Oil pulling is a practice that has been used for 3000 years and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. Basically, the motion of swishing the oil in your mouth releases toxins. These toxins and the bacteria in your mouth are caught with the oil and you get rid of both when you spit it out. Oil pulling helps against gingivitis, plaque, bad breath, and whitens your teeth. Some claim it has many more health benefits.
Sesame Oil is the oil used traditionally. Coconut oil is the oil of my choice. It has very little taste and is anti-microbial. You can also use other oils , such as for example olive oil, but it has a very strong taste. Please stay away from all vegetable, corn and canola oils as they are usually full of toxins and are mostly GMO now.
Ingredients:
- a small amount of oil
What to do:
- Place a small amount of oil in your mouth.
- Swish around for 5 to 20 minutes. Do not swallow.
- Spit it into the trash can, not down the drain as the oil will clog your drains.
In conclusion:
As you pull the oil, your spit will increase. It is therefore important to start with an amount of oil you can bare. I personally take 1/2 a teaspoon but know people who take 1 tablespoon. Figure out what the right amount is for you. You can also add a drop of peppermint essential oil in your oil before starting. Start with 5 minutes and slowly increase till you are able to do it for 20 minutes.
Oil pulling will significantly improve your dental health. Try to oil pull as frequently as possible, ideally every day. I personally oil pull while I shower, get dressed and put my make up on. I find that doing something else keeps my mind off the oil pulling and I can thus pull longer. It is also recommended to oil pull on an empty stomach for best benefits.
Happily Green Ever After 
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