If Oil Pulling Makes You Gag, You Need To Try This Hack!
Oil pulling became very trendy about 3 years ago even though it’s been ayurvedic cleansing practice for a very long time. I recall an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians… yes, I am ashamed that this is my reference. But in the scene Kourtney was explaining that she does it in the early mornings before brushing her teeth while her sisters ridiculed her for it. I remember thinking what the hell is oil pulling and why would I willingly put oil in my mouth? I dug around and read about it’s super benefits and my curiosity hooked me. I grabbed some unrefined coconut oil at my local Vitamin Shoppe and tried it out. I started seeing [on the surface] results like whiter teeth but each time I did it, it made me feel a little nauseous. So I worked around a trick or two to not feel that way and figured it would be worth sharing if you’re a gag-meister like me.
THE KNOWN BENEFITS:
- increased overall oral health
- reduced plaque
- healthier gums
- whiter teeth
THE NOT-SO-KNOWN BENEFITS:
- can improve skin conditions
- arthritis, asthma and headaches
- can balance hormone levels
- eliminate infections
SO HOW EXACTLY DO YOU OIL PULL?
Step 1: Early in the a.m. or whenever you wake up, oil pull first before putting anything in your mouth in the morning. You can brush your teeth afterwards. Oil pulling first helps to remove all of the toxins that have built up in your mouth overnight.
Step 2: For step 2, I usually use coconut oil but you can use that or sesame or sunflower oil. Swish one to two tablespoons of your preferred oil around in your mouth. Do this for at least 20 minutes.
A TRICK to not getting nauseous from this is to trick/distract your mind with some other kind of activity. Try doing your skincare or hair routine while oil pulling. My go-to though to not think about gargling oil is to get distracted by the rabbit hole of Instagram. 20 minutes is done, just like that.
Step 3: Spit it out! You made it to the finish line. Be sure to rinse your mouth with warm water right after! Follow it up with your usual brush & flossing and you’re good to go!
Have you guys tried oil pulling? Let us know your tricks and how it worked for you!
