oil, IT'S SHRINKING!!!!! I have also had a slight breakout on my chin that happens to line up with my thyroid and only on the affected side so I know its pulling upwards. I honestly think that the doctor may even miss it if I had a routine check up. Not to mention my teeth are so much whiter! I am honestly telling everyone I love because this is so easy! I am fortunate to have seen direct results so I am absolutely convinced that this is another practice that I will incorporate into my daily regime for the rest of my life! Just try it..... Sesame oil, 2 tsp, empty tummy, 20 min and swish-n-spit away your potential future diseases down the drain!

Dear Ted, I have been doing Oil Pulling for about 10 days and I would like to know which oil is more recommended to treat Candidiasis and Herpes Simplex. Also, should I use refined or unrefined oil? Since I live in the Tropics, I have easy access to Natural Coconut Oil which is more affordable than other Extra Virgin Vegetable Oils. Would you recommend doing OP with Natural Coconut Oil in my case? Also, I have had a radioactive treatment for my hyperthyroidism so I am now on Synthroid for the rest of my life. Any contrindication with that? Many thanks in advance!!!

Hi, I have been oil pulling with Sunflower oil for 6 days. I haven't seen any of the benefits yet, in fact I feel worse at the moment. I hope this will get better.

The question I have is what if a person wears dentures, will oil pulling help them? My mother has copd, congestive heart failure, back problems, high blood pressure and many more illnesses, but she wears dentures and I was wondering if oil pulling would benefit her.

Also, I take astaxanthin, krill oil and vitamin D3, is it okay to take this with oil pulling?

To Jane from Tennessee - What oil are you pulling with? I suffer from insomnia as well, and am hoping that if I use the same oil as you do, I might benefit similarly.

I started doing this as per instructions found on this website. Upon doing further research, I found a different way. This site says to do the oil pulling after brushing teeth. The other site says to do it before brushing. So which way is the correct way? Does it matter?

I will say, among the many ailments I have, one is insomnia. I slept like a baby the first nite I started. Haven't noticed improvements of any other ailment as of yet.

Hello, Earth Clinic. I am so glad to have found this site which I have already recommended to others. I have a concern about the possible danger of Oil Pulling and the presence of amalgam fillings in one's mouth.

I'd like a response from Ted, or any person who is an authority on Oil Pulling.

I have been so impressed by the experiences of others with regard to Oil Pulling and am keen to do it regularly. However, I have one amalgam filling left in my mouth, a tooth which also had root canal work done on it years ago. On all the sites I have looked at, it seems that the amalgam filling and Oil Pulling combination is not mentioned very often, and many who report great results do not say whether they have amagam fillings or not.

How can it possibly be safe to swish oil around ones mouth in the presence of a mercury filling?

I know the solution is to have the amalgam filling removed, and I have removed all of the others (slowly, over time). I am reluctant to remove this last one because a) it's expensive and I can't afford it just now and b) a doctor said that it may do more harm to remove it than to keep it in. Despite the protocol that is followed (rubber dam, charcoal drunk afterwards) there's no escaping the mercury vapour that one inhales during the procedure. So for now, it remains in. The filling is big, and old.

I have just completed ten weeks of chelation with a doctor to remove heavy metals from the body, because of all the amalgam fillings I used to have. He used weekly injections with a Vit C and calcium combination. Am concerned that by Oil Pulling, I may inadvertantly re-introduce mercury into the bloodstream again.

I so want to do Oil Pulling - it sounds so effective and makes sense to me, and my husband, who is also keen. We've done it twice already. But could it be that Oil Pulling in the presence of mercury might outweigh the benefits of Oil Pulling altogether and make the practice more harmful than good? I would value knowledgeable comments and advice. Thanks, Earth Clinic

To Dave from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...

That sounds like GERD. My S/O and a former mother-in-law use to have the exact same thing happen to them.

I started O.P. a week ago. Benefits already observed sound sleep, good BM and lost 2.2 pounds.

