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.
Dental Issues
Posted by Sandy (sandhya) (Bangalore, Karnataka) on 08/17/2009
★★★★★
I took a couple of teaspoons of raw honey in my mouth and kept swishing it around for 20 minutes (procedure same as oil pulling), and the spat it out and rinsed my mouth. Voila! Toothache gone immediately!!
Eczema
Posted by Jane (Cork, Ireland) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
I read all the feedback and at my wits end decided to try Oil Pulling
I have suffered from excema for 10 years - quite bad to look at. Have Not itchy but goes quite red after spicy food/vinegar.
Tried Olive Oil first and found that I broke out in loads of spots. I have great skin on my face and the excema is only on my body. I never get spots on my face and the first day after oil pulling i broke out. I take a very tiny amount in my mouth and need to pull for about half an hour before it turns white. One of the things i have noticed since i have been doing it for a while, its quite easy to just leave it sit in your mouth. I think you have to swirl it round continously. I do it for 20 mins and get some results but a good half hour for me and i see such a reduction in my excema. Its not completely clear but when i think of the amount of money on steroids! Oil pulling is by far the most effective. I have done it over the 4 month, one month without and the oil pulling is definelty helping.
I also tried coconut oil and that excaberated my excema - flared up immediately.
Tried evening primrose oil - made my excema worse.
Have tried avocado oil as well but think olive oil is better. Hadn't done the oil pulling for a week and had drank soda drinks over the week end - pulled for 5 minutes and the oil had turned white.
So think oil pulling is improving my excema
Have bought some apple cider vinegar but don't know if i should drink it with the baking soda.
Have also tried the baking soda paste on excema and it worked a bit but burned and hurt a lot
Detoxification
Posted by Sydy (Staten Island, New York) on 07/14/2009
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been doing the OP for a week today now with cold pressed olive oil --I noticed from day one so much flem coming from my throat as the days went on I now have lots of flem -a migraine which I always get and want to get rid of due to hormonal changes and a nausous stomach-- my tongue is coated with thick white stuff and my v----- smells exactly the same as my underarms like a metal weird smell--I know I am detoxing right now through my pores and all areas of my body= also my glands in my throat are swollen and my neck seems stiff--I have detoxed other ways before and have delt with the same symptoms--wow I say this is so cool --with me symptoms I have seem to get worse as the healing process takes action---people who do it for a couple of weeks and give up should just change oil and keep going--natural health take a longer time for healing to happen but when it does happen it is permanant unless you go back to the lifestyle that cause you feel crappy to begin with..good luck to all who cherish their bodies enough to heal----sydy
Bronchitis
Posted by myra (westfield, new jersey) on 06/25/2009
★★★★★
I started oil pulling with flaxseed oil yesterday as that was the most organic, freshest oil I had in the house. I used 1 T and did it twice yesterday. I really wasn't expecting any immediate results, but amazingly the bronchitis I have had for over 3 weeks (after a bout of flu) is starting to break up. I am experiencing looser phlegm and less wheezing and the heavy feeling in my chest is gone. I cannot wait to see what further results will bring. Today will probably switch to safflower or coconut as they have had such great reviews here.
Dental Issues
Posted by Andy (Burnley, Lancashire, England) on 06/24/2009
★★★★★
Yesterday, I was in excrutiating pain from a tooth I broke and had filled about a month ago. Could'nt get an appointment for a week at the dentist. I looked online for anything that could possibly help with the pain (strong painkilers did not even touch it).
I tried raw garlic, garlic mouthwash, cold water with salt (hit the roof with pain) warm water with salt (hit the roof again) nothing worked. I had read about oil pulling but discounted it as I needed an instant fix. At 3.00 am (3 hours before going to work) after 16 hours of constant pain,In desperation I decided to give OP a try with extra virgin olive oil. Five minutes after swilling and cleaning my teeth I was asleep.
I woke up with no pain at all. Another thing I noticed during the day was when I had a drink of water from the cooler, although I did feel a slight throbbing after, there was no sensitivity to the cold water at all. (I have always had sensitive teeth even before the toothache)
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. CONVERTED. I am going to carry on with OP and see what long term benefits I get.
Also I have not had a cigarette today yet and its nearly bedtime ! not even thought about it until now.
