Oil Pulling: The Surprising Health Benefits of this Ancient Ayurvedic Practice

Honestly, I am not a big Bollywood buff. But when I stumbled upon something related to Ayurveda, I couldn’t just scroll by. I saw this article about Anushka Sharma’s Ayurvedic Morning Routine, I could not resist reading it! Well, she did not tell it all but she shared one important thing that she does every morning!

Oil Pulling!

In her social media post, Anushka Sharma reminded her followers of the importance of Ayurvedic morning routine and dental care. She urges her fans to incorporate this important Ayurvedic routine into their self-care routine. 

As the pandemic reboots our lives, it offers the best time to make healthy changes. So, if you are not already doing it, check out this simple procedure for oil pulling. Ayurvedic doctors recommend you make it a part of the Ayurvedic morning routine.

Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic oral care technique. In oil pulling, you put a tablespoon of oil in the mouth on an empty stomach and swish it for around 20 minutes. It is also known as ‘kavala’ or ‘gundusha’. Oil pulling is a primary practice in oral care. But it plays a role in overall wellness.

Coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil can be used in this process. Most people prefer coconut oil because it contains lauric acid which is a well-known anti-microbial agent. Also, recent studies proved that coconut oil can prevent tooth decay. 

Benefits of Oil pulling

• Removes tartar and prevents plaque formation.
• Prevents Cavity and gingivitis. 
• Treats bad breath and halitosis.
• Strengthens teeth and gums. 
• Reduces jaw pain.
• Improves sleep and sinus issues. 
• Alleviates headaches, hangovers, and skin issues.

The process of oil-pulling

Oil pulling is an ingrained part of the Ayurvedic morning regime. 

Pick an oil, like coconut oil or sesame oil. Natural oil has strong antibacterial properties. Take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around for 20 minutes. Be gentle. The oil will double in size as it draws saliva and toxins out. 

Keep swishing and do not swallow the oil. 

After 20 minutes, spit the oil out into the trash. Do not spit it in the sink as the oil may clog it or block the drain. Swish your mouth with warm saltwater. Follow it with brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping. 

Oil Pulling in Ayurvedic Mornign Routine

Coconut oil is a great, organic substitute for mouthwash. It contains Vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. It contains lauric acid and monolaurin that has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. This helps in preventing and curing bad breath. 

Oil pulling is also a potential cure for gingivitis. Swollen, bleeding gums and inflammation are common woes. Oil pulling improves gum health and reduces inflammation.

Coconut oil contains lots of easily digestible, fat-soluble vitamins. It is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin A is good for the immune system. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties, Vitamin D is good for strong teeth, and Vitamin K promotes blood clotting. 

Oil pulling has overall health benefits as it flushes out the toxins in the mouth. It improves immunity, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food.

Ayurvedic Doctor’s Review

Scientific evidence on oil pulling is limited. But clinical evidence is abounding. 

Recent studies on oil pulling agreed with the benefits mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. It showed that oil pulling is efficient against gingivitis, plaque, and microorganisms that cause bad breath. Also, there are no side effects of practicing this process.

People have been practicing this for centuries because they have experienced many health benefits. In recent times, this Ayurvedic practice is adopted globally and many known names are following suit.

Anushka Sharma is one such star who is incorporating these rituals of the Vedic life.

I have always recommended oil pulling for better health and immunity!

Oil Pulling: The Surprising Health Benefits of this Ancient Ayurvedic Practice

Oil pulling, also known as “gundusha” or “kavala,” is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes. It is claimed to have various health benefits, including improved oral health, reduced inflammation, and improved skin health. Here are ten studies on the benefits of oil-pulling

1. A study published in the Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry found that oil pulling with sesame oil can reduce levels of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes cavities, and plaque in the mouth. The study showed a significant decrease in these oral health markers after regular oil pulling, suggesting that this traditional practice may have potential benefits for oral hygiene.
2. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that oil pulling with sesame oil can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The study showed a decrease in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for overall health and wellness, beyond just oral hygiene.
3. A study published in the Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine found that oil pulling with sesame oil can improve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The study showed an improvement in skin health markers in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for skin health, in addition to its effects on oral hygiene.
4. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research found that oil pulling with sesame oil can reduce bad breath (halitosis) and improve oral hygiene. The study showed a significant decrease in bad breath and an improvement in oral hygiene markers in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for freshening breath and maintaining oral health.
5. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce plaque and gingivitis (gum disease). The study showed a significant decrease in plaque and gum disease markers in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling with coconut oil. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for oral hygiene and gum health.
6. A study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology found that oil pulling with sunflower oil can improve oral hygiene and reduce plaque and gingivitis. The study showed a significant improvement in oral hygiene markers and a decrease in plaque and gum disease in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling with sunflower oil. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for maintaining oral health, including reducing plaque and gum disease.
7. A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice found that oil pulling with sunflower oil can reduce levels of oral yeast (Candida albicans) in the mouth. The study showed a significant decrease in oral yeast levels in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling with sunflower oil. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for reducing the levels of oral yeast, which can cause oral thrush and other infections.
8. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry found that oil pulling with sesame oil can improve the oral microflora (bacteria) and reduce the levels of Streptococcus mutans. The study showed a significant improvement in oral microflora and a decrease in Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria responsible for causing cavities, in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling with sesame oil. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for improving oral health by promoting a healthy balance of oral bacteria.
9. A study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology found that oil pulling with sesame oil can reduce gingival bleeding (bleeding gums). The study showed a significant decrease in gingival bleeding in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling with sesame oil. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for improving gum health by reducing bleeding gums.
10. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry found that oil pulling with sesame oil can improve various oral health markers, such as plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis. The study showed significant improvements in these markers in participants who regularly practiced oil pulling with sesame oil. This suggests that oil pulling may have potential benefits for improving oral hygiene by reducing plaque, gum disease, and bad breath.