HOLISTIC Health columnist and owner of Green Fairy Products, Veronica Charles tells us a little bit more about oil pulling and how she’s used it as part of her own healthcare routine.
I first discovered oil pulling approximately 15 years ago while working with clients in my holistic practice, I often recommend this as a treatment protocol for my clients to help improve their overall health and rid the body of toxins as our overall health often starts in the mouth and can impact our overall well-being.
What is oil pulling?
Before we dive into the potential benefits, let’s get a clear picture of what exactly oil pulling is. On a simple level, it means placing a tablespoon or so of oil in your mouth, swishing it around for 2- 10 minutes, and then spitting it out.
History of oil pulling:
This ritual was originally practised in India and in Ayurvedic medicine with the goal of gently ridding the mouth of bad bacteria and supporting gum health. Ayurvedic practitioners have long touted the benefits as a more preventive practice. In Ayurveda, oil pulling is believed to draw out toxins from the teeth and gums, thereby detoxifying the mouth and, if done regularly, in turn, the entire body.
The practice has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy for many years to prevent decay, oral malodour, bleeding gums, dryness of throat, and cracked lips and for strengthening teeth, gums and the jaw. Plain organic, cold-pressed coconut oil can be used for oil pulling and this is the main base ingredient in Green Fairy Products Natural Charcoal Toothpaste.
4 main benefits
Does it work? The answer is yes—but not necessarily as a miracle cure-all. There are a number of reasons oil pulling may help to improve oral health.
Reduces bad bacteria.
The whole premise behind oil pulling is that the fatty part of the oil attaches to the fatty cell membrane of the bacteria in your mouth. If you have taken note plaque has a wax-like consistency. “Oil” attracts “Oil” and then is removed from the mouth after spitting it out.
May help prevent yellowing.
While bacteria may not be all bad all the time, studies show they can lead to the yellowing of the teeth when out of balance.
So if your tooth discolouration is caused by a build-up of bacteria, then this might be a good option to try.
Supports healthy gums.
Due to the reduction of bad oral bacteria, it can be beneficial for gum health, as well.
May help prevent cavities.
Because it helps to reduce bad bacteria in the mouth, it is possible that oil pulling can prevent cavities; however, it’s important to pair oil pulling with the standard practices of brushing your teeth, flossing, reducing sugar, etc.
Final thoughts
I believe in the practice so much that I have gone on to create a natural charcoal toothpaste as part of my product line using the theory as a base.
While oil pulling does have great benefits for your teeth and gums, you shouldn’t use it as a replacement for other dental hygiene products or tools. I do still recommend doing professional oral health checkups once a year and visiting the oral hygienist every 6-12 months.
If you would like to know more about Green Fair Products’ natural Charcoal toothpaste check out this product link
Veronica has a long history in the field of all things natural. From her early teens, she would experiment by making homemade remedies and cosmetic products using herbs and natural ingredients. In her spare time, she attended workshops and would read up on Natural remedies and herbs. She then went on to study Somatology, Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Reflexology and Holistic therapies. She has worked in the Spa industry as a practitioner and a lecturer and owned a private holistic practice for 6 years before starting Green Fairy in 2017. Veronica believes in sustainable lifestyle choices and that nature has all the answers to help heal ourselves and our planet. Follow Veronica on Facebook and Instagram
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