No. 24

Oil Pulling

Definition:  Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health, detoxification, and overall health.

Oil Pulling is not an old wives tale, it actually works and proven by multiple scientific studies. The most popular oils for Oil Pulling is either sesame oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil, unrefined and organic.

My father was a dentist.  He always said that he could detect disease in the mouth before it would ever be diagnosed in an MD’s office.  So when I hear of the benefits of Oil Pulling, it doesn’t surprise me. Sometimes people will suffer with an ailment for most of their lives and never have results with medications or remedies until for whatever reason, Oil Pulling corrects, especially in cases deemed systemic. So trying this simple and inexpensive process may be well worth your effort.

How Does Oil Pulling Work

Oil Pulling helps to reduce the amount of germs, particular S. Mutans, in the gums, teeth plaque, and saliva. It is believed the lipids in the oil pull out the bacteria and then stop it from sticking to the lining of the mouth and gums.  Oil Pulling works through something called saponification (soapy environment).  Through saponification in the mouth, the vegetable fat acts as a natural emulsifier. It reduces fungal overgrowth and yeast.  This is excellent for those with candida albican, thrush, fungus, sinus infections, congestion, allergies, and a multitude of  bacterial infections.

Oil Pulling may help with proper lymph node and internal organ functions through cellular restructuring.

Oil Pulling May Benefit—

• Prevention of Gingivitis and Bad Breath
• Reduce the incidence of cavities
• Prevention of gum disease and tooth loss
• Prevention of mouth diseases
• Prevention of bleeding gums
• Reduction or elimination of Geographic Tongue
• Prevention and reduction of dry mouth
• Used in treatments for sore jaw and TMJ
• Corrective for hormone imbalance
• Migraine headache relief
• Anti-Inflammatory response throughout the body
• Reduction of symptoms of RA, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, UC, Crohn’s, MS, Lupus and other autoimmune illnesses
• Reduction of psoriasis of the tongue, body, and general eczema
• Reduction of symptoms of gastro-enteritis
• Some report improved vision and hearing
• Supports kidney function
• Reduces respiratory symptoms of bronchitis and COPD
• Used as a hangover remedy
• Reduces insomnia
• Supports the proliferation of healthy bacteria in the mouth, digestive tract and stomach
• Reduces lymphatic swelling and congestion
• Reduces or eliminates Thrush (in the mouth)
• Reduces infection in roots of teeth and gums
• Reduces or eliminates sinus infection
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Heavy metal detoxifier
• Whitens teeth
• May correct systemic long term illnesses in some people when nothing else has worked
• Removes biofilm from the mouth

Oils For Oil-Pulling

Whether you choose sesame oil or coconut oil, both have profound effects on health when used consistently over time. Both oils can be used by alternating between the two.

All of these oils have the benefits described above, there are a few differences between them but these three are the most popular choices. Some oils have been studied more than others which may also make up the differences we are aware of.

Sesame Oil  This oil is specifically high in sesamolin, Vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidantssesamol, and sesamin. Sesame oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.  Sesame Oil has been found to have a drastic effect on reducing Streptococcus Mutans in the mouth after 40 days of Oil Pulling with an overall of 20% reduction of oral bacteria.

Sunflower Oil  Sunflower Oil may also be used.  This oil was found in studies to support a reduction of gingivitis and cavities when using this oil after 45 days of Oil Pulling.

Coconut Oil  Brightens and whitens teeth when used over time.  Coconut is particularly beneficial with issues of the digestive tract, it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and preferred often for its mild pleasant taste

How To Use Oil Pulling

Most people find Oil Pulling best preformed and most convenient first thing in the morning while preparing for the day. To begin, take about 1 teaspoon or more of the oil of your choice and melt it in your mouth.  Hold this oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10 to 20 minutes.  Follow by spitting the oil into the trash.  DO NOT SPIT IN THE DRAIN or it will clog up your drain over time.  Rinse your mouth with warm water and then brush your teeth. I personally have added another step to my regime which is after rinsing my mouth with warm water I follow with a 1 minute rinse using my H202 rinse.  After this, then I brush my teeth.  I find this furthers the antibacterial effect and whitens my teeth.