Oil Pulling
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient medical practice originating in India. Many Ayurvedic practitioners will recommend a protocol of daily “Oil Pulling”. This practice may benefit oral and overall health by bonding-to and removing toxins from the mouth. Please keep in mind this practice is not intended to replace your dentist recommended oral hygiene practices.
To practice oil pulling use only edible oil, although you don’t swallow or eat the oil, it will be in your mouth, so use only edible oil for safety. Many essential oils can have non-edible ingredients, so we don’t suggest using them unless you are 100% sure it’s an edible product. We suggest extra virgin coconut oil. Ultimately you want to swish the oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, but many people find this difficult, so start with 5 minutes and build up. If daily is too much, try it just on the weekends. Also make sure you do this when you won’t need to talk for a while.
After swishing, it’s extremely important to spit and rinse very thoroughly to remove oil and toxins that are bonded to the oil. Do not swallow the oil. We suggest spitting in the trash or toilet as coconut oil could clog a regular sink drain over time.
Oil pulling is purported to support oral health but also for clearing sinuses, reducing headaches and minimizing inflammation in the body. These are not evidence-based claims but many Ayurvedic Practitioners observe a positive impact, especially in regard to reducing oral plaque buildup, which as you may know is the same plaque that can cause heart disease. Also, it is a natural way to whiten teeth.
Oil pulling is simple, inexpensive, and has no known side effects when done properly. So, if you give it a try, please let us know what you think.
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