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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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.
Detoxification
Posted by 2bconscious (West Des Moines, Iowa) on 03/31/2012
★★★★★
I have been using Coconut oil to Oil Pull every morning now for 6 days. The first day I had pain in my left shoulder, arm and upper back. The pain and concern caused me to go to the Urgent Care Center. The doctor diagnosis was inflammation, prescribed pain pills. I never took the pills. The next morning the pain was gone! I noticed my gums are getting pinker in places where they were dark in color. I also notice my energy level is higher!! I did also start walking on the treadmill every morning for 30 min. 1 1/2, 5 days ago!! I also use Coconut oil for my toothpaste and deodorant!! I love it!! Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil is a winner!!
Coated Tongue
Posted by Blac (Detroit, Mi Usa) on 03/01/2012
★★★★★
I recently had a bout of bronchitis. I noticed my tongue was coated from my detoxing. I was reading thru the oil pulling therapy comments and decided to try it with sesame oil. I forgot how well it works. My tongue is pink again. I think I'll do it on a regular basis and see what happens.
Dental Issues
Posted by Clay Vessel (East London, South Africa) on 12/18/2011
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
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?
