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Oil Pulling for Beautiful Teeth, Healthy Gums & More

I have a simple yet powerful health practice for super white teeth & healthy pink gums. In fact, according to ancient Ayurvedic medicine, my daily ritual provides not only complete oral health, it can assist the body in healing at the root of a great many overall bodily issues. My little secret to a beautiful smile and potentially much more is called Oil Pulling.

The Ayurvedic technique of Oil Pulling has been practiced for centuries. It consists of the simple practice of slowly swishing a spoonful of cold-pressed oil (coconut -my fav, sesame, or sunflower oil) around the mouth on an empty stomach for about 20 minutes and then spitting it out. I do this every morning while showering and getting dressed, followed by a gargle with salt water. I was instantly hooked after my first try, during which I'd swished for a marathon 30 minutes, and found my teeth so much whiter after just one session I couldn't believe my eyes. As I continued for the next few weeks, I noticed the bit of recession I'd had around a few lower teeth where there was a greater tendency for plaque between cleanings, was completely dissapearing. Soon, the plaque was gone and the recession had completel reversed! Now, all my teeth are whiter than they've ever been (and that includes, before I knew better, when I'd used bleaching trays from the dentist which made my teeth hurt and my gums turn white while doing who knows what to my enamel) and all my teeth have pink, healthy little gumline 'turtlenecks' around them with no more 'cowl necks' forming around those few on the lower left!

While whiter, healthier teeth, pinker gums and a pristine oral cavity are hugely worthwhile in themselves (oral health being linked to the health of all the various parts of the body – the most well known of which being heart health) the potential health benefits don't stop there. Let's delve into a little more detail on the history, these additional potential benefits and how the practice works.

History

As mentioned, the therapy of Oil Pulling from traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine dates back 3000 years. Ancient Ayurvedic texts discuss oil pulling as a tool for detoxification of the entire body claiming it can be a cure for a wide variety of diseases. While there aren't scientific studies to support such benefits beyond the oral cavity, there are many individuals who claim to have reaped miraculous results beyond just the mouth. Orally, however, scientific studies do show that the practice helps strengthen teeth (including fastening loose teeth), jaws and gums, prevents decay and bleeding gums and combats gigivitis, plaque and microorganisms that cause bad breath. Results are shown to be especially pronounced if coconut oil is used as it's a powerful destroyer of all kinds of harmful microbes, from viruses to bacteria to protozoa.

How it works & Benefits to the mouth and beyond

Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell. Cells are surrounded by a lipid or fatty membrane. When these cells make contact with the oil, also a fat, they naturally adhere to one another, thereby, trapping the lipid coated pathogens in the oil which are eventually spit out. Additionally, research has shown that the enzymes in the saliva, which mix with the oil in the process of swishing, increase the ability of coconut oil in particular, to inhibit the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria, including the bacterium that is a major cause of tooth decay.(2) Enzyme-modified coconut oil has also shown to be harmful to the yeast Candida albicans. I've personally experimented with both sesame and coconut oil and, while both yielded results, I found the results from coconut oil more pronounced. That said, Ayurvedic medicine and the researchers at OilPulling.com advocate use of sesame oil over coconut oil. The following is an excerpt from OilPulling.com on the relationship between oral disease and systemic disease:

"Scientists at the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, reported new studies connecting oral diseases with systemic diseases. A recurring theme is the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and infant prematurity, diabetes, or stroke.

The Mouth is known to have numerous bacteria. Usually we can keep these bacteria under control with good oral care, via brushing and other healthy routine activities. Saliva is a key defense mechanism against bacteria and viruses. It contains enzymes that destroy bacteria in different ways. But harmful bacteria can at times grow out of control and lead to serious gum infection. Sometimes the first sign of a disease shows up in the mouth. In other cases, infections in the mouth, such as gum disease, can cause problems in other parts of the body. Conditions of the mouth can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection (related to other parts of the body). For example, systemic diseases, which affect the entire body, such as diabetes, AIDS and cancer, may first become apparent because of a mouth injury or other oral problems.

