Holistic Approach and Oral Health
For this blog post, we have chosen a topic which is essential from a holistic health care perspective: our oral health.
The importance of optimal oral hygiene goes far beyond clean teeth and gum health. Numerous medical studies indicate a link between oral health problems and systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia.
Ayurveda on Oral Health
The traditional Indian healing art of Ayurveda has recognised the connection between oral hygiene and overall health thousands of years ago and has developed thorough daily routines that can have both preventative and healing effects.
Oil pulling is an important part of the Ayurvedic morning routine. It works similarly to mouthwash, but instead of chemical or alcohol-based solutions, it is recommended to use high-quality oils.
How Does Oil Pulling Work?
Ideally, oil pulling should be practised early in the morning, after a thorough tongue cleaning (we recommend using a stainless-steel tongue scraper for this purpose). You need a teaspoon (up to a tablespoon) of oil for this. Coconut oil or sesame oil, which is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine, are well suited for this, as is sunflower oil. It is essential to use native, cold-pressed and unrefined organic oils.
The practice is easy: Put the oil in your mouth, move it slowly back and forth, and pull it through your teeth without swallowing the oil. After a few minutes, spit out the oil, preferably in a paper towel, and dispose of it in the bin. Then brush your teeth as usual.
The usual Ayurvedic recommendation concerning oil pulling is to do it for around 15-20 minutes a day (individual recommendations may vary). For oil-pulling beginners, however, it is a good idea to start with just 2-3 minutes and slowly increase the time.
What are the Benefits of Oil Pulling?
The key role of oil pulling in Ayurveda is based on the holistic understanding of the connection between mouth, digestion and detoxification. Therefore, when used regularly, oil pulling can lead to an improvement in many different aspects of health.
Oil pulling has a quick and noticeable effect on the oral mucosa, it has a nourishing, soothing effect and promotes blood circulation in the mouth. After just a few applications, many people report smoother teeth and improved bad breath. The oil can also support the detoxification of the body by binding fat-soluble toxins in the mouth. Caution is therefore advised in case of particularly toxic substances in the mouth, such as amalgam fillings.
Our Expert on Oil Pulling
We would like to take this opportunity to thank a special person from our naturopath partner network, who shared her broad expert knowledge on the subject of oil pulling with us and who totally inspired us with her personal experience and commitment! Martina Kamps has many years of experience in naturopathy in her own practice, as well as in-depth pharmaceutical expertise and professional experience in the field of pharmacy.
Martina explained to us, among other things, that in addition to the oil, you can also add other beneficial substances to oil pulling, such as essential oils or a few drops of our organic propolis tincture. This further strengthens the health-promoting effect of oil pulling. The antibacterial properties of propolis have been known for centuries and are often used in oral hygiene to support optimum oral health. In addition, the beneficial effects of various essential oils can also be integrated into the morning ritual.
You can make your own oil mixture by adding about 3 drops of a highly concentrated organic propolis tincture to 100ml of vegetable oil (see above for recommendations on oil types). You can also add 5 drops of natural essential oil, for example refreshing organic lemon oil. When preparing the mixture, ensure that all ingredients are of the highest (organic) quality.
Own Experience
Before writing this post, I personally tested oil pulling for 2 weeks. I used pure coconut oil to start with, about 1 teaspoon. After a few seconds, the solid coconut oil became liquid in my mouth and I got used to the flavour and consistency relatively quickly. I am now absolutely thrilled. After two weeks, my whole mouth felt much fresher and healthier, my teeth became smoother and even a little brighter - even though I only spent 3 to 5 minutes on oil pulling in the morning.
Were we able to inspire you too? If so, we wish you lots of fun with oil pulling!
- posted by Polina -
