Oil pulling (aka oil swishing) is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice, which is said to have many possible positive effects on overall health. And it’s really quite simple…
How to:
- After brushing teeth, slowly swish about 1 tablespoon of oil (warm/room temperature) around your mouth for 2 to 20 minutes.
- Make an effort not to swallow any of it (especially since it might possibly have bacteria and other grossness in it)
- Spit it out (it will likely be white & foamy after all that swishing/pulling)
- Rinse your mouth out well with warm H20
- Feel detoxified! :)
I have read recommendations of swishing for anywhere from 2 minutes to “ideally” 20 minutes. As you continue swishing, the oil-saliva mix gradually becomes more and more liquid and thin and acquires a whitish look. One possible rule of thumb is that if the oil is still yellow then it has not been pulled long enough. The commonly recommended oils to use include high quality sunflower, sesame or olive. Ideally, swishing first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is said to be best.
Some of the possible benefits? This oil-centric method is said to aid in drawing toxins, destroying germs in the mouth, as well as strengthening the teeth, gums, and jaws. Other possible benefits range from organ-disorders to skin-diseases to menstrual problems and more!
When I first tried this it was pretty weird, but it also definitely felt like I was doing something good for myself. You know what I mean? Well, while I haven’t kept up the habit on a daily basis, my mom has and she is just loving it. I think I’m going to start making it a habit because I could definitely see it helping with my tooth sensitivity and dry skin. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Photo Credit: Eden Foods
Diana Mieczan
/ February 22, 2011I really would need to try this one as I also have tooth sensitivity. It sounds easy to use and I love all the benefits. Thanks,sweetie. Have a lovely Tuesday
Muah
Valerie
/ February 22, 2011This is so interesting! I’ve never heard of this, but if it would help with dry skin, I must try it. Let us know how it goes if you start doing it regularly!
Nikki
/ February 22, 2011Now that is interesting! I’m going to give it a try. My Grandma swears by a tablespoon of olive oil a day. Sicilians…
Carrie
/ February 22, 2011This helps w/dry skin? I’ve never heard of it but I’m going to try it. I have olive oil and grapeseed oil on hand right now. Thanks!
PriscilaPetersDecor
/ February 22, 2011It sounds to be a very good tip. Yes, let us know how it goes.
Nicole
/ February 22, 2011this sounds so interesting! I can imagine how weird it must feel to have oil swishing around in your mouth but if it helps I am all for it! I love getting tips from you Annie. I still need to try the yogurt mask that you tweeted about!
P.S. You crack me up with you celeb comparisons! love it.
diana
/ February 22, 2011Very interesting! I def do need to start rinsing my mouth out with mouth wash more often. Your blog might actually put me on a track to be healthier. Hope you’re enjoying your day.
Absolutely Ladylike
/ February 23, 2011Oh I’ve read about this in Thailand last year and I always wanted to try…what kind of oil can I use besides sesame oil?
Happy Wednesday dear Annie, cheers: Evi
Alejandra
/ February 23, 2011Ohh sounds super interesting – who would think oil swishing could be so helpful? I’ll try it after I neti-pot tomorrow.
;)
Dylan
/ February 23, 2011it is very interesting, but feels like u r realling doing something great. good advice!!
Jen
/ February 24, 2011your blog reminded me to get back on track and i am doing it again!!! love it thanks!
Shawna
/ February 25, 2011Fascinating. I have never heard of this! I really think I might try it now. And I will be passing this information along to a few people I know that will be interested.
Krystal/Village
/ March 1, 2011that is very interesting, i’ve never heard of this at all! your blog is endless knowledge gaining for me :)
Sabine
/ March 2, 2011My girl friend told me about oil swishing. I must have given her a crazy look. However; since then I visited our local health food store and purchased organic virgin coconut oil (unrefined) I have been swishing 1 TBS every morning for the last 5 days. I don’t get past 10 minutes. It’s just too difficult to keep the liquid in the mouth. I did notice that my teeth are whiter. I’m going to keep it up and see what else happens….. good luck to all of you “swishers”
Monogolo
/ November 1, 2012Admiring the time and effort you put into your website and in depth data you present. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a although that isn’t exactly the same old rehashed details. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.