Oil Pulling is Trending in America

Oil pulling should work with pretty much any oil you choose. Coconut oil is preferred because of the Lauric Acid (about half of the fats in coconut oil) is proven to be antimicrobial… it can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The taste of coconut oil is also fairly pleasant compared to other oils. 

Photo: Wikipedia “Coconut Oil”

Consumers all across the America and beyond are rediscovering an ancient practice the employs coconut and other types of organic oils in a method dubbed oil pulling, or oil swishing, which has been reported to sweeten breath, help treat gum disease, prevent tooth decay and even improve arthritis and asthma.

Studies have shown there can be an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action,” Marc Halpern, a chiropractor and president of the California College of Ayurveda in Nevada City, Calif., explains to Health Day.

“I try to do everything within the realm of Ayurveda to see if it’s of value,” Halpern said, although he admits oil pulling may not produce the broad range of benefits some boast.”People have reported all kinds of wonderful results from doing it,” he said. “but you can’t attribute every result to the practice.”
Hard evidence backing up the benefits, or risks, for that matter, is hard to find. And is there anything that supports the assertion oil pulling actually works to whiten teeth? “It hasn’t been studied,” said Halpern.

Some people feel a little nauseous after they swish. For that, however, he recommends using the oil for just five minutes, not the 20 minutes some recommend, and perhaps using less oil.

“Between a teaspoon and a tablespoon is fine. There is no exact amount of oil that must be put in your mouth,” he said.

While Halpern is confident swishing oil is safe, he nevertheless suggests people work with a trained and experienced Ayurveda specialist who can determine the type best type of oil that fits a person’s needs and physical profile and then prescribe a specific use plan.

Oil pulling is incredibly simple and effective.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Put about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around your mouth for about 10-20 minutes.
3. Spit out the oil, then brush your teeth.

If you use coconut oil, then you may have to chew on the oil for a few seconds for it to melt, because it is solid at room temperature.

It is best to do this on an empty stomach, before you brush your teeth.

Put the oil in your mouth, swish it around and try to “push” and “pull” the oil between your teeth, spit out the oil, rinse mouth with water and brush teeth.

There is no need to use a lot of force here, if doing this causes pain in your facial muscles then just relax a bit. Try using less oil next time and don’t swish it around too forcefully.

It’s important to spit out the oil. You don’t want to swallow it because it is full of bacteria and nasty things.

Oil Pulling is Trending in America

(sources: Latin Post, Wikipedia)