Oil Pulling Can Benefit Your Health and Not Just the Teeth. Your Guide to Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil and Why It's Beneficial for You (2020)

Oil pulling is considered a medical practice in which edible oil is swished around the mouth for a period of time and then spit out. This oil therapy is considered to be a part of the age old ayurvedic medicinal branch in India. Oil pulling is usually done with coconut oil, although any other edible oil is good enough to be used. Nonetheless, coconut oil is lighter when compared to other oils and naturally tastes better than others.

Although there are no clear studies suggesting how exactly oil pulling works in the body, there are a few logical explanations. The most important claim is that the oil actually “pulls” out toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. This helps to naturally increase saliva production and also keeps the gums moisturised throughout the day. Many people all over the world have tried this technique and claim to have benefited greatly from it. On the contrary, there are also some who don’t agree with this method! You can try for yourself and see if this unique method suits you!

Coconut oil pulling benefits are many. For all those of you who are vehemently denying this method, we have just one thing to say - it is just edible coconut oil. There is no harm in trying after all! And why not to try? The benefits are said to be many! Here are some of them:

Inflammation in the gum, otherwise called gingivitis, is caused by plaque formed from bacteria. This can lead to bleeding in the gums and inflammation too. Coconut oil has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and is thus, very effective in reducing inflammation in the gums. Since oil pulling reduces the harmful bacteria in the mouth and keeps plaque at bay, inflammation too is reduced naturally.

Halitosis, most commonly known as bad breath, is a difficult situation for the patient as well as the one dealing with them up close. This is often associated with poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and other infections. Studies show that oil pulling with coconut oil reduces all markers of bad breath significantly.

Coconut oil pulling benefits have been observed and studied since long. Some of these include clearer sinuses, whiter teeth (reduces stains and yellowness), stronger jaw and prevention of cavities.

Here are the steps you need to follow while doing oil pulling:

There are relatively very few cases of side effects of oil pulling reported so far. But some have drawn attention to cases that may have resulted in unfortunate reactions. A few of the side effects of oil pulling with coconut oil are:

This alternative medicine technique of oil pulling is said to have originated from the Indian branch of medicine, Ayurveda, more than 1,000 years ago. Ayurveda says that if you practice oil pulling with coconut oil you will never have to suffer from throat dryness, lip cracking or teeth infections. And interestingly, gargling of oil gives strength to the jaws, enhances taste in food and also improves the quality of your vocals!