Wellness Mama also introduced me to the 2000+ year old Ayurvedic medicine tradition of oil pulling. Not sure what it was all about, I read the book! Here's a sum off Dr. Bruce Fife's (the author) website. If it works like they claim, this has got to be the cheapest, most effective, and easiest way of improving your oral health and detoxing your body. Much cheaper and pain free, a huge at-home option compared to a nasty dental visit, that's for sure! (he gives guidelines for using, and when to see the dentist) The book was well referenced and a very quick, easy read.
"Dr. Karach’s method of oil pulling consists of swishing, not gargling,
vegetable oil in the mouth. The oil is “worked” in the mouth by pushing,
pulling, and drawing it through the teeth for a period of 15 to 20
minutes. It is done once (to three times) a day on an empty stomach. The best
time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but can be done before any
meal. The used oil is discarded and the mouth rinsed out with water. The
oil is never swallowed because it is loaded with bacteria, toxins, pus,
and mucous.
Sunflower and sesame seed oils are the most commonly used for oil pulling,
but any vegetable oil will work. People have had success with olive,
coconut, almond, and other oils. I prefer to use coconut oil because of
its many health benefits. If you use a mild flavored coconut oil it is
very pleasant in the mouth. Some oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, are
so strong flavored that many people find them difficult to use.
The oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it
around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. It
acts much like the oil you put in your car engine. The oil picks up dirt
and grime. When you drain the oil, it pulls out the dirt and grime with
it, leaving the engine relatively clean. Consequently, the engine runs
smoother and lasts longer. Likewise, when we expel harmful substances from
our bodies our health is improved and we run smoother and last longer.
As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect.
Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other
parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents
in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products
that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health
problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is
constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes
overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental
toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing
secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of
health problems. "
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article%20oil%20pulling.htm
