Oil Pulling 101

How strong is your immune system? Do you know that 70% to 80 % of your immune systemis found in your digestive system? Do you know your digestive system starts with your mouth? How healthy is your mouth?

Most people know how important it is to brush your teeth every day, but is there more you can be doing to take care of your mouth? Have you ever wondered how people took care of their mouth health before toothpaste?

 

First, a little history about how our ancestors took care of their mouths. Ancient Egyptians and other cultures used frayed sticks from aromatic trees and bushes to clean their teeth and freshen their breath.  Ancient Greeks and Romans used a paste made of crushed bones and oyster shells. This paste was very abrasive. Overtime, the Romans added more flavoring, as well as powdered charcoal and bark, to help with bad breath. The people of ancient China used quite different ingredients. Some of these ingredients included powered ox hooves, ashes and burnt eggshells that were combined with crushed pumice stone. The ancient Chinese also added herbal mints, salt, and ginseng to their pastes. Their goals were the same as ours today – keep the gums clean and healthy, whiten teeth, and freshen breath.

I am glad we do not use some of these traditions today! However, there is one tradition that is still in use today.  In Ayurveda, the traditional ways of health and wellness in India, oil pulling is used to help maintain good oral care. Today, we can combine oil pulling with aromatherapy to help maintain good oral health.

What are the benefits of oil pulling?

Oil pulling helps to kill bacteria in the mouth. Our mouths are filled with both good and bad bacteria. Oil pulling helps to kill bacteria that causes tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

How do you perform an oil pulling?

Coconut oil is the recommended oil for oil pulling. If you do not like the taste or have an allergy to coconut, sesame oil or olive oil can be used.  Place a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and gently swish the oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. You may have to work your way up to this time frame.  It is vital that you continue to gently swish the oil while breathing through your nose.

At the end of the time, spit the coconut oil into the trash can. DO NOT swallow it. The oil is full of the bacteria in your mouth! Do not spit the oil into the sink, as coconut oil solidifies at room temperature and will eventually clog your sink.

Some people feel it is important to brush your teeth immediately after preforming an oil pulling. Others believe it is best to wait and allow the good bacteria to rebalance the oral biome.  It is also best to perform an oil pulling first thing in the morning.

I like to combine this Ayurveda healing tradition with aromatherapy.  During cold and flu season I will add one or two drops of Young Living’s Thieves Essential Oils blend to the coconut oil.

Some mornings I will add one or two drops of Young Living’s Peppermint Essential Oil to help freshen my breath. If my teeth are feeling sensitive, I will add Clove Essential Oil.

Combining the use of essential oils with healing traditions is it is easy to do, and you get the benefits of both traditions. If you would like more information, you can contact me here or go to www.myyl.com/tmdmassage for more information.

Peace,

Tammy

Tammy Deatelhauser, LMT BCTMB

Healing Traditions Therapeutic Massage

Young Living Member 1521964 

 

FDA Disclosure:  I am a licensed massage therapist with training in culinary herbalism. I am not a doctor. Posts in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Also, these thoughts and opinions do not represent Young Living. Young Living products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician before making any changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

References:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/history-of-toothbrushes-and-toothpastes

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323757#how-to-do-an-oil-pull