Oil Pulling: My New Morning Ritual
I’ve been intrigued by oil pulling for yonks. It is one of those health practices that just kept coming up for me, but I’ve had to wait until I completed two years of Gerson Therapy to give it a go (no oil except flax and castor on Gerson – I tried with castor oil but it was just gross). For the past week I have been pulling each morning religiously. Or, as my dad so humorously calls it, “having a pull”. We’re a classy bunch in our house.
After my morning meditation I come downstairs to the kitchen where my dad has already got the coconut oil ready to go. Since the mornings are starting to get a little chilly, we have to put the coconut oil jar in hot water for a minute so that it turns from a solid back into liquid. Dad already made the mistake of using solid oil once, which I won’t be repeating. I pour some oil onto a tablespoon, add a couple of drops of oregano oil (great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal oil), and spoon it into my mouth. Then I swish the oil around my mouth for 20 minutes while I sit outside on my daybed and read a book. This is the best start to the day!
An ancient Ayurvedic ritual, oil pulling was introduced to the modern world in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach, MD. Dr. Karach claimed that oil pulling could cure a variety of illnesses ranging from heart disease and digestive troubles to hormonal disorders.
Oil pulling has so many benefits. So many, in fact, that we bought a whole book on the topic called Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by naturopathic physician Bruce Fife.
“The oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris,” says Bruce Fife.
“As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems.”
THE BENEFITS OF OIL PULLING
• Brighter, whiter teeth
• Healthier gums
• Prevents bad breath
• Increased energy
• Clearer mind
• Decreased headaches
• Clearer sinuses
• Alleviated allergies
• Better sleep
• Clearer skin
• Regulated menstrual cycles
• Improved lymphatic system
• Improved PMS symptoms
HOW TO OIL PULL
Oil pulling is best done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Spoon a tablespoon of organic, cold-pressed vegetable oil (I like coconut best) into your mouth, and swish it around for 20 minutes before spitting it out.
Never swallow the oil, as the swishing will render it full of toxins, and be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards. I have a separate toothbrush that I use just for brushing my teeth after oil pulling, and I clean it each day with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
The first few times my gag reflexes reared themselves and it was a little difficult keeping the oil in my mouth, but I persisted and by the third day it was fine. If you have this problem too, I recommend sticking with it.
Some may disregard oil pulling because it is so simple (and we humans love to complicate everything), and some may under value it because it has not been scientifically tested. However, oil pulling is cheap, easy, and is backed up by so much anecdotal evidence that I couldn’t ignore it.
Already my teeth are whiter, and my head is even clearer. My sleeping is better too! My boyfriend owns a bar and doesn’t crawl into bed until two or three in the morning, and I don’t even wake up!
Have you tried oil pulling? I’d love to hear what you think of it.
Positive affirmation for the day: I am safe.
MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR PLATE: HOW TO END YOUR TORTURED RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD.
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POSTED IN: alternative therapies, Bruce Fife, coconut oil, oil pulling, Oil Pulling Therapy
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Thanks for this post Jess. I’ve been intrigued by this ritual for ages as well, heard bits and pieces about it but had never tried it. Think I will now that you’ve given me a greater insight on it. Cheers x
Hi all,
I am putting this comment a bit late – as I was away (no computer). What about Xylitol? Mouth bacteria hate it – you can brush with it and rinse your mouth with it – it kills all bacteria. I have been doing it in addition to conventional cleaning – and is absolutely brilliant.
I have heard so many good things and your article and one othe I read yesterday have convinced me to give it a go. I have a couple of health problems I am struggling to get on top of. It can’t hurt !!! Sonia 
MY understanding of oil pulling is that it is not a modern ritual at all but an an age old remedy practiced in India – where access to doctors and dental hygiene is limited because of extreme poverty.
Organic flaxseed oil is okay on Gerson.
Hi Jess, you’re amazing. Everyday you educate me. Oil pulling, never heard but so simple and iam going to try . Can I use grapeseed oil instead coconut oil?
