We've all heard of our fair share of bizarre beauty practices, but this is definitely one of the stranger ones. However, with the allure of clearer skin, stronger teeth, and a detoxed body, I had to find out more. Oil pulling is the latest beauty craze everyone's been buzzing about. Not only does this habit claim it'll make your skin glow like crazy, it apparently also has tons of health benefits. Here are five things you need to know about oil pulling.
IT'S AN AYURVEDIC PRACTICE
Oil pulling is a traditional ayurvedic practice wherein you swish coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in your mouth to detoxify your body and strengthen oral health. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing techniques that are rooted in the Vedic culture of India.
IT'S SUPPOSED TO WHITEN YOUR TEETH AND GET RID OF BAD BREATH
Swishing oil around can help rid bacteria from your mouth, which supposedly can help keep your gums strong and healthy. After using the practice for years, blogger Wellness Mama found that she had increased oral health and less sensitive and whiter teeth overall.
IT MAY HELP CLEAR YOUR SKIN
In addition to pulling bacteria out of your mouth (hence "oil pulling"), gargling coconut oil can also supposedly draw out bacteria and toxins in your body, helping your skin look and feel clearer and healthier as a result.
IT MIGHT BE YOUR NEW HANGOVER CURE
Say what? Some say oil pulling may be as good of a skin clearer as it is a headache reliever. The writers over at Chalkboard Mag "swear by it"; they've traded their greasy burritos for coconut oil swishing as their go-to hangover cure.
IT'S SUPER-EASY TO DO
So, here's what you need to do. First, pick an oil. Most oil pullers suggest using coconut oil because it's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Then, you’ll scoop one teaspoon into your mouth and swish for approximately 20 minutes. If you feel like you can take more, go ahead and gargle up to a tablespoon. When you're finished, rinse your mouth with warm water, brush your teeth, and scrape your tongue. The oil will obviously melt in your mouth and you want to try and remove as much of the remaining bacteria as possible.
Image: Instagram/brooketormey
