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.
Congestion
Posted by Celleste (Penang, Malaysia) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
I tried Oil Pulling for the very first time 30min. ago. Been reading about the great results it brings, so I was really curious. I tried it with 1 TSP. EV Olive Oil; when it first entered my mouth the taste was horrible. I almost spitted it back out but told myself to hold it. Then 5 min. later I really couldn't stand the taste anymore, so after gagging repeatedly, I spit it out. Was rather disappointed at myself for not keeping it in long enough. BUT...interestingly, the oil already turned white & frothy (I'm down with flu, so I guess I must be really toxic now). Then as I was brushing my teeth, I blew out a significant amount of mucus from the left side of my nose (which had been stuffy all night), & after I finished brushing, as I was checking my teeth (do this every morning by habit), I again blew out a significant amount of mucus from the right side of my nose. So now my nose is clear & I'm breathing so much better. As I was looking in the mirror, I happened to notice that my teeth are whiter already & my tongue has a prettier pinkish shade (it had been coated for the past week coz of my flu). I have to say I'm pleasantly shocked. I didn't expect any of this after just 5 min. of what I thought to be a 'failed' OP. One thing, though, the after-taste of Olive Oil is still there, & I don't find that pleasant at all. So I'll definitely continue OP to find some more surprises, but I'll try other oils. Finally, my heartfelt thanks to Earth Clinic for running a true site like this without any gimmick of promoting certain products & to all of you out there for sharing your experiences.
Abscessed Tooth
Posted by Melinda (Macungie, PA) on 10/21/2008
★★★★★
I learned about Oil Pulling from your website and I feel so thankful for this wonderful treatment. I had an abscess under a tooth in my mouth that would not go away. I had tried antibiotics twice and it just went away for a while and came back. The last time I had an abscess I needed to have the tooth pulled and an implant put in - lots of pain and money.
I started oil pulling - for the first 2 weeks twice a day and then once a day. The abscess looked better and better but did not go away. Daily i would clean out any accumulated pus, and eventually i only had to do that every 3 days or so. Then - one morning after 2 months of this - when I went to clean it out to my great surprise a small bubble came out - the outside was clear and inside was a bright grass green color. After that day, the abscess completely healed. It has been three months and everything is just fine. Thank you so much for the information that you post here. I used 1 tablespoon of Cold Pressed Sesame Oil and I added a few drops of Oregano Oil to it for oil pulling. I am still oil pulling, switching types of oil every few months.
Skin
Posted by Helen (Austin) on 05/23/2015
I have been doing oil pulling for a little under a week. I woke up with bilateral pink eye, a sore throat, and a face covered in acne:/
Insights and Theories
Posted by Jean (Milwaukee, Wi) on 03/20/2014
When people refer to coconut oil, I don't know if they mean the solid, white oil but that sounds yucky. I imagine it causing a gag reflex. Medium Chain Triglycerides oil (MCT) is the lighter, liquid version of coconut oil and would be easier to get whole tablespoon in your mouth. It's more expensive though but good to have on hand for diet. I just thought, you could warm up to liquefy the solid before taking and that may be what everyone does! Oh well, I prefer the lighter taste of MCT or sunflower oil and use less than a Tbs so that I can keep in my mouth for the entire 20 min.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Therese (New York) on 05/10/2018
I just OP'd for the first time. I used organic coconut oil because that's what I had on hand. When I spit out, mine was red, too. Can anyone shed light on this?
Also, my tongue and teeth (actually gums, I guess) were tingling, and I could feel the glands in my throat. Is this to be expected?
Lastly, it's just been discovered that my thyroid is enlarged. Does anyone have any idea if there could be a positive effect on the thyroid by OPing?
I'm *SO* glad I found this site!!
Addiction, Smoking
Posted by Tina Fina (San Juan, Puerto Rico) on 02/06/2008
★★★★★
Hola! My name is Tina. I've been a fashion model for years, a smoking fashion model, that has quit drinking alcohol but hasn't dropped the cigs. I did the oil pulling for the first time with E.Virgin Olive Oil and whoever came up with this technique is a genius! I did it for 20 minutes no problem (tasted the nicotine and the toxins emerging) It is imposible to take one drag off a cig all day. I keep tasting the nicotine coming out! I think i've found the ultimate solution! Can't wait to share it with my family and friends ! Thank you ARYUVEDA and DEIRDRE! GREAT SITE *MY FAVORITE! T.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Antoinette (Raleigh, NC) on 01/05/2008
★★★★★
WOW! I was just reading about the oil pulling. I have severe sinus problems, as well as a host of other ailments, which I will relate at another time. I woke up this morning severely congested, with thick green mucuous. I searched the computer under sinus treatments and found this website. I decided to try it although I was scared. I didnt have sesame or sunflower oil, I only had extra virgin olive oil, so I tried it. I just tried right now for the first time. Within 2 minutes....yes!! 2 minutes! my nose opened up, and I could breathe!!! I started feeling more alert in my mind, and I was so shocked. I just spit out the solution a few minutes ago...... and I brushed my teeth, and Im going to drink the 2 to 3 glasses of water. I will post again soon. I will do it again tonight. Thanks!!!
