What is Oil Pulling and Does it Work
Ok, I admit it sounds a bit strange. Oil Pulling? What is it? What does it do? Does it work? I was skeptical, and kinda grossed out the first time I read about it. Why on Earth would anyone put oil in their mouth? Well, let me tell you something. After you know more about what Oil Pulling is, what it does, and how it can improve your health….you will be swishing too!
What is Oil Pulling?!
Simply put, oil pulling is putting a tsp of oil in your mouth (coconut oil or sesame oil are the most popular) and pulling it through your teeth by swishing. Some recommend doing this up to 20 minutes daily. Don’t run away! It isn’t as bad as it sounds!
Why would I want to Oil Pull?!
OMG, the benefits are crazy. Here are some of my favorites.
- Brighter, whiter teeth
- Healthier gums
- Heals small cavities (YEP!)
- Prevents bad breath
- Increased energy
- Clearer mind
- Decreased headaches
- Clearer sinuses
- Alleviated allergies
- Better sleep
- Clearer skin
- Regulated menstrual cycles
- Improved lymphatic system
How Oil Pulling Works
Basically the oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. That is the simplest way to explain it. Coconut oil has so many benefits! Oil pulling is basically detoxifying your system. It helps “pull” out bacteria, virus, yeast, toxins, parasites and so much more!
How do I Oil Pull
You are going to put 1 tsp of coconut oil in your mouth and start swishing. Coconut oil is a solid until it reaches about 75 degrees. So if the texture bothers you, you can pop it in the microwave for a couple seconds until it liquifies. You can pull for up to 20 minutes, but I would start with just a few minutes to get used to it. When you are done swishing and pulling spit the oil into the trash can. DO NOT SWALLOW IT! Then brush your teeth as you usually would.
Honestly is it nasty?
The first couple times I oil pulled I admit I may have made a face. I think it was just getting used to the initial texture (I didn’t melt it first). It really doesn’t have a taste, Just a faint coconut one if any thing. It also takes a while to get your facial muscles strong enough not to spit after a few minutes.
Once you see your teeth whiten, or the pain in a tooth go away, tooth sensitivity disappear, or a small cavity vanish; You will realize it is more than worth it. My kids even oil pull now. My 6 year old gets excited about it. I think she just likes to spit. LOL
What Benefits Have I seen?
The benefits have been amazing! I had a tooth that was starting to ache. I pulled twice a day and by the second day the pain was completely gone. I continued to pull once a day and have not had another issue. I have noticed that my immune system seems stronger, my teeth are whiter, I don’t get bad morning breath anymore, I don’t get “monthly breakouts” anymore. The list goes on and on.
My 6 year old started pulling a couple weeks ago. She had a small cavity on one of her teeth. Without lie, it is almost completely gone. It has visible shrunk since she began pulling. The children’s “morning breath” has been completely cured. I swear they are in a better mood too, but that could just be a fluke.
What kind of Coconut oil do I use?
You want to use a high quality Organic Extra Virgin Coconut oil, like this one on amazon. There are cheaper, lesser quality coconut oils, but Organic Extra Virgin works the best.