If you have never heard of oil pulling, you are about to get really skeptical of me. But just follow along and hang with me for a minute ;-)

What Is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is basically using oil as mouthwash, swishing, and then spitting out. The most ancient forms (it's a very, very old practice) use sesame oil. However, I don't like the taste. I use this coconut oil.

It's recommended to oil pull when you first wake up. Before brushing your teeth, before coffee, before water, and on an empty stomach. It's not horrible if you eat or drink first, it's just a friendly recommendation. I have found 2 reasons to oil pull on an empty stomach:

Because it makes some people nauseous to do it after eating
Your mouth produces digestive enzymes after you eat. Oil pulling removes those enzymes. BUT......your stomach also produces digestive enzymes. So as long as you aren't oil pulling every time after you eat, it's not going to be a problem.

Benefits of Oil Pulling

Coconut oil contains lauric acid that kills bacteria and viruses (source). Oil pulling has a lot of benefits. Here are some of them (source, source, source):

Detoxing & cleansing
Support mouth & gum health
Reduce Inflammation
Promote clear & healthy skin
Immune boost
Increase energy
Reduce PMS symptoms
Reduce head tension
Improve digestion
- Get more ways to naturally support digestion and relieve constipation here.
Hangover relief
- See the best natural hangover cures here

11 ways to naturally relieve constipation quickly

My Experience & Results

Results I experienced:

Reduced bloating/water weight. When I first started this, I did do it daily for about 3 weeks. By the end of the first week, my husband asked me if I was loosing weight.
Clear skin. When I go a full week without oil pulling, I get blemishes on my face. Every time.
A lot less tooth and gum sensitivity.
More hydrated. I feel more hydrated. Less thirsty. Even in this hot Texas summer.
Whiter teeth.
Great hangover relief!
- See the best natural hangover cures here

How To Oil Pull

Get a spoonful of coconut oil and swish for 5-20 minutes. I aim for the 10-15 minute mark.
Optional additions to the coconut oil:
- A pinch of turmeric
  - Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has been shown to whiten teeth & may prevent gingivitis (source and source).
  - Get more turmeric beauty secrets here
- A pinch of activated charcoal
  - Activated charcoal has been shown to whiten teeth.
  - Learn more about activated charcoal here.
- Essential Oils: Freshen breath and have been used for centuries for oral health. Add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil. Learn more about essential oils for oral health here. My favorites:
- A dropper of Minerals
Spit out in the trash. Very important not to spit down the sink (it could clog your drain). Also very important not to swallow the oil. Oil pulling is a detox so you don't wanna swallow it.
Rinse with water, then swish with warm salt water. Use a mineral rich sea salt. The salt water is soothing and remineralizing.
Brush your teeth after to remove all toxins and coconut oil.
- Check out my diy toothpaste recipe here and my favorite natural toothpaste here.
Oil pull once a day as often as desired.

Want an Easy Button? Make Oil Pulling Chews!

My favorite oil pulling hack is to make oil pulling chews! When I have these handy oil pulling tablets premade in my fridge, I'm much more likely to be consistent with this morning routine. Get 4 oil pulling chew recipes here.

how to make oil pulling chews with coconut oil for oral health

FAQ About Oil Pulling

What if I can't do it for 5-20 minutes?
- It is fine if you have to spit out your oil and get a new spoonful during your oil pulling session. I started with just a couple minutes at a time and was able to increase my stamina to 10+ minutes within a few weeks.
Can I oil pull while pregnant?
- I did!
Is this safe for kids?
- Yep! As long as they don't swallow the coconut oil.