I’m very interested in alternative health, because I worry about taking too many drugs for various ailments.   Long term effects of many medicines are unknown.  I’d rather find home remedies or alternative health methods to stay healthy.  A friend introduced me to coconut oil pulling.  I was a little leery at first. Oil pulling is one of those methods that have been around a while, but has recently come into the spotlight.  Oil pulling, also known as “kavala” or “gundusha,” involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for around 15 – 30 minutes. The purpose of this ancient practice is to pull out toxins in your body, improving overall health.

10 Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling (Swishing Oil in Your Mouth)  –  Why I Swish with Coconut Oil in the Morning

Here are some of the common ideas about the benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling. Then, I’ll tell you why I swish with coconut oil most mornings.

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10 Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling – From various sources.  Why to gargle with oil.

• Oil pulling is thought to remove toxins in the body and improve overall heath.
• Swishing with coconut oil whitens teeth, improves morning breath,  and improves oral health. In some studies, oil pulling reduces Streptococcus Mutans bacteria, a significant contributor to tooth decay.
• Coconut oil pulling increases energy.
• Swishing with oil is believed to balance hormones and help with hormonal issues.
• Less jaw pain.  TMJ sufferers have reported less jaw pain from oil pulling.
• Improves skin conditions.  After oil pulling some have shown improvement in acne, Keratosis Pilaris, Psoriasis and Eczema.
• Alleviation of headaches and hangovers occurs with oil pulling.
• Gargling with oil boosts the immune system.
• Coconut oil pulling may prevent heart disease.
• Swishing with oil is believed to reduce inflammation.

What is oil pulling? Why coconut oil? How do I do this oil pulling thing?

In this ancient tradition known as kavala” or “gundusha,” one chooses an oil to “pull” and swish around in the mouth for 15 to 30 minutes. If you want to learn more about oil pulling therapy, then take a look at this book, Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing. I have not personally read it, but it got good reviews. It discusses Dr. Fife’s Oil Pulling Therapy, a treatment combining the wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine with modern science.

Why coconut oil?

In ancient tradition, most people used sesame or sunflower oil. Coconut oil is rich in medium chain triglycerides and high in lauric acid and effective in attacking Streptococcus Mutans bacteria.  Also, it is easy to find and to purchase and coconut oil is not too expensive.  Amazon has lots of deals on coconut oil.

How to oil pull with coconut oil. 5 Easy Steps

1. First, take a big heaping spoonful (or tablespoon) of coconut oil. It is recommended to get organic virgin coconut oil.  Most likely the oil will be in a solid state.  Coconut oil has a melting point of 76˚ F. If it’s still in solid form, you should be able to still scoop it out and it will melt quickly in your mouth.

Before you put the oil in your mouth, let me warn you, the taste of plain, solid coconut oil in your mouth can be quite a shock.  It takes some getting used to.  You may want to gag at first.  Just stick with it.  You’ll get used to it, especially once it turns to liquid form in a few seconds.

2. Next, gently swish the oil, pulling it in and out of your teeth, for about 15 to 30 minutes.  That may seem like a long time at first.   The time goes by pretty quickly if you are doing other things.  I start my oil swishing first thing in the morning and continue pulling as I go through my morning routine.  You can even oil pull while in the shower.

3. After that, spit the oil into a trash can or bag.  Do not spit out the coconut oil in the sink. It will clog the drain.

4. Then, rinse your mouth with water.

5. Finally, brush your teeth.

How long before you see the results of coconut oil pulling?

You may notice the fresher breath immediately, but the other results may take a few weeks.  The more you do it, the sooner the results may appear.  Should you oil pull everyday?  You don’t have to oil pull everyday.  Some people do it a few times a week.

Why I swish with coconut oil most mornings. 

Coconut Oil Pulling after Cancer

After doing some reading and research, I decided to use coconut oil as my choice for oil pulling.  As a cancer survivor who underwent a massive surgery, chemotherapy, and Neulasta shots, I have lots of lingering effects I keep trying to manage.  I decided to try oil pulling for myself and see what this craze and alternative health recommendation was all about.

As I stated earlier,  I start my coconut oil pulling first thing in the morning when I wake up.  I do other things such as light exercise, shower, get dressed, as I’m swishing the coconut oil in my mouth.

Health Benefits of Oil Pulling

Here are some of the benefits I have personally noticed of oil pulling with coconut oil.

• Improved dental health.  I have noticed a slight whitening of my teeth and thought my oral health seemed better.  This was confirmed at my last dentist’s visit.  My dentist said my teeth looked great.  I needed the least amount of cleaning, scraping, picking, (whatever it is they do) compared to other visits.  This is enough reason to continue with oil pulling.
• Oil pulling does freshen my breath.  I notice a fresher, cleaner feeling than just brushing alone.
• I may notice a slight improvement in my Keratosis Pilaris.
• Oil pulling is calming.  It does seem to relax my jaw, though I have never had any jaw problems.
• I have yet to notice any big improvements in my achiness or joint pain.

Do you do oil pulling?

What health benefits have you noticed by swishing coconut oil (or other oils) in your mouth?

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