Oil Pulling

If you have never heard of oil pulling, you are about to get really skeptical of me. But just follow along.

Oil pulling is basically using oil as mouthwash and swishing. The most ancient forms (it's a very, very old practice) use sesame oil. However, I don't like the taste. So I use coconut oil. This is what I always buy, Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin. I buy it from The Cupboard. For information on what kind of coconut oil to use, click here. You want unrefined, cold-pressed, extra virgin. You can find my favorite coconut oil here.

You have to do it when you first wakeup. Before brushing your teeth, before coffee, before water. You are supposed to do it on an empty stomach. Get a spoonful of coconut oil and swish for up to 10-20 minutes. I aim for the 15 minute mark. I do it while I'm getting my son's food ready for the day (measuring his supplements, thawing out his solid food, making bottles, etc.).

I told you, when you 1st wake up. Nice, right?

Spit out in the trash. Very important not to spit down the sink (it will clog your drain). Also very important not to swallow the oil. It will be very toxic.

After 15 minutes, I spit in the trash, rinse with water, then swish with warm salt water (regular table salt will do). The salt water is supposed to help with any inflammation caused from the oil pulling. I actually really like the salt water after oil pulling, I can't explain why.

It will be toxic because you are pulling toxins out of your body. It is a crazy detox that works. I am not going to get into the science of oil pulling. Mainly because, let's face it, I'm no scientist. And there is tons of info out there so I'll let you do the research if you want more technical details. I'm just going to share what I do and what results I have seen.

I do not do this everyday. I would love to, but I only allow myself to buy one 54 oz container of coconut oil a month (budget reasons). And since I use coconut oil for so much stuff (lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, cooking, makeup remover, & on & on), I don't have enough to do this daily. I do it about 2-3 times per week.

I cannot do the full 15 minutes on one spoonful. I have to spit it out about every 4-6 minutes and get a new spoonful. It's just a gag reflex I can't get past. And I push through this reflex because I see great results.

Results I have experienced:

• Reduced bloating/water weight. When I first started this, I did do it daily for about 3 weeks. By the end of the first week, Ryan asked me if I was loosing weight. (I feel I have to put a disclaimer here. My motivation is NEVER to loose weight. I do not care what my pants size is. But I know this is a motivating factor for many people).
• Clear skin. When I go a full week without oil pulling, my face breaks out. Every time.
• A lot less tooth and gum sensitivity. This is GREAT for gum health. So if you have any gum disease, cavities, or oral health problems in general, give this a try.
• More hydrated. I feel more hydrated. Less thirsty. Even in this hot Texas summer.
• Whiter teeth.
• Great hangover cure.

That's what I have experienced. Here is a list of claims I found online (so it must be true):

• Mouth & Gum Disease
• Stiff Joints
• Allergies
• Asthma
• High Blood Sugar
• Constipation
• Migraines
• Bronchitis
• Eczema
• Heart
• Kidney
• Lung Diseases
• Leukemia
• Arthritis
• Meningitis
• Insomnia
• Menopause (hormonal issues)
• Cancer
• AIDS
• Chronic Infections
• Varicose Veins
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Polio
• Cracked Heels
• PMS Symptoms

Crazy, right?!?! Honestly, I fully 100% believe it can help on some level with everything on that list. I've seen great results. Good luck with it!

After I oil pull, I drink my morning detox drink.

This post was featured on Thank Your Body.