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.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Steve (Naples, Florida) on 01/17/2008
★★★★★
re: poor digestion -- yeast overbalence -- sinus congestion -- oil pulling (remedy). I tried the sesame oil pulling for the first time at the early hour 3:30 Am -- I could not sleep due to sinus congestion - my heart was beating 90 - 100 beats per minute mainly due to the yeast in my mouth and sinuses -- I took the unrefined sesame for 20 minutes and during the treatment my sinuses opened up completely -- after I finished I was so relaxed I could not believe it -- the thrust taste in my mouth was gone and my upset stomach had calmed down -- it has been 9 hours since the first treatment and I am as calm as a cucumber -- I can't wait until tonight to take my second treatment on an empty stomach right before I go to bed -- please spread the good word about OP and lets nip the pharma business in the butt - God bless everyone
Oil Pulling
Posted by Charlie (Portland, Oregon) on 12/09/2007
★★★★★
This is an addendum to my previous post. When you practice oil pulling you might want to, also, run your tongue around your mouth in a circular fashion so that it glides across and lightly touches the front of all your teeth. Five circuits of your mouth is about right. This is best done shortly after beginning a session and again right at the end, while looking down. Sometimes rotate your tongue to the right - sometimes to the left. There is no particular rule to it. Experiment. Tongue rotation is beneficial with or without oil pulling. One of my teachers pointed this technique out to me awhile back. She said this motion cleans and balances the electrical aspects of a person's mouth and, because of the connections between our mouth and the rest of our body, benefits everything else, too. For those of you who find oil pulling somewhat difficult, you might want to just let the oil sit in your mouth for a minute or so before beginning pulling, swishing and so forth. This gives your body a chance to get used to the oil, making it easier to relax into the experience. Also, I am still offering the directions for Ujjayi Pranayama breathing. See - 10/16/2007: Charlie from Portland, Oregon Charlie
Diarrhea
Posted by Malu (Texas) on 03/31/2021
★★★★★
I am diabetic and for some reason not clear to me, eating too much, but also clearly a side effect of metformin, gives me bad diarrhea. This simple remedy is great to stop it.
I toast two tablespoons of sesame seeds when they are a little brown, and yes they pop! Then add half a glass of water. Boil for a minute or two, cool off, pass through a colander, and drink.
One time I had the seeds with me, but couldn't toast them, so I just ate them. It worked too!
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 02/14/2012
I went to an acupuncturist a few days ago and he advised me to eat 2 tbspoons of sesame seeds a day. I bought them and quite enjoy the taste but doing some research I found out that they contain phytic acid which chelates important vitamins and minerals. Is it a good idea to eat them anyway? I will ask him as well the next time I see him.
From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytic_acid
"Phytic acid has a strong binding affinity to important minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. When a mineral binds to phytic acid, it becomes insoluble, precipitates and will be nonabsorbable in the intestines. This process can therefore contribute to mineral deficiencies in people whose diets rely on these foods for their mineral intake, such as those in developing countries. Contrary to that, one study correlated decreased osteoporosis risk with phytic acid consumption. It also acts as an acid, chelating the vitamin niacin, the deficiency of which is known as pellagra. In this regard, it is an antinutrient, despite its possible therapeutic effects (see below). For people with a particularly low intake of essential minerals, especially those in developing countries, this effect can be undesirable".
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 02/16/2012
Thanks Maria and Timh.... And no, Timh, I didn't know about the cauliflour, cabbage and broccoli thing. Is that because of the phytates as well? I'm afraid eating has become a science.... I almost feel like taking an university course on it! Or else.... just eat and hope for the best! What else can you do......
General Feedback
Posted by Citygirl (Nanaimo, Bc) on 02/17/2012
I've heard that phytic acid is neutralized or eliminated or at least decreased if the seeds are soaked in water for at least 7 hours.
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 02/17/2012
Thanks Timh, I knew about goitrogens but I didn't know which ones they were! Meaning, as long as they are all cooked it is ok. Anyway, I don't take Lugol's with dinner, I try to take it during the day. I am still worried about the phytic acid. I don't have Barry Groves book Trick and Treat here with me but I think that this might be the reason why he said that actually eating whole grain bread, pasta, rice, etc. Is actually marginally worse than eating the refined types because they blocked the absorption of vitamins and minerals. I don't remember exactly whether he mentiones phytic acid but it must have been. All so confusing.....