Hi Laila, thank you! Yes, I think you probably could. Just make sure it’s organic and cold pressed. x
Flaxseed oil goes rancid very quickly, so you must use it up quickly. Buy quality and store in the fridge.
I’m trying it with extra virgin olive oil – it’s fine.
Dear Andrea,
Ayurveda for some of us is a way of life. It’s a belief and reality that if one follows the principles of Ayurveda and the diet prescribed, one need not go to an allopath or dental hygienist.
People doing this out of poverty or not is irrelevant. We make it our lifestyle to celebrate the genius of our ancestors who inculcated discipline in everyday living and intelligence to keep diseases at bay.
Cheers,
Priya
I have tried it, but cant seem to keep going for more than 5mins, and find it a bit messy. Maybe practice makes perfect!
Hi Sophie, it has been a long time since your post but I just thought maybe you are just using too much oil – use only a tablespoon and if you have to spit it out because you are gagging its ok, just use another tablespoon and go again for a total of 15-20 minutes.
went to our new holistic dentist last week – I’ve been oil pulling for about six weeks now. His first comment was ‘you have the best dental hygiene I’ve said in years’. thanks to oil pulling
We’re exactly opposite. I’ve been oil-pulling three times a week for a couple years and love it! But I have to give it up, because I am just starting the Gerson therapy. Bummed about that, but it will make its way back onto my morning ritual schedule as soon as I am done with Gerson. So cool that you’re turning other people onto it. Coconut oil is the way to go, IMO. I much prefer the taste and healing properties of coconut oil versus the traditional sesame oil. xxx
Thanks Jess, sounds intriguing. I have chronic hay fever/sinus that drives me nuts!! Might give oil pulling a go and see if it helps!
Stacy x
I’ve rarely had to take antihistamines since I’ve been an oil puller!
When i was taught oil pulling in India, it was paired with tongue scraping. eg. after you have spat out the oil, use a tea spoon to literally ‘scrape’ the white gunk off your tongue. (Start gently!) Poke you tongue out, wait a while, and the white gunk magically reappears… scrape again, and do this a few times. I do it once a week now. love it
I have tried oil pulling but not for a long period of time. I need to find more time in the mornings and give it another go!
Have always been intrigued by the concept of oil pulling!! I think I’ll try it with just the way you do with coconut and oregano oil. never quite looked into it, believing there must be so much more to it than what you described. Thank you for getting me back on track with this.
Shazz
Hmmm very random! Never heard of such a thing but I do have some coconut oil in the cupboard hmmmmmm…..
Hi Jess do you think you can use flaxseed oil on Gerson to do this?
Thanks
Hi Tali, yes I think you probably could. When I was Googling, I found a couple of references to using flaxseed oil but not many. I just figured I was so close to finishing Gerson that I would hold off for tasty coconut oil. I don’t think it would hurt though! x
Hi Jess
I endorse your comments and this therapy. Great idea. Just wanted to let you know that you can also use zeolite powder to do the same thing. Thought perhaps this may be allowed on Gerson???
I have used it in the past to clear up tooth/gum infections and drink it regularly for detoxing and alkalizing (7.8 pH) One level teaspoonful in a large glass of water. Tastes fine. The same sediment can be reactivated by re-filling your glass several times before you need to start over. You can even use the mud sludge in the bottom of the glass on any skin conditions or zits.
My family have found 1/3 teaspoonful of powdered zeolite (clinoptilolite) in a baby bottle of warm boiled water – most effective in neutralising diarrheoa/gastro tummy bugs for infants. Clears us within 6 – 8 hours. All natural.
I can supply zeolite powder for $20/kg if anyone is interested. Just sharing, no expectations. I have many years experience in using purified active zeolite mineral powder. I use it in many of may natural and organic formulations. Thanks Jess : )
Thanks heaps Carol! This sounds really interesting too. x
Thanx for posting. I will give you some to try Jess, send me an email where to send it to x
HI Carol,
I’m interested in your zeolite powder- can I get it in smaller quantities and where in Australia are you?.
Cheers
Caroline
Hi Caroline, I am on the Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba. Yes, you can get 200 gm size too. I am wondering if Jessica wants to add it to her shop? If not, you can email me at [email protected].
