The first time I ever heard about oil pulling I wanted to gag. As if keeping mouthwash in your mouth for 2 minutes isn't agony enough. And then when I heard that oil pulling required a solid 20 minutes of swishing and pressing the oil through your teeth. Forget about it! Are you gagging too? Well, I just did it.

And, I will be honest.  I couldn’t do the entire 20 minutes.  I had to break it down into two sets of 10. For those of you who have never heard of oil pulling you’re probably wondering what the heck I am babbling about. Oil pulling is an ancient Aryuvedic practice that uses pure oils to pull nasty crap from your throat, gums and teeth.  Yeah, all that gross bacteria lying around in your mouth. Ewwwwww. Did you know our mouths are a friggin’ bacteria breeding ground for viruses, infection and disease? All of those little buggers can apparently grow in your mouth.  Gross, right? Your traditional mouthwash cannot disinfect your mouth the way oil pulling does. So, if care at all about your oral hygiene (and your breath for that matter), you should really try oil pulling. This practice works.  It’s the real deal. You’re probably thinking, “yeah right” and may even prefer to chew broken glass than even consider this, but hear me out. The antibacterial properties of the oil literally absorb the toxins in your mouth and throat and thus prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your oral cavity. Check it out.  Oil pulling does all of the above:

Wow.  Right?  Who knew? Whole Foods sells a great brand called Dale Audrey: Ayurvedic Oral Pulling Rinse that I have tried and like. But you know me.  I’m an essential oil freak so I have them all at home anyway. Simple and easy to do. Basic Recipe for Oil Pulling: 1 tsp of Organic Sesame Oil, Organic Coconut Oil or Sunflower Oil Combine with a single drop of essential oil (but you have to choose which one) Health Benefits of Essential Oils: 1 drop of Cinnamon Essential Oil: use as an antioxidant to boost immunity. 1 drop of Myrrh Essential Oil: use if you have coughs, digestive issues, or mucus. 1 drop of Clove Essential Oil: use if you have sensitive gums or issues with bad breath. 1 drop of Lemon Essential Oil: use to rid your mouth of rapidly spreading germs and unwanted bacteria. 1 drop of Lavender Essential Oil: use for seasonal threats or as an antihistamine. 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil: use if you are experiencing feelings of self doubt or have seasonal threats. How To Oil Pull: Once you have added the essential oil to the carrier oil stir and place 1 tsp of the oil in your mouth. It doesn't taste as bad or weird as you might think and the essential oils help with flavor. Set a timer. First time?  Shoot for 10 min. Try  this first thing in the am before you have eaten.  Once you have the oils in your mouth, hop in the shower or check your emails to pass the time. Start swishing the oils around in your mouth.  No need to get rigorous.  Remember, you have at least 10 min! Try to push the oil through your teeth, making sure you gargle too. In the beginning it won't feel like enough liquid but once it mixes with your saliva you will have enough to keep swishing. Some people ask why they need so swish for so long.  They’re like seriously?  I want to spit.  LOL. You must swish for 10-20 min so the oil has time to actually absorb the toxins and bacteria from your mouth and throat. Try to build up to 20 minutes. Once you hit your time limit spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. IMPORTANT:  Don't not swallow any of the oil.  It is FULL of TOXINS. Immediately brush your teeth afterward. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly is key. If I just grossed you out, I get it, but in all reality some of the things that keep us the cleanest are dirty jobs. If you're prone to bad breath, oral hygiene issues, tonsil stones or allergies, you might want to make oil pulling your new best friend. I’ve done it.  You can do it.  You may even make it your new BFF. I have just expressed why oil pulling can improve your health. Would you be willing to give it a try? I would love to hear from you? Please leave your comments in the box below. If you think someone you know could benefit from this ancient practice, do share it. Post it on FB, Pinterest or Tweet it. XO, Hayley If you want to know where I get therapeutic grade essentials oils, cause you KNOW I only use THE BEST, click HERE Photo credit: Shutterstock Originally published on Mind Body Green.