Coconut oil pulling has been practiced in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 5–20 minutes and spitting it out. It’s believed to improve oral health and overall well-being.
One of the main benefits of coconut oil pulling is its ability to boost oral health. It reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth, prevents plaque buildup, and improves gum health, according to studies. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that fights oral bacteria and viruses.
Beyond oral health, coconut oil pulling may have other health benefits. Some say it improves skin health, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies the body. Coconut oil pulling is said to improve health, but there is little scientific evidence.
Coconut oil pulling is as simple as swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for several minutes in the morning before eating or drinking. Spit oil into a trash can rather than a sink to avoid clogging pipes.
Coconut Oil Pulling
Years ago at a health retreat, I discovered the advantages of coconut oil pulling. The retreat’s instructor was the pinnacle of health, and this prompted me to give it a go in the first place.
She credited coconut pulling for her white teeth. She also told us that daily coconut pulling removes poisons and pollutants from the mouth and body.
I did a bit of my own research on the topic, specifically around its origin and efficacy and I discovered that it’s an ancient Ayurvedic practice, a traditional Hindu system of medicine dating back some 5,000 years.
It has long been discussed that if there are issues presenting themselves in the teeth or gums it can be indication that something more serious is going on in your body.
Keeping your mouth healthy and free of toxins is extremely beneficial to your overall health and vital for longevity.
READ ALSO: 5 Healthy Foods For Glowing Skin
How much coconut oil do I use?
If the idea of putting raw coconut oil in your mouth turns you off, trust me, it’s not as bad as it seems and were going to be dealing with small dosages, roughly 1 measured tablespoon.
The method is simple enough. With your measured amount, swish between your teeth and gums for twenty minutes and when you’re done, spit out the oil. It’s that simple.
To begin with, if twenty minutes is too long, you can easily half this for similar effects until you build up stamina. I have used dozens of brands throughout the years, all with varying degrees of taste.
The coconut oil that I use now is called Loving Earth and is my personal favorite because of the mild flavour.
You might be braver than me, but I can’t put the hardened coconut oil straight in. By liquefying the coconut oil first, it’s much easier to get started and the texture is much more agreeable.
To do this, put your jar of coconut oil directly into hot water until the oil becomes liquid.
When is the best time coconut oil pull?
As I mentioned, twenty minutes should be the aim, however to start with five minutes will get the job done.
It’s recommended in the beginning that you swish every day for two weeks and then three or four times a week after that.
The absolute best time of the day to do it is in the morning when you’ve just woken up. This is when the most amount of bacteria is present and when you will have the highest rate of efficacy.
With that said, waking up and coconut pulling first thing in the morning is not going to be realistic for everyone every day and for me this was certainly the case.
As an alternative, I’ve got a great tip for you. I’ve started coconut pulling at the end of the day when cravings usually kick in.
The act of swishing satiates any craving for sugar and ensures I don’t eat anything that I shouldn’t be.
Will coconut oil really make my teeth white?
The most immediate and tangible cosmetic benefits for you will be the whitening of your teeth. The continued use of the oil in this way acts to lift heavy stains caused from drinking coffee, tea and wine.
This won’t happen after one use however, so don’t be disheartened if you see no change straight way. While teeth whitening is great, the benefits coconut pulling has on your inner health is much more important.
By removing the toxins and bacteria that lead to poor health, you will be able to take control of your health in a very natural, inexpensive way. Your health is vital, so make sure you take care of it.
READ ALSO: Calcium Rich Foods for Women Over 50
DID YOU KNOW?
- Problems with teeth and gums will often indicate there is a more serious problems in the body.
- There are over 600 species of bacteria that live in your mouth.
- A piece of dental plaque small enough to fit on the end of a toothpick holds between 10 – 100 million bacteria.
- Brushing only reaches 60% of the tooth surface.
- Estrogen deficiency in menopause can result in bone loss in the mouth, loose teeth, and bad breath.
- Bacteria from your mouth travels into the body as your eat, potentially causing disease and infection.
- According to traditional Chinese medicine – each section of the tongue connected to different organs ie: kidneys, lungs, heart, colon, and small intestine – oil pulling can purify the entire system.
Let me know how you go with this and if you have any questions, I’d love to hear them.
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3 Responses
We had no idea about this. I do try and swallow a spoonful about 3-4 times a week, but this is a great tip regarding oral hygiene. Thanks for sharing xo
You’re very welcome. Hope you have a lovely day.
O.k. first day lasted 5 minutes. Second day 10. My mouth and tongue are sore. As I swish saliva gets in there and more liquid which makes it harder to swish and liquid always trys to escape. With that said. The sensation I have in my mouth is tingling clean. Almost like I just had a cleaning at the dentist. Cant wait to see my 2p minutes a day for 2 weeks. Will definitely let everyone know how it goes. Thanks