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Oil pulling has been on my radar for some time but I only got round to trying it out recently.
I admit the first time I heard of it, I thought it had something to do with hair and might be related to the popular oil rinsing practice but further research proved otherwise.
While I didn’t find any specific scientific data confirming the effectiveness of oil pulling, I did come across a lot of information about the practice, which dates back thousands of years.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient practice, which originated in India. It involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 – 30 minutes on an empty stomach.
In other words, using oil as a mouthwash. Apparently, when you do this, the bad bacteria in your mouth adheres itself to the oil and gets dissolved.
As a confirmed chocoholic whose dentist is likely the richest man this side of the world, this sounded pretty good to me.
What Are the Benefits of Oil Pulling?
- The main benefit of oil pulling is the reduction of harmful bacteria in your mouth. These harmful bacteria are usually responsible for gingivitis, tooth decay, etc.
- Oil pulling whitens the teeth
- Oil pulling eliminates toxins in the body.
- Oil pulling can reduce the incidence of halitosis.
- Oil pulling improves overall oral and body health.
How to Try Out Oil Pulling
The popular oils used for oil pulling in India are sunflower oil and sesame seed oil but you can use any oil you want to.
Coconut oil is also recommended because it contains lauric acid, an agent that contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
- Ladle a tablespoon of the oil into your mouth while your stomach is empty.
- Swish around for 20 – 30 mins then spit out and brush your teeth as usual. You should always brush your teeth after oil pulling.
- Try to really get the oil into every nook and crevice of your mouth, swishing back and forth and up and down.
You can oil pull first thing in the morning or last thing at night. You should see an improvement within a few days. DO NOT SWALLOW the oil after pulling.
Does Oil Pulling Really Work?
I tried out oil pulling for about two weeks. I settled on coconut oil because you know I can’t have only my hair smelling like a tropical island :).
The process sounds simple but swishing a spoon of oil around in your mouth for nearly half an hour is a lot of work.
I tried to distract myself with a movie but it was still some effort for me and I did develop a slight headache afterward. I wasn’t aggressive with the swishing by the way.
On the second day, I tried swishing while I took a shower then cleansed my skin and applied my creams and what not. It didn’t seem like forever quite as much. I decided to stick to this routine for the 2 weeks.
Oil Pulling Testimonial
At the end of the 2 weeks, my teeth appeared whiter but that may be my imagination (I probably should have taken pictures on day 1).
My teeth felt squeakier and the tooth that’s been bothering me on the left side of my mouth stopped aching. I also feel my hair roots were softer.
I will continue to practice oil pulling but I will reduce it to two-three times a week instead of every day. I will also reduce swishing to 10 – 15 minutes.
Best Tips for Oil Pulling
- Stick with it for at least 14 days when you start out then you can reduce it to a few times a week.
- If the oil you choose makes you gag, try another oil before giving up.
- Engage in some kind of fun distracting activity while you swish the oil around. If you don’t, you might get fed up and give up.
- Do it for at least 10 minutes in order for it to be effective.
Which Oil is Best for Oil Pulling?
The most popular oils for oil pulling are olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. I have made recommendations for the best brands below:-
Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Fushi Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
La Tourangelle Organic Sunflower Oil
Banyan Botanicals Organic Sesame Oil
Jose Andres Foods Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Have you ever tried oil pulling? What were the results?
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