“Oil pulling” has been attracting a lot of attention for a number of years, and possibly removing toxins from the human body as well. Even if the health-promoting effect of this special form of (mouth) cleaning has not yet been scientifically proven, it is still based on a long tradition: Oil pulling is used as part of Ayurvedic medicine been used for detoxing for centuries practiced.
What is oil pulling good for?
Oil pulling is said to be good for the human body on several levels. The sphere of action should extend far beyond the treated oral cavity. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence to date, none of the effects are guaranteed.
Oil pulling for teeth
In the context of oil pulling, the oral cavity and the spaces between the teeth benefit from an extremely thorough cleaning. The oil penetrates deep into the gaps and in this way cleans them particularly sustainably. In this way, oil pulling is also said to counteract bleeding gums and the formation of tooth decay.
Oil pulling for oral hygiene
Regular gum care ensures that they become inflamed less often, which in turn affects general oral hygiene and prevents bad breath, for example. The first research results from 2009 are available, which have confirmed the positive effects of oil pulling on oral hygiene.
Oil pulling for diseases
Whether oil pulling is also able to influence the health of the rest of the body has not yet been conclusively confirmed or disproved. Enthusiastic fans of oil pulling attribute the following abilities to the "internal" use of oil:
- Protection against skin diseases such as B. Neurodermatitis
- Antibacterial effect and support of the immune system in the fight against colds and other pathogens
- Preventive or healing effect on various other diseases - from asthma to bronchitis, rheumatism and heart disease to arthritis and arthrosis
Oil pulling: step-by-step guide
Oil pulling every morning works according to a simple principle and can therefore be explained in just a few steps:
- The first thing to do is to choose a high-quality vegetable oil. Extra virgin olive oils are excellent and also prove to be extremely pleasant on the taste level.
- For the most positive effect, oil pulling should be done be practiced immediately after getting up, even before the first drink or food intake. In addition, the tongue can be cleaned with a scraper in preparation for oil pulling.
- Put about a teaspoonful of oil in your mouth and move it through the entire mouth for about 20 minutes. With the help of gentle suction, the oil also reaches the interdental spaces that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. As part of this procedure, the toxins should be detached from the mucous membranes and collected in the oil.
- Over time, the oil thickens and gains in volume. It often also takes on a whitish color. This is partly due to the increased salivation caused by oil pulling. Important: You should refrain from gargling, otherwise the oil may get too deep down your throat or be swallowed.
- After about 20 minutes, it is time to spit out the – now toxic – oil and dispose of it (preferably in the residual waste) . This is followed by rinsing with warm water and the last step is to brush your teeth thoroughly.
Tip: A glass of warm water is the perfect way to round off oil pulling according to Ayurvedic teachings.
Oil pulling requires a spoonful of high-quality olive oil and time - nothing more!
How long should you practice oil pulling?
The morning ritual of oil pulling often takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The general rule is: the longer the application, the more likely it is to have a positive effect.
However, especially at the beginning, it usually takes some time to get used to it before you can keep the oil in your mouth for up to twenty minutes. It's best to start with four or five minutes and build up over time.
In addition to the duration, the most important thing is the regularity. According to the oil pulling study conducted in 2009, the first results become noticeable after about 45 days.
The best oils for oil pulling
Since (at least) small amounts of the oil used are usually absorbed by the body when oil pulling , the selection of a high-quality oil plays a decisive role in the effects of oil pulling on the body. Potential oils must be checked carefully for their ingredients!
Vegetable oils with a high proportion of healthy oleic acids and antioxidants , such as the extra virgin MANI olive oils , have proven to be particularly suitable . High-quality olive oils are said to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which also benefits the mouth. The MANI extra virgin olive oil, polyphenol can even refer to the stamp "health-promoting" and is therefore also an ideal candidate for oil pulling.
Incidentally, MANI founder Burgi Bläuel also swears by oil pulling and has been using it every day for decades.
