In India people credit oil pulling with a range of cures, from reducing all manner of aches and pains to even reversing heart disease. And while these claims have yet to be proven, there is plenty of science that the mechanism behind the practice has merit.

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Oil pulling has been used effectively in India and Asia for 3,000 years, treating about 30 or more systemic diseases. This natural remedy was only introduced to the West about 20 years ago.  

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Oil pulling is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that helps cleanse the body by detoxifying and cleaning teeth and gums. This is a wonderful, all-around home treatment for oral and physical health. Mouth health reflects the health of the entire body, making oil pulling a common sense home remedy.

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Oil pulling has been used extensively for centuries as a natural cure for gum and mouth problems such as gingivitis, cavities, inflammation and bleeding gums. It also helps prevent bad breath.

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In addition to improving oral health, oil pulling can also:

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-Relieve migraines
-Correct hormone imbalances
-Reduce inflammation
-Treat digestive issues
-Reduce eczema
-Support normal kidney function
-Improve vision
-Reduce allergies
-Detoxify the body of heavy metals

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This alternative cure has been used to assist the immune system and to prevent or cure, among other problems, heart disease, arthritis, chronic infections, insomnia, bronchitis and is even reported to help with hangovers.

 

It also has cosmetic benefits, including whiter teeth and clearer skin. This home remedy is safe, easy to do and effective.

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How to do it

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Traditional Recipe

 

Blend together:

1/2 Tbsp of fresh, uncooked, cold-pressed organic sesame oil

1/2 Tbsp organic coconut oil

1/4 tsp ground organic turmeric

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Current studies suggest using different oils, since each have their own unique benefits.  Consider organic extra virgin olive oil, (bottle date should be within one year), organic sunflower or safflower oils. 

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Take about 1 tablespoon of this oil mixture and chew it, suck it through your teeth, and swish around your mouth, for 15 and up to 20 minutes (longer is not better) each morning after brushing and flossing your teeth and using a tongue scrapper. Spit out and rinse with water, It's recommended not to re-brush because the slight oil coating is actually beneficial but having an orange tongue is not as attractive as it sounds.  I floss before and brush and scrape afterwards.

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How Does Oil Pulling Work?

 

It's well documented, for example, that ingesting certain kinds of oil has a chelating, or pulling effect on other oils and fat-soluble toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, drawing these substances from the fatty tissues of the body, pulling bacteria and other debris into the oil, detoxifying us through our mouths.   All of the above contribute to gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other oral problems. This toxicity is also held to be at least partially responsible for many other diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, eczema and chronic infections. 

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An International Buzz

 

In 1996, an Indian newspaper called Andhra Jyoti conducted a survey to find out user experiences regarding the effectiveness of oil pulling. Out of a total of 1041 respondents, 927 (89%) reported amazing health benefits. Only 114 (11%) reported no benefit.

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The survey included the following:

• Pains in the body – 758 cases
• Respiratory system -191 cases
• Skin -171 cases
• Digestive system-155 cases
• Elimination – 137 cases
• Joints – 91 cases
• Heart and Circulation – 74 cases
• Blood Sugar – 56 cases
• Hormones – 21 cases
• Miscellaneous -72

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Since the newspaper buzz in 1996, oil pulling has been gaining more and more attention. The claims of health benefits linked to this very simple therapy have been extraordinary. However, many such claims are just anecdotal, without any research to substantiate them. Unfortunately, this newspaper survey, while it might have spawned international interest, carries no real proof for these claims. But before you throw your “swishing oil” in the trash, there are real benefits to be had. Let’s take a look at the facts.

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The Truth and the Research

 

Ancient Science

 

Oil pulling is clearly mentioned in the classic and most esteemed textbook of Ayurveda, the Caraka Samhita.

Caraka says this about oil pulling:

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Keeping of oil gargle provides strength in jaws and voice, development of the face, maximum taste and relish of food. One does not suffer from dryness of throat, lip cracking and teeth become firmly rooted. The teeth do not ache or become sensitive and can chew the hardest food items (1).

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Modern Science

 

In a randomized triple-blind study measuring the effect of oil pulling on oral health, 20 boys were divided into two groups. One group gargled daily for 10 minutes with a traditional mouthwash (chlorhexidine, considered the most effective anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent). The other group gargled daily for 10 minutes with sesame oil.

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The results showed support for a healthy immune response against foreign microbes, and healthy gums and plaque levels in both groups (2, 3).  In another study, the swishing of the oil in the mouth and pulling the oil between the teeth were shown to have a saponification (detergent or cleansing) effect on the oral mucosa (4).

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Gum health has been linked to heart heart in many studies over the years which is why dentists take such care to support healthy gums. Poor gum health may allow foreign microbes to infiltrate the blood stream and irritate the arterial walls. Interestingly the same bacteria, Strept mutans which surges in the mouth after a high sugar diet has also found in unhealthy levels in the arterial walls of heart patients.

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Numerous studies citing similar results very much support the original statements made by Caraka Samhita more than 3000 years ago. The benefits of oil pulling on plaque as a natural cleansing agent for the teeth and gums are all very real.

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Backed by Science

 

This use of oil as a detox accelerator or “pulling” agent has been recently studied. In one study, the external use of sesame oil in massage and the ingestion of ghee were found to reduce lipid peroxides or free radicals in the blood (5). The researchers concluded that the lipophilic effect of the oils helps pull free radicals and toxins out of the blood.

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Another study observed how heavy metals and environmental toxins were “pulled” out of the blood during sesame oil massage and the ingestion of ghee during an Ayurvedic detox called panchakarma (6). Again, the lipophilic or pulling effect of the oils is believed to be the mechanism behind this detox effect.

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To Pull or Not to Pull?

 

While more studies need to be done on the oil pulling technique, it is clear that the mechanism of oil acting as a pulling agent for toxins is known. As a result, it is very plausible that exposing the skin – and particularly the oral mucosa – to oils and herbs like sesame, coconut and turmeric may have a beneficial and detoxifying pulling effect.

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Looking and Feeling Better

 

Many regular oil pullers report that their mouth feels clean and fresh and their teeth are whiter. This is a much better home treatment to whiten teeth than commercial tooth whitening preparations which contain very strong chemicals and are fairly expensive. Users also report having clearer, healthier skin after using this natural treatment as well as feeling mentally invigorated. Many people have said that oil pulling helped to curb their appetites and helped them to lose weight.

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In good health... 

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References:

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1. Charaka samhita Ch V -78 to 80.

2. Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian J Dent Res. 2009; 20:47– 51. [PubMed: 19336860]

3. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2008 Mar;26(1):12-7. PMID: 18408265

4. Indian J Dent Res. 2011 Jan-Feb;22(1):34-7. doi: 10.4103/0970-9290.79971. PMID:21525674

5. Sharma HM, Midich SI, Sands D, Smith DE: Improvement in cardiovascular risk factors through Panchakarma purification procedures. J Res Educ Indian Med, 1993; 12(4); 2-13.

6. Heron, Fagan. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine in its September/October 2002 issue, two

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https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html

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http://everydayayurveda.org/the-truth-about-oil-pulling/

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https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/oil-pulling-the-ayurvedic-health-technique-you-should-try

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HV Amith, Anil V Ankola, L Nagesh. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry. 26(1):12-7, 2008 Mar

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