I’m going to try it.
Sounds like a good natural way to heal and detox. Worth a try.
This has been on my mind for the last few days… Now i feel inspired to get into it.
On a side note, i was in Byron Bay recently and heard a couple of different people talk about you… Your influence is far and wide, keep sharing the love
After reading about oil pulling somewhere else, first time I ever heard of it…. I decided to give it a try. It’s been about 2 weeks now, and thought the 20 min would seem like forever , but it doesn’t….I actually find it very relaxing. I did ask my dentist about it,and he had never heard of it…something I did learn from my dentist though…He said to make sure the Coconut Oil did not have sugar in it…sure enough some Coconut oils contain a small amount of sugar, where others do not, depending on the brand. You certainly don’t want to be swishing 20 min with Sugar in the oil. It has a long history, and it looks like it is having some new followers.
What brands and where can I get the cold pressed coconut oil
Try Melrose, I get it from chemist warehouse, raw unrefined, organic, cold pressed.
very inspiring. I am ready to try something new- and with such far reaching positive effects. !!!
thanks, Jess.
sandra
Hi Jess, is there another time of day to do this as I love to have my lemon/warm water drink first thing followed 20 mins later by a vegetable juice.
Lisa » Hi Lisa, sure! You can do it any time, but it’s best on an empty stomach. x
Thanks Jess, how long do you wait after pulling to eat?
I first oil pull… Then I drink lemon water after I brush my teeth. So you could oil pull right before drinking the lemon water
Yes, I oil pull first thing in the morning while taking my morning shower. Then I follow this with my lemon and warm water followed by fresh vegetable juice. Loving it.
Yeah I’ve been meaning to get into this for a while and I’m not too sure whats holding me back.
You mentioned the oregano oil at first, then left it out when you did the ‘how to pull’ part – where can I acquire oregano oil?
Read about it for a while, and its apparently amazing properties – and I think the oregano oil is the key to why I’m not pulling, since I’m uncertain of where to get.
That, and plus people will think I’m ever nutter than present!
But theres absolutely nothing wrong with being a health nut!
You don’t need the oregano oil to do it, it probably just adds to it. The first time I did oil pulling I used olive oil, couldn’t stand the taste so I went and got coconut oil and it was so much easier. From what I understand it’s not just an empty stomach you want but you want to do it first thing while you have the most built up bacteria in your mouth, get rid of it before you eat or drink something and get it into your system. You can also do it after not eating and drinking for around 4 hours if I am remembering correctly but I don’t ever go that long without eating or drinking so the morning is the easiest time to do it.
Do you know if this is ok to do whilst pregnant?
Thanks
Abigail
Abigail » Hi Abigail, yes I believe that it is! x
OMG that is so fascinating!! I will be sure to pass this on to all my friends & family. I am also on Gerson but have been told that you can’t use extra flax oil anywhere – even on your skin, as it is still absorbed into the bloodstream and once there, can feed tumors. So I would check with your Gerson Doc first.
I tried oil pulling a couple of years ago for a week or two but like the poster earlier in this thread said, found it a bit gross knowing that all that manky spit was being sloshed around my mouth with the oil. And I think I started gagging at about 6 minutes 
20? I don’t know how you do it. Mind you, from memory I used sunflower oil or something gross like that, so I might give coconut oil a go!
We use organic cold pressed Sunflower Oil here…. Never tried adding the Oregano Oil…. Good thinking ’99
Hi Jess
Where do you get your Oregano Oil from? I’m Brisbane based… I can’t seem to find any sellers online.
Cheers
Soph » I buy mine from Inner Glow Health in Tewantin. They ship anywhere in Australia: http://www.innerglow.com.au/ x
I tried oil pulling a while back but forgot about it, you’ve inspired me to try it again! I didn’t do it for long enough to experience any of it’s major effects, but it made my mouth feel really clean
Hmmmmm, might give it a try. I am not sure how I would go with a full 20 minutes though. I have a very high gag reflex and wonder if this would be too gag inducing for me. I’m not even great at swallowing tablets…
Hope this finds each of you well …….this is the 1st time I have heard about oil pulling…….I will do some more reading as to which oils can be used since I don’t have coconut or even vegetable oil and definitely give it a go for a week …….thanks for bringing these things to our attention……I am one of a maybe a few who are very new to all this and thus not aware of what is really out there…….
