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If you are looking for one thing that you can do to improve your overall health enormously, you should add oil pulling to your daily regimen. Many people say it helps them feel amazing! Oil pulling benefits have been reported, not only for oral health such as reducing tooth decay and cavities, but also for improvement in a wide range of diseases. Since I tried oil pulling, I’m convinced that what everyone says about oil pulling is definitely true and it makes sense because the health of the oral cavity is connected to overall body health! There are so many oil pulling benefits that I have to list them for you!
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice originating from the Common Era, involves swishing an oil such as sesame or coconut in your mouth and spitting it out. It helps detoxify the body and improves systemic health. The swishing helps pull out harmful bacteria. I try to do it twice a day, but if I can’t, I make sure I always do it before bed. It makes my teeth so white in the morning and my breath super fresh! Once you try it, you will never go a day without doing it!
Oil Pulling Benefits
Prevents cavities, reduces plaque, and cures gingivitis
Whitens teeth
Gets rid of bad breath
Detoxifies your body (eliminates harmful bacteria and organisms)
Helps balance your hormones
Improved energy
Relieves sinus congestion
Reduces inflammation in the body
Helps Acne
Reduces joint pain and arthritis
Helps skin conditions such as eczema and rashes
Improves digestion
Helps and reduces migraines
Improves sleep
The oil pulling benefits don’t stop there, you might discover a new one! People have reported it helping many more diseases and health conditions.
What Kind of Oil To Use for Oil Pulling:
To get the oil pulling benefits it is recommended that you use sesame, sunflower or coconut oil. I like to use coconut oil for oil pulling. I’ve found my health has improved using it. I haven’t tried using a different kind of oil yet.
When to do Oil Pulling
It is recommended to do oil pulling first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. The reason they recommend an empty stomach is because some people have reported experiencing slight nausea occasionally if it is done after a large meal, but I have never experienced this and often do it after a light meal. I typically do oil pulling two times a day, once when I wake up (I swish as I make my breakfast) and one more time before I go to bed.
How to do Oil Pulling
1. Put 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil (I use organic coconut oil) aside. Many people just put the oil in their mouth, wait till it melts and begin swishing. I like to warm it up in a glass first, but either way works fine.
2. Swish the oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, if possible, or at least for 10 minutes. As you swish, the bacteria and toxins in your mouth get pulled out into the oil. You don’t have to do it vigorously, it is effective just doing it slowly, letting the liquid pass around your mouth and all around your teeth. If you can’t do it the full 20 minutes (which may be difficult at first), spit it out, rinse a few times with warm water and do it again.
3. Spit out the oil when you are done swishing. Make sure you don’t swallow the oil as it contains bacteria! When you spit it out, it should look milky white, which means it worked.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm water, swishing several times. It is suggested to rinse with salt water. You can use Celtic sea salt for the rinse.
5. Then brush your teeth. This helps get any remaining bacteria out.
How Oil Pulling Helps Me:
Since I started, I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my acne. This is amazing because I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to keep up with using any of my natural topical treatments. I also haven’t had much time to exercise, yet my skin looks much clearer! Just after a few days of oil pulling, I also noticed my teeth are much whiter, even whiter than after I brush with baking soda. These are just two of the oil pulling benefits I’ve noticed so far.
My mom, who has hypothyroidism (Hashimoto) started oil pulling about 3 weeks ago and she has also seen some great improvements in her health! Improvements in thyroid health aren’t listed in the oil pulling benefits, but she told me her thyroid symptoms are reduced and she has a lot more energy.
I would like to try this but I am allergic to coconuts and sesame seed. Sunflower oil doesn’t agree too well with me either. I was wondering if there is another type of oil that would work as good as the others?
Hmmm..I’m not sure. Those are the 3 most commonly used.
Hi! I just discovered your website and I LOVE it!! Do you think that fractionated coconut oil could work or regular coconut oil?
Either will work 🙂
I have been oil pulling for about a month now and I love it! When I first tried it I thought I was gonna gag lol but by day 3 it wasn’t bad at all, I actually look forward to oil pulling now when I get up in the morning 😀
That’s great! Once you get used to it, the time goes by quick. I usually do it while I’m getting ready for the day or dry brushing.
I have tried oil pulling in the past with good grade coconut oil and it made me feel SO Nauseous!! 🙁 🙁 I’ve read I’m not the only one that has this reaction, but I’d still really like to do it! Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!
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I’d suggest you try it with palm oil, see if the nausea improves. It might be because you are only breathing through your nose. If you can, take a breath or two from your mouth every few minutes while doing it. A bit tricky because there will be oil in your mouth, but you’ll figure it out.
I haven’t been to the store yet, but I would like to get started. All I have at the moment are: Olive Oil and Canola Oil. Can I use one of them or just wait until I get some Coconut Oil?
You can use another oil in the mean time. Coconut oil is the most recommended because of it’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Is oil pulling safe to do if you still have some silver fillings?
It is safe to do with filings.
I’ve been oil pulling in the morning for the full 20 minutes but would like to know from others how long they do it when they oil pull TWICE a day apposed to once? Is 10min AM 10min PM or 20&20?
I do it for 20 minutes for both morning and night.
I’ve yet to try this but wondering if it’s possibly better to just use a cheaper grade of coconut oil ( I find mine in my nearest Amish store)… Also wonder if this would help w/severely dry winter skin ?
It works great for dry skin, I use it in place of a moisturizer. Any kind of coconut oil or even other types of oil should work just fine.
I have tried oil pulling in the past with good grade coconut oil and it made me feel SO Nauseous!! 🙁 🙁 I’ve read I’m not the only one that has this reaction, but I’d still really like to do it! Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!
I’ve never experienced any nausea myself from it, but I have read that doing it first thing in the morning, prior to eating may help.
Thanks! I’ll have to try it first thing/on an empty stomach! 🙂
Sesame oil is preferably the best for oil pulling. It’s what I used (I need to do again), and never had a problem with nausea. The only reason I stopped was because of the Post Nasal Drip, and being that I already have trouble with that lately.
http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/oil-pulling-the-habit-that-can-transform-your-health
Same thing happened to me for the first 3 days. They say you may have some Detox symptoms I’m assuming that’s wha t is happening and soon it will end. Make sure to do it on an empty stomach and DO NOT swallow it! Happy pulling!
Great tips!