What do I share with Gwyneth Paltrow? We both relish the rich sensation of hard coconut oil in our mouths. Yes, the GOOP queen herself promotes oil pulling, and I’m intrigued enough to try it. This trendy practice of swirling oil around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes before breakfast is becoming increasingly popular, much like the neti pot was back in the ’80s. Back then, unless you lived in a wellness community, you likely hadn’t even heard of a neti pot. Fast forward to a recent lunch with my 87-year-old Aunt Martha, who, noticing my cold, excitedly asked, “Have you tried using a neti pot? It works wonders!” She then offered to show me how.
I know what you’re thinking: Twenty minutes? That’s practically half an episode of Mad Men! I feel the same way. Who has that kind of time?
A quick online search reveals a plethora of articles on oil pulling. It seems I’m a bit late to this trend. I spend the day diving into various pieces, which mostly regurgitate the same celebrity endorsements and seek comments from local dentists, who likewise seem to be Googling their responses.
Many articles cite Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a renowned cosmetic dentist in New York City, who has worked with celebrities like Russell Simmons and Cyndi Lauper. He supports oil pulling, stating, “The toxins in your body are fat-soluble, so they bond with the oil and are expelled when you spit it out. Given that the mouth is filled with plaque, it’s logical that there would be a decrease.”
Young actress Shailene Woodley also champions this practice, though she favors sesame oil over Gwyneth’s coconut oil. It appears we have an oil preference rivalry brewing.
While I trust Gwyneth, I want insights from the experts. Some sources credit Dr. F. Karach, who reignited interest in this age-old practice when he presented a paper to the Academy of Science in the USSR in 1992, claiming that humans could live significantly longer—up to 140 or 150 years.
Advocates of oil pulling also refer to the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, from 700 BC, which states the benefits include improved facial firmness, jaw strength, and even enhanced taste sensation. Those who practice it supposedly never suffer from dryness of throat or cracked lips, and their teeth remain strong and healthy.
This sounds promising; I could certainly do with stronger teeth and less facial flabbiness. By 1996, many in India began attributing a range of benefits to oil pulling, from alleviating aches to reversing heart disease. A survey in the Indian newspaper Andhra Jyoti found that 89% of respondents reported improvements in skin clarity, digestion, blood sugar stability, and a decrease in pains. I’m eager to see if it might assist with my low back issues.
However, skeptics, including snopes.com and skeptoid.com, claim these benefits are unfounded. The only way to truly find out is to give it a shot.
Day 1
The recommended method is to swish on an empty stomach. I wake up early and reach for the coconut oil. After scooping one tablespoon into my mouth, it quickly transforms from solid to liquid. I fidget for a bit, unsure how to occupy my time. Ten minutes in, my son Alex wakes up, prompting me to spit into the compost bin—never the sink, as the oil could block the pipes.
My mouth feels refreshingly clean, and my jaw muscles feel invigorated. I spend the next two hours enjoying the smoothness of my teeth—it’s been ages since I’ve appreciated my teeth like this.
Day 2
I wake in the middle of the night and decide to swish again before going back to sleep. In the morning, my breath is fresh, and flossing is a breeze.
Day 3
Today, I swish while my two sons are up, and surprisingly, they find my grunts amusing instead of annoying. My tongue isn’t as preoccupied as it was yesterday. I’m starting to wonder if my teeth feel less smooth or if I’m just getting used to it. After a shower, I check the mirror and notice that my skin appears clearer and my teeth whiter. However, my low back is acting up today—could be from sitting at my desk too long or the cold weather—or, just maybe, it’s a cleansing reaction from the oil pulling.
Day 4
After my morning swish, I feel unusually cheerful. At lunch, when I eat sauerkraut, my teeth don’t hurt as much—just as the Charaka Samhita suggested. My gums feel healthier and don’t bleed when I floss.
Day 5
I put oil pulling to the test after indulging in a few drinks while binge-watching Deadwood. This morning, my coconut oil looks less than appetizing, but I’m committed. To my surprise, after swishing, my hangover disappears, and I feel energized.
Day 6
After a rough night with my son Jason sneezing on me, I wake with a scratchy throat and congestion. But Captain Coconut is here to save the day! After a solid fifteen minutes of swishing, I feel as good as new. Can I get an Amen?
Having completed a week of oil pulling, I plan to continue. Is this something I’ll integrate into my routine permanently? Absolutely. However, I must consider a few factors. First, I think my wife, Sarah, is a bit grossed out by my spitting habits, which could impact our intimacy. Moreover, there’s only so long she’ll tolerate my inability to speak while preparing the boys for school. Plus, if I really did live to 150, I’d miss my family, and that hardly seems worth it.
In summary, my experiment with oil pulling has yielded surprising results, from fresher breath to healthier gums. It’s an intriguing practice worth considering for anyone wanting to explore natural health remedies. For more insights on home insemination, check out this post on an artificial insemination kit. Additionally, for authoritative information on health topics, visit News Medical and Intracervical Insemination.