OIL PULLING - A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents to cleanse out harmful bacteria, as well as reduce fungal overgrowth. Oil pulling may also increase saponification in the mouth, creating a soapy environment that cleanses the mouth as vegetable fat is an emulsifier by nature. Most interesting is perhaps the ability of oil to help in cellular restructuring, and are related to the proper functioning of the lymph nodes and other internal organs. Apart from the various available scientific advancements in the medical field, there are age old traditional practices in Ayurvedic medicine which have to be encouraged. Oil pulling, which only requires one to swish oil in the mouth is known to cure many oral and systemic ailments. Though oil pulling is effective, none of the studies considered it as a replacement for the tooth brushing, but can definitely be a supplemental oral hygiene aid. This paper aims at throwing light on the various health benefits of this bygone practice.