Study done on oil pulling:
General Feedback
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.
General Feedback
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.....
General Feedback
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!
Hemp Oil
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.
Hemp Oil
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.
Multiple Oils Tried
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.
Multiple Oils Tried
.... 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.
Multiple Oils Tried
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.
Multiple Oils Tried
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 :-)
Multiple Oils Tried
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.
Multiple Oils Tried
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 :)
General Feedback
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?
General Feedback

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!!!
General Feedback
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?
General Feedback
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.
General Feedback
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
General Feedback
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.
Multiple Oils Tried
I started O.P. a week ago. Benefits already observed sound sleep, good BM and lost 2.2 pounds.
General Feedback
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
Instructions and Theories
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...
General Feedback
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.
Instructions and Theories

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.
Instructions and Theories

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.
Instructions and Theories
EC, Could you include with the basic instructions on oil pulling Ted's suggestion to detox for two weeks before beginning the oil pulling process? I think he recommended using 1 tablespoon ACV with 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, stir well, add 1/2 to 1 cup of water and drink one or two times a day for two weeks; OR, take 2 tablespoons of lemon juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken two times a day. The alkalization tends to remove toxins if done for at least two weeks. Then on the second or third week they can start oil pulling. This regimen is supposed to greatly reduce the Herksheimer effect of getting worse before you get better. It seems like many people are just starting out with the oil pulling first and wanting to quit because they didn't prepare properly and are suffering from the Herksheimer effect."
11/23/2010: Hansika from Jakarta, West Jawa replies: "Just tried Oil Pulling with sunflower oil... Wondering how people can do it for 20 mins? I had to spit it out after 7 mins as could not hold it any longer. The saliva mixed with the oil made it very liquid and a lot for me to hold in my mouth whils swishing it around, also my mouth muscles were kind of tired. When I spat it out, it was white but very runny. Would I be able to do it longer with practice?"
11/24/2010: Hansika from Jakarta, Indonesia replies: "Hi, I could do it for 10 mins. Today. Had to spit it out or it would have gone down my throat. What I spat was white and foamy but still very runny. Am I doing it correct?"
11/26/2010: Linda from San Antonio, Texas replies: "I have been oil pulling for about 8 months, mostly with sunflower oil. Usually when I spit it out after 20 minutes, the oil is yellowish white and creamy in appearance. For the last couple of days, it has been yellow and I noticed a metallic taste in my mouth while doing the op. Last night, my throat started burning after about 8 minutes and I had to stop. I have been taking colloidal silver in a different concentration for about a week, could this be causing the change in the oil's appearance and taste? Or is it a symptom of detoxing from something? Has anyone heard of these results while oil pulling? Thanks for your answers and God Bless this site! I have used many wonderful remedies from Earth Clinic."
12/07/2010: Catherine from Wellington, New Zealand replies: "Hi, like Hansika I had a very rough start to oil pulling. Started with 1 Tbsp sesame oil but couldn't hold it beyond 30 seconds before gagging reflex. I persevered each day for a week but never got beyond 2 minutes plus what I spat out looked like virulent yellow paint! That was some months ago. I have always detested the smell and texture of fats and oils although I can take cod liver oil without too much trouble, recently I have discovered that EVCO is quite palatable (it is always a hard consistency in this climate so can be chewed)
After reading some feedback about starting small and being occupied while swishing Ihave given it another go, this time with EVCO. Day 1- 1 tsp for 5 mins: Day 2- 2tsp for 10 mins: Today is day 3 and have been swishing for 20 mins while cruising EC and writing this.... So if you have trouble with OP start small and find an oil you can tolerate. Love EC"
12/13/2010: Tanya from Hailey, Id, Usa replies: "Since 2006, I started getting serious pains in my left jaw, teeth and tongue. 4 doctors looked at me and couldn't find anything wrong. I thought it was TNA (trigeminal neuralgia) but the pains would not be quite as nasty as described for those victims. Middle of November, I started a craving a fresh doughnut not thinking very highly of myself through depression and constant pain. I also had a lump in my tongue that I'd had before in other spots, so I could tell that I was so stressed that I was straining my tongue very hard during sleep. I don't have a grinding issue, nor TMJ. Each day was worse and worse until I was exhausted and piling into the tub every night with a fever, taking at least 4 ibuprofen a day and going to bed early. Then it hit me on 11.30.10 that I was basically poisoning myself with all the sugar, dough and yeast I had worked so hard to eliminate. I immediately cut it out and looked up EC to see what to do about my sore tongue. Someone mentioned oil pulling in that thread so I was intrigued, then impressed, and finally convinced after what I was reading.
