Oil Pulling Therapy – Hoax or Natural Remedy Worth Trying?

I recently learned about this all natural way to detox the body, clean the mouth and improve health. It’s called Oil Pulling.

When I first learned about Oil Pulling I thought it was absolutely ridiculous. I mean, how stupid are people to think swishing cold pressed oil in their mouth and through their teeth for 15-20 minutes a day will detox their body, clean their teeth and improving their health?  Come on!  I’m a total believer in natural and alternative remedies and therapies – I was raised on them – but this was really playing on people’s growing insecurities and fear of western medicine and the traditional approach to health. Or so I thought.

Here’s the idea behind oil pulling. Oil Pulling is an Ayurvedic therapy that claims pulling and swishing cold pressed unrefined oil through your teeth and around your mouth will destroy bad microflora and bad bacteria in the mouth that are the pre-curser to illness and disease. In addition, the oil stimulates the body’s own immune and detoxification systems greatly enhancing the ability to self-heal. Dr. F. Karach, M.D from  http://www.oilpulling.com claims he’s used Oil Pulling therapy to help patients with chronic blood disorders, arthritis, eczema, and various teeth and gum diseases.

I thought I’d try it. I don’t have a chronic illness, but living in Los Angeles I’m surrounded by environmental toxins and the more ways to help my body eliminate those the better! And an all natural way towards healthier teeth and gums is always a plus. (I did have some minor gum sensitivity and bleeding when I flossed).

Instead of the sunflower or sesame oil,  I use coconut oil as recommended by Dr. Bruce Fife.  The benefits of coconut oil are well known in the healing arts community – and there’s TONS of research to back up the health claims. One of the most profound benefits is the oils antimicrobial abilities.  It makes sense why Dr. Fife would recommend it for Oil Pulling.

I started this ritual of Oil Pulling every morning about a two weeks ago. I get up in the morning and pop a teaspoon of coconut oil in my mouth. I swish it around as I wake up for about 15 minutes. Sometimes I sit in a morning meditation and focus on my intension for the day, or sometimes I pass the time “pulling” as I check my email. The one thing I noticed right away was the improvement in my gum health. Within 3-4 days I had no more bleeding when I flossed. NONE. All gone. The sensitivity was completely gone as well.  About one week in I noticed my teeth looked whiter. Bonus!

Is Oil Pulling a miracle cure all?  Highly doubtful. Is it helpful? Yes. Did it improve the health of my gums, teeth and mouth naturally? YES! I’d recommend you not take my word for it though. Do your own research, try it out for yourself and see if you find any health benefits.

A quick Oil Pulling step by step:

Right when you wake up in the morning pour 1 teaspoon of coconut oil into your mouth – some recommend 1 tablespoon, but I personally don’t like that much oil in my mouth! I use Jungle Products certified organic coconut oil.

Swish the oil around in your mouth pulling it through your teeth for 15-20 minutes. DO NOT swallow  or gargle the oil.

Spit it in the toilet, then immediately brush your teeth. Easy peasy! For a detailed step by step check out oilpulling.com.

Give it a try and let know how it goes by leaving me a comment here!!