Oil Pulling – Gandusha

WHAT IS IT?
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil in the mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. 

HISTORY
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy. Oil pulling is mentioned in the ayurvedic text Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita as ‘Kavala Graha’ or ‘Kavala Gandoosha’.

PRODUCTS
*Sesame oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil (cold-pressed oils are ideal)

BENEFITS

*Detoxifies & purifies the entire human body

*Excretes toxic heavy metals

*Reduces plaque induced gingivitis

*Generates antioxidants

*Removes harmful bacteria from mouth

*Healthier gums

*Whiter teeth

*Fresher breath

*Stronger oral cavity muscles and jaws

*Prevents dental caries, gingivitis, oral candidiasis, & periodontitis

*Reduced tooth pain

*Stimulates the mind and the senses

*Systemic health benefits

*Increases metabolism

*Improved longevity

*Antimicrobial

CONDITIONS

*According to Ayurveda, oil pulling is believed to cure more than 30 systemic diseases. 

*Plaque induced gingivitis

*Cavities

*Oral dandidiasis

*Periodontitis

*Bad breath

*Bleeding gums

*Tooth pain

*Sore throat

*Dry face

*Impaired vision

*Loss of taste

*Chapped lips

*Anorexia

*Mouth sores

RISKS
Contraindicated for children under 5 years old due to risk of aspiration. 

STEP-BY-STEP

1. Measure 1 tablespoon of oil. For children over 5 years old, use 1 teaspoon of oil. 
2. Swish oil around in the mouth for 15-20 minutes in the early morning on an empty stomach, being cautious not to swallow any oil.  Beginners start with 2-4 minutes or until oil feels not fresh and work way up to 15-20 minutes.
3. Spit the oil out into the trash can or napkin. Do not spit the oil into the sink as the oil can clog pipes.
4. Rinse the mouth out with water. Follow up with normal toothbrushing. 

*If the jaw aches, oil pulling may be done for 5-10 mins. 

*For cases where brushing may be contraindicated, oil pulling may be used advantageously as oral hygiene. 

FREQUENCY
*Oil pulling may be performed daily up to three times per day on an empty stomach. It is best to practice in the early morning. 

REFERENCES

Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review – ScienceDirect

6 Benefits of Oil Pulling — Plus How to Do It (healthline.com)

Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review – PubMed (nih.gov)