Ayurvedic oil pulling is a daily self-care practice that promotes oral hygiene and offers a variety of other health benefits. The simple act of swishing oil around in one’s mouth for a few minutes is a way to sweep out harmful bacteria, nourish the gums, and freshen the breath. Oil pulling can be done with a plain oil, or, you can add extra benefit to your oil pulling practice by trying out a special Ayurvedic oil pulling recipe.

Ayurvedic Oil Pulling: The Basics

Before we dive into Ayurvedic oil pulling recipes and details, let’s cover the basics. The best time to do oil pulling is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You can do it after or before brushing your teeth, but some experts suggest brushing and then oil pulling. If you tongue scrape, you can tongue scrape, brush, and then oil pull. This way you will retain the positive effects of oil-pulling. Take about one tablespoon of oil into your mouth and gently swish around for anywhere from 1-20 minutes. You can read more about the details of oil pulling.

Oils To Use for Ayurvedic Oil Pulling

Now that we have covered the when and how of oil pulling, you may wonder what type of oil to use for oil pulling. A few great options are:

• Sesame oil (untoasted), which is warming, unctuous, and nourishing, and typically good for Vata dosha.
• Coconut oil, which has a cooling energy, along with antimicrobial benefits, and typically good for Pitta dosha.
• Ghruta ghee, which is ayurveda's favorite fat as it's tridoshic and nourishes all bodily tissues. In other words, you can't go wrong with Ghruta!

You can pick one oil or use a combination. If combining oils, it's best to gently melt the oils together and then store in a clean, closed glass jar or bottle. When you are ready to oil pull, simply put a spoonful in your mouth and swish!

Adding Herbs to Your Ayurvedic Oil Pulling Recipe

As I mentioned, you can use simple cooking oils for oil pulling. Or, if you are up for a fun herbal project, you can infuse beneficial herbs into your oil for oil pulling. Making herbal-infused oils takes some time and care. However, the process is a rewarding one. Some herbs that work especially well for oil pulling are:

• Haritaki: one of three ingredients in the classical Ayurvedic formula, Triphala. Haritaki is cleansing and nourishing and is particularly balancing for Vata dosha. Also, Triphala is commonly used to make mouthwash.
• Amalaki: one of three ingredients in the classical Ayurvedic formula, Triphala. Haritaki is cleansing and nourishing and is particularly balancing for Pitta dosha.
• Bibhitaki: one of three ingredients in the classical Ayurvedic formula, Triphala. Haritaki is cleansing and nourishing and is particularly balancing for Kapha dosha.
• Peppermint: pleasant-tasting, peppermint freshens the breath and mind alike.
• Clove: with powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, clove is also a well-known herbal remedy for toothaches.
• Licorice: soothing, moistening, and sweet, licorice is useful for coughs, colds, and congestion. This demulcent herb also nourishes the gums.

Oil Pulling Recipes: As Simple or Complex as You Like

You can make a complex recipe and use all of the above ingredients. Or, keep it simple and start with just 1-3 herbs. Also, remember that there is nothing wrong with simply taking a spoonful of sesame oil or ghee into your mouth and enjoying a swish! Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. She is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.