Categories
Getting Started Healthy Home

Diffusers

My favorite way to use essential oils each day is by diffusing them in a dōTERRA cold-water diffuser. Essential oils offer many benefits when diffused because our sense of smell is one of our most powerful senses. I enjoy diffusing dōTERRA essential oils at work to promote an energizing mood.

How are they different?

LEARN MORE HERE


Purchase your favorite dōTERRA diffuser here.

“Diffusing essential oils can offer many benefits to you and your family. Diffusing can purify the air in your home, it can maintain emotions, promote healthy airways, and they can minimize the effect of potential seasonal threats. Begin to take advantage of these benefits by purchasing the dōTERRA Aroma Lite Diffuser, Lotus Diffuser, Lumo Diffuser or the Petal Diffuser.”



Categories
Diet and Excercise Emotional General Wellness

Want a little Pick-Me-Up?

Do you need a little something to pick you up throughout your day?

Due to the chemical makeup of dōTERRA Lemon, it has been shown to help improve mood with an energizing and invigorating aroma.

If you want to diffuse Lemon oil, use three to four drops in the essential oil diffuser of your choice.

Uses

  • Take internally to assist with seasonal respiratory discomfort.*
  • Add Lemon oil to a spray bottle of water to clean tables, countertops, and other surfaces. Lemon oil also makes a great furniture polish; simply add a few drops to olive oil to clean, protect, and shine wood finishes.
  • Use a cloth soaked in Lemon oil to preserve and protect your leather furniture and other leather surfaces or garments.
  • Lemon oil is a great remedy for the early stages of tarnish on silver and other metals.
  • Diffuse to create an uplifting environment.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils




To learn more about dōTERRA Lemon, visit out spotlight blog here.

Would you like even more? BEGIN HERE



Categories
herbs

Cinnamon Bark

You may be noticing the seasonal changes that have been occurring. The days are getting shorter, the air is crisp, and pumpkin flavored drinks are back! A sweet and spicy essential oil that pairs well with the fall season is dōTERRA’s Cinnamon Bark oil.




Purchase a bottle of dōTERRA Cinnamon Bark oil here.

“An unknown fact about Cinnamon Bark essential oil is that it is extracted from the bark of a tropical tree. This essential oil has many beneficial components, it can maintain a healthy immune function, it is naturally cleansing, when diffused it can naturally repel insects, and is a perfect ingredient in any recipe to enhance flavor. dōTERRA’s Cinnamon Bark oil is frequently diffused in my home to bring a natural warmth to air in the cooler months.”

Learn about all of the uses for dōTERRA Cinnamon Bark oil here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils




Categories
General Wellness Nervous System Women

Neroli Touch

We hope you all had a great summer and enjoyed the time with family. Life can get stressful with your family’s fall schedule changes.

dōTERRA Neroli Touch is here to help you out!

Neroli is steam-distilled from the small white flowers of the bitter orange tree making it part of the same family as Orange and Petitgrain. Neroli oil has a wide variety of uses which means that your whole family can benefit from it!

dōTERRA Neroli Touch can be a great addition to your everyday collection! It instills relaxation, uplifts mood, reduces feelings of anxiousness, and promotes overall well-being. Applied topically, Neroli can be used to soothe skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Learn about all the benefits of dōTERRA Neroli Touch here.




Categories
General Wellness Skin Support Women

6 Reasons to Use Eucalyptus Oil

People often ask, “What are the benefits of Eucalyptus oil?” If you haven’t experienced the tranquil yet refreshing aroma of Eucalyptus, you’ll love what this cleansing, relaxing, and soothing essential oil can do for you.


Skin care—there’s a reason people talk about it so much.

We believe that if you take care of yourself, your love for yourself will grow.  Simply put we’re talking about valuing yourself like you deserve and taking care of yourself: body, mind, and spirit.

If you have not added Eucalyptus essential oil to your skin care routine, do👏 it 👏!!

If you haven’t even started a skin care routine, start now.

Eucalyptus has purifying properties that are incredibly beneficial for the skin.

Add one drop to your moisturizer and apply to the skin for revitalizing benefits. What are your favorite oils in your skin care routine?

Learn about Eucalyptus at HERE

Need more reasons to use Eucalyptus oil? Keep reading to learn more about this unique oil and why you definitely want to add it to your collection.

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus radiata

Reason 1: Eucalyptus oil promotes relaxation

If you’ve had a long day, full of worry and stressful feelings, Eucalyptus oil is the perfect oil for you. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can help create a tranquil atmosphere in your home, while also decreasing feelings of tension and promoting relaxation. Eucalyptus oil is frequently used at spas due to its relaxing aroma and properties. No matter what the day throws at you, Eucalyptus oil helps transport you to a calmer, more relaxed state of being.

Reason 2: Eucalyptus oil promotes feelings of clear breathing

Because it contains the chemical component eucalyptol, Eucalyptus oil is useful for creating a cooling vapor when applied to the skin or inhaled. When the seasons change, you can rub a few drops of Eucalyptus on your chest to promote feelings of open airways. You can also diffuse Eucalyptus oil when you want to promote feelings of clear breathing.

