Oil Pulling

[ShayFL]

Day 5 for me on oil pulling for me. If you have never heard of it, google it "oil pulling". It is an ancient Ayurvedic form of detoxification and healing. It boasts many claims and I am primarily using it to improve my teeth and gums (something it supposedly excels at). It is inexpensive, perfectly safe and cannot hurt. So I am giving it a go and I know a few others are as well.

Day one I used Virgin Coconut Oil from "Coconut Oil Supreme". It is simply the BEST coconut oil money can buy. It smells like fresh coconuts and is pure white. Everything else I have ever tried smelled a bit of "toasted" coconut oil and had an off-white appearance. It was most evident when I bought Coconut Oil Supreme and compared it to my other supposedly virgin coconut oil. Not so, most coconut oils are heated and that makes it "toasted". I want the good stuff!!

Anyway, Day one and two were with coconut oil and I noticed nothing.

Day 3, 4 and 5 have been with cold pressed sesame oil. I can honestly say my teeth are much whiter (just as people all over the net claim). It does whiten your teeth. The coconut didnt whiten my teeth. The sesame did.

With this I have had some "healing" signs with an exacerbation of old symptoms for a few days. Hopefully they will clear up soon and I can get on with healing!

[mftnchn]

I've been using sunflower oil, the other recommended oil. 3-4 days now. My teeth feel cleaner and even tingle after the oil pulling (afterward I rinse well and then brush my teeth). I also think my teeth are whiter. But have a ways to go. I will be delighted if this helps whiten my teeth.

I'm not sure about detox because I have some symptoms off and on from other treatments.

It has been awhile since I tried sesame but I've been allergic in the past. I'll stick with the sunflower for awhile and see.

[RiceGuy]

This is an interesting topic, and something I've never heard of before.

I am wondering if the kinds of oil that work can be determined by their fatty acid and/or antioxidant profile.

Here's a chart of fatty acid composition for many common oils:

Open Original Shared Link

[ShayFL]

It stands to reason some of the fatty acids could be absorbed through the mucus membranes of the mouth. Sublingually if you will. And many oils have antimicrobial activities, so it makes sense that oil pulling could kill off bad guys in the mouth. Also the friction involved in swishing could certainly remove surface stains and debris.

It is an interesting experiment. Day 6 for me. No negative feeling today. I have a close eye on 2 areas of my gums that I would LOVE to see regenerate. 24 more days to go with his test!

[purple]

I have been interested in trying this...so glad you are posting your results...Thanks!

[Amber M]

I have been interested in trying this...so glad you are posting your results...Thanks!

Shay, so glad you started the thread. Okay, I am using "Cold Pressed Virgin Sesame Oil" and I am on my fourth day. First 3 were a combination of whiter teeth, cleaner mouth, a mild sore throat and horseness. I spit up some mucus the 2nd day. (the book I bought said that could happen and even temporary larengitis) I was very achy the 3rd day, in general not great feeling. Today, (4th), feeling better than I have in 2 weeks, but still have my charlie horse in my calve, (been there for over 2 weeks again). Less achy,slight sore throat for awhile (very dry throat right after pulling for a few minutes). Ear fluids completly dried out, no plugged ear. Horse for a bit after. Not to be gross, but my bowel this morning was the most normal it has been in two months. (just wondering if it may be due to the oil perhaps pulling out bacteria from my colon?) My teeth are rid of stains and getting whiter and my mouth feels totally clean. I rinse, floss and brush after too. In general, I had a really good day compared to the last few weeks.

[ShayFL]

Im am feeling better today too. I had a bit of mucus, but none today. Mostly I want to see those gums regenerate. If it does that, then I will be a BELIEVER!!

[purple]

Here is a link to questions and answers about OP...I haven't read them ALL...it's long. I think the reason why I never tried the OP is b/c of all my fillings

Open Original Shared Link

[Amber M]

Im am feeling better today too. I had a bit of mucus, but none today. Mostly I want to see those gums regenerate. If it does that, then I will be a BELIEVER!!

