Oil Pulling has been getting a lot of coverage in the last year.   I am happy to hear and see it, but I know many are still hesitant.    I first heard of this traditional ayurvedic practice from a good friend on our girlfriend email chain where we share recipes and tips like these.

I honestly thought it sounded insane at first and terribly inconvenient.  And then I tried it….

Oil Pulling Instructions:

First thing in the morning BEFORE brushing your teeth, eating or drinking anything, take one tablespoon of either sesame oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil.   Put the oil in your mouth and slowly swish it around, pull it through the teeth, just move it around and around in your mouth.  Making sure to keep your mouth closed.  Keep on doing this for at least 10 minutes, or 15, even 20 if you can manage it.   The oil will become a thin, white foam when you finally spit it out.  If it is still yellow, you haven’t done it long enough.

If using coconut oil it will just take a minute for it to soften to turn into a liquid so that you can swish it around.

DO NOT SWALLOW THE OIL it now contains bacteria and parasites.

DO NOT GARGLE IN THE THROAT.

DO NOT SPIT THE OIL INTO THE SINK  it could clog your drains.  SPIT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARBAGE.

ALWAYS DO ON A COMPLETELY EMPTY STOMACH

The time of it turned me off at first, but now I just find things to do.  I take a shower while oil pulling.  I make my bed while oil pulling.  I put away laundry while oil pulling.  I make tea and a smoothie while oil pulling.  There are plenty of things to do for that 15 minutes of swishing.

So, know that you know how, why?

I do it when ever I am having any tooth sensitivity or pain and it makes it better immediately.

Studies do show that oil pulling can whiten teeth, strengthen gums and prevent:

• Cavities and gingitvits
• Plaque
• Bad Breath
• Bleeding Gums
• Sensitive Teeth

Besides all the goodness it does for your mouth it:

• Reduces Inflammation
• Relieves Seasonal Allergies
• Relieves Headaches
• Detoxifies the Body of Harmful Metals
• Can Improve Skin Conditions (Eczema)
• Supports Healthy Kidney Function
• May Relieve Ulcers

So, go try it!  I don’t do it daily but you better believe it is what I fall back on if I am feeling a little buggy and especially if I have teeth sensitivity.

Have you tried it?  What do you think?