Hi,
Could anyone explain to me how Dr. Karach cured leukemia by oil pulling? It is known that he has cured a leukemia patient. I would really like to find out as I was diagnosed with Chrinic Myeloid Leukemia two years ago. I'm currently on a drug called Imatinib which keeps it in check. I just started oil pulling and found out about Dr. Karach's success with his leukemia patient. I would like to find out his therapy regiment and cure myself (God Willing). Any info would be great... Thanks. Zul Tania

Hi, I read somewhere earlier that taking apple cider vinegar in orally could help with Sinus issues. Search on sinuses and ACV and see what you find...

There are way more benefits than reported side effects or no benefits so I would consider that maybe your own mindset is the reason for your body not healing. The fact that our bodies can heal just if we can believe something can heal us is a beautiful and god given blessing that more people should look into. We have become a sick society because we do not eat what nature intended and also cause I minds are filled with negativity and stress.

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I have been oil pulling with sesame oil and have notice great improvements in the health of my gum and the teeth becoming whiter.

The only problem I have is the side effects which includes Blocked nose which is really annoying and I have to use decongestant to clear it up and feeling lethargic and weak. Although I have been doing it for many weeks but I stopped for a while and when I started again I am getting the same symptoms.

Some times I do OP for more than 20 minutes or even 30 minutes, and I wonder could this be the reason for feeling ill.

I was fortunate to find out about Dr Karach's oil pulling therapy over 16 years ago, and my objective was to improve my immune system, as a preventative. And it certainly has done so, for example, the number of colds has gone down a lot. Plus, my digestion has improved very much. Also, I can go on for more hours without feeling the need to eat.

I mostly use sesame oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil: Once per day, one table spoon in the morning, before breakfast, 5-7 days a week. I have found that it's very important to rinse the oral cavity and tonge with baking soda/salt in warm water, and brush all of the same area - including the tongue, after applying just a little baking soda and salt on the toothbrush.

Basically, my opinion is that oil pulling is one of the very best ways to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities, and that includes detoxification. 15-20 minutes in the morning of oil pulling regularly, while taking a shower or shaving or ... - is one of the wisest things we could to, healthwise.

I wanted to add a note concerning the addition of a drop or two of Oil of Oregano during the OP. You'll want to make sure that you get ORGANIC oil, and not only that, but make sure it is labeled as "Oil of WILD OREGANO! What sells under the label "Oil of Oregano" or "Oregano Oil" is really Marjoram, and does NOT possess the wonderful, natural, anti-biotic properties of Oil of Wild Oregano. Don't let 'em fool ya!

It is oil from a specific wild plant (not the same plant known in Spain as "oregano" and used in cooking) that grows on the hillsides of the Mediterranean region which is the real deal. It is the most powerful anti-biotic agent in nature.

I wouldn't have known the difference if someone hadn't once told me, so I wanted to pay it forward. Thank you for the opportunity.

Loving this site! :0)

Be blessed!!

I've OPed for about three years now. And I've followed endless discussions about what it does and does not do. I now have a theory.

I don't think that OP "pulls" anything out of the system. What it does seem to do is infuse your body with EFA's sublingually (under your tongue) which enters the bloodstream bypassing gastric juices. I found a patent that uses oil as a transporter of medication for a sublingual medication. From what I read, Oleic Acid is commonly used for this transport.

It makes sense why some people have skin conditions clear up with OP. They are being dose with good oil.

Secondly, there is now do doubt that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your organ health. A well known biologist, a friend of my Dad, said he thinks that the bacteria in the mouth, the really bad stuff that forms plague, is very attracted to the acids in the oil. So it melts this bad stuff and then you spit it out. That's why your teeth get much cleaner than by conventional means, like alcohol based rinses.

And so, when you melt this bad stuff, you simply spit it out..buh bye.

Now, I think this is the major link to why people experience healing while OP. As your mouth is populating with all this nasty bacteria (or worse, infections), you are swallowing the stuff. That bacteria is attacking you internally. That is why some people have had heart attacks after a dental procedure, like a root canal, that infuses their body with nasty stuff. Yes, it can attack the heart and other vital organs.

OP simply removes it so that it cannot go anywhere else. Dr. Karach talked about curing a long time blood disease. Perhaps his dental health was very bad.

