Coconut Oil pulling has recently grown in popularity but the tradition has been around for thousands of years. It’s an ancient Ayurvedic (natural healing/medicine) practice that originated in India. Now, this cleansing ritual has been spreading throughout the West – and with good reason!
What does it do?
Oil pulling draws out or “pulls” out toxins. The bacteria and toxins that live in our mouth are absorbed through our cheeks and tongue into the bloodstream. They then travel throughout our body and wreak havoc on our system. This can result in health issues such as fatigue, headaches or acne. By including oil pulling in your routine you remove many of these harmful toxins and improve your oral and overall health.
How Often Should I do it?
Even if you coconut oil pull for just 5 minutes a day, you’ll see results. For the best benefits though, aim for 15-20 minutes at least 4 times a week. Stick with it.
Benefits
With so many incredible health benefits, coconut oil really is a miracle worker. Expect to see glowing skin, pearly whites and the best breath of your life!
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Oral Health
Coconut oil has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties making it an incredible and effective antioxidant. Its high lauric acid content significantly helps with plaque and gingivitis while preventing tooth decay.
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Fresh Breath
Coconut oil works wonders in the treatment of halitosis (bad breath.) The properties in coconut oil kill odor-causing bacteria, leaving your breath naturally fresh.
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Whitens Teeth
The lauric acid in coconut oil breaks down plaque and removes tooth-tinting bacteria. It will also leave your teeth squeaky clean and super smooth.
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Clears Skin
After two weeks of coconut oil pulling I noticed my once dull skin looked “alive” again. Coconut oil helps cleanse the trillions of bacterium that infest our mouth. If left untreated, that bacteria ends up in our gut. And great skin comes from a great gut.
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Helps Immunity
Because of its antiviral superpowers, coconut oil makes a great immunity booster. Again, consider how much bacteria lives in and enters our mouth daily – Coconut oil pulling prevents them from creating infections. Note: You can also ingest it for extra-strength support
What you’ll need
- Virgin, Cold-pressed, Organic Coconut Oil (I personally love the one from Trader Joe’s because of its satiny texture.)
- Spoon
- Cup of Water (Bonus points for salt water)
- Toothbrush
- Tongue Scraper
How to do it
Take one to two teaspoons of coconut oil and let it melt in your mouth
This is honestly the hardest part for most people. The first few times I may have felt a gag coming, but quickly overcame it. Now, I actually enjoy the feeling. It will get better each time. Don’t overthink it and just do it. It’s all mind over matter, guys.
If you want though, you can let it melt on a spoon over a heat source instead of waiting for it to melt in your mouth. Some people find this method easier, at least for their first few pulls. You’ll eventually get used to the sensation, and hopefully even come to enjoy it.
Swish it around like mouthwash
Don’t overdo it the first few times; you’ll wear out your jaw. I overexcitedly had a little too much fun with some serious swishing and was rewarded with a major muscle cramp in my jaw. So avoid vigorous swishing for your first attempts. With time, you’ll build up your mouth and jaw strength – perhaps a 6th benefit?
Spit it out
And I mean spit it all out. I found that in the “detox phase” during the first week of coconut oil pulling, there was a lot of phlegm coming up from my throat. My spirit animal that week was definitely “cat with hairball.”
Avoid spitting it down the drain as this could cause a clog.
Rinse out with water
Rinse out your mouth with warm water. It’s extra beneficial if you use salt water.
Scrape your tongue
If you don’t already have one, please consider adding a tongue scraper to your oral health regimen. A lot of bacteria sits and lives on our tongue. Daily scraping removes it before it has the chance to get too comfortable there. After coconut oil pulling, you definitely don’t want all of the toxins you just pulled out hanging out on your tongue all day, only to then be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Gently scrape them away.
Brush your teeth. Kudos for flossing, too.
Finally, brush your teeth as normal. Major bonus points if you also floss afterward. This will make sure any toxins left between your pearls will be removed as well.
Celebrate!
Say, “Ahhh.” Notice how happy your mouth feels and enjoy.
When to Do it
It’s best to oil pull first thing in the morning, simply because it’s probably easier to remember it as part of your morning ritual. I like to leave the coconut oil and a spoon in the bathroom cupboard so I can just get up and go straight to it. You can do it while you shower and get dressed. Or maybe while you read a book, listen to music or do household chores. You can even do it while you write an article on coconut oil pulling for FitBodyHQ.
Summary
- Do it 4-6 times a week for 15-20 minutes
- Use 1-2 tsp. virgin, cold-pressed organic coconut oil
- Pull in the morning if you can
- Swish around and have fun with it
- Rinse out mouth, scrape tongue and brush teeth to remove drawn out toxins
- Enjoy fresh breath, clear skin and a happy body
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