Reason 3: Eucalyptus oil can be used as a cleansing agent

When you’re looking for a quick yet powerful way to clean up around the house, Eucalyptus oil is optimal for cleansing surfaces. Combine Eucalyptus with Lemon and Peppermint oil in a spray bottle, and then use the mixture to wipe down surfaces in your kitchen, bathroom, or other common areas of your home. Not only will the essential oil mixture give you peace of mind concerning the nontoxic cleanliness of your home, but you’ll love the wonderful aroma that lingers after you finish.

Reason 4: Eucalyptus oil can be used in a soothing massage

Not only are the cooling properties of Eucalyptus incredibly useful for promoting feelings of clear breathing, but they also make this oil great for massage. When you want to ease sore muscles, consider combining a few drops of Eucalyptus with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil or an unscented lotion. Gently rub the combination on the problem area and enjoy the cooling, soothing effects of Eucalyptus oil. Not only will this massage feel amazing, but the aroma of Eucalyptus will help to clear the mind and calm feelings of tension and stress.

Reason 5: Eucalyptus oil can help clean and revitalize the skin

With Eucalyptus oil’s powerful cleansing and purifying properties, it’s beneficial for the skin. If your skin feels oily, consider adding a few drops of Eucalyptus to your daily moisturizer or toner to experience the oil’s skin-revitalizing benefits. If you apply a Eucalyptus-infused moisturizer or toner in the morning, you’ll have the added benefit of carrying the uplifting, vitalizing aroma of Eucalyptus with you throughout your day.

Reason 6: Eucalyptus oil can provide support during menstruation

Due to its soothing, calming nature, Eucalyptus is frequently used to provide support during menstruation. Simply massaging Eucalyptus oil into the lower abdomen daily during menstruation can provide the help you need during this time of month.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to use Eucalyptus oil for a better day. To learn more about Eucalyptus oil, click here: What are the benefits of Eucalyptus oil?


Lemon Eucalyptus


Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly associated with Citronella, and for good reason! They are both rich in citronellal and contain citronellol. But there are some key differences that make these essential oils distinct.

Learn more about the differences here!
Comment below one thing you learned!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



Want to Learn More? CLICK HERE


Categories
General Wellness Skin Support

Helichrsum

-italicum is a small perennial herb with narrow, silver leaves and flowers that form a cluster of golden yellow, ball-shaped blossoms. The name “Helichrysum” is derived from the Greek “helios” meaning sun and “chrysos” meaning gold, referring to the color of the flowers.

Due to its skin cell regeneration benefits, dōTERRA Helichrysum is a helpful aid to diminish skin imperfections or blemishes. Enjoy the soothing benefits of Helichrysum by applying the diluted oil to the skin after days spent in the sun. Apply the oil to your face to reduce appearances of fine lines and wrinkles.

Helichrysum has been used in herbal health practices since ancient Greece and the oil is highly valued and sought after for its many health benefits. Helichrysum is best known for its restorative properties to the skin. Also referred to as the Everlasting or Immortal Flower, Helichrysum is used in anti-aging products for its rejuvenating benefits to the skin. Helichrysum can help reduce the appearance of blemishes, and it promotes a glowing, youthful complexion.

Uses

  • Apply topically to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
  • Apply to the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to promote a glowing, youthful complexion.
  • Massage into the temples and the back of the neck for a soothing sensation.

Receive relief from razor bumps by using the DIY Razor Relief Serum containing Helichrysum, found here.

Learn more about all the skin benefits by reading the product spotlight here.

From Wikipedia: Helichrysum italicum is a flowering plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. Other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 centimetres (24 in) or more in height. The clusters of yellow flowers are produced in summer, they retain their colour after picking and are used in dried flower arrangements.

Learn more about the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade doTERRA Helichrysum Essential oil HERE

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Jennie Knourek

Herbalist, Phyto/Aromatherapist & Wellness Advocate. Trained Massage Therapist

WA#2923893

Owner/Admin of OpenRoadEssentials.com and Crunchy Biker Clubhouse and Healthy Happy Strong Tribe on Facebook

Join my FREE Online Class to Learn More about Essential Oils




Categories
Men Women

Empowered Health and Essential Wellness Advocate Opportunity.

Empowered Health and

Essential Wellness Advocate opportunity.

Live a healthier lifestyle, share and educate with others while you grow a team of partners and customers to change lives and your financial future.

Any goal worth your time isn’t going to be sustainable overnight.  In your current situation, staying home or working for others, where will you be in 4-5 years?  Will your financial goals of today be realized?

This is a unique opportunity with a foundation of wellness and quality commitment that you can count on.  We look forward to meeting with you to see if this is a good fit for you and your family.

Learn More

Categories
General Wellness

New Year of Hope and Wellness

This could be your story…

You walk into a recruiter interview and when asked what you expected out of the job or wanted for compensation, you reply as follows:

1. First, I would like to earn 20% commission on everything I sell and I want to see that percentage get far higher as I improve.