Have been oil pulling on and off since last year. I even trained my daughter to oil pull (she can now hold it for 20 minutes).. its extremely detoxifying that everytime I pull dailly for a week or two, some of my old ghosts (like chronic tonsilitis) would resurface….including some of the mucus that I know has been in my system for quite a while now.. when I suffer extreme healing reactions like this.. I just stop pulling for several weeks and get back to it again..
not sure if I should continue pulling during flare ups/healing reactions though..
Interesting. I’ve never heard of this. May have to give it a try since I have some of the symptoms listed above and I would love whiter teeth!
Hi I am on to day 3 since I saw you on you tube about oil pulling. No problems at all. I have been using Neem products for years for gum problems, so I rinse with neem mouthwash and use Neem toothpaste, my gums and mouth feel great since adding coconut oil to my regime of cleanliness for my gums. Hoping it helps detox too. Have been using coconut oil for a year on hair, body, face, and adding to smoothies, so have great faith in it. I am a follower of Bruce Fife but did not get round t the oil pulling till you encouraged me, so hey thanks!
Hello & thanks for the insightful piece. In Ayurveda, which I am studying, they recommend sesame oil (not toasted). Since I just learned it this week & you have graciously reminded me I will do this after I take my Flax oil. After my morning routine – R.P.M. , meaning Rise Pee Meditate. Keep up the wondrous sharing, we all love you. Namaste from the Great White North (Timmins, On Canada) Yes, we still have snow. It’s -8 with the windchill this afternoon. Peace little sister. Lynn
R.P.M! That’s cute! It was -2 in Ottawa, Canada today….so cold!
I have to admit, I read your post last night when I got it in my inbox and this morning guess what I was doing?! I didn’t seem to mind it. I put it in my mouth and began my swooshy while I did my morning ritual of checking on the farm animals Before I knew it my 20 minutes were over. I’m excited to see if this helps with the horrible allergies I’m having as well as mouth issues since I don’t have dental insurance right now.
Thanks Jess!
Amanda
I just finished 6 months of chemo! I tried oil pulling for the first time today and I am sold! Thanks, Jess. I think it will help me detox. I bought oil of oregano today, tomorrow I will add it to the coconut oil.
xoxo
Jen
Hi Jess,
I just tried it this morning and was surprised, I handled the 20mins better than I thought!
I also like to have a glass of water with lemon first thing in the morning. Is it ok to have straight after oil pulling (after brushing my teeth etc) or do you think it would be better to wait?
Thanks
paula » Hi Paula, that’s great!! Yes I think it is fine to have that straight after pulling. Just sure your mouth is properly rinsed first. x
Thanks Jess, I’ve never heard of this before but gave it a try with some coconut oil this morning!
Managed about 15 minutes before it felt a bit yucky but I’m going to persevere, and I must say my mouth does feel really clean this morning! x
PS. You’re getting quite a following in Perth – a lot of my friends are onto you!
I have been pulling for a while now and find it amazing, its so simple and easy. At first I had alot of phlegm and mucos but after 10days this went. My skin is brighter, my gums no longer bleed, my teeth are shining. I feel good for the inside out
Thank you for the article Jess x
Hi Jess,
Do you know if oil pulling is safe to do if you have mercury fillings?
Anne » Hi Anne, yes I think so but you may want to research that one a bit more also. x
Hi Jess, I am very excited about giving this a try. However, I’m a bit concerned about clogging the old pipes of my house when I spit the oil into the sink. Have you ever heard of problems about the coconut oil turning from liquid to solid again?
I have read where you should spit it in your trash can not your toilet or sink because over the years it could cause problems, I was going to mention that earlier in my comment but forgot.
That is very good to know…thanks!!!
