Health

What is oil pulling? How can it improve my health?

Do you use mouth washes? Most of use have used this process from time to time to clean our teeth and gums. But what if I was to tell you there’s a mouth wash technique, based in ancient medicine, that not only freshens breath but also improves both oral and general health?

Sound too good to be true? The remarkable health and healing properties of oil pulling derive from ancient Ayurvedic (Indian folk medicine) and has been used for many thousands of years. The simple process is now gaining in popularity throughout the world.

It works by dissolving the harmful bacteria (the swishing part) which forms in the plaque in the mouth and then expelling them (the spitting).

Oil pulling has a number of recognised health benefits. However these are not limited to the mouth.

Oral health

  • reduces germ count in both plaque and saliva
  • harmful bacteria is released (pulled) in mouthwash
  • strengthens teeth and gums
  • prevents mouth and gum disease
  • helps prevent bad breath

General health

As oil pulling has a positive holistic effect on the body, oil pulling may help with symptoms of the following:

  • migraines
  • correct hormone imbalances
  • will ease arthritis inflammation
  • helps with stomach problems such as gastro enteritis
  • sinus congestion
  • acts as an important blood detoxifier

We’re going to go one step further though and suggest that you use coconut oil instead of the traditional oils recommended by practitioners. This is because the coconut’s natural properties may bring even more anti-bacterial benefits.

Why use coconut oil in oil pulling?

Coconut has fatty acids that act as a natural and powerful antibiotic. The added anti-bacterial properties therefore act as addition protection when used as in oil pulling. We also found that coconut oil leaves a very pleasant after taste, plus you can also add a couple of drops of a food grade peppermint oil for an even fresher result!

So how do I use the oil pulling technique I hear you ask!

Here’s the Aussie Health Products preferred step-by-step version.

1.    Place a tablespoon of coconut oil in the mouth first thing in the morning.
2.    Rinse around all parts of the mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. (While this may sound daunting at first, we find it easy if you use the mouthwash while doing other early morning things — like make the breakfast.)
3.    Spit out the oil (not in the sink at it may harden in cold weather and cause blockages. I like to spit the oil out in the garden - I'm sure it's good for the plants and soil too! ).
4.    Wash and clean teeth to ensure all lingering bacteria and toxins are removed.

It’s as easy as that! Oil pulling now has both anecdotal and now scientific backing as an anti bacterial cleansing method. We find results may also be improved by the use of a tongue scraper and a quick brush of the teeth before taking the oil to deepen penetration.

For oral and general health, clean teeth and gums and a blood detoxification, try oil pulling, particularly using coconut oil. When you do, let us know your thoughts. We’d love to hear your views.

Miranda Gray

Article by Miranda Gray

Miranda has had a background in the health and wellness industry for over twelve years, and is a co-founder of Aussie Health Products.

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