When the gums are healthy, bacteria in the mouth usually don't enter the bloodstream. However, when there prevails gum disease bacteria many enter into the bloodstream by one of the two ways. Firstly, through aggressive dental treatments. Secondly, through treatments that reduce saliva flow or disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth which also may lead to oral changes, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream." (1)

The potential of this healing system in which oil is swirled back and forth in the mouth, is due the stimulating effect it has on the body's eliminatory system. It is said that it's possible to heal individual cells, cell conglomerates such as lymph nodes, and more complex tissues such as internal organs simultaneously. According to OilPulling.com, this occurs because the beneficial microflora throughout the body are provided with a healthy continuum, in the absence of which the usual pattern of human health tends to lean toward illness rather than wellness. Dr. Karach, of OilPulling.com, feels that regularly reversing this process so that wellness is the dominant state of the body, would likely increase the average human lifespan dramatically. Additionally, he states, "This cleansing of the mouth and tongue is the basis for the next phase of the therapeutic process. If you have studied acupuncture you may be aware of the many points on acupuncture meridians that become congested and blocked from food, bacteria and environmental toxins which our bodies absorb. The tongue is very important to the function of most of the organs and biochemical reactions taking place in the body. It is my theory that by removing the toxins and various microbes from the tongue we free the congestion and blockages from the important meridian pathways that interconnect our many organs."

Method

First thing in the morning on an empty stomach before drinking any water, pour a spoonful of cold-pressed oil (sunflower, sesame or coconut -my fav) into your mouth. Swish the oil slowly around, without swallowing it, moving it through your teeth and using your tongue to help move the liquid around (however, don't gargle with it). As you swish, you'll notice the volume of the oil expands and becomes thinner as your saliva combines with it. If your jaw muscles get too tired, you've used too much oil and you'll know to use less the next time. It's a very simple process with no right or wrong way to swish and pull the oil. Just be natural and gentle for about 20 minutes. Avoid spitting the oil out into the sink as coconut oil, for example, becomes solid below 76F and will clog your sink. Additionally, the oil will be teaming with harmful bacteria and toxic bodily waste that you don't want in your sink. For example, if this liquid were magnified 600 times under a microscope one would be able to see microbes in their first stage of development! Twenty minutes is a general rule of thumb however you can experiment with how long you proceed. After spitting the oil out, rinse the mouth with warm salt water as a helpful antimicrobial and to soothe any inflammation as well as to rinse away any remaining toxins which may be left out in the mouth. Lastly, brush your teeth.

Important Tips

Don't swallow the oil as it's full of toxins.
Don't spit into the sink if using coconut oil as it can clog the sink.
Rinse with salt or baking soda water after.
Don't use an oil you may be allergic to.
Do your own research and proceed at your own risk.
Start slowly to ensure less risk. For example, swish for 5 minutes at first then build up to a longer period of time. Perhaps start by oil pulling just once a week, and so on. Sesame oil has been found to be less detoxifying than coconut oil, and may be a safer oil with which to start.
Understand that to achieve dramatic results, say beyond oral benefits, the practice may need to be adhered to for a long period of time.
Each person will have different results as the symptoms we seek to alleviate are caused by infinitely different roots which oil pulling may or may not be able to remedy.
See the below resources for in depth white paper details on the science, FAQ's, personal testimonies and more.

Sooo, that's Oil Pulling in a nutshell! An ancient trick I was thrilled to find works wonders on my own teeth and gums. Oh, and one last tip, it's ok to oil pull more than once a day – even three times a day to achieve even more remarkable results – just be sure to do it a few hours after each meal to be certain of an empty stomach for optimum affect. Apparently, however, even if one doesn't adhere to the empty stomach rule, results can still be achieved. Let me know how it works for you!

Have you ever tried Oil Pulling?

Share your experiences in the comments if you decide to try it out.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube to stay current on all things SN!

Much Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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References:

1. http://www.oilpulling.com/precautions.htm

2. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/05/05/oil-pulling-coconut-oil.aspx

I am not a healthcare practitioner or provider. To the extent that any information is provided through this website, it is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute or substitute for medical advice or counseling, the practice of medicine including but not limited to psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, the creation of a physician-patient or clinical relationship, or an endorsement, a recommendation or a sponsorship of any third party, product or service by me. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements available on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Get your Antioxidants for Free by Earthing!

Earthing, also known as Grounding, eases inflammation.

There's a reason we're drawn to walking barefoot on the beach, plunging our hands into damp soil gardening, or simply falling asleep on the grass… it's why yoga is practiced with bare feet and Qi Gong is practiced outdoors… and it all has to do with a concept called Earthing, or, grounding.

