Why I Started Oil Pulling...It's a lifestyle

A few years ago I came across the beauty hack, oil pulling. Until then the idea of swishing oil around in my mouth literally grossed me out. It may sound a little ridiculous and farfetched even, but will you believe me if I told you, swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day will keep the doctors away?

Crazy...Right?

Oil pulling or "Kavala" is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique which became very popular in recent years from its celebrity endorsements from Gweneth Paltrow and Shailene Woodley. As the world's population became more health-conscious they turned to natural remedies.

This Ayurvedic technique has so many health benefits that exceed oral health. I simply couldn't believe it, so I did a lot of research and I tried it.

This is what I learnt from the ancient Ayurvedic dental technique...

Oral benefits:

Cures tooth decay, kills bad breath, heals bleeding gums, fixes loose teeth, cures ulcers, reduces inflammation, soothes the dry throat, whitens teeth, heals cracked lips and prevents cavities.

Beyond Oral benefits:

Detoxes the body; prevents heart disease, improves acne, boost the immune system, reduces headaches and hangovers, bronchitis, migraine relief and reducing sinus congestion.

If you're wondering how it works, it's quite simple actually, so your mouth is filled with bacteria, toxins and plaque, the oil basically pulls the toxins out of the gum and teeth before it spreads to the rest of your body.

Simple...Right?

Kavala removes surface stains from the teeth, because oil and fats dissolve plaque and prevent build-up from occurring, which reduces the risk of cavities and bad breath while giving you a brighter smile.

Here's what you do...

Disclaimer:

Oil pulling should always be done on an empty stomach, this eliminates the risk of nausea. Therefore, the best time to do it is before you brush your teeth in mornings. However, if you're doing it during the day, wait 4 hours after a meal or 1 hour after a drink.

Now that is out of the way lets get into the fun stuff. Before we start you will need either coconut oil or vegetable oil. I've used both in the past, however, my favourite is definitely the coconut oil...

Step 1: Measure 1 tbs of oil (coconut or vegetable)

Step 2: Set a timer for 20 minutes

This step is very critical, the minimum amount of time you should practice Kavala is 10 mins, however, the maximum time frame is 20 mins hence the timer. If you exceed the 20 mins the toxins can reabsorb into your body.

Step 3: Swish the oil in your mouth for 20 minutes ensuring you get all angles of your mouth

In the end, the oil should look clear.

Step 4: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and then brush your teeth and floss as normal.

Remember DO NOT SWALLOW the oil because it is filled with toxins.

Based on my Kavala experience I would highly recommend it. After my first oil pulling session, there was a noticeable difference in the way my mouth felt and there was literally no build up between my teeth (and I'm due for a dental cleaning). The first time I tried the technique I had severe congestion as a result of the flu, however, after the session my sinuses were actually cleared. Which is simply remarkable or mind over matter, regardless it worked.

This is by far the best hack I have discovered to date, given that it is a simple step to add to your daily regimen, which can reduce buildup between dental visits.

If you haven't tried this hack yet I strongly recommend you do.

I've linked a few articles below, for further reading material on oil pulling.

Leave a comment and let me know how your Kavala experience turned out.

Xo,
Chanel M