Have you heard of oil pulling?
I read about oil pulling and its benefits a long time ago. Then I started the practice and was even pretty good about doing it for a year or so.
Then I slowly just didn’t do it anymore. Not for any reason, just like a lot of things, I just slowly got out of the habit.
Recently I was listening to an herbal lecture and heard about it again.
It’s a super simple technique you can do for yourself that’s really inexpensive and can be really beneficial.
But it does take some getting used to.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient, Indian folk remedy claimed to whiten your teeth, freshen your breath, and greatly improve your oral health. And by improving your oral health, improving your overall health.
I say “claimed to”, but there is actually a lot of science that backs it up.
Oil pulling is using about a tablespoon of an edible oil and swishing it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
Then spitting it out and then rinsing your mouth out well.
Its premise is to get rid of bad bacteria and microorganisms that can cause decay, inflammation and infection in your mouth.
And because issues that can come from the decay, inflammation & infection in your mouth can cause so many other problems throughout our bodies, we’re staving off other problems before they can start. This Is why taking care of your teeth is so important to your health.
The history
Oil pulling has been part of the Ayurvedic tradition for at least 3000 years.
It was not only used for health but it was also used to bring the body back into alignment.
The Chinese traditions believe we have meridians where the Chi runs throughout our body. Chi being our life energy or life force.
Those meridians are duplicated on our feet, hands and on our tongues. So by cleaning the mouth (or tongue) we are also helping to clean or clear the meridians so Chi can flow freely.
For both traditions oil pulling was a form of detoxing and bringing good health back to our body. The premise being that the oils absorb the toxins and then we spit it out.
The process of oil swishing has been believed to cure or control 30 different types of systemic diseases including headaches, migraine, and chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes mellitus.
The Science
For a change, this is one of those things where science and tradition mostly agree.
Our oral health has a large impact on our overall health. It’s said the “Mouth is considered as the mirror of the general health of human body.”
Bad oral hygiene and health can lead to endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of our heart), cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications and even pneumonia.
Some of the other conditions that might be linked to our oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).
It’s said to work because most microorganisms are single celled and those cells are covered with a lipid or fatty membrane, effectively the cells skin.
When these cells come into contact with the oil, also a fat, they naturally adhere to each other.
Which oil do you use?
Traditionally sesame seed oil was used, but you can use any edible oil.
You can use olive, avocado, sunflower, grapeseed or coconut oil. Anything you cook with you can use for oil pulling.
Coconut oil has been recommended a lot because of its antibacterial properties, because it tastes good and because it contains lauric acid which is also antimicrobial and may help fight tooth decay.
Olive oil is full of antioxidants.
Each oil will have it’s own benefits so you can decide which you want to use.
How is Oil Pulling done?
Some people say it’s best to oil pull first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and before brushing your teeth. A lot of folks do it when they’re taking they’re morning shower.
You swish about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 15-20 min. I found it’s best to work up to 15-20 minutes or you’re jaw will get really tired. That doesn’t sound like a long time, but it really is when you’re swishing.
Never swallow the oil.
Swishing the oil for this long changes the viscosity of the oil and it gets a lot thinner and it’ll turn a milky white.
You don’t have to use a lot of force. If your facial muscles get tight or sore just relax a little.
You may need to use less oil next time and slow down your swishing.
Once you’re done, never spit the oil down the sink. Spit it in the trash so you don’t plug the drain.
I’ve read different ideas on how often you need to do it. Some say daily but I’ve also heard 3 times a week is good.
It isn’t recommended for children 5 or younger because of the chance of them swallowing the oil.
The hardest part…
I’ve found the hardest part about oil pulling is remembering to do it.
When I get up first thing in the morning, my first thought is coffee and it’s a struggle for me to remember to do the oil pulling before my coffee gets done.
Like everything, it’s a matter of putting some kind of system in place that reminds you to do it. I just have to get the right system in place for me.
I’ve been trying to get back in this habit for about a month now and I’ve not been very good at consistently getting at least 3 days in a week.
But I’m working on setting up some kind of system so I can get it done regularly.
Right now I’ve got really good teeth. I’ve had my problems, but my teeth and gums are healthy and if I can add this one simple thing to help keep them that way, it’s worth it.
It feels super strange when you first get started, but you get used to it pretty quick.
Some folks say they get a headache when they first start oil pulling, but that it doesn’t last long and it stops after the first few times. I’ve never been effected like that.
Comment below and let me know if you’ve tried oil pulling before or if it’s something you might try in the future.
And if you do give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think.
