Hello, I am Angela Pifer Creator of the Clean & Lean Revolution
True or False? Can Swishing Oil In Your Mouth, An Ancient Ayurveda Therapy Known As Oil Pulling, Improve Oral Hygiene Or Even Expel Toxins?
It seems that Oil Pulling, an ancient Ayurveda therapy is making the rounds in some recent health publications. I have received numerous questions from past clients about its efficacy.
The Ayurvedic system of medicine, originated in northern India centuries ago, and includes a sophisticated tradition of herbalism and lifestyle recommendations. Ayurveda views health as a radiant state of increased vigor, energy, and balance and emphasizes detoxification of the body.
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↑ Tweet ThisOil pulling, as it is traditionally done, suggests swishing sesame or sunflower oil in the mouth without swallowing for 15-20 minutes every morning, as a way to address chronic conditions such as asthma, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions, and chronic skin problems. Oil pulling seems to be touted as a cure all for many ailments, including improved oral hygiene and as a way to expel toxins from the body.
This therapy seems to fit right in line with the Ayurvedic goals. But does it work? Whenever I hear that something is a ‘cure all’ my red flag antennas go up.
Unfortunately, there is no scientific proof of its efficacy. There is only one study published on this subject, one written in an Ayurvedic journal that compared oil pulling to mouthwash. There was little difference between the two groups – both had slight reduction in mouth bacteria and plaque. From this the authors claimed that oil pulling reduces bacteria and plaque – again this was published in an ayurvedic dental journal.
Personally, I feel that this is a really easy study to do and if oil pulling did have enough of a positive effect on the body that we would see plenty of studies on this subject.
Bottom line: Oil pulling won’t hurt you, but I wouldn’t depend on it to help you improve your overall health or treat significant medical problems.
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