Called my husband and told him to get me a fresh bottle of sesame oil, caught the bus and came home. I couldn't wait until morning to try the oil. It so happened as well, that a cold sore came out on my upper right lip and I was in even MORE pain on the entire right side of my head, neck and back.. I was miserable. Since 12.1.10, I have been using just under a full tablespoon of the sesame oil every morning, making it to 15 minutes but wishing I had more time to do it longer. I sometimes want to do it right before dinner, too. It freshens my mouth and I feel I taste foods better. I follow by a bit of baking soda on my brush and using warm water, brush my teeth normally but without toothpaste. I will use the toothpaste at night just.. Because, I guess.. I like the taste of the sesame and the sensation I get after I spit it out is that I've just eaten a really oily peanut butter cookie - it tastes great to me! Here are my observations and benefits so far:
1 - I have not had to blow my nose for the past 11 days though I've had fevers, pain and what others would think is the flu, but I knew was only stress from my pains. This is huge for me. I would always have to clear my sinuses in the shower upon rising. No more.. And I don't have to do it throughout the day!! I walk to the bus, walk through town and walk to catch the bus every day so I'm pretty active and fit, but I usually have to fight some kind of nasaly thing in the winter -> not at the present time, however, and I am thrilled! .. Amazed, really.
2 - My pains in my left jaw, teeth and tongue stopped and have not been affecting me at all since 12. 1. 10. I am floored at this. It is highly interesting to me that my 'spongy, ' 'bad' teeth are now tighter and feeling like they like being in me for the first time in my life! I have fillings in nearly every tooth and have to do what I can to preserve them because I have those boney growths from my lower jaw into my mouth that prevent me from just getting dentures... Which I don't want, either. I usually had to have 2 glasses of Cabernet every night to get rid of the pain so I could sleep - or a couple ibuprofen. No more.. At present. My teeth feel fresh and tight, happy and content, no throbbing or stabbing pains alerting me to "DO SOMETHING! DO SOMETHING NOW!! ".
3 - My breath is not so bad now.. I also don't 'crave' the floury, doughy things that I was, nor does sugar appeal to me as much. I even like cold oatmeal without sugar on it, now... This is weird.
4 - I love red wine but hate the stains on my teeth. For some strange reason, the past week or more, I've noticed that I can drink the wine and my teeth don't have a dark red cast to them. They're staying whiter while I have the wine! I don't know why that is, but I guess it has been helping my enamel? I get a tiny bit of red in between my teeth but nothing at all of the dark, scary colors they were before I started pulling. I will keep writing to speak of more benefits as I go on with this. It's winter here and my office staff is prone to sickness a LOT and I choose to not catch those things so I want to see how this helps me. I am so grateful for finding this information that I tell a lot of people and post it to my Facebook to get them to try it."
02/09/2011: Spb from New York replies: "I have been oil pulling with extra virgin coconut oil for a month now. I suffer from Candida and the "die off" was pretty bad at first. I was tired and sleepy and the headaches were pretty unbearable. As a result I slowed down the process and only pulled oil once a day as opposed to twice a day. I also swallowed a teaspoon of coconut oil three times a day. Both the oil pulling and ingesting the coconut oil has worked wonders for me. So much so, that I actually stopped the process for a few days.
Once I stopped OP I noticed that my cravings for sugar returned, my symptoms of Candida returned, and the weight that I had initially lost started to come back. Basically, all of the benefits of coconut oil that I was experiencing (appetite control, weight loss, hormonal balance increased energy, better sleeping habits and yeast control) were all disappearing within a few days of stopping the process. Today, I started the process again and I'm feeling so much better. My sinuses are draining I am experiencing some mild "die off". Now, that I worked with oil pulling and noticed the difference of working without it, I will keep oil pulling as part of my daily routine.
I also plan to fast for 30 days of Lent on coconut oil. hopefully I won't experience any adverse effects of doing so."
02/11/2011: Hello from Seattle, Usa replies: "Are you taking any other remedies for Candida? I think I have it too, so I'm trying to determine what the best method is."
02/14/2011: B from D, Tx replies: "Try taking acidophilus."
03/13/2011: Sara from London, Uk replies: "I tried OP first time yesterday for a tooth abscess. I did it first thing in the morning with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, I had a dull head ache which I took it to be due to lack of sleep. Later on in the afternoon I tried OP again with Sunflower oil, but this time I felt really sick. I was dizzy and had a slight headache, my heart was racing for a little while, my spleen hurt and so did my lower back. Later in the evening I had a sore throat and earache. I woke up fine this morning, however I am afraid to do it again. I think perhaps I should've done it just once... Any suggestions on how to avoid feeling so bad afterwards? And is it always going to be like this? Thanks..."
04/15/2011: Madhavan from Bangalore, Karnataka/india replies: "Dear freinds, I think oil pulling does miracle if you all keep doing regularly, I am doing since last 6 months, I am really amazed how my tonsillitis has reduced to normal, my snoring has come down by 95%, my gastric problem has reduced by 90%, I am more energitic, and having good sleep, please do not stop keep doing it will surely help each and everyone, well I am using SUNFLOWER REFINED OIL.
Instructions and Theories
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!!
Instructions and Theories

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.
Excellent Oil Pulling Links for More Information:
(updated March 2, 2009)
http://www.oilpulling.org
http://www.oilpulling.org/opuniversalremedy.pdf
http://www.oilpulling.org/PULLING OIL_karacharticle.pdf
The best type of Oil for Oil Pulling is Coconut Oil.
Bonnie in Canada
General Feedback
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.
General Feedback
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.
General Feedback
I have a permanent mouth retainer in the back of my top front teeth (going across 6 front teeth in total) going on 15 years now. I've been reading here on the forums that some people had their fillings come out with this treatment, is there a possibility it could loosen my retainer? It's wired and dental glued so I want to make sure before continuing treatment. This is my second day on this OP using refined organic sunflower oil.