Oil Pulling, what is that?
Oil pulling has been used for thousands of years for dental health and overall wellness by “pulling” toxins out of the body.
Oil pulling simply involves swishing oil ( I like to use coconut oil because of its health benefits and flavor health benefits of coconut oil) in the mouth for about 20 minutes. Its simple and inexpensive, it can reduce dental plaque, re-mineralize teeth, strengthen your gums and fight gingivitis. It attracts and removes bacteria and toxins that live in your mouth and lymph system, and can pull congestion from your sinuses. There have been over thousands of people reporting improvements in everything from allergies to migraines to even depression.
Essential Oils for Oil Pulling
- Thieves essential oil has amazing bacteria-fighting properties, which is great for cavity prevention.
- Lemon essential oil helps to clean and naturally detoxify the body. This essential oil is made from the oil of the lemon rind, not the juice, so it’s not acidic for the teeth. Young Living’s Lemon oil contains 68% of d-limonene, a powerful antioxidant .
- Peppermint essential oil freshens breath.
(I can only recommend using Young Living Essential Oils as they are safe for ingestion, make sure you do your research and check all labels for directions on using)
Health Benefits of Oil Pulling
There are a number of studies that clinically show the benefits of oil pulling, and over 100 studies that show the benefits of how essential oils kill the microbes that cause tooth decay and gingivitis1. Cavity prevention
Oil pulling can inhibit the formation of cavities by reducing the Streptococcus mutans bacteria that causes tooth decay. It will also reduce plaque buildup and gingivitis formation.
I like to add a drop of Thieves to my coconut for oil pulling to boost its bacteria-fighting properties. Thieves has been tested for its bacteria-fighting properties.
2. Whitens teeth
Teeth whiteners from the store are loaded with harsh chemicals. Oil pulling has natural antibiotic elements that will strip your teeth of the bacteria that cause teeth to have a dingy, yellow color. I like to add a drop of Thieves and Lemon to aid in whitening.
3. Fresh Breath
Oil pulling on its own helps to remove bacteria that causes bad breath and halitosis. I like to add a drop of Thieves or Peppermint to help freshen my breath.
4. Healthy Skin
The liver helps to body to break down and remove toxins from the body. Blemishes and acne are often a sign that the body is using the skin to detoxify. Oil pulling helps the body to detoxify before those toxins are released through the skin.
5. Increase in Energy
Oil pulling can actually help to increase energy because it relieves the body of the stress to eliminate toxins.
How To Do Oil Pulling with Essential Oils
- Take 1 tablespoon of oil (I prefer coconut oil) and add 1-2 drops of essential oil of choice. Swish it around in the mouth for 20 minutes. Swish it in your mouth, if your jaw gets tired don't swish as much. Just a few swishes every now and then is fine.
- After 20 minutes, spit out the oil in a trash bag (can clog drain) . Do NOT swallow the oil, as it contains all the bacteria and contaminants in your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water.
Oil Pulling Tips
- Oil pulling is most effective when it’s done in the morning, before you’ve had breakfast or anything to drink, keep yourself busy (Take a shower, do laundry, tidy around). Can be done 1 to 3 times a day.
- After 5 days, you should be able to notice the effects of oil pulling. My teeth already feel cleaner!
How about you?
Do you oil pull? Have you ever added essential oils? Share with us in the comments!
DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a medical professional and the information contained on this blog should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease or health illness. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
