Oil Pulling

Oil pulling? Like changing motor oil in a car? Cleaning oil out of clothes?

Nope. It is basically swishing oil in your mouth to "pull" toxins out.

I heard about this weird practice a few years ago, and wrote it off to be some hokey outdated teeth cleansing method. I'll just stick to brushing with toothpaste and rinsing with peroxide thank you very much.

Now fast forward a few years. I have learned so much more about whole living. I've researched the benefits, read testimonies from people who have made just small, simple changes that anyone can do. Today, I came across a recipe for toothpaste. Reminerlizing toothpaste. I had read the post before, several times before, and finally today clicked on the link for oil pulling.

Something so very simple, I feel silly for never giving it a try.

Take 1 tablespoon of oil (sunflower or sesame is what is recommended, I used olive oil), and swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Yes, 20, not 2. You are supposed to do it on am empty stomach. I don't know why.

Do not swallow the oil, it will be full of the toxins you want to get rid of. Spit the oil into the toilet, rinse your mouth with water, then brush like normal.

There have been many benefits linked to oil pulling. Stephanie Langford of Keeper of the Home listed these from the sites she visited:

• decrease in headaches
• improves eczema
• helps with ulcers and diseases of stomach, intestines, heart, blood, kidney, liver, lungs
• reduce or slow growth of malignant tumors
• better sleep
• whiter, straighter teeth
• healthy, pink gums
• increased energy
• clear sinuses
• less severe asthma
• decreased allergies
• improved PMS symptoms
• regulated menstrual cycles
• clear skin

I'm in it for the energy and oral health. I am so tired all the time. Could be because I have 4 kids under 3 in my home most days, including a newborn.  And we currently have no insurance, so I would like to heal my overly sensitive teeth and gums without forking over money for a dentist visit.

My experience: I have been noticing sensitive gums since I gave birth 7 weeks ago. A few days ago, I had to avoid a whole portion of my mouth, it hurt so bad.

No joke, after oil pulling just one time, the sensitivity is gone! I don't know if it's a coincidence, but I'm going to keep this going for as long as I can! Now, I couldn't do the 20 minute thing. The first time I oil pulled, the kids kept interrupting me (maybe that's why it's supposed to be a first thing in the morning routine?), the second time I set the timer for 10 minutes. I was able to do 10 minutes, but I can't help but swallow. Just a tiny bit ended up getting swallowed, so I'm not too concerned. And I figure, whatever toxins could possibly be in the oil, were already in my mouth, right?

I will be oil pulling for the whole month of October, and will report back at the end of the month with any known changes.

How about you? Would you consider oil pulling for your health?