My Experience with Oil Pulling

I tried oil pulling for the first time two months ago as part of my review for Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil. It seemed like one of the kookier ways to use coconut oil but because it was easy to do and associated with many health benefits, I figured it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.

Coconut oil and me, home sick, faux oil pulling while photographing myself.

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice where you swish vegetable oil around in your mouth for twenty minutes first thing in the morning. Oil pulling enthusiasts claim the activity stimulates the saliva, which is full of enzymes that draw toxins out of the blood, which raises metabolism and stimulates the body's eliminatory system. Check out OilPulling.com and this Coconut Research Center article for more complete claims and info.

There's a long list of diseases which people claim to have been cured from by using oil pulling therapy. This includes: acne, migraine headaches, bronchitis, diseased teeth, arterio thrombosis, chronic blood disorders such as leukemia, arthritis, neuro physiological paralysis, eczema, gastro enteritis, peritonitis, heart disease, kidney disease, meningitis, and women’s hormonal disorders. This laundry list of diseases cured makes me suspicious. I do not believe in crazy catch-all therapies.

That said, I've been oil pulling with coconut oil for two months and I think I'll keep it up. I still totally have acne and PMS, but oil pulling makes my teeth and gums feel incredibly clean, which is enough of a benefit for me. I happened to stop drinking my daily cup of coffee very easily during a superstressful time at work when I began oil pulling. I also feel a reduced craving for sweets and the ability to drink way more water since I started oil pulling. I feel confident in crediting oil pulling with making these healthy changes easier.

Also, I've done oil pulling while home sick with a cold (today) and while experiencing minor sinus issues and whoa! It makes my head feel like it may explode. It's overwhelming and almost unbearable. Something is definitely happening more than just my teeth and gums getting cleaner!

If you're interested in trying oil pulling, check out Mama Natural's video of how to do oil pulling and to read about her experiences.

(Required fine printy stuff: None of these claims have been evaluated by the FDA.)

Have you tried oil pulling? What kind of oil do you use?

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