This health practice is completely new to me and I’m really curious about it. Thank you for the introduction and information – I’m definitely going to give it a whirl I have terrible gag reflexes though…so it might take a few tries!
Hi everyone!
I feel so curious about oil pulling since I read about it here… I really wish I could give it a try, but where I live the only organic oil I can find is extra virgin olive. I’ve read that it’s not nice because of the way it tastes, but would it work the same?. And if not, anyone knows any site to get coconut oil from?. I’m from Spain.
Greetings,
Ana.
Hi Ana. Don’t know if you have found coconut oil yet but I get mine from my health store. I too live in Spain. Mallorca actually and they have a lot of health stores here. Costs about twenty euros. Good luck. Felicity
Why do you not spit out the yukky oil and and retake more to retop up and continue on for the 20 mins? Does it have something to do with the change in the oil that is beneficial? The Lion King comes to mind “slimy, yet satisfying”! x
Hi ABD .. The oil mixes with your saliva as you go and yes it changes the oil…. Apparently from my reading, if the oil is not milky and frothy white when you spit it out, you havent been swishing long enough. I myself have been using Hemp Oil, which is very green to begin with and still slightly green when I expel. It all sounds so disgusting doesnt it.
Why not just swish with Listerine for 30 seconds?
Adam » Hi Adam! These are the ingredients in Listerine: Alcohol, Sorbitol, Aroma, Poloxamer 407, Benzoic acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium saccharin, Eucalyptol, Methyl salicylate, Thymol, Menthol, Sodium fluoride, CI 42053, CI 47005. It is basically all toxic chemicals!
Hey Jess, great blog! Although I don’t have cancer or any other ailments for that matter, I’ve been incorporating a lot of the Gerson therapy juicing into my diet. Today I just tried Oil Pulling in the shower with Coconut Oil. Don’t know what will happen so we’ll wait and see. I’m trying to convince my wife to try as well. Bravo on your recovery. Amazing success story. Best wishes.
I am with above poster I do not have cancer but was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease & have also chosen to treat my diagnosis with diet, expercise, yoga. In 3 years no change ..YAY !
I admire your determination and what you have done. Thank you for all the great information and all the good posts. I look forward to them.
I tried the oil pulling first with olive oil, then now with coconut oil. (much better). I took a basic class in Ayurveda and our teacher told us sesame oil also works well. My mouth feels fresher and this is my 2nd week.
Here’s to good health
joni
I have been oil pulling for a while but am finding it hard now it’s winter…..how do you melt the oil quickly in the mornings?
Sam Swanson » Hi Sam, we add a couple of tablespoons to an empty jar and then sit the jar in a bowl of hot water. This will melt the oil so that it’s liquid. xx
do you use cooking coconut oil?
Hi Jess,
After stumbling across your site last week, I have already implemented a lot of your bits and pieces into my lifestyle and it’s been the best thing so far. I use Hydrogen Peroxide 3% to clean my face now, a herbal toothpaste, eating even cleaner than before (I call it the stone-age food) basically nothing packaged, as often as I can. I have started using apple cider vinegar in the bath and shower (although I have to buy the organic one…) I am interested in trying Oil Pulling after reading your clipping on oral health. Thank you for everything – your wonderful tips and everything on this site has given me a fresh start to life. I can’t thank you enough. Keep up the fantastic work. xo
hi Jess-
I use coconut oil and was wondering what happens if I swallow a bit while im pulling? I’ve been doing it for about a week or so now, and I’ve been having what appears to be a healing reaction the past couple of days…I think I’ve swallowed some accidentally…am i basically eating the grody toxins — is a healing reaction possible from doing this?
Thank you
Yes you can have a healing crisis from oil pulling though I don’t think everyone does. It could be from the toxins, would really recommend not swallowing it at all if possible, but from what I can find on the internet, it doesn’t look like it would hurt you if you do occasionally, you should just digest it and it will pass through your body.
Thank you for your comment Rian–I do think im having a bit of a healing crisis… general malaise and even a couple of pimples and i never get those. Im always astounded what the human body is capable of and how it heals itself. ..or shows us how powerful it is.
thanks!
