I recently learned of oil pulling. The claims I heard from one person about this “oil” ritual seemed so far out and overblown- whiter teeth, clear skin, rashes disappear, healthier gums, no sinus infections, greater energy, better digestion- it seemed like a bit of a tall tale. Swishing oil in your mouth for 15 minutes a day and you will live longer? Yeah, right. Well, investigating further, oil pulling could be the best kept secret in the healthy ritual department! Are you willing to give it a try with me?!
The Ayurvedic ritual of oil pulling is thought to work by pulling bacteria, toxins and mucous from the body as you swish oil in your mouth. Documented benefits that have been studied include helping to heal tumors, repairing diseased gums, re-fastening loose teeth, decreasing systemic candida, decreasing blood diseases, reducing allergies, curing sinus infections and much more. Some claim that the oil pulling method is a key to longevity. While I can somewhat gag at the notion of putting a giant spoon of oil into my mouth, I am ready to try it!
All you need: unprocessed sesame oil or sunflower oil (thought to be the best 2 oils… others have used virgin olive oil and coconut oil with great results).
To do the oil pulling: Put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Swish it for 20 minutes through your teeth and mouth. Do not “gargle” it in your throat and don’t swallow it. When you are done with the swishing, the oil is considered toxic and filled with pathogens. If you spit it out, some advise to wash your sink. Others say to spit the “in in the toilet which is one step easier! (Note: If you want to do this more than once a day, wait four hours after eating and at least an hour after drinking any liquids to try it again!)
Because I am eating and drinking for the rest of the night, I will do this early morning tomorrow. Are you in?! And…if you have already done it, please let me know how it works for you! xoxo Dana
When you say swish it for 20 minutes do you really mean 20 MINUTES!!!!?????? Really, 20 minutes!!!!???? X
lol, yes, 20 minutes. I am thinking I’ll walk my dog or take a shower and do it!
I started oil pulling w/coconut oil about six months ago. My allergies haven’t cleared up the way I’d hoped, but my teeth and gums have NEVER looked better. I do it for about 20 – 30 minutes twice a day. It was a weird habit to develop, but now I’d never give it up. Get the coconut oil at Trader Joe’s; they have a very good product and it is a lot less expensive than Whole Foods. Try it; I bet you get hooked on it.
So exciting!
I’ve read about the benefits, but I’ve only tried it once! It just didn’t seem like it was working (I know, I know, I should do it more than once before stopping). Anyway, I’d love an update on this from you in a week or two!
I’ve been reading a lot about this lately as well! I didn’t know about all those documented health benefits though. That’s awesome and totally worth a try! If you’d do it in the morning, would you do it after or before you brush your teeth? I’m assuming do it before you brush. Can’t wait to try this in the morning!!
I’d love to know too! I’m sure we’ll get a great follow up post.
I’m totally obsessed with this now! I will totally do a follow-up post! Wonder if you guys have tried it?!
I tried this it this morning, all I had was olive oil, but it seemed to work O.K.. It felt a little strange but the 20 minutes went by rather quickly. I did it before I brushed, I also rinsed very well before brushing. I can’t wait to try different oils.
I’ve been doing this since March, usually with coconut oil in the morning. I started out doing it for as long as I could (about 10 minutes) and worked up to 20 minutes. (I do it while I am fixing my coffee and breakfast and giving the dog his pills and food, etc.) Coconut oil is solid and will return to solid once you spit it out so you’re best to spit it in the trash rather than clog your sink or toilet with it. It definitely breaks up the mucous in my schnozz–sometimes my nose starts running, as far as the other benefits, I don’t know for sure, I’ll find out about my teeth and gums in a few months, but my mouth definitely feels cleaner. Also it may be contributing to helping to right my hyperthyroidism–again, hard to know but my bloodwork has changed pretty dramatically since I started oil pulling and taking Vit. D supplements (which I definitely think helped, since D deficiency is a factor in hyperthyroidism). At any rate, it sure doesn’t hurt anything.
what awesome tips…and really incredible feedback! thank you so much!!!! i love hearing this!