Hella White Teeth: Oil Pulling the Hella Natural Way

It seems that the ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling has gone viral. I was excited to see that many people are now interested in this wonderful practice. I have been doing it for many years now, and while I can't say it does all the things some of these posts have promised, I will say it leaves my mouth feeling good and helps whiten my teeth. 

So, Riss, What is Exactly is Oil Pulling?

Sometimes called yoga's little sister, Ayurveda is the traditional natural healing system of India. It focuses on healing the causes of imbalance, not the symptoms.  Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you basically swish oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes. Then spit it out, brush your teeth, and go on your merry way with your clean white teeth, and healthy mouth. 

The oil is supposed to pull toxins out of your body through your mouth, hence the "pulling" in the name. I personally don't know about this part, but many people swear it works. Don't believe me, google "oil pulling benefits", and see what pops up. 

When I started oil pulling I used sesame oil, which is traditionally used in Ayurveda for a multitude of functions. It was okay, but once that bottle was done I moved on to coconut oil, and haven't looked back. 

I make my own blend with tumeric and peppermint essential oil. These two things just add to the freshness of my oil, and my breath. Tumeric is a wonder root, that contains curcumin that is said to potentially be able to treat many diseases including: cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and allergies. Peppermint essential oil, also touts an impressive resume, but honestly I am just using her for her smell-good properties. Again, I am unsure of any of these things are true, but I say adding wonderful ingredients like this to something already as awesome as coconut oil can't hurt. Don’t know how awesome coconut oil is? Read this. 

Things to Be Aware Of:

1. Having a blob of coconut oil in your mouth will make you want to gag. Let it melt before you start swishing. I use about 2 teaspoons.
2. Many people say don't spit it in the sink, either because the swished oil is so full of toxins it can contaminate your life, or because it will stop up your septic tank. I don't believe either of these are true, and hate to spit in general, so I just spit it in the sink. You do, you!
3. Tumeric stains EVERYTHING, except teeth (go figure). Be careful and be prepared for a neon yellow toothbrush. 
4. You may receive a miracle like some people you might have read about, or you may just end up with great teeth and a happy dentist. 

My Recipe for Tumeric Peppermint Coconut Pulling Oil 

1/2 cup unrefined organic coconut oil

1 Tablespoon tumeric (you can buy this anywhere they sell spices. I got mine at Trader Joe's)

10 drops peppermint essential oil 

All you need to do it blend it all up. I used a blender, but you could melt the coconut oil and mix it all together. Once it's cooled it will solidify. Like the picture at the top.

That's all. Now, commence swishing! 

That's me, and my hella fresh mouth!
No filter, just natural light from the window

XOXO, 

Riss

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Share them below!