Sinus Infections
Posted by Diann (Ft. Worth, Texas) on 06/22/2008
★★★★★
To Patricia...I had commented to someone else about the same thing, but for a loss of how to spell it, I cut my experience short. My sinus infection had gone undected for so long that the poison went into my lungs, and apparently I had pneumonia, but didn't even realize that until having found this site in desparation, and God's will, started oil pulling...it took two weeks for the mucous from my lungs to blow out of my nose a very dark green...I had never even blown dark yellow out before this OP experience, and have suffered with sinus infections all my life. Keep it up, and get rid of the poison...It took me almost 6 weeks, but for the first time in my life, I don't weeze, cough, almost smother to death in a lying down positon, and breath like I have a new set of lungs..I am 56 years old.
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tunesia (Louisville, KY) on 01/26/2007
★★★★★
I''ve been oil pulling now for 3 mths with olive oil with amazing results. I used to wake up with joint soreness every morning.That ended after the first day for me and I also noticed that I sleep great and can get right out of the bed and function in the morning. my teeth are whiter, and skin is clear. I never had a problem with arthritis in my hands but pulling brought it to the surface and got rid of it I ached for two weeks and it's gone and hasn't been back. I quickly advised my family to start and now 4 of them are with favorable results. It definately does get worse before getting better, but stick with it. My Aunt is in her worsening stages of her ailments but looking forward to getting better.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Renee (Bronx, New York) on 08/28/2011
★★★★★
I have read from many references that it is best to use cold pressed sesame oil or sunflower oil. Though we haven't tried sunflower oil (possibly due to most in my family are genetically not comfortable with the smell) we have also tried virgin coconut oil and they both do the job - without side effects. Hope this helps!
Asthma
Posted by Shakti (Chicago, IL) on 11/06/2006
★★★★★
Please post this where asthma sufferers can view it, this is important because I had a hard time finding a cure for asthma on your site but thank God I did. I began a regimen of oil pulling shortly after a lingering cold went to my lungs, I just couldn't get rid of the mucus. I prayed for relief. It got even worse after a chemical pesticide was sprayed in my home for pest control. The next day after the extermination I had the worst attack of my life, I couldn't stand it anymore, so after 10 years of not having to put any poison into my lungs I had to once again use an inhaler to control the attacks. After the second night of waking up feeling side effects of nervousness anxiety and panic I decided enough was enough. I went to the computer in the middle of the night and began hours of research to find a natural cure. That's how I found this miracle of a web site. The next day I went out a purchased some sesame oil and took one table spoon 3x a day at the onset of my asthma attack and Immediately after the very first dose the mucus expelled out of my longs, and within 10 minutes what had plagued me for over 10 years was no more. Since then If I have any tightening in my chest or shortness of breath I IMMEDIATELY do the oil pulling and the problem subsides in 10 minutes or less. ~~~Oh I'd be remiss if I did not mention the side effect, I took oil pulling for Bronchial Asthma but as a result I got a dazzling white smile, sinus relief, not to mention it remarkably helped to subside my symptoms PMS all unexpected but welcomed side effects. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! P.S. thanks my husband thanks you too, lol.
Insights and Theories
Posted by Sharon (Utah) on 07/01/2022
Thank you so much. I haven't done this in a long while but I have some symptoms that are disturbing and I believe it is good to use the aged Remedies that heal the body.
Oil Pulling Side Effects
Posted by Linda (Ireland ) on 07/03/2023
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been oil pulling and while my gums are benefiting I'm wondering about a red fungal looking rash I have on my stomach and my face is red, am I detoxing?
Dental Issues
Posted by Reno (Memphis, Tn) on 01/27/2017
★★★★★
Why do all that gross swishing of oil and spit for 20 minutes? Just swish a small sip of hydrogen peroxide for 2 minutes then spit it out and rinse your mouth. This is even better for oxygenation of the gums and promotes healing of minor abraisions of the mouth and will not burn your mouth. (if you have a beard don't let it get on your beard especially if it's tinted or it may turn white. If you do rinse the beard immediately).
Side Effects
Posted by Holly (Atlanta, Ga) on 08/16/2014
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for almost 5 days now. On the evening of the second day I started a dense headache that has increased slowly and has now turned into a full blown migraine by the 5th day!! All week I did not take any OTC pain pills but I had to take something for the agonizing migraine. My question is, is this normal? My detox is horrific! I hear and read all these stories of how great people feel, I feel I've been hit by a bus! I want to continue OP, I'm am seeing positive results with skin and teeth but this detox is killing me. Do you have any words of wisdom?
Dental Issues
Posted by Timh (KY) on 11/20/2014 2042 posts
I have found that walking around or even sitting upright in a vertical position is not ideal for Oil Pulling. Recline your body 45 degrees and the pull is much more effective.
