The Benefits of Oil Pulling Therapy

Are you suffering with toothache, gum disease, a sore throat, mouth ulcers, sinus congestion or bad breath? These are just some of the health problems that may be helped by Oil Pulling (or Gundusha), an age-old remedy rooted in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Oil Pulling naturally cleans, whitens and detoxifies the teeth, gums and mouth by removing staining and harmful bacteria and toxins. But it has health benefits that reach much further....read on:

HOW TO OIL PULL:

On waking, before eating, drinking or brushing the teeth, whilst you still have 'morning mouth', put 1-3 teaspoons (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon) of oil in the mouth and swish and draw ('pull') it through the teeth and around the mouth for 20 minutes. Perhaps start with 1-2 teaspoons and work up to a tablespoon. If you struggle to make the full 20 minutes at first, don't worry; swish for 5-10 minutes and work up to 20 minutes, perhaps whilst showering. You're going oil pull every morning until the condition improves!

After a few minutes the oil will thin as it mixes with the saliva. Keep swishing!

After 20 minutes SPIT the oil out into the toilet or rubbish bin. Don't spit into the sink as it may clog the pipes. DO NOT SWALLOW THE OIL! It is now full of toxins and oil from the mouth (and the immediate area, which is why it can help with sore throats too).

Thoroughly rinse your mouth with water (warm water seems to clear the oil residue more effectively) and then brush your teeth.

WHICH OIL TO USE?

Sesame oil was traditionally used, but you can use almond, sunflower, olive or grape seed oil. Some olive oil can have quite a strong taste but as it mixes with the saliva the taste becomes milder.

Avoid using any high Omega-6 or chemically created oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, soya bean oil or corn oil etc.

Coconut oil is perfect as studies show it is slightly more effective at removing the Streptococcus mutans bacteria known to cause dental caries. Coconut oil is also the best oil to use if teeth WHITENING is your primary goal. Bear in mind that in cool conditions, coconut oil is a solid, so you'll have to chew it initially, until the warmth of the mouth melts it. It's mild and pleasant tasting though, as long as you like coconut flavour!

Bear in mind any NUT ALLERGIES you may have when deciding on your oil of choice.

Anecdotal evidence shows that the benefits of Oil Pulling may go far beyond the oral area when practised for extended periods of time. It seems that many people have found it has helped with ACNE, ARTHRITIS, HEADACHES, HORMONE IMBALANCES (eg PMS), INFECTIONS, LIVER PROBLEMS and more.

A comprehensive read on the subject is "Oil Pulling Therapy" by Dr Bruce Fife.