Self-Care: Oil-Pulling

Oil-pulling is a technique that has been around for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It promotes healthy bacteria, gum and mouth tissue, whitens teeth, removes plaque, and is a great oral detoxifier. It even helps ease a hangover! Oil-pulling is easy to do and can be done while you're in the shower, making breakfast, doing the dishes, walking the dog...you get the point. Follow the easy instructions below if you want to see and feel the amazing detoxifying benefits for yourself! 

Instructions:
Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for fifteen minutes then spit out into the trash. Do not spit into the sink and definitely do NOT swallow, or all of the toxins that your body just released will go right back into your system. If fifteen minutes is too intense, start small. Swish for five minutes then work your way up to a longer period of time. If you have a strong gag reflex, coconut oil straight out of a jar might be a little difficult for you to start off with. However, there are a few brands that make it a bit easier to reap the benefits of oil-pulling.

Cocopull is a product made up of 100% organic virgin coconut oil and peppermint extract, and comes as a kit that includes 14 easy little packets. I find that the minty taste makes a big difference!

Banyan Botanicals Daily Swish Pulling Oil is another great product made up of not only organic coconut oil but sesame oil as well, and is infused with detoxifying Ayurvedic herbs. The other wonderful thing about this pulling oil is that it already comes in a liquid form, so if you're like me and the hardened coconut oil is what makes you gag, this product would probably be great for you!

Another favorite is Conscious Coconut, which not only comes in an easy travel-ready tube, but also donates one meal to a child in need through Feeding America for every tube sold. 

I hope you all enjoy this ancient detoxifying method and that it becomes a part of your daily self-care routine!

xo Natalie