Side Effects
Posted by Kennywally (Midwest) on 06/02/2016 46 posts
To Liz (Atlanta):
I tried all them oils, olive, sesame etc, but I settled on coconut oil due to taste and it performs quite well. I know originally it called for other oils, but I found them to be difficult to keep in mouth for very long. And to me, 15-20 minutes was ridiculous, but if anyone prefers that, by all means, continue til your heart is content. I vigorously pull for about 20 seconds then spit red, due to chronic gum issues, then I pull again and I spit pink, then I pull one more time and it's clear and I do it prior to bed, because bedtime, the overnight is when the bacteria multiplies the most, and not rinsing off the oil allows the natural antimicrobial quality of the coconut oil to do a bit of protecting while I sleep, Hope that adds to your info base.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 03/25/2014
It's supposed to be solid, so the answer to your question is yes. It will liquefy once it is in your 98.6 degree mouth. :) The entire jar will become liquid when the weather is warmer.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Hamm (Florida, US) on 01/14/2015
I think real exercise would do you well. Play sports and if you can't do that, just run. 21 is tooooo young for health problems.
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.
Castor Oil
Posted by Ta (St. Louis, Mo, Usa) on 02/11/2015
Castor oil is in many cosmetics and creams/ointments and has been used as a laxative for generations. I've never heard of any problems from consuming other than relieving constipation.
Skin
Posted by Jeffrey (Hartly, Delaware) on 03/12/2013
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling for several weeks, sesame oil, one tablespoon, each morning for 20 minutes. Before I started my facial skin was flaking severely. Now it doesn't! No flaking, period.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Samara (Manchester, Yorkshire, England) on 02/26/2013
★★★★★
Recently I wrote in about my experience with oil pulling and making my own home made toothpaste. I began using organic, unrefined cold pressed sesame oil for pulling, and baking soda with a minimal amount of fine sea salt and peppermint essential oil for brushing my teeth and still am.. My progress report.
It's been two months now in total and almost a month since my original post.
Initially I experienced some bad breath where I hadnt had a problem with bad breath before .. Or halitosis being the posh term :) My bad breath has disappeared.. My teeth are noticeably less stained.. Very noticeably I have to say.. My oral health, my teeth and gums are definately healthier.. not dramatically so I have noticed but definately an improvement.
The other thing I have noticed tho is that I do not ever get any plaque on my teeth .. Never.. prior to and during my menses I get very ill and sick which brings about any number of issues.. Mouth ulcers being one of them.. Oil pulling has virtually eradicated this for me. If I get one it is gone in a few hours. Other thing I have noticed is that my energy level has increased. I generally have a greater energy level than most ppl I kno anyways, and I dont kno if it is down to the oil pulling but I certainly have MORE energy than I usually do.
Also, last week I received my bottle of organic, cold pressed unrefined sunflower oil to try too, along with a tub of organic cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil to alternate and see what happens. I have been swishing with all three and eating minute pieces of the coconut oil
That's my update for the moment. I will keep you posted on any other changes. Many thanks for the site EarthClinic xx
Side Effects
Posted by Swishie (Green Fort Greene, Neverland, Second Star) on 06/28/2013
20 minutes may be too long as well. You're creating an emulsification that draws out then traps the bacteria in your mouth & encouraging saponification. You want the oil pulled to be white and frothy when you spit. If it falls and goes clear you're basically swishing toxic stuff all over your teeth. I do 15 minutes.
& Always brush beforehand! The sesame oil has been proven to retard plaque for up to 12 hours.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Funmilicious (Lagos, Nigeria) on 08/10/2012
★★★★★
I have been oil pulling with coconut oil for over 6 months now and I have had amazing results in two areas: my sinuses and my breath, I guess the two were related.
I have had terrible sinuses since I was a kid, hereditary, my father was always pulling mucous and spitting out (gross) several times every single day. Mine sinuses were not that bad, but was bad enough.
First I tried nasal rinsing with neti pots and then the sinus wash bottle. It worked great by getting rid of my tonsil stones and I still do sinus rinse occasionally.
Oil pulling does a great job of pulling out excess mucous from the sinuses a d cleaning out the nasal passages.
I have not had a cold in several months, my sinuses are clear and I have great breath. Thank you earth clinic.
Hot Flashes
Posted by Maria (Charlote, Nc) on 08/02/2012
★★★★★
I'm 51 and my hot flashes disapeared about 2 weeks after I started doing oil pulling with unrefined organic sesame seed oil.
Dental Issues
Posted by Newtoallthis (La, Ca) on 04/15/2012
★★★★★
I asked why wait four hours after eating and one hour after drinking water and never found an answer. Recently I added a second oil pulling, before bed--sometimes less than a full hour after drinking water--and I haven't noticed bad effects. I use coconut oil in the morning and olive oil at night.
I am mainly doing it for dental health and consider oil pulling an alternative to mouth wash. Rules like waiting four hours could just be part of making it sound mysterious and magical. I haven't noticed any magical cures, but my gums bleed much less during teeth cleanings and, for the first time, a dentist told me I have excellent oral hygiene.
