Oil Pulling is an Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil around your mouth from anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes a day. Before you try oil pulling, be aware of the DON’TS of Oil Pulling. Read the post here.
The benefits vary from detoxifying, providing sinus/allergy relief, boosting metabolism, whitening teeth, soothing aching gums and the list goes on. The benefits has been confirmed by a dentist and nutritionist in this Jezebel article on oil pulling. A pilot study shows that oil pulling with sesame seed oil or coconut oil can drastically decrease the bacteria associated with dental cavities. This makes oil pulling perfect for preventing cavities and gum disease.
I still wasn’t completely sold but I figure it was worth a try. Sources vary as to how long you should pull oil. Some beginningers start at 5 minute but not me, I’m an overachiever. I went for 15 minutes. I have to be honest, I didn’t think I was going to make it… Initially the texture of semisolid extra virgin organic coconut oil (I used the one pictured) was too much. If you’re a texture person, allow the coconut oil to completely melt or opt for a liquid coconut oil. After a minute or two, the oil warms and is completely liquid during the swishing. The texture is smooth and swishes is like any other mouth rinse. I will say if you don’t like coconut this may not be for you. Its almost like rinsing your mouth with coconut water.
Afterwards, I noticed a more clean feeling and I could breathe little clearer. Before oil pulling I had some gum soreness that went away after swishing the oil. I’m not exactly sure if it revved up my metabolism. Maybe so. I was thirsty or my throat was dry afterward both times I oil pulled. I can’t say I will wake up and do this every day. But it was nice to kind of sit still, breathe, and meditate for 15 minutes first thing in the morning.
Update
Last night my throat was itchy and I was a little congested due to allergies. I decided to give this thing another try. This time with liquid coconut oil. It was a lot my palatable; I didn’t feel like gagging at all ;-). I pulled for 15 mins, spat the oil in a plastic cup, then placed that in the trash, rinsed my mouth with warm water, and brushed my teeth as normal. It completely cleared my sinus. Honestly, I don’t know how it works but it really works. This will be my go-to for now on.
I know some people can’t complete to 15 or 20 mins (I can’t commit to 20 mins, either) but start at 5 mins. You will still reap the benefits.
Cool, I’ve tried it with olive oil for 15 mins & I was surprised at how clean my mouth felt. & I agree that everyday oil pulling is not for me. Lol
Coconut oil is very much useful for hair, body and babies. This works really well. I totally agree with your post because I also use coconut hair in winter and I am free from dry scalp problem. Everyone should try this.