What is Oil Pulling?

What is Oil Pulling?

by Tamara Mannelly

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If you have been reading Oh Lardy!, you know that last week I made a goal to oil pull every morning.  Well, guess what! I did!

I keep a jar of coconut oil and a spoon in my bathroom and put a spoonful in my mouth upon arising.  I would ‘swish swish swish’ while I showered, got dressed, made my daughter breakfast, etc.  I probably averaged 10 minutes a day.  There were 2 days, we woke up a bit late and I did the oil pulling a little later in the morning, but I still did it!

I am going to keep this up for the next week and hope that I can make this a regular part of my morning routine.  In my experience, sticking with something for at least a few weeks, helps ensure it becomes part of a routine.

What exactly is oil pulling, you ask?  Great question.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that dates back thousands of years.

It is a super simple process.  Essentially you swish and gargle oil (coconut is used often due to the myriad benefits of coconut oil), much like you would mouthwash, but for a much longer time, anywhere from 5-20 minutes.  The oil pulls toxins, bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, plaque and more out of your mouth.  You then spit the oil out (DO NOT SWALLOW) and rinse.

Many experts say it should be done first thing in the morning, which I have been trying to do.  But doing it at anytime will still be beneficial.The benefits of oil pulling are numerous.  Oil pulling can be detoxifying, cleansing and healing to the body.  It leads to improved skin health with less acne and a glowing complexion. It has the benefit of whitening teeth and improving gum health.  There are also countless testimonials, online, where people experience healing with arthritis, asthma, hormone imbalances, skin conditions, and more.

Since I started oil pulling, I have noticed whiter, shinier teeth and a better overall feeling in my mouth and gums.

How to Do Oil Pulling

• Take a spoonful of coconut oil (sesame oil is also traditionally used) and place in mouth.
• Swish forcefully around your mouth for at least 5 minutes (ideally up to 20 ).  Do this while you are showering, getting dressed, etc.  The time goes by quickly.
• Spit out the oil into the garbage (don’t spit in sink, it may clog your pipes!).
• Rinse with warm water.
• You can brush your teeth now, also, if you would like.

If you would like more information on oil pulling, check out these resources:

• Oil Pulling Therapy
• Tooth brushing, oil pulling and tissue regeneration: A review of holistic approaches to oral health. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011 Apr;2(2):64-8.
• Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.  Indian J Dent Res. 2009 Jan-Mar;20(1):47-51.
• Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.  J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2008 Mar;26(1):12-7.

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http://ohlardy.com/oil-pulling