Mental Health
Posted by Nic (Athens, Greece) on 04/27/2009
★★★★★
After seeing how successful are most of the home remedies I've found here, I decided to try this one as well out of curiosity. Oil pulling started more than a week ago, first with olive oil, which I thought would be the best, then bought excellent sesame oil for the first time in my life. Sesame oil was an amazing discovery, Greeks love olive oil and I was a big fan of this national product, avoiding all other oils, but in my case oil pulling was disgusting when using olive oil, and it was a big unpleasant surprise for me since I love the taste of olive oil. Although I suspect olive oil is extremely powerful, more than sesame oil and other oils, it was the latter that worked. I read someone's feedback that he managed to feel less depressed or something like that while oil pulling. I have always been against anti-depressants but many a time before I nearly tried to find a decent doctor to prescribe me some mild ones, as I felt very low for a very long period despite the fact nothing that serious or bad was happening in my life. First of all, negativity has vanished entirely from my way of thinking, dark thoughts were eliminated in just two days. I had no problem focusing so far but I never thought my ability to focus could become so good, excellent! Colours became more vivid especially red green and blue. Confident and more pragmatic than ever, I find it no more difficult to decide and evaluate almost everything. Oil pulling is a great tool if you are trying to become serene and positive. And yes, oil pulling with sesame oil doesn't taste horrible, is easier and you can swish more efficiently, cures not only the body, but also the mind, betters your psychological condition. I am so glad I never found a decent doctor for those 'happy' pills. The answer is oil pulling. I just wish I knew about turmeric powder, ACV+honey, good old garlic and onion, warm compresses etc, earlier, as I would have never taken so many antibiotics. Thank you very Earth Clinic Team and all of you who send your feedback!
Cheers
Gum Disease
Posted by Ari (Roswell, GA) on 04/23/2009
★★★★★
I'm so so excited. I posted a few months ago and want to provide an update. I had a sever case of gum disease. NO MORE! I started oil pulling a few months ago, daily. I use Sunflower oil and Coconut oil.
I went to the dentist today and I was told my pockets are normal, except for a few and my gums look great! He told me I didn't need deep scaling and a simple cleaning was all I needed! I'm over joyed.
I also use coconut oil in my hair, it looks great. I use it all over my body and I simply feel terrific. I have told tons of people about this site and will continue to do so.
Lots of Love, Ari
Broad Benefits
Posted by Audrey (Larnaca, Cyprus) on 04/20/2009
★★★★★
Olive Oil Pulling Remedy improves my tooth and jaw discomfort within hours.
I discovered this site a few hours ago seeking a remedy for my white coated tongue. As today is a public holiday in Cyprus I could not rush out and get some coconut oil which is what I wanted to do after reading the recommendations. So I opened the cupboard and took a shot of olive oil instead. (No mediterranean kitchen is ever without olive oil!). I managed to swish for about 12 minutes before I felt as if I was going to choke. I spat it out and rinsed thoroughly.
That was about 3 hours ago. I am so excited that I had to come back to the site to share my results. The sensitive tooth and jaw pain I have had for months, has almost completely disappeared. I coughed up a lot of phlegm and now feel so much clearer in my ears and throat.
I am stunned! I thought I was familiar with most of the well-known natural remedies but this is a new (and extremely effective) one on me. Thanks so much Earth Clinic and all it's users. I'm converted!
Insomnia
Posted by Vince (Enid, Oklahoma) on 04/12/2009
★★★★★
I have tried caster oil while oil pulling. It makes me very sleepy. After I pull.
Insomnia
Posted by Nightfire The Mad Alchemist (Danville, Illinois, United States) on 03/11/2012
★★★★★
Hi pibbles I use VCO in the mornings for OPing and in the evening before bed I use Castor Oil and like Vince it makes me sleepy.... other benefits I noticed is that it usually helps my teeth if they have been aching and it's so darn thick that when I'm finished my jaw is usually to tired to 'grind' in my sleep which I have had a problem with on and off at nights, that leaves my jaw sore, and with a bad headache but with CO haha, no more.
Sinus Infections
Posted by Liz (Fairfield, CT) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
It's day two of my oil pulling. The first shot, I felt my sinuses start to drain down my throat while doing it! This after a 10 day round of antibiotics that did not work!I was just AMAZED! As a bonus: my teeth felt like glass...as if I had just had a professional cleaning! I'm waiting for the fountain of youth thing to kick in. It was also not as unpleasant as I had imagined. I did it on my commute, then spit in the parking lot! That will give 'em something to speculate about at the water cooler! Tee-Hee!
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.
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!!
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 Mary (Nevada City, CA) on 02/06/2007
★★★★★
This winter my asthma came back - but not quite as badly as last year. I came back to your site and found oil pulling. What an amazing thig! I was waking up each night needing to cough - but the oil pulling allowed me to cough up mucus in a gentle way - I have been doing the oil for 3-4 weeks and the progress has been steady. Interestingly, I felt the oil pulling clear my sinuses fist - and I didn't think I really had a problem with that. The lungs have been more gradual - but there is definite progress and I don't need the inhaler unless I exercise too hard. The oil pulling was creating such a cleanse in me that in the first week i was feeling very tired and out of sorts. The I decided to do ACV -that was like a miracle - I was no longer tired. My feeling is that the oil pulling pulls toxins out from deeply stored areas of the body - but once the toxins are circulating - the ACV helps to flush them out. The same thing thing happened for my daughter... A side benefit of the ACV is that my blood pressure went down more than 20 points. I do think the ACV is also helpful for the asthma - I also find it very hlpful to take 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a bit of hot water or coffee each morning - with milk and honey to taste - this also helps the asthma very much - and I hope it will help create a longer ter cure...
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?
