Oil pulling, or oil swishing, is an ancient Ayurvedic folk remedy that involves swishing oil around in your mouth to kill harmful bacteria. Though oil pulling is usually recommended for treating mouth-based conditions such as halitosis, gingivitis, or oral plaque, it actually benefits the entire body. Long-term oil pulling has, for instance, also been linked to healthier hair, clearer skin, whiter teeth, elimination of parasites, improved body odor, and the easing of joint pains. It is, in short, a full-body cleanse, and anyone with $5 to spare on good-quality oil can reap its health benefits.
It isn’t difficult to find instructions on how to pull oil online. However, many of them deviate greatly from the original protocols. What follows below, then, is a more authentic set of instructions for oil pulling that remain faithful to the original protocols, yet are adapted for the modern lifestyle.
Instructions
Before you can start oil pulling, you will need the following items:
1.) Cold-pressed, organic sesame oil. If you cannot purchase (or tolerate) sesame oil, consider sunflower oil instead. These are the two “warming” oils recommended by the Ayurveda.
2.) A spare toothbrush (separate from the one you normally use to brush your teeth).
3.) Himalayan salt or unrefined sea salt.
Once you have these items, you can begin by following these steps:
1.) Upon waking, swish the sesame oil around your mouth for between 15-20 minutes. You should do this before eating or drinking. When swishing, avoid gargling the oil. Instead, favor slow chomping and pulling motions, ensuring that the oil reaches all parts of your mouth. You’ll probably find that the oil becomes thinner (and whiter) after the 10-minute mark, as it becomes increasingly loaded with toxins.
2.) After 15-20 minutes of swishing (your mouth might ache from the repetitive motions during the first few sessions), spit the oil into a toilet. For obvious reasons, the toxin-filled oil should never be swallowed.
3.) Mix a teaspoon of Himalayan salt or sea salt into some water and wash the solution around your mouth. This will help kill and flush out remaining toxins.
4.) You now have the choice to either repeat the process again, or end it by brushing your teeth. Repeating the process results in a much more aggressive cleanse (the second pull is often more effective than the first), so it might make you nauseous if you are new to the process.
5.) Clean your teeth gently using the spare toothbrush. You’ll want to avoid using your normal toothbrush, because it’s unlikely that the salt water will have removed all toxins clinging to the teeth and tongue. This means that the spare toothbrush will accumulate undesirable toxins over time and is unsuitable for casual brushing.
6.) Lastly, brush your teeth a second time using your normal toothbrush and your favorite toothpaste. This helps clean your teeth normally and also freshens your breath.
Most people begin to experience whiter teeth and an improved mood within weeks of following this protocol. More significant and noticeable benefits will manifest months later, including a possible end to medical conditions that have plagued you for years.