Add a drop of Oil of Oregano to your oil pulling for about a week every 3 or so months, and you have a powerful anti-bacterial agent to kill all this stuff. Oregano Oil is natures anti-biotic, so it should not be abused, and used just like you would a pharmaceutical anti-biotic.

All these theories I have come from a long time listening and discussing this modality.

OP is very gentle. It's just food for goodness sake! And I believe that it should be a common morning occurrence, just like brushing your teeth.

I've actually used it to get rid of sinus infections and lung infections. It has cut down on the time I am sick, but darn if I've hardly gotten sick since I've started OP. Also, my long time seasonal allergies are gone. If I do have any lung complaints, I OP back to back until I don't cough anything up anymore.

I have used (always unrefined and organic) Sesame, Sunflower, Walnut, Macadamia, coconut, Udo's Oil, Total EFA Oil....amongst others. My personal all time favorite is Sesame, hand's down. I have noticed that if you change your oil about ever two months, it's like a renewed therapy. Don't know why, perhaps your body is getting used to that particular EFA formula. But I have noticed that when I change, my teeth get whiter even more.

Thought I'd weigh in since I haven't been here for awhile. Actually, it was myself and Ms Kitty from Oregon that turned Earth clinic onto this some years back. I'm so pleased to see that this is still being discovered and that people are having such good results.

OP is a no-brainer. It's not dangerous, it can't pull stuff out of your body, like medication, it's simply swishing some "food" around your mouth. But what it does do is invaluable.

Keep Swishing!!

These are instructions from India in which only 2 types of oil can be used. However, as you will read below in our Reader Feedback section, people are experimenting with different oils, adding anti-bacterial and anti-viral oil essences. Soon we might have a purist vs. renegade oil pulling battle!

INSTRUCTIONS:

First thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, eating or drinking, take 1 TBSP of either sesame or sunflower oil. Put the oil in your mouth, tilt your chin up and slowly swish, suck, chomp and pull through the teeth. Do this for at least 10 minutes. 15 - 20 minutes is better. You want the oil to become a thin, white foam when you finally spit it out. If it's still yellow, you haven't done it long enough.

You can do this 2 more times during the day if you want to detox faster. Make sure you do it on an empty stomach, however. Spit it out in the toilet when your mouth is full and rinse your mouth out well.

Follow by drinking 2 - 3 glasses of water.

DO NOT SWALLOW THE OIL.
It now contains parasites and bacteria!

DO NOT GARGLE IN THE THROAT -- THE OIL IS MEANT TO BE SWISHED IN THE MOUTH ONLY.

DO IT SLOWLY.

HOW IT WORKS:
The oil pulls all mucous, bacteria and toxins from your body through your saliva. According to Ayurvedic medicine, mucous is a poison that must be removed.

Note #1:
Keeping the chin tilted up makes sure the oil gets to the back molars.

Note #2:
The old school says that only sesame and sunflower oils produce favorable results. However, our readers report success using other oils too.

Note #3:
If after meals, wait at least 4 hours before you Oil Pull. After drinking, wait 1 hour.

Note #4:
A worsening of symptoms is an excellent indication that the disease/ailment is being cured.

Note #5:
Do not stop Oil Pulling if you feel aggravated symptoms or heightened side effects after a day or two. Your body is healing.

Note #6:
Will your dental fillings fall out? It's possible but highly unlikely unless there is pre-existing damage or loose fillings.

The oil will start to thin out after a few minutes because saliva is constantly being mixed in and swished about.

The best type of Oil for Oil Pulling is Coconut Oil.

Bonnie in Canada

In response to Elizabeth from Arlington, TX: The extra boogies in your nose are probably draining from your sinuses, meaning the ACV is working! Perhaps irritation is from the process of getting rid of said boogies.

For the oil pulling what kind of sunflower oil, sesame oil do you use? Are you talking about just buying the oil that is 100% in the cooking aisle and /or some type of oil at health food store concentrated?

I am using this treatment so it can clear up some dryness and tightness I'm experiencing on the inside of my mouth. It feels tight on the inside center of cheeks and where the inside corners of the mouth meet. I was using a new toothpaste last month and I think I was allergic to an ingredient so I stopped using it.