Day 5 for me. I had stuff in my throat this mornings pull. I made it the 20 minutes and upon spitting the oil out, my gag reflex kicked in, yup!! Just a bit of mucus. I was headachy all afternoon and tired, could have cralwed into bed. My gums bled a bit when I brushed after, for the first time. Funny they bled at the dentists last week but I hadn't noticed any blood this last few months. I had read about the "healing crisis" in the book, so maybe that's whats up. It had also said it may bring out some skin things that you have had problems with. That was funny because on my right foot I have had one little area that breaks out every 6 or 8 months or so with what I assume is athlet's food or some kind of fungus. (because it burns and itches). Well, it surfaced last night with a vengence. When I read that part today I wondered if it could be the oil pulling that drew it out again. Very interesting. In general I had a good day yesterday, kinda sucky today. I figure by Christmas, I will be completely healed!! LOL!! Just kidding........

[celiac-mommy]

Do y'all brush your teeth with regular toothpaste afterwards or a special toothpaste?

[Amber M]

Do y'all brush your teeth with regular toothpaste afterwards or a special toothpaste?

I use my regular Toms toothpaste, but I noticed it burns a bit. I got some "sensitive" Toms and will be trying that. The book just says to brush if you want after, but no mention of the type. So, I assume any you usually use.

[ShayFL]

I've been rinsing real good with warm water, sea salt and baking soda. Really feels super clean afterwards.

What am I....a week in. So far so good!

[mftnchn]

Glad for the comments about rinsing. I like the baking soda and salt idea. Been brushing with baking soda or salt. I like brushing well after, the whole mouth.

I think my teeth are whiter, but I have my eye on the color of a crown I have from years back that was at that time a good match. If my teeth get that white, I'll be a believer for sure. But if not, they at least feel much much cleaner.

Can't be sure about symptoms, yet. But I figure it will take time.

[celiac-mommy]

I tried it this morning after reading a bunch of literature last night. Like Shay said, can't hurt!! I have a horrible gag reflex, tried focusing on breathing thru my nose and did it while I was in the shower for another distration-I made it 10 minutes before I felt like I had to vomit, so I spit it out and had to use my minty toothpaste to stop the gagging. I only had the coconut oil at home, I will stop and get the recommended oil on my way home tonight. My teeth feel super clean like after you get your braces removed. I'm really interested to see what happens in the next few weeks-if I can keep it down...

[ShayFL]

I have read that some people really have to fight the "gag" reflex. I am thankfully I dont have that issue. I went 10 minutes the first time, but have discovered I have to do a full 15 to make it completely white and foamy like is recommended. I dont do 20 as that just seems overkill.

Mommy - maybe try with a smaller amount and build up to 1 Tlb. Or go for 5 minutes for awhile and build up to 15.

It is too early for me to declare victory (only 1 week) but I do believe my gums are looking better in my trouble area (bottom front have 2 spots where the gums need to fill in). I am so very hopeful!!

[celiac-mommy]

I will get the sesame oil tonight, I think that will help. I think part of the problem was that my kitchen was below 60 degrees this morning and my coconut oil was hard as a rock, so it took a minute or so to chunk it around in my mouth to get it to a liquid. The volume of the oil didn't bother me that much, and it was white and frothy after 10 minutes. Not to be too graphic, but I spit it out in the toilet and it foamed up more once it hit the water--normal??

So I'm looking for the cold pressed sesame oil right? I know not the toasted oil

[ShayFL]

Yes...NOT the toasted. That would be nasty and not work. I prefer the taste of the Coconut myself, but I think the Sesame is what cleans and heals the teeth/gums which is my goal right now.

Everyone keep us posted!!

[Amber M]

I tried it this morning after reading a bunch of literature last night. Like Shay said, can't hurt!! I have a horrible gag reflex, tried focusing on breathing thru my nose and did it while I was in the shower for another distration-I made it 10 minutes before I felt like I had to vomit, so I spit it out and had to use my minty toothpaste to stop the gagging. I only had the coconut oil at home, I will stop and get the recommended oil on my way home tonight. My teeth feel super clean like after you get your braces removed. I'm really interested to see what happens in the next few weeks-if I can keep it down...

