How oil pulling works
Share
THE SCIENCE OF OIL PULLING
Oil shares a natural affinity with the lipid-based cell membranes on the exterior of a cell—including those of the many microorganisms that inhabit the mouth. When these microbes come in contact with oil, they naturally adhere to it, helping them detach from the teeth and gums and restoring a healthy oral microbe balance.
- Supports overall oral health and hygiene
- Removes natural toxins from the mouth
- Lubricates the tissues of the mouth
- Freshens the breath
You may have already heard of oil pulling as it has become a health trend in the United States. Yet, although many people are oil pulling, they may be unaware of the fact that this oral care practice has its roots in Ayurveda. Known in Sanskrit as Kavala Graha or Gandusha, oil pulling is the ritual of pulling or swishing oil through the teeth for twenty minutes to support overall oral health and hygiene. This practice is suggested to be practiced every morning after tongue cleaning.
BENEFITS OF OIL PULLING
- Draws out toxins/impurities.
- Strengthens the gums.
- Eradicates plaque.
- Rebuilds enamel.
- Whitens the teeth.
- Eliminates harmful bacteria.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Freshens the breath.
- Restores bodhaka kapha.
- Reduces symptoms associated with TMJ.
Many people enjoy the use of coconut oil as their pulling oil staple and we are in full support of this method, as coconut oil is easy to find, has a pleasant taste and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. We also highly recommend sesame oil. Sesame oil is the traditional Ayurvedic pulling oil due to its antibacterial, rejuvenative and highly nourishing properties.
Ayurvedic medicine also infuses turmeric and other beneficial herbs into pulling oil to increase its potency. At PAAVANI, they honor the traditions of the old and the new, by infusing whole herbs into sesame and coconut oil in order to ensure the most effective pulling oil experience.
HERE ARE A FEW KEY INGREDIENTS IN OUR Mint PAAVANI PULLING OIL and Cinnamon Pulling Oil
Pavaani uses sesame seeds grown and cold pressed in India to ensure that our sesame oil is authentic, pure and in line with Ayurvedic tradition. Sesame oil is known in Ayurveda as the “King of Oils” & is the most used oil throughout this medical system. It is a rejuvenative tonic for the hair, skin, nervous system, teeth & gums. Sesame oil has antibacterial properties which help keep the mouth clean and healthy and it also nourishes the gum line. Sesame oil has been used traditionally for oil pulling for thousands of years to reverse receding gums and support overall oral health.
Kalpavriksha is the Sanskrit term for coconut, it literally translates to the “tree of life” or “the tree that meets all life’s needs”. You can eat it, drink it, use it topically, use it for improving brain function - its uses are endless! In our Pulling Oil, coconut oil facilitates the absorption of calcium which helps in developing strong teeth. It also helps with tooth decay due to its antifungal action. Coconut oil contains the fatty acid, lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties; thus, it aids in reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduces plaque. Using coconut oil for oil pulling is a beneficial way to keep the gums healthy, teeth white and eliminate bad breath.
The main active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, provides antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent and antioxidant properties to your dental care routine. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice confirmed what Ayurveda has known for thousands of years, that turmeric is a powerful ally to counterbalance signs and symptoms of plaque build-up and gingivitis. Other Western scientific studies have also proved that turmeric also helps to reduce pain associated with a toothache or any dental pain. Ayurveda also explains that turmeric can in fact help whiten the teeth! It’s true, that gorgeous golden color may leave a yellowish stain on your fingers or clothes, but it actually helps to whiten and brighten the teeth.
Also known as amla, this Ayurvedic herb is actually the fruit of the Amalaki tree and it contains abundant healing properties. There is roughly 600-700 mg of Vitamin C per amalaki fruit- that is more than an orange! Furthermore, this fruit is an excellent ally to help boost the immune system. Also, amalaki has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to heal gingivitis and periodontitis. It also helps to eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth, regenerate gum tissue and promote fresh breath.
Did you know that our mouths have over 700 types of bacteria within them? Some of the bacteria is beneficial while others are harmful. Rather than stripping away all of the bacteria, like synthetic mouthwashes do, clove uses its intuitive wisdom to maintain good bacteria for a healthy mouth biome while eradicating harmful bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori bacteria that promotes stomach ulcers. Eugenol, a main active component in clove, gives this fragrant herb its analgesic and anesthetic properties. In short, clove is excellent for relieving pain associated with toothache and inflammation while also maintaining overall oral hygiene.
HOW TO OIL PULL
Vigorously swish and pull 1-2 tsp. of oil around the mouth and in-between the teeth. Continue for 5 to 20 minutes. When complete, discard the oil into the trash can. Do NOT spit it into the sink as it will eventually clog your pipes. Also, definitely do NOT swallow the oil. Remember, you are working to draw ama, or toxins, out of the body; thus, ingesting everything you just oil pulled out is counterintuitive.
HOW LONG TO OIL PULL
Ayurveda explains that, for best results, one should oil pull for 20 minutes daily. We know what you’re thinking- “Twenty minutes, who has time to do that?!”. Yet, if you think about it, there are many things that you can do to get ready for your day all while oil pulling. Here are some suggestions: wash the dishes, unload the dishwasher, prepare your tea or warm water, take a shower, make your bed, pick your clothes out for the day, prep that afternoon protein shake...you get the gist. Ayurveda isn’t one to advocate for multitasking, but we think it’s more than okay to get some other things done as you oil pull. Furthermore, get creative and see how you can fit this into your morning routine.
Studies on oil pulling can be found here
NIH studies show results are benificial for oral health