Thank you for this! I have been trying it out with coconut oil for the last 2 days…can i mix it with a bit of castor oil? do you recommend that?
Namaste
Do you think it’s ok to use Organic Cold Pressed Sesame Oil? As that is what I have been using the past few months.. xx
Amy Landry » Hey Amy, yes absolutely!! x
Hi Jess
Can’t wait to start trying this! I’ve been randomly breaking out into hives for the past month so hopefully this will help control it. Can you please let me know what brand of Oregano Oil you’re using? I’ve been reading that you need to make sure it’s ‘Oil of Wild Oregano’ and not just ‘Oil of Oregano’ or ‘Oregano Oil’.
Thanks and keep up the good work!!
Peggy
Hi Jess! I’ve just started oil pulling, and I have to say I’m overwhelmed by the results! So exciting! I was just wondering if I could ask your advice regarding the logistics of it though! I usually oil pull first thing in the morning, but have my breakfast afterwards before dashing out the door to work. Should I brush my teeth after oil pulling, or wait until I’ve eaten breakfast as well?
Thanks so much, Jess!
Katie x
Katie » Hi Katie, I have a designated toothbrush that I use just for following my oil pulling. I use it to brush my teeth with water just after spitting the oil out. x
That’s really useful, Jess- thanks so much! x
I believe it is important to brush your teeth after oil pulling as there are toxins from the exercise. I usually rinse with warm salty water, then I brush my teeth and scrap my tongue. Oil pulling makes my teeth whiter, plague looser and improve my general oral health. I think it also soften my skin. I need more time to tell, tho. I tried with extra virgin olive oil and cold pressed sesame oil. The key is not only the oil but also that 20 mins. Sometimes, I am in a rush and only swish for 15 mins, I can tell the difference.
I have been oil pulling for a few months now and I do like it. Unfortunately, my lower front tooth is infected & I have to get a root canal. I don’t know if the oil puling excaberated it or not..
Hi,
I’ve been oil pulling/swishing for a year now. My teeth aren’t any whiter than before , but there are some definite changes noticed.
My gums aren’t receding as much as before….is that the correct term…,
my hair feels stronger, not as thin as before. That could be because it’s not falling as much
And…my sinus isn’t as bad as before
In any case it’s done me no harm. I love the early morning discipline of doing something everyday. I started with olive oil but then switched to cold pressed sunflower oil. Rgds
finally some research to support pulling with coconut oil! I have been pulling daily to assist in with my candida management for about 3 months now.
Thank you Jess for sharing.
I have been dound oil pullling for the last 5 weeks.am using sasame oil……100% sasame oil, not organic though and it is also heat treated and refined from a reputable source.
I am.also using 1st grade unrefined cold pressed sunflower oil.
I noticed the healing crisis is stronger with the sunflower oil.
My eczema flareups are more when I oil pull with the sunflower oil.
I have being trying to find articles on the different levels of healing crises with different oils but so far no sucess.
Any one has any comments on these 2 oils?
Overall I love oil pulling and the outcomes so r. Oral hygiene is certainly sn ACE!!!!
I will be very HAPPY When my eczema is finally “cured”.
……..of course doing an array of holistic stuff.
Thk you!!!
I have just tried this method – was actually doing it at night time! So now I need to re-arrange my day and do it first thing in the morning.
Because I have such a huge strong gag reflex I am only using a teaspoon of oil at the moment – trying to work myself up to taking more each time
I have heard that one can be very sick the first few times of trying it but so far all is ok!
Thanks for the suggestion about a different toothbrush when doing oil pulling. Will need to buy another one.
This is news. I have heard of the connection between gum disease and heart disease, but not oil pulling. This seems like an option I cannot let pass me by. I’ll try coconut oil first as there is quite a lot sold these days. I know I can buy it at the Sunday Organic Market. I’ll have to form a search image for oregano oil now as well.
Love Oil Pulling. I’ve been doing it for two weeks now and find my teeth & mouth feel cleaner.
