Oil pulling is a very simple health treatment that has been utilized as part of the Indian Aryuvedic practices for at least 5000 years. It was introduced to the West in 1992 by Ukrainian physician Dr. F. Karach. When he spoke at a USSR Academy of Science conference for oncologists and bacteriologists, Dr. Karach announced, according to Breathmd.com, that his personal daily action of oil pulling had “cured his leukemia and arthritis.” But that wasn’t all. Dr. F. Karach also shared accounts of his clients who, after practicing oil pulling, had been relieved of a long list of discomforts including headaches, intestinal disorders, liver and neurological diseases and more. How could something as easy as swishing vegetable oil in one’s mouth be such a potent mechanism for health? According to Oilpulling.com, the twenty minutes you spend each day swishing can not only slow the aging process, the action “removes toxins, such as arsenic, from the body.”

The attendees of that meeting where Dr. Karach spoke were skeptical. The American Dental Association (ADA) still is. The ADA actually recommends that oil pulling is a technique to avoid, while encouraging the public to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste instead. Despite that admonition, many individuals are beginning to initiate this daily twenty minute routine. They’ve shared personal testimonials about the positive health effects of the practice. Today, the oil pulling benefits focus more specifically on the mouth, teeth and gums. As Natural News has reported, research has demonstrated the efficacy of oil pulling (using sesame oil) to “kill cavity causing bacteria,” keep gingivitis at bay and help with halitosis.

A 2008 research project used twenty young men in two control groups. Group 1 used sesame oil  pulling while Group 2 were given a chemical chlorhexidine mouthwash. Within two weeks, all participants showed a decrease in the specific bacteria known for promoting tooth decay called Streptococcus mutans. In 2009 a similarly structured research project, according to Authoritynutrition.com, “compared oil pulling and chlorhexidine in adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.” The same results were discovered. Oil pulling worked as well as the chemical. A third study took place in 2011 and again demonstrated that oil pulling is just as effective as the alternative chemical tested.

The mouth, gums and teeth are key to the body’s overall health. What we put in our mouths and under our tongues can be very quickly absorbed in the bloodstream. It’s clear that a teaspoon or two of non-GMO cold pressed organic sesame, sunflower or coconut oils are better for our mouths and bodies than a chemical, fluoridated mouthwash or toothpaste. Be sure, when you’re choosing an oil, to avoid all oils genetically engineered or chemically treated like corn, soy, canola or generic vegetable oil.

If you can swish, you can oil pull. The instructions are simple. Take a teaspoon or two of your oil of choice, swish in your mouth fifteen to twenty minutes on an empty stomach daily.  As you being this healthful practice, sloshing the oil in your mouth may feel uncomfortable. If so, start with a minute or two as you work up to twenty. Keep in mind that there will be bacteria and toxins and other unpleasant materials being pulled by this oil so do not swallow it! And, if you’re using coconut oil, don’t spit it out in the sink, as it may solidify. Following the oil pull, you may want to rinse your mouth with warm salt water, or warm water with baking soda.

Sources:

Breathmd.com

Oilpulling.com

Ada.org

Oil-pulling.com

Naturalnews.com

Authoritynutrition.com

Science.naturalnews.com

(Photo credit:.Tuleriveraero.com)