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.
Asthma
Posted by Dan (Sacramento, CA) on 03/18/2007
★★★★★
About two weeks ago I was taking my inhaler about twice a day (two puffs total since I don't like using the inhaler in the first place). Then I started Oil-Pulling. You can draw your own conclusions. But all I can say is that the very next day I stopped having to use my inhaler. I didn't experience an immediate throwing-up of mucus. But what I did experience is a gradual coughing-up of mucus all throughout the day. Another thing that I've experienced at least twice is what happens if my chest becomes tight. Usually when my chest tightens it'll stay that way and gradually get worse until I take my inhaler.
What I'm seeing is that when my chest tightens , I'll go through maybe a three hour period where I'll slowly begin to cough-up mucus until my chest is clear again. I have NEVER experienced my chest clearing-up all by itself after it has tightened. I've ALWAYS had to take medicine in order to get relief. During that time, my nose was stuffed a lot of the time. Since I've been OP-ing, it hasn't been. I can only conclude that it must due to the Oil-Pulling.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Ek (Sydney) on 11/07/2025
★★★★★
Oil pulling is one of the Ayurvedic protocols used in panchakarma which originates from India. Traditionally cold pressed sesame oil is used. A lot of comments theorise what the oil is actually doing. Oil is used in a wide variety of applications in panchakarma and has a nourishing affect, aswell as a binding and drawing effect in pulling toxins out of the body. Coming from a 9th generation ayurvedic practitioner that I see in SE Asia. I go to see him for treatments that can do miraculous things like pull mercury out of the brain. Westerners wouldn't believe that a simple oil could do something like that, but I have witnessed it. Prepared in the correct way, Oil has an amazing ability to heal and draw out toxins from the body. 5 thousand years of hindu science based on Vedic scriptures. Powerful stuff.
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!
Detoxification
Posted by Malismjau (United Kingdom) on 10/26/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello! I'm 24 years old female. I started coconut oil pulling about 4 days ago. At the beginning only 10 min in the morning whilst taking shower and didn't notice any particular changes. Last two days I have been doing it 20 min in the morning before breakfast and 20 min before bedtime. I had root canal done on two of my molar teeth 4 years ago. To start with I had infections and I couldn't get rid of them but than it just stopped and I was getting jaw pains every now and than.... yesterday my gums swell around the two teeth, my jaw pains are constant, I had sore throat. This morning I woke up with less swelling. Still feeling horrible. Also noticed that I stink of sweat and it was so intense I had to run to shower straight away. I feel so unwell. I smoke about 6 cigarettes a day. Today I could barely handle one. Feel like I have no carvings at all. Smoke makes me cringe. I am convinced that all toxins and bacteria is leaving my body and I feel very unwell. But happy at the same time and wont stop. I cannot believe I haven't fond this cure before.
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.
Castor Oil
Posted by Leah (Ohio) on 03/05/2014
100% cold-pressed Castor Oil is actually used internally as a stimulant laxative (can be purchased at drugstores). So it can be used internally. Also, with the oil pulling method, you are not supposed to swallow the oil, since it is extracting toxins. It must be spit out.
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 Jay (Toronto, Ont, Canada) on 10/31/2011
★★★★★
To Patricia from Carmel, Ca. Oil Pulling detoxifies by absorbing bacteria and other organisms from the mouth only. This can help the immune system by taking on this workload and freeing the immune system to concentrate on other issues.
The 2 natural products that have been proven to remove toxins in your system from past chemotherapy & radiation treatments are chlorella and cilantro.
Libido Restored
Posted by Christofer (Denver, Colorado - Usa) on 09/03/2011
★★★★★
I have been doing OP with sesame for less than two weeks. Not only do I sleep better, cut down on excessive urination especially at night, weight loss, just general wonderful feelings, but my libido has returned like crazy. I am 62, but have suffered from psoriatic arthritis for years, and have lost sexual vitality for over a decade. NOW. What has happened? I am walking around with increased circulation, desire of youth and awakening with erections. I am sure now that my entire state of health has been affected by conjested toxins, but oh my God. This is wonderful! Can you give me more theory, or explanation for this wonderful change?
