So I was thinking of trying coconut oil for cooking and oil pulling was brought to my attention. What is this weirdo thing people are speaking of? What? Swish oil in my mouth for 20 minutes at a time? Sounds like a party to me…. But then I spent a few days doing some research on it and here I am, swishin.
So I have mentioned before that I have been having some pain, soreness, puffiness, gums torn from my wisdom teeth coming in and apparently oil pulling works wonders for oral health. And let’s be honest, it hasn’t been very flattering when I get remarks from people who know me saying things like my face looks puffy.
But also, oil pulling is a natural way to detoxify your body which I am interested in.
How to:
I’ve found a variety of information but to sum up a general consensus:
Best first thing in the morning when your body and mouth has the highest amount of bacteria.
I’m using coconut oil but you could also use sunflower oil, olive oil, etc.
Take anywhere from 2/3 teaspoon-1 tablespoon of oil and swish it in your mouth, around your gums, in between your teeth for 15-20 minutes.
Spit into the garbage, or a disposable cup (clogs drains)
Rinse with warm water
Brush
The goods:
Just like with the Master Cleanse if I’m going to do something I want to be sure I have the exact right products or else I really don’t see a point. So I bought a 14 oz jar of organic UNREFINED pressed virgin coconut oil. I got it from Whole Foods and it was $5.99.
Tell me the real deal:
Day 1:
Out of complete habit I woke up and immediately drank a glass of juice before remembering that I am supposed to oil pull first thing so I will have to make a new habit of oil pulling first thing which might be weird.
Okay, so coconut oil solidifies so I started with a heaping teaspoon full and I will admit it was slightly unpleasant to put a mouthful of solid oil in my mouth that slowly melted into a liquid.
Taste: I felt that it definitely tasted and smelled like coconut. However, I actually like coconut so I didn’t find it unpleasant.
Gag Status: I think a heaping teaspoon solid was too much for me. As it melted and as my saliva and apparently my bacteria built up in my mouth I found it to be overwhelming. I lasted the whole 20 minutes but towards the last few minutes I felt if I continued to swish then my mouth would explode so I just kind of sat with it all in my mouth. The 20 minutes wasn’t as bad as I anticipated, I recommend doing it while busying yourself with other things so you’re not even thinking about it. My jaw wasn’t sore either from all the swishing I wondered if it would be.
Also, it’s very important not to swallow the oil because it is gradually becoming more and more full of the bacteria that you are removing from your body, to swallow would be ingesting all of that bacteria.
So, I am going to try to continue, we shall see!
Here’s a link to some oil pulling, I’ve read a bunch and watched several videos but this one seems thorough enough
http://coconut-oil-pulling.com/
Thoughts? Questions?
❤ Shel
Foodie ditches food 