We’re all big fans of coconut oil at the office. It’s great for your skin, hair, cooking and smoothies. But did you know it’s also great for your teeth? If you’re into yoga you may know Ayurvedic practices like oil pulling. If not, here it is. Oil pulling 101.
The practice of oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic tradition. The practice has been around for centuries and is emerging as a a hot new health trend. A few years back, the master Goopy (Gwyneth Paltrow, that is) admitted she oil pulls. If Paltrow is doing it, this 2,000 year old practice must work, right?
Oil pulling involves swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes at a time to extract or pull toxins out of your mouth and body. After your 20 minute coconut oil gargle you spit it out and go on with your day. Similar to how you might use traditional mouth wash, except you have to work it a little harder. Technically you can use any oil for the practice but sesame and coconut are most popular because of their appealing taste.
The obvious reasons to try the practice are that it’s been known to strengthen teeth, gums and the jaw and that it can help prevent gum disease, bad breath and gingivitis.
Both anecdotal and scientific evidence suggest oil pulling offers even more health benefits, including:
-improve blood circulation
-whiten teeth
-clear skin
-relieve headaches
-reduce symptoms of allergies
-help conditions like acne/eczema
Thinking of trying oil pulling? Here are some do’s and don’ts.
Do
Start by pulling three to five minutes at a time and work your way up to 20 minutes
Start by pulling three to five minutes at a time and work your way up to 20 minutes
Give it at least four weeks of practice before judging the effects
Pull first thing in the morning before you do anything else
Multitask – distract yourself as you pull. Hop into the shower, check emails, read your favourite blog etc.
Pull three times a day if there’s a serious health issue you’re tackling
Don’t
Expect results overnight
Fill your mouth too much – just over a teaspoon should do
Melt the coconut oil in your mouth – this tastes gross. Put your jar of coconut oil in a cup of hot water to get it liquid before putting it in your mouth
Spit in the sink – instead use the garbage to avoid clogging the drains
There are plenty of skeptics when it comes to oil pulling but the only way to find out if it works is to try it. Then let us know how it worked for you.
If you already pull, let us know. Does oil pulling work for you?