No, I don't think that I have thyroid problems but I blieve that like most people I am low on iodine: tired, cherry angiomas, thin, falling hair, cold extremeties, insomnia, bags under my eyes, etc.
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 02/17/2012
Thanks Citygirl, I had read that once as well but should one then also drink the water they soaked in? Too bad, I quite enjoy the crunchy sesame seeds!
General Feedback
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 02/17/2012
Hi Francisca, No you don't use the soak water. Sourdough bread has a much lower level of phytic acid due to the fermentation process. I should say genuine sourdough not the one that is made with bakers yeast and with only a token small bit of sourdough culture. If you grind your own grain and make sourdough bread - yummy! Some people use a rye starter as rye is supposed to have a higher amount of phytase than other grains. In the process of soaking or fermenting Phytase goes to work and digests most of the phytic acid, depending on time of ferment. Baking is supposed to remove some also.
General Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 02/18/2012
Thanks Maria, I have also heard that cooking with sesame seeds, for example, gets rid of the phytic acid. I am living in temporary accommodation right now and baking is not an option! I was only trying to eat the sesame seeds because my acupuncturist advised them!
Hypertension
Posted by Scott (Pen Argyl, Pa, USA) on 03/25/2010
★★★★☆
Sesame Seed Oil & Hypertension
About 1-1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with a severe case of hypertension. I was put on diuretics and B blockers which for a while brought my blood pressure down to the normal range. In the past few months the drugs haven't been as effective and my pressure started trending up. Accidentally, I ran across info that sesame seed oil could bring a person's BP back into the normal range. I've been using it for the past month and my BP has been trending lower. I'm not back at normal yet but about half way there. I'm hoping in another month to 6 weeks I'll be back there and maybe be able to reduce or eventually give up the drugs altogether. Time will tell.
EC: Hi Scott,
Can you please tell us how much sesame seed oil you are taking each day and how you take it (cook with it, etc.). Thanks!
Oil Pulling
Posted by Lourdes (Madrid, Spain) on 01/06/2009
★★★★☆
Hello everyone! It is January 6th. I started oil pulling daily about 2-3 days after this post was published on Dec. 3rd, so it's definitely been a full month. I really wish I could report some amazing reaction but I can't. I cannot tell whether it is working, but am motivated enough to give it another month or two. I am using raw organic sesame oil that is precisely for ayurvedic practices. I swish for 20 minutes until the oil is completely white and liquid, then spit it out, and brush my teeth with tooth soap. I do this first thing in the morning, before even drinking water (I read that this was the way to do it). Changes? Well, maybe less plaque. Hard to tell. Also, in September or so I started experiencing hair loss for the first time (I am a 45 year old woman) and even got a large bald spot (eventually larger than a quarter), which completely freaked me out (fortunately it's still hidden by hair). The bald spot started in September and got bigger. Now, the hair has started growing back in around the edges, but this could have begun before the oil pulling. Sorry so inconclusive. Best of luck to everyone.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Bronzechiqz (France, Argentuil) on 12/24/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Ive been oil pulling for a week using sesame oil every morning on empty stomach. 15-20 minutes later, I would spit out, the oil will become slightly white still oily consistency, gargle and rinse with a glass of warm water, baking soda and salt. And then brush my teeth. Seeing teds method, I brushed first and did the procedure. I coudnt really see difference on anything except for lil whiter teeth. My skin just stayed the same and my appetite seem to be increasing??? Im thinking of switching to sunflower oil or coconut to see any changes. Any suggestion?
