By: @emily_campbell
Oil pulling has been an ancient ritual in India and is a sacred practice that has roots in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures. Known in Sanskrit as Kavala Graha or Gandusha, the regime of swishing around 1 tbsp of oil for 15-20 minutes and then spitting it out is primarily used for its oral health benefits. This simple regime has been shown to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases, and also helps to strengthen the teeth and jaw. The fatty oils cling to toxins and bacteria in the teeth and gums, drawing them out and detoxifying the oral microbiome. This build-up of bad bacteria is what leads to various oral issues, including bad breath. Bacteria can also lead to a build-up of plaque which can eventually turn into periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Since oil pulling helps to reduce harmful bacteria and plaque, it can assist in reducing cavities and rebuilding enamel. It's even been shown to gently whiten teeth since the oil removes the outer debris that lay on the teeth.
This oral detox effect is thought to go even deeper than the mouth. Ayurvedic medicine believes in the mind-body connection with a strong emphasis on digestion. Healthy digestion is seen as the key to one's overall health, and digestion begins in the mouth. By focusing on creating a healthy mouth and healthy digestion, our overall health can drastically improve.
The ancient ritual of oil pulling primarily used sesame oil due to its high concentration of vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids, however, you can use coconut oil, olive oil, or any fatty oil of your choice. To see maximum benefits, make sure you are doing the below.
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Upon rising in the morning, tongue scrape with a copper or stainless steel scraper. This starts the removal of bacteria and toxins that lay directly on the tongue that may have accumulated while sleeping.
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Swish 1 tbsp of oil in your mouth for roughly 15-20 minutes (you can try doing it in the shower)
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After oil pulling, brush and/or floss teeth
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Oil pull daily
This beautiful, ancient ritual is a super cost-effective, simple way to detox the mouth and body.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
