Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that has been around for hundreds of years. Any healthy oil can be used, but Coconut Oil contains lauric acid that has anti-bacterial properties to aid in the benefits of oil pulling.

Benefits:

1. Whitens teeth: It works just as well as commercial teeth whiteners, without the bleach and toxic chemicals.

2. Helps prevent cavities: The lauric acid in coconut oil that aids in the fight against cavities that can occur from poor brushing and flossing causing plaque build up, and eventually tooth decay.

3. Kills bacteria that causes bad breath: Halitosis is a by-product that is released by bacteria in the mouth. Oil pulling helps get rid of these bacteria, giving you fresh, clean breath.

4. Removes Plaque: Oil pulling helps to reduce harmful bacteria (streptococcus mutans) which cause plaque, which in turn causes cavities.

5. Improves Metabolism: The action of swishing oil around in our mouths while we're oil pulling activates muscles in our mouth, jaw, and neck that then massages the thyroid gland, which controls our metabolism.

6. Improves Skin Conditions: Removing toxins from the body has a positive effect on the skin too. It can help clear acne and other skin conditions.

7. Helps Clear Your Sinuses: It is thought that as oil pulling is removing toxins from your mouth, it can also then pull the bacteria down from your sinuses that relieves sinus infections or sinusitis.

8. Helps The Body Manage Hormonal Changes More Efficiently: When the body has less toxins to clean out, it can spend more energy on other important functions like hormone regulation.

How To Add Oil Pulling To Your Morning Routine:

As soon as you wake up (before brushing your teeth), swish 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes. Now this may take a while to work up to 15 minutes at one time, but you will get there! Spit into the garbage can (not in your sink as the oil will clog your drainpipes), then brush your teeth.

There are so many uses for coconut oil, including baking, cooking, moisturizing, and as a carrier oil for our favourite essential oils. Yet, who knew that taking some time in the morning to swish some of it in your mouth could have so many possible benefits?