My routine as soon as I get up is:
Switch on kettle
Go to the toilet (you needed to hear that – not – oh well!!)
In a wide liqueur glass I place 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (it’s usually solid)
then pour hot water in a rice bowl place the liqueur glass in the hot water and stir with a spoon to liquify (melt)
When I’m finished swishing, I spit it into a bin in the bathroom. Definitely don’t spit it down the drain. Then brush my teeth and swish 3% hydrogen peroxide for a minute.
My teeth feel great.
Hi Jess, should I be using *refined* or *unrefined* organic cold pressed coconut oil for pulling???
Thank you
Cath
Cath » Hi Cath, unrefined is the way to go! x
Ive trie dthis before but this time I will try it with the coconut oil.
Question to Jess, how did you clean your teeth while on the Gerson Therapy? or do they just use any toothpaste that doenst have those nasty ingredients?
Ana » Hi Ana, I used an organic toothpaste while on Gerson. Just look for a brand without the nasties
Been reading a lot about oil pulling lately, stumbled upon it by accident…
Currently on day 5 – teeth are whiter, and cleaner (which I didn’t think possible – my friends and family are astounded my teeth could actually get whiter!)
And if definitely can’t hurt, so I am going to stick with it.
Thanks for the information, and everyone for the posts!
Hello Jess!
I so like the idea of the whole oil pulling benefits. I will try this tomorrow morning.
Will give you an update of my experience.
P.S. I’ve started the no poo and is considering VCO for my toothpaste.
~Shei
Looks like MindBodyGreen has ‘borrowed’ some of your content http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4896/The-Single-Most-Effective-Ayurvedic-Practice-for-Your-Mouth.html
some is word for word like this bit:
“The first few times my gag reflexes reared themselves and it was a little difficult keeping the oil in my mouth, but I persisted and by the third day it was fine. If you have this problem too, I recommend sticking with it.”
Elise » Oh wow!! They are my words exactly ha ha. Thanks for showing me this Elise x
i too have wondered what exactly it was when i bought Pure Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from Coconut Magic. when it arrived it had a flyer on coconut oil and the benifits one was oil pulling and what it does for you. I am a vego and have not so nice breath, this was the last resort so i did it for five days and IT WORKED nothing else did.. i’ve not done it for a few weeks but after reading your article i will start the every day out with oil pulling
Hi Jess, I’ve recently come across your blog and love it, what an inspiring woman you are! I’ve been doing the oil pulling for a couple of weeks now, but I’ve noticed our bathroom sink is getting blocked up after spitting the oil down it, especially the last 2 days since the weather had gotten colder…I’m guessing the oil is solidifying again? do you get this problem? what do you do?
thanks so much
Vikki » Haha yes I’ve been there! Try spitting your oil into the bin or into the garden instead of the sink to avoid clogging. xx
Hello Jess. Please comment to my post on Oct.1st 2012. Appreciate your comments.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Hi jess, I have been oil pulling with olive oil and then sunflower oil for past 25 days but have had quite bad acne, very chapped lips and now a nasty eczema flare up…I’ve never suffered with eczema before and have had to stop oil pulling as it was getting so bad. Am I doing something wrong or is this a typical reaction?
Do you have to do it for a whole 20 minutes? is 10 enough?
Tali » 20 mins is best, but whatever you can do is perfect! x
Oil pulling came at me from 3 different directions yesterday, so I’ve started. I’m two days in and interested to see if and what improvements occur.
Hi Jess, today i had my first oil pulling. I did it with coconut oil. I loved doing it and before i knew it the 20 minutes were gone. Do i have to add something else to the coconut oil or is it just fine this way? And everyday? Love, Charissa from the Netherlands
I’m reading The Gerson Therapy right now. I’m trying to eat healthier, trying the key word. Did you go to the clinic? I hope you are doing good for whatever reason you started it. I want to do it just to learn about it and try to teach others. I have a friend who’s child has bone/lung cancer and tried to get her to look into The Gerson Clinic… but I think they have given up hope. Anyway I was just researching oil pulling and came across your site. Now I’ll go read the rest of it… and give it a try