The Magic of Oil Pulling!
The Magic of Oil Pulling!
Do you remember when Oil Pulling was a new thing? Well, like many new practices and trends, we tend to move on to the next new thing and forget about habits that are true gold nuggets.
So, we wanted to remind you of some natural magic, the magic of Oil Pulling. If this is the first you've heard of it, you're about to be wowed! Or maybe you’ve been Oil Pulling for years but are looking for a new twist to spice up your routine. We’ve created a super easy recipe for you to try below. It’s perfect for beginners or long time Oil Pullers.
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is the practice of swirling and sucking a plant oil (coconut, sunflower, or olive oil) around in your mouth for about twenty minutes in the morning before you eat breakfast and then spitting it out. This practice has been around for thousands of years and is believed to have originated in India. Ancient cultures may not have had whitening tooth pastes, but this practice is about more than keeping your teeth clean so if twenty minutes seems like a long time, read on because you may become convinced to give it a try.
Why Oil Pull?
Oil Pulling is known to have many benefits because given the prescribed time, the practice pulls toxins out of your mouth. Bad bacteria get stuck in areas of your teeth that brushing can’t reach. When you decide to Oil Pull, you are swishing oil into all the nooks and cracks of your mouth and are able to pull out all the gunk! Here are some added benefits you’ll experience when you start Oil Pulling daily.
Whiter Teeth
If you have stained teeth, Oil Pulling could be your natural remedy. Because Oil Pulling should last 20 minutes and involve constant swishing, it triggers an emulsification process which helps remove strains.
Fresher breath
This one’s easy, less icky bacteria and toxins equals better smelling breath!
Prevent Cavities
Oil Pulling gets rid of bacteria called Streptococcus Mutans, which is known to cause cavities.
Detoxes the Body
Because bacteria can enter and breed in your mouth, it makes it a bit of a nasty place. Oil Pulling removes bacteria that can be potentially harmful and therefore helps purify your entire body.
Hormonal Balance
Because you are detoxing the body, the immune system is less likely to be compromised. This helps the body restore hormone balance and regulate PMS.
Helps with Skin Issues
That’s right! Oil Pulling can actually help with acne and other skin issues. If you’re a female suffering from acne in her late 20’s and early 30’s it could be from a hormone imbalance. As said above, hormone balance can be corrected with the help of Oil Pulling. Acne can also be tied to bad bacteria in your gut. Having less bad bacteria in your mouth, means you’ll have less bad bacteria in your gut!
How to Oil Pull
It’s super easy and anyone can do it!
All you do is take a teaspoon or two of your preferred oil and swish it in your mouth for twenty minutes first thing in the morning. Spit out afterwards. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Do this daily! We like to keep some Organic Coconut Oil near the bedside for easy use. We suggest using Organic Coconut Oil, because we think it taste the best of all the oils. Organic so you know it is pure and free from toxins.
Important: Do not swallow any of the oil! Spit it out and expel whatever it is you swished and pulled!
Twenty Minutes, Really?
Yes, really. Twenty minutes is the standard recommended time to spend swishing and pulling that oil around in your mouth. Similarly to the idea that you need to wash your hands for a certain period of time in order to kill bacteria, you need to pull that oil long enough to receive all of the benefits. Bacteria in our mouths hides and is hard to reach and because the oil is acting as a gentle anti-septic it just takes more time.
Anything that is natural takes a little more time. So we recommend indulging yourself in another life-affirming habit as you swish and before you spit. Read the paper (yes, I'm old fashioned), or a favorite book, or even take the time with your meditation routine to get your mind into alpha with this repetitive, soothing behavior. Get up a little earlier and reap the rewards!
If you’re looking to really enhance your routine, check out the recipe below.
Make Your Own Oil Pulling Mix:
What you’ll need
4-ounce Mason Jar
4 ounces of Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
Optional: 2 Drops of Peppermint or Tea Tree Essential Oil for extra flavor and benefits.
Directions:
Heat up Organic Coconut Oil in a double boiler (remember, pure and minimally refined coconut oil is solid), or use the method shown in the video below. Pour into mason jar and add drops of Essential oil. Mix well and leave to cool. Click below for a helpful tutorial and you will be on your way!
Adding something new to your routine can seem daunting. Especially if it adds time to your morning routine it can feel like just another task on top of your already busy schedule. But if you get up a little earlier and add this intentional time devoted just to you and your health, you might find it energizes you in ways you didn't anticipate. Give yourself 21 days to see what happens and be sure to report back to us how it goes!
To your health,
Kristine Sperling and The Makes 3 Organics Wellness Team
