By Stephanie Montague
I already know that some (maybe most) of you are looking at the title and scratching your head. The ones who know about oil pulling no doubt have their opinion on the subject. Well in this article we are talk about the history, what it is, and potential health benefits. First, a disclaimer: Consult your doctor or dermatologist before use. Any information in this article is not to replace any medicines you may have been prescribed by your health provider. The Philadelphia Sunday Sun does not endorse any brand or use of this method. This article is for informational purposes only.
Okay now open up you holistic self and let’s talk about oil pulling.
History of Oil Pulling:
Oil pulling comes from the Ayurvedic arts. Scholars have traced the origins of Ayurveda back to 5,000 BCE, originating as an oral tradition of the Vedas people. Later, it evolved into medical texts know as Ayurveda.
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual where you swish oil around in your mouth. Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India. The oldest known Ayurvedic texts are the Suśrutha Samhitā and the Charaka Samhitā. In Charaka Samhitā it is called Kavala Gandoosha or Kavala Graha. Ayurvedic, halitosis, and gingivitis
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling or oil swishing is a traditional folk remedy where the practitioner rinses the mouth with approximately one tablespoon of oil for 15-20 minutes (on an empty stomach) then spits it out into the toilet. Then you wash your teeth, gums, and tongue softly after with warm water. Again I stress that you DO NOT swallow the oil. It must be spit out into the toilet and flushed. The reason for this is that oil pulling actually pulls toxicants and disease from your body…you would not to want shallow that back into your system.
Hold on! Before you run into the kitchen and grab a bottle of random oil in your home here are the oils to use: Sesame oil, Sunflower oil, Coconut oil or Olive oil. There are books that go back and forth over whether these oils need to be cold pressed (raw) or organic. You will discover varying schools of thought. What you choose is up to you. I will say that pure is always better believe you’re getting the best part of the oil.
Now that you have the history and a visual of what oil pulling is, let’s look at benefits that have been found by those who practice this ancient method.
Potential health benefits of Oil Pulling:
Many books describe oil pulling as capable of both improving oral health and treating systemic diseases. Here is a listing from various books and website of health benefits:
Oil Pulling has been reported by users to help with the the following things:
• Brightening & whitening teeth
• Healthier gums
• Removal of mucus
• Boosting the immune system
• Preventing bad breath
• Increasing energy
• Having a clearer mind
• Decreasing headaches
• Clearing the sinuses
• Alleviating allergies
• Better sleep
• Clearer skin
• Regulating menstrual cycles
• Decreasing inflammation
• Improving the lymphatic system
• Improving PMS symptoms
• Cardiovascular disease
• Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)
• Premature birth and low birth weight
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Eating disorders
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Immune system disorders
• asthma
• reducing oral plaque
• reducing halitosis
• reducing gingivitis
Results may vary. Always consult your doctor before adding anything new to your regiment. Oil pulling is not a cure-all, but it may help improve your overall health. Remember the disclaimer statement and use your best judgment in all cases.
For those of you who try oil pulling…happy swishing!
Some sources used:
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/oil-pulling-benefits-oral-health
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_pulling
Stephanie Montague has an all-natural, organic skin and hair line Cheveux Soufflés found at www.cheveuxsouffles.com.
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