Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

Wellness article posted on Aug 15, 2011 by Joséphine Beck, Digestive Care Advisor

Oil pulling is a practice taken from Ayurvedic medicine that involves swishing unrefined oil in your mouth for several minutes.

This healing method as it is used today was introduced in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach. According to this doctor, it is possible to heal cells, tissue and all organs simultaneously by getting rid of toxic waste: “Oil pulling heals totally headaches, bronchitis, tooth pain, thrombosis, eczema, ulcers, intestinal diseases, heart and kidney diseases, encephalitis and woman’s diseases. Preventively the growth of malignant tumors is cut and healed. Chronic blood diseases, paralysis, diseases of nerves, stomach, lungs and liver and sleeplessness are also cured.” (Pulling oil , The Oil Treatment of Dr. Karach)

This healing method is now getting more and more popular in western society. Sunflower and Sesame oil have been commonly used for oil pulling. But some people also tried coconut oil. How does oil pulling work? Is coconut oil as effective as other oils? Can coconut oil also be used for teeth and gums?

How does oil pulling work?
Can coconut oil be used for oil pulling?
Oil pulling used for teeth and gums
More articles about coconut oil

How does oil pulling work?

The oil used in oil pulling acts like a cleanser. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths and if our immune system becomes overloaded, these organisms can spread throughout the body. It may cause secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems. Oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. When you put oil in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums, it pulls out bacteria and other debris.

Can coconut oil be used for oil pulling?

Coconut oil can be used for oil pulling. Sunflower and sesame seed oils are the most commonly used for oil pulling, but people have had success with coconut oil too. The lauric acid in coconut oil is actually antibacterial, anti-protozoal and antiviral and coconut oil has many health benefits. However, no research has been conducted on oil pulling using coconut oil yet.

It is advised to start out with the recommended oils by Dr. Karach - cold-pressed sunflower oil or sesame oil. These oils have proved successful in healing the body for most people. If using coconut oil, opt for an organic virgin coconut oil to get all the benefits. Coconut oil also has a pleasant taste compared to other oils!

In any case, consult with your doctor before starting any detoxification process especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. With any kind of oils, some people may feel worse when first starting oil pulling. This is normal with any detox method. Dr. Karach says to continue oil pulling to rid the body of poisons, adding "a worsening of your health state is a sign that your disease is disappearing." But pay attention on how you feel.

Oil pulling used for teeth and gums

Oil pulling is said to be effective in brightening teeth, healing gums, preventing bad breath, quenching inflammation, and healing oral infections.

The effect of oil pulling on the reduction of total count of bacteria was determined in a study conducted in India in 2008. In this study, sesame oil was found to have the antibacterial activity against S. mutans, lactobacilli, and total bacteria. As a result, oil pulling could be useful for maintaining oral hygiene.
(See: Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria T. Durai Anand*, C. Pothiraj, R. M. Gopinath and B. Kayalvizhi PG Department of Microbiology, V. H. N. S. N. College, Virudhunagar- 626 001, India. Accepted 12 February, 2008)

What about coconut oil for teeth and gums?

People reported coconut oil is great for whitening teeth and keeping gums healthy. It is best to do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids.

Pour one tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth.
Swish the oil around in your mouth without swallowing it.
Once the mixture has become thicker (after about 20 minutes), spit out the oil into the toilet. It is normal if it looks yellowish.
Rinse out your mouth a couple of times with warm water and brush your teeth after.

Also see: Oil Pulling for a Brighter Smile and Better Health by Dr. Bruce Fife, author of Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing.

Have you tried oil pulling with coconut oil? Share your experience with us by posting a comment below!