Ayurvedic medicine (Ayurveda for short) is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge) meaning Science of Life.
Ayurvedic knowledge originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is often called the “Mother of All Healing.” It's based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. More than ⅔ of the US population uses one or more alternative therapeutic approaches like those in Ayurveda.
A common Ayurvedic practice is Oil Pulling. This improves oral hygiene which ultimately improves heart health. ❤️
Why should you try Oil Pulling?
Oil Pulling for Oral Hygiene. Oil pulling helps pull and eliminate bacteria away from the teeth and gums which causes plaque and tooth decay. The film it creates acts as a barrier on the teeth to prevent plaque buildup. People who practice oil pulling see a reduction in cavities, cavities, gingivitis and halitosis. Not to mention they notice gum health improves, i.e. gums are pinker.
Oil Pulling to Whiten Teeth and Soften Lips. One of the interesting benefits of oil pulling is its ability to whiten teeth. When oil pulls away bacteria, it can help gradually remove stains from teeth. No more need for White Strips or expensive dental procedures! As an added benefit, the residue from the oil will naturally soften lips, reducing chapped lips and the constant need for chapstick!
Oil Pulling for Detox: The primary reason I began Oil Pulling is for the detoxification effect. Toxins can build up in the body (and your mouth) and can cause various health problems that are not confined merely to your mouth. An accumulation of toxins eventually weakens the body and leads to various symptoms and diseases, like fatigue, aches and pains, brain fog and more.
Ayurveda suggests that the saliva (when activated by oil pulling) is able to absorb chemical toxins, biological toxins, as well as toxins that come from the environment. Once absorbed, they are removed from the body through the tongue. Swishing oil in your mouth removes not only bacteria, but all toxins present in your mouth! When you spit out the oil, you are removing the toxins from your body.
Oil Pulling 101
Think mouthwash. Pour man-made chemicals into your mouth and swish around vigorously until it burns or tingles, then spit. Oil pulling is the natural version of this minus the man-made chemicals and burning sensation.
Making this a morning ritual is ideal, as your stomach has been empty for 8-12 hours and the maximum amount of bacteria is present in your mouth. (Hence bad breath in the morning!) Swish oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes to ensure bacteria is pulled from all corners of the mouth and dissolves in the oil.
Once the swishing is complete, the oil needs to be spat out so that the toxins are eliminated. Please note that it’s critical to spit into a trash can or toilet so you don’t clog sink drains over time!
Which are the best oils for Oil Pulling?
You can certainly use any oils that you have in your cabinet, though some are better than others. My favorite is UMA Pure Detox Oil Pulling Treatment, which is a blend of Coconut and Sesame oils, plus Neem, Clove, Peppermint and Tumeric. These products are thoughtfully made, and have a blend of oils for maximum removal of impurities. Bonus: They leave your breath smelling super fresh! 😀
If you’re going to pick something from your cabinet, Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the best oils for oil pulling. It has lauric acid that reacts with the alkali substances present in the saliva. This forms a soap-like substance that carries out the cleansing activity. The lauric acid present in coconut oil is antimicrobial in nature and helps to kill bacteria. It is a natural antiseptic and is hence preferred for oil pulling.
Sunflower oil and Sesame oil are two other common oils that are used for oil pulling. Most Ayurvedic practitioners prefer sesame oil as studies have shown that both sunflower oil and sesame oil can be helpful in removing plaque. Sesame oil has a substance known as Chlorosesamone that is antifungal in nature. It has fatty acids that can help in eliminating bacteria. It can also help in detoxification, which is why it is popularly used.
Nothing but Olive Oil in your kitchen? No worries. Olive oil contains oleic acid that is antimicrobial in nature. It also has Vitamin E and K and other substances that are anti-inflammatory and antioxidative in nature.Almond oil can also be used and it can be helpful in reducing gingivitis.
Have fun mixing the oils to get benefits for all oil types! No matter which kind of oil you use, it will help promote whole-body detoxification and wellness. Share your stories of successful Oil Pulling on our Facebook or Instagram page so we can celebrate your successes as a community!