Benefits Of Oil Pulling In Ayurveda

Benefits Of Oil Pulling In Ayurveda

Hello all!!

Some time back I had written about sesame seed oil and I had mentioned about its use in oil pulling. Well, I am here to provide more information on Oil Pulling.

What is Oil Pulling?

First of all let us be proud of our traditions and culture as oil pulling is born in India. It is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been there for thousands of years. It is mainly for the upkeep of oral health and for removal of toxins. In traditional Ayurveda gargling treatments like “Kavala Graha” and “Gandusha” have been used to treat imbalances of various Doshas. As per Ayurvedic literature, Sesame oil is one among many medicinal fluids, recommended to reduce inflammation and or burning sensation in mouth. Thus gargling with oil to maintain oral health is Oil Pulling.

 Which oil is used?

Sesame seed oil (til oil) is preferred for this procedure though you can use coconut oil, sunflower oil or olive oil. It will be better if you keep changing the oils for more benefit.

What is the procedure?

Take one tbsp of oil and swish it around the mouth for about 10 to 20   minutes. After that you should spit it out. This should be done in the morning, before you brush your teeth, on an empty stomach.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling In Ayurveda

I know that is running in your mind. Let me tell you that there are a lot of bacteria residing in your mouth, that too early in the morning. Some are friendly ones and others are not. Certain types of bacteria cause several oral problems. So by swishing oil around your mouth you are removing the trouble-making bacteria.

Allow me to elaborate. There have been certain studies conducted in this area and several benefits of oil pulling have been brought to light.

Oil Pulling and plaque build up

The bacteria called Streptococcus Mutans form the majority of the bacteria in the mouth. They are known to be responsible for plaque buildup and tooth decay.

According to a study conducted in 2008 with 20 people ( young boys in their teens), oil pulling helped in the reduction in the number of Streptococcus Mutans in the plaque in a duration of just 2 weeks. The oil used was that of sesame seeds.

It was a little less effective than the regular mouthwash but definitely much cheaper.

Oil pulling can help reduce gingivitis

Gingivitis is the medical name of inflammation of the gum tissue and this happens when the bacteria in the plaque are attacked by the immune system of the body.

In another study that compared the effects of oil pulling and mouthwash in persons with plaque-induced gingivitis, it was found that both oil pulling and regular mouthwash were equally effective against gingivitis.

Oil pulling can help reduce bad breath

The bacteria are also known to produce chemicals and gases that result in a smelly mouth. This bad breath is known as halitosis in medical terms. Oil pulling is known to be as good as the regular mouthwash you get in the market. It gets rid of the bacteria that cause the bad breath.

According to a study done on 20 individuals, oil pulling was just as effective as a chemical mouthwash in reducing bad breath. So, the studies clearly indicate that oil pulling can do wonders for your oral health.

Hope this article has been useful.

Stay healthy and fit!!

Will you try Oil Pulling ?

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