fbpx

Oil Pulling And 10 Reasons Why It’s So Great

Oil Pulling And 10 Reasons Why It’s So Great

1 of 11

Oil what? A resurgence of a very old phenomenon known as oil pulling may suit you…if shoving a spoonful of cooking oil in your mouth first thing in the morning sounds ideal. Wait. Read on. Oil pulling has been credited for whiter teeth, reduced acne, fresher breath, a reduced hangover, more money in your bank, a vacation in Bora Bora (OK, maybe re-consider the last two). Here’s more on oil pulling and 10 reasons why it’s so great.

Sources: foodmatters.tv.com, wellnessmama.com, mindbodygreen.com, yoganonymous.com, the dailybeast.com, oilpulling.com.

shakitionline.org
shakitionline.org

A Brief History

Apparently, it’s not just a new Dr. Oz health hypothesis. Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic ritual that has been around thousands of years. Ayurveda is a traditional alternative form of medicine from India. Sanskrit texts dating back 3000 years mentioned the practice. Essentially, ayurveda claims that the balance of three elements known as doshas lead to inner health. The imbalance of these leads to disease. Through diet, yoga, and meditation, a proper equilibrium can be achieved.

oilpulling.com
oilpulling.com

Popularity Today

In the early 1990s, Dr. F. Karach presented the techniques and theories of oil pulling to the oncologists and bacteriologists of the U.S.S.R. at the All-Ukrainian Association. He touted the oral use of simple, store-bought, cold-pressed oils to promote oral and physical healing, wellbeing, and the ridding of toxins. Perhaps it was the inclusion of the practice in Deepak Chopra’s book, “Perfect Health” that caused it to become a recent phenomenon.

elanaspantry.com
elanaspantry.com

What Kind of Oil Do You Need?

While many swear by sesame oil as the best for oil pulling, others prefer coconut, extra virgin olive, or sunflower oils. Some even swear by avocado or hazelnut oil. Coconut is claimed as the most effective, although many argue that this is because it’s the least repulsive to put in your mouth. The majority of oil-pulling advocates say the same thing: use whatever kind of cold-pressed, nut or seed-based, cheap store-bought oil you prefer (no Crisco, though)!

withfriendship.com
withfriendship.com

A Further Argument for Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is touted by many on account of its high volume of antioxidants sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin. It also boasts polyunsaturated fat and Vitamin E, which are crucial for reducing cholesterol in the liver. For oral health, sesame oil has shown results in lowering the streptococcus mutans-(gross germs in your mouth)-count in saliva and plaque. The opposing argument is that sesame oil was the cheapest oil back in the day, therefore the one most often used for pulling — hence its popularity.

earthreview.eu
earthreview.eu

When Should You Pull?

General consensus is that you should pull at least five times a week, preferably first thing in the morning before you eat, drink, or brush teeth. This is when your mouth is at high bacteria alert. An average of 15-20 minutes is required. I do squats, check my email, sit out on my balcony, start boiling water, read the paper…all while swishing oil through the cracks of my teeth and over the ridges of my tongue.

survivalsherpa.wordpress.com
survivalsherpa.wordpress.com

How to Pull!

Anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon will do. Mind your clothing while you slurp the oil into your mouth, and then simply swish like it’s mouthwash.  Also, get some towards the back of your mouth, but don’t gargle or swallow! Fifteen-to-20 minutes — no more, no less — is considered the proper window for a fully effective pulling session. It’s enough time for the oil to loosen bacteria, but not long enough for the body to re-absorb it. Afterwards, to avoid clogging your drains, spit it in the garbage can, not in your sink or toilet.

guardianlv.com
guardianlv.com

The Alleged Results for your Teeth

In a nutshell, the bacteria and parasites in your mouth and lymph system are the ones that cause plaque buildup, gingivitis, and other mouth-and-throat ailments (such as strep throat). The lipids in the oil act as a soapy scrub brush, picking up the filmy bacteria on your teeth and absorbing it. Reported results include whiter teeth, elimination of halitosis, a decrease in bacterial count, reduced plaque index, pinker and less receding gums, and a prevention of tartar buildup.

article.wn.com
article.wn.com

The Alleged Results for your Body

Reduced acne, a less painful hangover, alertness, looseness of mucus in the mouth and throat, lower levels of inflammation, better sleep patterns, regulated menstrual cycles, beneficial for preventing arthritis and heart disease…a cacophony of voices speak out in favor of oil pulling and its myriad qualities.

blog.gale.com
blog.gale.com

Skepticism

Naturally, there is skepticism. After all, what method of living is ever fully correct in this world? Nomi Gallo, a practitioner at the Ayurvedic Institute, said: “Oil pulling on its own is a bit sensational, and it removes how really wonderful and impactful it can be…but, it’s not a cure.” (Gallo, The Daily Beast). Many attribute its recent popularity to a trend or fad that will be discarded like the Atkins diet. Most oral hygiene experts agree: oil pull if you will, but don’t replace it with regular brushing, flossing, and general oral health.

sandalwoodandjasmine.com
sandalwoodandjasmine.com

Testimonies and Instructions

Here is a very enthusiastic video by holistichabits on Youtube.com to provide you with further tips and pointers. Also, there is a funny blog entry from Fashionista.com about one person’s first days of oil pulling. Try it out for yourself, love it or hate it, and spread the word from one cleaner, whiter mouth.