Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic oral hygiene ritual that originated in India dating back over 3,000 years. This ancient practice is now making a comeback in the modern world. In 1992, Dr. F. Karach M.D. reintroduced this ritual claiming that it not only is great for your oral hygiene but it can cure a slew of illnesses.
This process entails first choosing your oil. Most people prefer coconut oil due to its antibacterial properties. You take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around in your mouth for ten to twenty minutes per day and then spit it out. For some, this can be a definite struggle. Having oil swished around the mouth for that amount of time can be a bit nauseating. But, if you can stomach it and stick to a daily routine, the benefits outweigh the difficulties. Here are some of the benefits:
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Oral Hygiene: Oil pulling pulls the bacteria and toxins out of your mouth. In the long run, this will reduce the buildup of plaque and prevent tooth decay. Not only that, this ritual gives you whiter teeth, healthier gums, stronger teeth, and fresher breath, as well as helping to prevent cavities and gingivitis.
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Clear Skin: Any type of skin issue or rash can be reduced dramatically due to the detoxifying effect of oil pulling. By removing toxins from your body, your skin’s complexion will glow.
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Detoxifies the Body: Our mouth is a gateway, and it’s where inflammation and diseases can form. By removing these toxins before they get a chance to spread, the body will experience a complete detox.
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Reduced Headaches: Headaches can occur from numerous causes, but one of them is the body going through toxic stress. By the elimination of toxins through oil pulling, headaches can be significantly reduced.