Oil Pulling: A Simple Ritual for Your Morning

Have you ever tried oil pulling? It’s an ancient Ayurvedic practice that I love because it’s simple, soothing, and gives your mouth—and your morning—a fresh start. Today, I want to guide you through it step by step, and even introduce some tasty flavored oils that make the experience extra enjoyable.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is exactly what it sounds like: you gently swish oil in your mouth for several minutes each day. Traditionally, sesame or sunflower oil was used, and it’s still my favorite because it’s grounding and deeply nourishing for the gums and oral tissues. The idea is that as you swish, you help cleanse your mouth, support healthy gums, and even encourage a brighter smile.

How to Try Oil Pulling

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Choose Your Oil
   Grab a tablespoon of sesame or sunflower oil. If you want something extra delicious, you can try flavored options like cinnamon or mint.

2. Swish Gently
   Pop the oil in your mouth and start moving it around. Pull it through your teeth and let it touch your gums. Imagine it as a gentle, cleansing massage. Don’t swallow!

3. Time It Right
   Swish for 10–20 minutes. If 20 minutes feels too long, start with 5–10 minutes and gradually increase. I love using this time for my 20-minute Transcendental morning meditation—just a few minutes of mindful breathing and presence while the oil does its work. This way, oil pulling becomes both a cleansing and a grounding ritual to start the day.

4. Spit and Rinse
   Spit the oil into the trash (not the sink, to avoid clogs). Rinse with warm water and brush your teeth as usual.

Flavored Oil Pulling Oils

Flavored oils make oil pulling even more enjoyable and add extra benefits. Here are some ideas:

🛒 Ready-Made Options

• Banyan Botanicals offers flavored oil pulling oils, including Cinnamon and Mint. These blends combine the traditional benefits of oil pulling with the refreshing taste and aroma of natural flavors.

🏡 DIY Infusions

If you enjoy a hands-on approach, you can create your own infused oils with sesame oil, following these recipes:

Cinnamon & Clove Infused Sesame Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic sesame oil

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1–2 whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Warm the sesame oil gently over low heat.

2. Add the cinnamon and cloves and let steep for about 10 minutes.

3. Let cool and strain into a clean bottle.

The antimicrobial properties of cinnamon and clove enhance the benefits of oil pulling while adding a warm, comforting flavor.

Mint-Infused Sesame Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves

Instructions:

1. Place peppermint leaves in a clean jar and pour sesame oil over them.

2. Seal and let sit in a warm, dark place for 1–2 weeks, shaking gently each day.

3. Strain into a clean bottle.

This mint infusion gives a refreshing, cooling sensation that makes your oil pulling ritual feel extra clean and fresh.

Tips for a Successful Oil Pulling Routine

• Consistency: Try doing it daily, ideally in the morning before eating or drinking.

• Duration: Swish for 10–20 minutes.

• Spit Responsibly: Spit into the trash to avoid sink clogs.

• Rinse and Brush: Follow up with warm water and brushing.

• Mindfulness: Treat this as a mini self-care ritual—a few moments of calm and presence to start your day.

Why I Love Oil Pulling

For me, oil pulling isn’t just about oral health—though my teeth do feel cleaner and my breath fresher! It’s a gentle daily ritual that reminds me to slow down, breathe, and take a small moment for myself. The added flavors, like cinnamon or mint, make it even more enjoyable, turning a simple practice into a little morning treat. Pairing it with my morning meditation makes it feel like a full mind-body reset before the day even begins.

Give it a try and see how it feels for you. Start small, be gentle with yourself, and enjoy this simple act of self-care.

Written by Dorie Wicklund

Dorie Wicklund is a multifaceted wellness practitioner and coach dedicated to cultivating consciousness in others. She has been in the wellness field for over 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge in the areas of Ayurveda, Integrative Health, herbalism, nutrition, career and academic guidance, intuitive practices, and life and spiritual coaching. Dorie also has a deep understanding of energy healing modalities like Reiki, EFT, bio-fork tuning, meditation, and breathwork practices.