Oil pulling
Does this really make me healthy?
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Oil pulling is an alternative medical Ayurvedic method that is said to have positive effects on our health. But does that really bring anything?
What is oil pulling?
Oil pulling is basically a purifying mouthwash with vegetable oil: the oil is put into the mouth and drawn through the spaces between the teeth for five to 15 minutes. The method comes from Ayurvedic health and is supposed to fight pathogens in the oral cavity. Bacteria and other pollutants are bound in oil and saliva and then spat out with them after the oil is pulled. The method is said to have a positive effect on health and to help with toothache, headache and other ailments. It is an alternative medical procedure – there is no new scientific evidence in the form of studies for the effect.
What health-promoting effects is this supposed to have?
Ayurveda supporters attribute positive effects to the detoxification cure for the following ailments:
Important: Oil pulling does not replace classic tooth brushing.
Oil pulling: this is how it works
If you want to test the oil treatment despite the lack of evidence of its effectiveness, you should proceed as follows:
Oil pulling should be done every morning immediately after getting up – on an empty stomach. High-quality cold-pressed vegetable oils are well suited, e.g. B. coconut oil or olive oil. Sesame oil is traditionally used in India.
- A tablespoon of oil is placed in the mouth and drawn through the teeth like a mouthwash for between five and fifteen minutes. Short breaks to relieve the lower jaw are allowed.
- The oil is then spat into a cloth and disposed of in the garbage. It should never be swallowed – after all, the whole point of it all is to get germs and bacteria out of the body through the oil.
- Finally, the mouth is rinsed out with warm water and finally the teeth are brushed as normal.
Tip: If you feel the need to spit out the oil in between, you can do that. Then simply put some new oil in your mouth and continue with the oil treatment.
Which oils are suitable?
The following oils can be used depending on your taste and are often available in organic quality:
- sesame oil
- Coconut oil
- olive oil
- Rapeseed oil
- linseed oil
- Sunflower oil
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Oil pulling and medication
If you have to take medication in the morning on an empty stomach, do the oil pulling first if possible. After the oil regimen, brush your teeth before taking the medication and then have breakfast as usual. After eating, it is worth brushing your teeth again and cleaning them with dental floss or with the help of interdental brushes.
Tip for an oil treatment: For a detox cure you can also pull oil twice a day for eight to 14 days.