Should You Do It? The Truth About Oil Pulling

Back in 2014 on TheCubicleChick, I wrote about my experience with oil pulling after a week. After seeing it take over my social media networks, I knew I had to try it.
I became a staunch supporter of oil pulling with coconut oil. I even started a Facebook group about it and did it twice a day. After a few months, I started doing it less and less and then aborted it completely.
Why, I am not sure. I know I was seeing real benefits with oil pulling. The results were major, but I wasn’t as consistent with it as I should have been.
Recently, I’ve gotten back into the practice of oil pulling. It has been a method that was first used in Ancient India for thousands of years. Also called gundusha, it was a way for them to pull toxins from the body orally.
According to websites that I used to research this article, the practice of oil pulling was brought to the states in the 1990’s and took off. It saw a resurgence of popularity a few years ago due to bloggers writing about the practice as a form of natural health.
Oil pulling is an oral technique of swishing around a tablespoon or so of coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in one’s mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. The oil dissolves quickly and is able to cut through plaque and tartar and other toxins without disturbing the gums or teeth.
It is a natural and healthy way to whiten teeth. It also helps to remove plaque and some have even reported that other gum issues were eased when oil pulling.
Oil pulling can also help in other ways. Some have reported being able to sleep better, improved immunity, less migraines and headaches and more.
There is no scientific research to back this up, but when I oil pulled on a regular basis, I found that I had more stamina and vitality. It could’ve been a placebo effect, but I felt the positive effects of oil pulling for sure.
Here is how to oil pull:
- Place 1-2 teaspoons of sesame, sunflower, or coconut oil in the mouth. Swish it around for 10-20 minutes and allow it to dissolve. Do this prior to brushing your teeth daily. Make sure to use only organic oils.
- When first starting, you may want to start with 5 minutes then go up to 10 minutes and increase from there. The oil will get thick and form a milky texture in your mouth. This will taste and feel weird and the beginning but will become normal once you do it for awhile. Timing is key to get the maximum benefit, so 20 minutes is the goal.
- Once done, spit the oil into the trash and not the sink as it can clog up your drain. Do not swallow.
- Then rinse with warm water and follow up with brushing your teeth.
- Oil pulling is safe as long as you avoid swallowing it.
Now that you know more about oil pulling and what it does, we want you to try it and let us know what you think. I am oil pulling once again and I can’t see myself going back.
What do you think of oil pulling?
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I had a similar experience when I tried oil pulling and am not sure why I stopped (other than not making time for self-care!). This has inspired me to start back up again 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Marta
We love all of the wonderful benefits of oil pulling. When you begin pulling again, let us know about your updated experience!
I’m starting back tomorrow!
Awesome. You’ll be happy you did!