Oil Pulling

The name 'oil pulling' refers to an ancient natural healing technique with its origins in the Ayurveda system of health. Oil pulling is one of the oldest self care and longevity morning activities in the Ayurvedic system, practised by ordinary people for many, many centuries. It is done to promote healthy gums (prevents gingivitis and periodontitis) and to strengthen and anchor the teeth whilst also preventing many unhealthy conditions in the mouth like plaque build up and promoting healthy bacterial populations in the mouth.

It is usually done first thing in the morning before eating or drinking. Put a teaspoon or tablespoon of organic, cold pressed coconut oil or sesame seed oil in your mouth and gently swirl the oil around your entire mouth, pushing it through the teeth, squeezing and swooshing around the whole mouth. The oil will begin to emulsify, going cloudy or milky in colour and become much thinner in consistency (due to being thoroughly mixed with saliva). Hold the oil in the mouth, swooshing and squeezing gently for between 3 and 15miniutes. Then spit the oil out and rinse the mouth well or brush the teeth in the usual way.

Some people do this daily as part of their oral hygiene routine but it can also help in a variety of health conditions.

Read more about the science behind this ancient practice here.