What is oil pulling?
One of the oldest folk remedies around is oil pulling. The
purpose? To take the toxins, bacteria, germs, and other bad stuff from the
mouth and into the oil.
Put a tablespoon of your choice of organic unrefined oil in your
mouth and swish it around for 20 minutes. I used raw coconut oil is
because it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and enzymatic properties. This
provides the added benefit of killing any unwanted bacteria that may be
residing in the mouth. Do not gargle and do not swallow the oil or
you will put all those toxins right back in your body. When the 20 minutes are
up, spit the mouthful into the trash, NOT the sink. Coconut oil hardens as it
cools and will clog your pipes. After spitting out the mouthful of oil, brush
and floss as usual.
What are the benefits?
Oil pulling
literally "pulls" out bacteria, toxins and parasites that live in
your mouth or lymph system and cleanses the blood. It can also pull mucus from
your throat and sinuses, which is great news considering we are diving nose
first into allergy season. Oil putting is not only a great detox, but it
will whiten your teeth and strengthen your gums as it removes plaque.
When should
you oil pull?
Oil pulling can be done at any time
of the day, but for a more thorough detox, its best to do this in the morning,
before eating or drinking. You will probably start to notice small differences
right away but it might take a week before you see any big changes.
My experience - Day One
I had read some testimonials about people getting headaches while
oil pulling, gagging, or even throwing up! So you can imagine why I braced
myself for the worst as I put my first tablespoon of coconut oil in my mouth.
It definitely took me a few seconds to adjust to
the consistency as the oil melted from a solid to a liquid, but
after a minute or two it really wasn't that bad. 15 minutes into the
swishing the mouthful started to feel hot and taste bad (most likely the
toxins) but there was no gagging of any kind. After I spit it out into the
trash, I rinsed with water and then brushed my teeth as normal.
I don't feel any less congested, but my throat doesn't hurt
anymore from post nasal drip. And my mouth? Has never felt cleaner! I will
definitely be doing this again.
Please let me know if you have tried oil pulling and what your
experience was!