Oil Pulling
Posted by Gina (Small town, Ohio) on 12/06/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Am I the world's most unsuccessful oil puller? I have been oil pulling for a month. I use 1 tablespoon organic unrefined sesame oil and occasionally coconut oil. I oil pull an average of 6 days per week for 20 minutes. I have not experienced any of the supposed benefits I've seen listed here. My teeth are not whiter. My sinuses have not totally cleared. My gums still slightly bleed when I floss. Energy levels remain the same. The only thing I have noticed is a slight reduction in sensitivity to cold on my teeth. I am really disappointed. My main reason for trying oil puling was to improve the look of my teeth and gums. If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts on why this is not working for me I would greatly appreciate it. I will finish the bottle of sesame oil but probably not continue. At this point my impression of oil pulling is it doesn't work. Thank you.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Abby (Chicago, IL) on 08/30/2008
I did the Oil Pulling with Sesame oil for about a week. I took about a tablespoon once a day in the morning according to directions. I swished for about 15 min, to 20min. About a week later I started getting bad headaches. I never get headaches, but these were bad. I also got diarreah that lasted 2 to 3 days. I felt really sick. I thought maybe this was all apart of detoxing, and I must have been really toxic. I wanted to continue to see if my symptoms would subside, but I had an important weekend that I couldn't be sick for. So I stopped. I want to try again but I'm a little afraid. Maybe it was wrong oil for me? Or maybe I need to just keep it up until I'm throughly detoxed? If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. -Abby
Oil Pulling
Posted by Michael (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★
Oil-Pulling (remedy) for allergies (ailment):
I started oil-pulling with Sesame oil about 3 months ago. It took a little while to get used to 1 whole Tablespoon of oil for 15-20 minutes, but I just did my normal morning routine while oil-pulling. I have not had to take any prescription allergy medications that I usually took at least a few times per month or when pollen counts were very high in my area. I oil-pull every morning when I wake up without fail and find that I have increased energy and no allergies.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Thelma (Baltimore, Md) on 08/01/2008
I tried the oil pulling method and I must admit that the first two weeks my skin was unbelievable. I could not stop looking in the mirror. I am 44 years old and I swear I was looking at least ten years younger. The pores around my nose had tightened and the laugh lines had started disappearing. I used one tablespoon of sesame oil every morning before brushing and flossing. After the first two weeks I ended up with a sore throat, pink eye and skin rash. I have never suffered from pink eye before. I know this was from the O/P. I beleive it was the toxins finding an escape route. I started again this week but I am only O/P once a week and then I will gradually work my way up to daily O/P again. If anyone has any suggestions or any similar experiences can you please post. Thanks.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Sandhya (Nagpur, Maharashtra State, India) on 05/29/2008
★★★★★
Hi! I have been oil pulling with sesame oil (don't think it is organic) for the past 25 days and have been drinking apple cider vinegar with warm water and honey for around 5-6 days. I have noticed my facial pores have become smaller and my skin looks clearer than before and I don't feel very tired which I usually do. I have not dared step on the weighing machine as I would like to continue all this for another three months and then check my weight. I am on the higher side. My query is I am living in India and I got of apple cider vinegar by some company called American Garden, U.S.A. It is not organic. I would like to know whether it has to be organic or any natural one will do. I have found this website to be truly enlightening and useful. Keep up the good work!!!!
Shirodhara
Posted by Maureen (Apple Valley, Minnesota) on 04/29/2008
I am looking to purchase refined sesame oil for Shirodhara. Do you know where this would be available? Thank You, Maureen
EC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda medicine that involves gently flowing liquids over the forehead (the 'third eye'). It was developed by vaidyas (practitionars of Ayurveda) in Kerala, India for use in sukhachikitsa (restorative therapy) and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiras 'head' and dhara 'flow'. The liquids used in shirodhara depend on what is being treated, but can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water.
Shirodhara has been used in efforts to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, M%uFFFDni%uFFFDre's disease and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. It is also used non-medicinally at spas for its relaxing properties.
There are specialized forms of shirodhara called thyladhara, ksheeradhara, thakradhara and jaladhara.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Steve (Tacoma, WA) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★
I was reading about home remedies for a nasty sinus infection from CPAP machine I use for my sleep apnea. I read about the Apple Cider Vinegar and then about oil pulling. I just finished going to the store and getting both. I did the sesame oil and my non-stop nasel dripping ceased before my 15 minutes were up. Coincidence? I'm pretty excited. Also, I couldn't even breath through my nose because it was too painful, and that dissappeared at all. So cool. Thanks! (I have some ACV with tea coming up next. :)
Oil Pulling
Posted by Serena (Nottingham, England) on 04/02/2008
★★★★★
... I had my braces tightened this morning. My teeth were killing me all day, then when I got home, I took a dessert spoonful of cold pressed, unrefined sesame oil and oil pulled. It really helped and now my teeth don't hurt as much, so if you know anyone who has braces, tell them!
