WTF is Oil Pulling??

Oil pulling is an age-old remedy, from India, that cleans and detoxifies the teeth and gums.

The practice of oil pulling started in India thousands of years ago, and was first introduced to the United States in the early 1990s by a medical doctor named Dr. F. Karach.

It’s been known to whiten the teeth and is beneficial in improving gums and removing harmful bacteria.

The oil is swished in the mouth for 20 minutes and the amount of time is crucial. Oil has the ability to remove toxins without harming the teeth or gums.

I've been practicing oil pulling for a few weeks now, and it doesn't get any easier let me tell you. I have a bad gag reflex (insert smirking emoji here), so I can only swish for about 10 min max...and that's ok too! Do what your body tells you!

The many benefits of OP:

1. Whitens teeth.

2. Prevents bad breath.

3. Strengthens teeth, gums, and jaw.

4. Prevents disease.

5. Increases overall health.

6. Relieves headaches.

7. Supports kidney function.

8. Reduces insomnia.

9. General detoxification.

10. Reduces hangovers! WOO!

How to do Oil Pulling?

Swish a couple teaspoons of a vegetable based oil, (coconut, sesame or olive) in the mouth for 20 minutes and then spit it out and rinse well. Make sure to spit it out in the trash and not into the sink to prevent clogging the sink. Oil pulling is best done in the morning, before eating or drinking anything.

Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into the mouth. 

I prefer to use organic coconut oil, it has a sweeter taste than the other oils. I scoop out one tsp as a solid and let it melt in my mouth before swishing. Swish for 20 minutes (or as long as you can take it). The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixed with saliva and will be creamy-white when it is spit out. Spit it directly into the trash can. It will be full of toxins that shouldn't go into the sink. Also, DO NOT INJEST IT! All of the toxins you are getting out of your body will be in the oil, so you don't want it going back in!!! Then brush your teeth and go about your day!!

Our ancestors, as well as indigenous cultures, knew the health benefits that can be gained through the use of plants, cooking and kitchen supplies, and as it turns out, our using oils, such as coconut, sesame, and olive, help to moisturize the body, and as it ends up, our kitchens can also offer cleaner and brighter smiles. ;)

If you want to read more about all the many health benefits, the best resource I’ve found is Oil Pulling Therapy by Bruce Fife.

(Another use for coconut oil can be found here!)