Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, called gundusha in Sanskrit, is an ancient detoxification art that started in India 5000 years ago. It stems back from ancient Ayurvedic tradition which is the world’s oldest medical system.
Oil pulling is basically a mouthwash and consists of swishing oil in your mouth to kill harmful bacteria and it’s said to be one of the best ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
Most of us cannot even imagine what life would be like without brushing our teeth every day. However, brushing teeth is relatively new and didn’t become part of our normal experience until the late 1930s. Our ancestors lived without access to toothbrushes and toothpastes, despite having strong and healthy teeth. The main reason for this was their diet, without any sugars and processed foods, but they also took great care of their teeth through natural means like chew sticks that they rubbed against the teeth, as has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back thousands of years. Depending on the culture and region of the world, many people also practiced oil pulling.
Benefits
Help whiten teeth
Kill narmful bacteria
Reduce bad breath
May help prevent cavities
Strengthen teeth and gums
Relieve sore throat
Boost the immune system
Reduce inflammation
Purge toxins
Heal cracked lips
Instructions
Gently swish 1–2 tsp of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 5–20 minutes, making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil.
Spit out the oil into a trash or in a toilet (avoid spitting into the sink, as it can clog your drain over-time)
Immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water.
Brush your teeth as normal.
Repeat 3-4 times a week.
If 10–20 minutes sounds like a long time, simply do oil pulling while in the shower or while making breakfast.
Essential oils carry some of the most potent antibacterial and antifungal properties on the planet, and they can easily and safely enhance the oil pulling experience.
Wild orange, lemon and peppermint will uplift and help freshen your breath, while clove oil or cinnamon oil may seem supportive if you are suffering from mouth ulcers, an infection or sickness.
