The Health Benefits to Oil Pulling

What is Oil Pulling?

This oral therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine (a traditional Indian system) that dates back 3,000 years. It involves swishing approximately 1 teaspoon - 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes then spitting it out. You can use any edible oil, however coconut oil is preferred. Unlike some so-called natural home remedies, oil pulling is not a practice that is based on pseudo-science.  Recent studies show that oil pulling helps against gingivitis, plaque and microorganisms that cause bad breath. How does this work? Most microorganisms inhibiting the mouth consist of a single cell. Cells are covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane which is the cell's skin. When these cells come into contact with oil they naturally adhere to each other. If you do your research, you will find that oil pulling benefits your health in many ways by helping with sinus and allergy issues, along with inflammatory type disease processes.   

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Steps in Oil Pulling

My Oil Pulling Recipe

2 tablespoons of coconut oil +
5 drops Thieves Oil +
5 drops Orange Essential Oil

I use the Thieves Oil because it has antibacterial properties and will help improve your immune system and also jump start the pulling process.  
Orange Essential Oil naturally whitens your teeth so this is a perfect time to give your teeth extra attention. 

Melt coconut oil and allow to cool off a bit, then mix Essential Oils until well blended. Coconut Oil solidifies at 76* F so if your house is like mine, it will not stay in its liquid form for long. Keep this mixture in a dark, class container and spoon in your bathroom for easy access.

Important Oil Pulling Tips!

• Even though the directions above indicate that you use a Tablespoon of oil, I find that is way too much oil to start with for a 20 minute swish. I suggest using 1 teaspoon instead.
• When you first place the coconut oil in your mouth it feels a little funny because it will most probably be in solid form, no worries, this quickly dissolves into a liquid form.
• Swish gently and take breaks so that your mouth does not get tired. I know 20 minutes seems like a LONG TIME. If you find this difficult, start out with a 5 minute swish and gradually increase your time. 
• I try to multitask with my normal morning activity, so I start the swish then go through my normal "getting ready for the day" activities. In no time at all 20 minutes has passed.
• Remember that you need to spit out the mixture and do not swallow it! The reason behind this, is that the mixture will be full of bacteria that is being drawn from your body and you do not want to introduce that bacteria back into your body. Also I need to alert you that remember if you use coconut oil that it will go back to its solid form, so please do not spit the mixture into your drains. Use a trashcan or paper towels to dispose of the waste. 
• Use this in combination to your normal oral care, Oil Pulling should not be used to replace brushing, flossing or any dental treatment needed for advanced periodontal disease. 
• Stay healthy and HAPPY PULLING!