During a recent Thermography session I found out I have some inflammation/heat change in my mouth. We are unsure of what it is because just today I had a dental appointment with a perfect check-up. What can be making me have heat change/inflammation inside my mouth? To be truthful, I am not sure. My thermographer; who is also a mentor, suggested that I proceed doing a 21 day oil pull which will hopefully help to reduce inflammation in my mouth.
This sounded like a perfect opportunity to do my research and write up a last minute Gut Health Warrior Moment of Truth! What can oil pulling accomplish? What are the benefits? Let’s take a few minute to explore!
Ayurveda practitioners in India used oil pulling to treat over 30 systemic diseases, including many dental issues. It was used for oral healthcare, detoxification and aligning doshas which are associated body energies. Today, oil pulling is accomplished most times with coconut oil; however, coconut in the solid form is not always pleasant to start “swishing” with. When coconut oil is mixed appropriately with sesame and sunflower oil they do not solidify. I have recently found a product that I will be trying for oil pulling that is a proven Ayurveda formula that has coconut, sesame and sunflower oil joined with peppermint oil. Synergistically, these work together for optimal oil pulling results; let’s take a closer look at these ingredients.
• Coconut oil - The fatty acids in coconut oil can kill harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. This could potentially help to prevent infections especially in oral healthcare. It is a powerful cleansing food that also provides plenty of natural energy during a detox. • Sesame oil - has been directly linked to whiter teeth, lower levels of dental plaque, and protection against certain streptococcus mutants that can make us very ill. The powerful anti-bacterial effects of this oil are the main reasons for this boost in dental health. • Sunflower oil - Sunflower oil contains a variety of nutrients including lecithin, carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamins A, D, and E. So when you use sunflower oil for pulling, you're not just eliminating toxins from the body, you are also supplementing some important nutrients. • Peppermint oil – is an oil that is an analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and when used for oral health care is very invigorating oil.
What are the benefits of oil pulling? After reviewing the above ingredients and their individual benefits you can imagine what will happen when you mix those ingredients all together!
• Treat tooth decay • Kill bad breath • Heal bleeding gums • Prevent heart disease • Reduce inflammation • Whiten teeth • Soothe throat dryness • Prevent cavities • Heal cracked lips • Boost the immune system • Improve acne • Strengthen gums and jaws
Working the salivary glands in the mouth creates a pumping action within the body pulling toxins out of the body into the mouth. Hence the detoxification, this toxic waste will not be swallowed but will instead be spit into the toilet or waste basket. You do not want to spit this into the sink as the oil can plug drains.
How do you go about oil pulling?
1. Decide what oil or combination of oils you will use. I will be using Gurunanda Oil Pulling product which has excellent reviews but you can use simple cold-pressed coconut oil. 2. With any of the oils that you choose; start with (1) tbsp. of oil and gently swish the oil around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. A gentle agitation within the mouth is all that is needed. 3. Spit the oil into the toilet or lined waste basket when finished swishing. 4. Rinse mouth thoroughly with warm water and again spit out the remnants of the oil. 5. Once you have swished with oil and warm water you will want to brush your teeth thoroughly.
I wish you all Happy Oil Pulling!