Have you heard the buzz about the obscure health and wellness practice that’s been gaining popularity lately? It’s called “oil pulling,” and it involves swishing oil around in your mouth for several minutes each day.
At first glance, oil pulling might seem like just another health fad. But there’s actually some science behind it. In fact, oil pulling has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a way to improve oral health and detoxify the body.
The Benefits of Oil Pulling
So, what are the benefits of oil pulling? Well, for starters, it’s great for your oral health. Swishing oil around in your mouth helps to remove harmful bacteria and plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. It also helps to freshen your breath and whiten your teeth.
But the benefits of oil pulling go beyond just your oral health. It’s also been shown to help with a variety of other health issues, including:
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving digestion
- Boosting immune function
- Alleviating headaches
- Improving skin health
So, how does oil pulling work? When you swish oil around in your mouth, it acts like a magnet, pulling toxins and impurities out of your body. The oil also helps to lubricate your mouth and throat, which can help with dry mouth and sore throat.
How to Oil Pull
If you’re interested in trying oil pulling for yourself, it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a high-quality oil, such as coconut oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil.
- Take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes.
- Spit the oil out into a trash can (not the sink, as it can clog your pipes).
- Rinse your mouth out with warm water, and brush your teeth as usual.
It’s important to note that oil pulling should be done on an empty stomach, either first thing in the morning or before bed. And while some people recommend doing it every day, others suggest starting out with just a few times a week and gradually increasing as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Choosing the Right Oil
As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of oil that can be used for oil pulling. So, which one is best? Well, it really depends on your personal preference.
Coconut oil is a popular choice because of its antimicrobial properties and pleasant taste. Plus, it’s widely available and relatively inexpensive. If you’re interested in trying coconut oil for oil pulling, we recommend trying Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, which is cold-pressed and unrefined for maximum health benefits.
Sesame oil is another popular choice, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a more neutral taste than coconut oil, but can be a bit harder to find. If you’re interested in trying sesame oil for oil pulling, we recommend trying Banyan Botanicals Sesame Oil, which is organic and cold-pressed for maximum purity.
The Bottom Line
While oil pulling might seem like a strange and obscure practice, there’s actually some science behind it. It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a way to improve oral health and detoxify the body. And while more research is needed to fully understand its benefits, many people swear by it as a way to improve their overall health and well-being.
So, if you’re interested in trying oil pulling for yourself, we encourage you to give it a shot. Just remember to choose a high-quality oil, swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes, and spit it out into a trash can. And as always, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new health practices.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oil-pulling-coconut-oil#section1
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198813/