The Benefits of Earthing

Essentially, if you're too busy to read through the forthcoming explanation, go outside and stand barefoot or lie down in your grass for ten minutes and you'll notice you feel much, much better! In fact, scientific research shows innumerable benefits from Earthing including:

Normalization of cortisol rhythm and melatonin secretion (aka increased daytime energy and ability to sleep at night)
Incredibly powerful antioxidant effect
Reduction in blood viscosity
Improved circulation
Reduction in stress
Balancing of nervous system
Lowered cortisol
Reduced pain & chronic inflammation (thereby allowing our bodies to heal faster)
Reduced Anxiety
Increased energy
And more… all with no side effects (though in certain cases medications for thyroid/blood thinning/pain etc. may need to be reduced/eliminated as a result, therefore consult with your doctor prior to implementing an Earthing program)

How Earthing Works

Our bodies benefit tremendously from direct contact (walking, sitting or laying down, particularly when humid or wet) with the earth's negatively charged surface. During such Earthing activities as walking barefoot on the grass, the earth's surface supplies a never-ending source of ions which are conducted through our bare skin and absorbed by the trillions. As electrons travel from the feet throughout the body via its conductive systems, an antioxidant* effect occurs which helps to optimize the immune system. It is proposed that these free or mobile electrons from the earth neutralize the positively charged free radicals (free radicals being what antioxidants scavenge out of the body) which are the hallmark of chronic inflammation and root of most disease… thus illustrating how these free mobile electrons serve as natural antioxidants. Food based antioxidants from plants, fruits, vegetables and supplements such as astaxanthin also supply antioxidants, however, the regular supply of electrons from the earth are free! *Read the short explanation below on the relationship between antioxidants and free radicals for an even better understanding.

Why isn't Earthing More Well Known?

Why haven't you heard about Earthing til now? Funding drives what gets researched and since Earthing is free… need I say more? For example, Earthing has been proven repeatedly in solid scientific studies to have the same effect on our blood as aspirin, reducing clumping and thinning the blood, which is outstanding. Something totally free (Earthing) has the exact health benefit of aspirin but less risk. Yet, Bayer reports annual sales of over 1.1 Billion dollars per year.

Bottom line, often that which is not considered "mainstream" is deemed rubbish, yet before one falls for a belief in "scientific proof" or triple-blind studies as a means to "prove" validity or safety, consider how completely manipulated everything can be starting with who's funding the studies, research, resulting statistics and science.

How to practice Earthing

In modern times we've become quite separated from the earth. We spend most our time in insulated boxes, or travelling – once again in a box - from one to another. More recently we've transitioned from conductive leather or hide-soled shoes to thick, synthetic soled shoes incapable of transmitting Earth's free electrons. And, in just the last two decades we've been impacted by an unprecedented flood of electromagnetic waves, or, EMF pollution. Alas, don't fret! We need not live barefoot in caves in the middle of who-knows-where! Simply employ any of the following measures to bring our bodies back into a state of homeostasis, health and well being:

Standing/Walking barefoot on the beach
Standing/Walking barefoot on the grass
Standing/Walking barefoot on your concrete basement floor
Taking your shoes off for 10 minutes while golfing
Swimming in the ocean
Surfing
Ground by resting (shoeless) feet on steel studs while flying (offsetting EMF)
Walking in thin leather/hide soled shoes…
Or walking/running in Earthing Shoes such as these by Juil (love their styles & hope they create more vegan options) or these earthing shoes (love to try them too!)
Outdoor meditation has been used for thousands of years by advanced spiritual masters who understood the magnifying and synergistic effect of combining grounding with meditation.

Additionally, there are earthing products such as sheets, blankets and computer mats on the market which, admittedly, I do find rather intriguing. However, they're too pricy for me so I'll personally be spending as much time as possible in nature barefoot, meditating on the grass and eating an antioxidant-rich diet 🙂

* Antioxidants and Free radicals: "Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage – the common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons which can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C…" as well as selenium, a trace metal. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet (or from earthing) 1. http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/antiox.html

Please do your own research and come to your own conclusions. Here are a few additional resources:

http://earthinginstitute.net/index.php/research
http://radianthealthtoday.com/GroundingReport.pdf
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/11/04/why-does-walking-barefoot-on-the-earth-make-you-feel-better.aspx

How familiar are you with Earthing? Do you/how do you practice it?

What are your thoughts on the subject?

All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty, Style, Videos

Spring Garden Tour Featuring Wild Edibles

Tired of shelling out big bucks for wheat grass & dandelion greens? Join our Spring Garden tour featuring organic Wild Edibles, the most delicious nourishing food Mother Nature has to offer. It's almost too easy! And SO fun!

Question of the Day:

Do you prefer blending or juicing?

Which greens are you incorporating into your green drinks these days?

All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for watching 🙂

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