About Oil Pulling
Posted by Kathie (Houston, United States) on 05/16/2011
★★★★★
I have read in several places that oil pulling helps to activate our bile. If this is true, what do you think about taking a psyllium drink before or after oil pulling to "grab" the bile in the bowel and further assist its removal?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Amy (Roanoke, Va,usa) on 11/06/2010
★★★★★
I started oil pulling 3 days ago. Using Sesame oil. Miracle of all miracles... My tongue had a thick white coating before op, now it is healthy and red. I had pain in my left tooth that the dentist said there was nothing wrong. I had trouble chewing on my left side for 2 years. Yesterday I was able to chew and the pain was 90% gone. I wake up feeling refreshed and am sleeping well. I have had insomnia and was waking up feeling awful and tired and grumpy... So I think op does work and everyone should try it.
Dental Issues
Posted by Noelle (Denton, Tx, Us) on 09/15/2010
★★★★★
I found this site after researching ACV and am very glad to have found it. After reading for a few days, I decided to try OPing. All I had in the house was EVOO, so I did that for 2 days and then got some organic sesame (not sesame seed) oil. I found the sesame taste very pleasant, although I see some posters have found it too strong for their tastes. What amazed me was how clean my teeth and mouth felt after 20 minutes of the sesame oil. The yucky "dragon mouth" I was used to having upon awakening was not there, nor was the scummy residue on my teeth. I didn't even feel like I really needed to brush my teeth afterward (but did). I have very soft teeth enamel, to the point that I have left brush marks on my teeth, and I wish I'd known about OPing years ago. Can't wait to see what other benefits are revealed.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Iris (Los Angeles, Ca, U.s.) on 08/20/2010
★★★★★
I have been using coconut for oil pullin for 2 days. Today is 8/20/2010.
I was looking for a way to avoid root canals. I had pain in my teeth on both sides of my mouth and just did not want any more root canals. I read in a book written by a dentist that root canals allow bacteria to set up as soon as 24 hours after they are done. And that the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause pain and disease that the medical doctor won't make the connection that the problem is stemming from a root canal whether it was done years ago or just recently. I am happy I found this site. My goodness how can swossing oil around your mouth have such power and allow you to reap such benefits? Here are some of mine:
The first night I found out about oil pulling I just used a cotton swab to massage my gums and teeth with olive oil. The next morning my gums were so sore. I wonder if the oil stirred up the bacteria in my gums. I started oil pulling that morning with coconut oil as I read it killed bacteria. Over a period of some time, my teeth had become yellow, I do not know why as they used to be white, white, white. I oil pulled for 20 minutes. Immediatly I saw that my teeth lightened up tremendously. I was elated. I had used tooth bleach but the procedure would have to be repeated). Mucous began to released as I was doing the oil pulling and continued afterward for probably over an hour (I didn't time it). My teeth are so smooth now (and whiter), only after 2 days of this. When I drink water now, I feel so hydrated and the water taste good just hitting my mouth. This is something I had never even thought of. I didn't know what I was missing until now. The pain in my teeth has lessened. I can still feel a little bit. But it is leaving.
I had pain, first in my right hip, then got tremendous pain in my left hip. Now both areas are almost pain free. Also, I had pain in my neck and shoulders, it is gone. I am feeling twinges of pain I believe in my lung area. I used to wake up practically craving junk food and would have to force myself to eat the healthy organic foods that I always buy. The cravings seem to be gone for the time being. Now I feel stable and want the healthy organic vegetables with no problem. I woke up this morning with a lot of energy and couldn't wait to get out for my morning job. I had gotten to the place where I felt exercise was something I "had to do". Now I am back to the pleasure of taking care of my body. And not only that, my joy of doing things and new ideas are returning. The feeling I have now is: What can I do today. I love this. The relief of these symptoms tells me that bacteria can cast a dreary veil over your life. I am thankful for the founders of this site. Oh, one other thing. My doctor said, I have high sugar but not high enough to be on medication. Sugar is an environment where bacteria can flourish. I believe the cocunut oil pulling has killed a lot of bacteria in internal environment.
