Oil Pulling is a morning routine that could save you a lot of headache and money.
It is known to improve oral health, whitens teeth and removes harmful bacteria populating in the mouth, and as I’ve discovered from personal experience, a remedy for allergies, chronic sinusitis, whiter teeth and more.
Oil pulling has been used in India and Asia for over 3,000 years to treat systemic diseases, it is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy where oil is “swished” in the mouth, best done in the morning in an empty stomach. There are negative side effects when Oil Pulling is done incorrectly, as per Ayurvedic experts, such as muscular stiffness, dry mouth, loss of sensation and excessive thirst.
Oil Pulling practitioners reported that it helps against gingivitis, plaque, sinus issues, microorganisms that cause bad breath and jaw pain (TMJ sufferers noted great improvement). Among the reported benefits in conditions such as acne, asthma, headaches and migraine.
Oil Pulling
Choose your oil, preferably organic. I started with Olive oil, but prefer Sesame and Safflower oil, just starting to experiment with Coconut Oil.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp organic Oil
- 2 glasses water
- For Rinse:
- Baking soda
- Warm water
Instructions
- Swish one tablespoon of organic oil in your mouth.
- Keep swishing for 15-20 minutes.
- After 15-20 minutes, spit out, in the trash or toilet, do not swallow.
- Brush your teeth with the baking soda paste.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Gargle using half of the warm water and baking soda mixture. Repeat if necessary.
- After rinsing, drink 2 glasses of water.
Notes
Do this first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. If 15-20 minutes is too long, give your jaw a rest then continue. If you can’t hold that long at all keep swishing for at least 5 minutes, spit it out then start over. WARNING: DO NOT GARGLE The oil should be milky white.
Half way your swishing prepare the Rinse. Warm 1/2 cup distilled water, add 1/4 tsp baking soda, adjust the solution as per your preference later. Stir the mixture until its clear. Transfer to a glass or cup. Set aside.
This can be optional: Lastly but definitely not the least, rinse the nasal. Using the remaining warm water and baking soda mixture, gently sniffed or breathed in the water one side at a time. Once its in your nasal passage, blow your nose gently. Repeat if necessary or until congestion is gone. Proceed to the other side. To avoid swallowing the mixture, place your tongue at the roof of your mouth.
For those who prefer a visual oil pulling instruction here is a video.