Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic health practice that is believed to improve oral health and encourage gentle detoxification. The process calls for use of food grade oils – commonly, sesame seed oil or coconut oil – that act as agents for pulling away harmful toxins. Generally, oil pulling is done by swishing a spoonful of oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Don’t swallow it, because as you swish, the oil removes and absorbs the toxins that linger in your mouth. Swallowing would defeat the purpose of “pulling” it from your mouth, and, well, it would be super-yucky. Once you’re done, spit the oil into a garbage can. Not your sink. The oil could solidify and clog drains, causing plumbing issues.

Oil pulling creates a clean, antiseptic environment in your mouth. Creating a clean oral environment can give your immune system a break, reduce stress and inflammation, and encourage general well being. There are many benefits to oil pulling – it’s an ancient, trusted therapy for a reason.

Though there are lots of benefits to choose from, here are my five favorite reasons to give oil pulling a try:

1. Reduces Headaches

Stress can lead to headaches and migraines. Oil pulling removes unwanted toxins that can cause added stress to our body.

2. Clears Skin

If you already slather your skin in coconut oil as part of your healthy beauty routine, you will love this. By removing toxins through the practice of oil pulling, you address some of the ickiness that would have otherwise made it to your blood stream. Those toxins are often the culprit for blemishes. Oil pulling is known to reduce rashes and other skin issues.

3. Whitens Teeth

This is probably the benefit you were expecting. Well, here it is! The natural antibiotic and antiviral properties in coconut oil can brighten and clean your teeth. Oil pulling is much less expensive than buying a synthetic chemical whitening kit, and so much gentler on your body, too.

4. Increases Energy

If you battle autoimmune conditions or feel like you are typically low energy, this one’s for you. Constantly clearing out toxic waste from our body (as a result of stress, our environment, or the foods we eat) is taxing on our immune system. By giving our immune systems some support and clearing out toxins before they get to our blood stream, we give our bodies a break. When our immune system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep us healthy and well, we can enjoy better levels of energy.

5. Detoxes Our Bodies

Detoxing our system is another great benefit. The toxins removed by oil pulling may have otherwise scattered throughout your body and caused inflammation. Not only does inflammation make us look a little puffier than usual (so NOT fun), it also causes joint pain and body aches. Oil pulling may remove the inflammatory toxins before they can harm your body.

Ready to try oil pulling? Here are some guidelines to get you started:

• Oil pull first thing in the morning before eating, drinking or even brushing your teeth.

• Gently swish 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth and between teeth. Try to do it for at least 10 minutes, and at maximum 20 minutes. Your jaw may get tired, so swish slowly! You can build up to 1 tablespoon over time.

• Don’t swallow! When you’re finished, spit the oil into the trash.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.

• Floss and brush. You’re done!

Try oil pulling between 3 to 4 times a week, or even daily. If you only have time to oil pull once a week, that’s still great! You are giving your immune system some loving support, promoting good oral health, and whitening your teeth.

One last tip! Add a drop of doTERRA essential oil to your coconut oil for added health benefits. I alternate using our immune-supporting “protective blend” On Guard (includes Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils) with other single oils such as Spearmint, Melaleuca, Frankincense, or Myrrh depending on my health & wellness goals at the time. More about doTERRA HERE or email me at RealFoodCarolyn@gmail.com for info.