Detoxification with Oil Pulling
Learn about the detoxification technique with Oil Pulling and the benefits it can give to your health.
Ok, first of all, what is Oil Pulling? Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents to extract harmful bacteria, fungi and other organisms from the mouth, teeth, gums and even the throat. It is done by placing a tablespoon of organic sesame oil in your mouth and swirling the oil around your mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes and then spitting it out. Other oils such as extra virgin pressed coconut, sunflower and olive oil have been used. Although sesame oil is considered one of the best for this practice. What happens is that first, the oil mixes with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. The lipids in the oils begin to draw out toxins from the saliva. As the oil soaks around your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins and usually ends up becoming thick, slimy, and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, it must be spit out. Ancient practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine believed that doing this could reduce mouth and throat diseases. It is believed to support the body’s lymphatic system by eliminating harmful bacteria and creating a healthy environment for beneficial microflora. Because of this holistic perspective, this practice has been used as a preventative health measure for many other conditions. It seems miraculous, but what things aren’t there?
- Oil Pulling **cannot replace flossing and brushing.
- Anyway, it is a great replacement for mouthwash and can improve gut health.
- Look for a high quality organic oil.
- It is not an appropriate practice for children. If the oil is swallowed the wrong way, it can cause lipoid pneumonia. A pretty silly risk to take for something that doesn’t have much benefit for a child’s dental health.
- It is not a cure for all ills. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that oil pulling helps with diabetes, migraines, arthritis, eczema, migraines, or asthma.
- It is safe during pregnancy.
- Does not whiten teeth. It is a very fashionable practice today and of course, it helps a lot with oral hygiene.** But you have to know how to differentiate myth from reality.
