Have You Oil Pulled Lately?

 

According to Wikipedia, Oil Pulling or oil swishing is a folk remedy where oil  is “swished” or “held” in the mouth. Oil pulling is an old age Ayurvedic practice (Hindu traditional medicine) which originated in India and has now gone mainstream and is used to minimize bacteria growth.

When I was first introduced to Oil Pulling I was given a list of oral benefits, but after carefully researching this technique, I now know that this method has even greater healing properties than I was first told.

Benefits of Oil Pulling:

1. First thing in the morning on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids (including water), pour a tablespoon of oil into your mouth. Most popular are sesame or coconut, but research indicates that there are also multiple benefits in using sunflower, olive, or safflower oil.

2. Swish the oil in a relaxed mode around your mouth without swallowing for 20 minutes. Do not tilt your head back. Use your tongue to help move the liquid around.

3. At the end of 20 minutes spit the liquid in the bathroom trash and rinse a couple of times with warm water.

4. Follow up with brushing, using your toothpaste of choice and go about your day as usual.

Some research recommended daily while others recommended 3-5 days per week.

Twenty minutes is essential because it allows time for the oil to get deep down into the sockets of the gums and reach the harmful bacteria on contact, unlike toothpaste and mouthwash which is only in the mouth for a few minutes.

Because you do not want to clog your sink or toilet pipes.

Yes! It’s time tested and has been proven to work. The benefits speak for itself

FYI: Some research has suggested using a tongue scraper after Oil Pulling to rid the mouth of any leftover, lingering toxins.