I hope you don't mean by ("if I can keep it down"), that you are swallowing it. I read last night that the oil after under a microscope shows toxic bacteria and it can make you vomit. You are spitting it out each time? The book says to rinse the sink well to as you can pass that bacteria on from the rinsing spit too.

Day 6 for me, a very good one. I had to work hard today, so I am very tired tonight. But otherwise slept the best in months the last 2 nights, not up peeing every few hours! That is a downright miracle in it self. The info says you will sleep better. My bladder has had sooo many problems for the last several years, I just can't believe it didn't wake me! I wonder if I'll still have blood the next test. My teeth are shimmering!!!! (I'm using the sesame seed oil) I had to meet my father yesterday for a meeting and we were sitting in a waiting room with the sun beaming in a window. He looked at me funny and said, "Whats on your teeth, their glistening." I laughed out loud and told him about the oil pulling. There was nothing on my teeth, they were just sparkling!! I loved it. I wonder if my enamel is returning?! My customers today said my teeth looked really white, so it's not just me who sees it!! I'm tired, but very happy today!

[celiac-mommy]

I hope you don't mean by ("if I can keep it down"), that you are swallowing it.

No, I spit it in the toilet-I read that was better than the sink because of the possibility of clogging up the sink pipes.... I meant keeping the stomach acid down

[mftnchn]

I'm not sure I can get the cold pressed forms of the oils here, but the regular sunflower still seems to be working to some degree. I'll switch if I can get it.

Anyone seen info that says the sesame is better than sunflower?

[celiac-mommy]

This is the only one I could find at the health food store: Spectrum expeller pressed organic sesame oil, unrefined. Is this OK?

[ShayFL]

Yes Mommy it is good. Ayurvedia has been around for thousands of years. They didnt use "refined" oil back then.

I'm over a week now and my teeth are definitely whiter. And the gums are healing.

[celiac-mommy]

Day 2, used the sesame oil. Mouth feels really good, hard to explain. My voice is really horse, but that may be due to being up till 3am with a sick toddler..... I'm keeping a close eye on my teeth colors, hard to tell at this point. I made it 13 minutes today-much better than the coconut oil. I really think the stomach upset was due to the coconut oil being solid when I started

[Rachel--24]

I tried oil pulling about a year ago I think. I'm sensitive to so many things that I reacted to the oil I used. I got mouth blisters right away as well as the typical reactions that I get from foods that I dont tolerate. I wasnt really expecting that since I wasnt actually swallowing the stuff.

Anyway, the oil I used was sesame oil (toasted). At the time I hadnt come across anything that stated not to use toasted. Now that I'm reading this thread I'm wondering if I should try again.....just have to figure out which oil would be best for me. I dont think sesame oil is a good option for me...toasted or not....but it cant hurt (much) to try again!

I want whiter teeth and healthier gums!

[Amber M]

I tried oil pulling about a year ago I think. I'm sensitive to so many things that I reacted to the oil I used. I got mouth blisters right away as well as the typical reactions that I get from foods that I dont tolerate. I wasnt really expecting that since I wasnt actually swallowing the stuff.

Anyway, the oil I used was sesame oil (toasted). At the time I hadnt come across anything that stated not to use toasted. Now that I'm reading this thread I'm wondering if I should try again.....just have to figure out which oil would be best for me. I dont think sesame oil is a good option for me...toasted or not....but it cant hurt (much) to try again!

I want whiter teeth and healthier gums!

I think "toasted" means it isn't cold pressed or virgin oil. I read in my book, "Oil Pulling Therapy" by Dr. Bruce Fife, that it suposidly is okay to use non cold pressed oils and that some people have an allergy to the sesame. Try another oil, and I agree with Shay with it's original use that far back, the oils were not refined. Therefore, I would tend to think the unrefined cold press would be the best. Just my opinion.

Day 6 (I was off a day before). Had a pretty good day, slept very well, woke up totally rested. Hardly any neuro symptoms today. Teeth feel great, gums look good to me (what do I know), Totally normal bowels. I hate to keep mentioning that, but somehow I think it's involved with this oil pulling because it has been so long since that has been the case! My lower colon is not in agony as usual. I feel half human! The foot fungus thing disappeared completley. All good today. I am getting excited about it now!