2. I’d like to receive commissions off of not only my own sales, but also earn commissions from the sales of the people I bring in and train
AND the people THEY bring in and train, even if I’m not currently making any personal sales for a time.

3. I expect to receive a bonus not just the first time I achieve a promotion, but EVERY TIME.

4. I would also like to earn lots of free products every single month.

5. I expect your company to provide me with the very best free, live and online training, education and support, no matter where I live!

6. I don’t want to have to deal with the storing or the delivery or shipping of anything I sell, or any returns, so I expect there will be an additional top notch customer service support line that people can contact if they have issues

7. I would like the opportunity to rapidly advance within the company, even with the potential to exceed the currently top ranked, highest paid leaders.

8. When I do well, I expect LOTS of praise and recognition, a fabulous trip each year, and cash bonuses!

9. I would like my friends and family to be able to work here with me if they choose.

10. By the way, I need to set my own schedule and work only when it suits me and my family and to work remotely from anywhere in the world whenever I choose to.

11. I’d like to get paid my commission every single week -direct deposited straight into my bank account.

12. Oh and I would love to establish a retirement worthy residual income in 4-5 years.

13. I would expect this is a company based on integrity. A company with heart, where the well-being of people (suppliers, employees and customers) and the environment are key factors in all decisions, not just profit.

14. I would also expect that this is a life changing company with its own humanitarian non- profit that works to help change the world by creating jobs, paying fair wages, digging wells and building medical clinics in developing nations,.

15. I’d like this company to also generously partner monetarily with existing organizations to end human trafficking and poverty, and also empower people and communities with the tools they need to be self-reliant.

So… when can I start?

After the recruiter recovers from shock, he ROARING with laughter, “WOW, you can’t be serious! You Must be dreaming! You’ll never find an opportunity like that ANYWHERE! And if you do…come back and get me because, I want to work with you!”

So you hand him your doTERRA Business Card. 🙌🏻😎

Really!

🎉 The New Year offers New opportunities, and as new goals are forming in your head…here is some truth to ponder.

Lives are changing from this opportunity and these oils in MANY ways and if you are looking for a job change, consider joining us 🤔

doTERRA has been the BEST decision for us and for many others.

This is not just another “Mom works from home MLM”. It’s so much more. So. Much. More.

We will be hosting a business night early in the New Year. Consider coming to learn more!

And message us if you want info sooner.

May you have a Healthy, Happy and Strong New Year!

Jennie Knourek & Joe Norman

Open Road Essentials

doTERRA Wellness Advocates

Silver Leaders 2017

Categories
Uncategorized

Oral Health – D.I.Y. healthy chewing

Essential Oil Gum Recipe

What You Need

  • Six ounces of natural beeswax
  • 1 drop of clove essential oil
  • 2 drops of cinnamon essential oil

What You Do

  • Use or make a double broiler.
  • Melt your beeswax.
  • Add the essential oil drops.
  • Pour the mixture into a silicon mold or ice tray and freeze for 2-3 hours or until hardened.
  • Chew!

Important Note: Please do not use cheap essential oils for this recipe. You will be ingesting these oils as you chew the gum so I highly recommend you avoid brands that may have synthetic additives (which are not always listed on the bottle).

Our personal recommendation are DoTerra essential oils have been tested for purity and are labeled appropriately for internal use. But many cheaper oils aren’t safe to use internally due to how they were produced so be aware.

You can add a healthy sweetener such as xylitol or stevia if you like. I think the cinnamon oil added enough flavor but ultimately it’s up to you and your preference.

There are also other oils options to include as an alternative like Slim and Sassy Blend, Lemon, Grapefruit, Peppermint or Spearmint, and you can even consider OnGuard Blend.

Why use Clove Oil?

For many years, clove oil has been used in dentistry as a numbing agent. It’s powerful and safe as long as it is diluted (which the beeswax does in this recipe). Clove oil is the perfect solution when experiencing a bout of sensitive teeth after eating something cold or drinking a hot beverage and goes well with cinnamon.

And it has also been reported that clove oil decreases decalcification of teeth and actually stimulates remineralization. Now that is awesome!

Why Cinnamon Essential Oil?

Because it tastes good! It has also been linked to improved immune function because it is naturally purifying and germ-destroying. Cinnamon also lifts mood and helps to relieve sadness or self-doubt. And some even believe it to be a natural aphrodisiac – WHAT?!

In Closing

Chewing gum has its benefits. So as long as you don’t chew like a cow. hewing can be a healthy activity for your oral heal and your cravings.

And with a couple of minutes, three ingredients and the amazing power of essential oils, you can make your own chewing gum that tastes good, improves the condition of your teeth and improves your mood. Sounds like a win!

Categories
General Wellness

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an age-old remedy rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it may be beneficial for gum health and that certain oils may help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth!

What is Oil Pulling?

Short answer: Oil pulling is the act of swishing oil (usually Sesame, Sunflower or Coconut) in the mouth for up to 20 minutes to improve oral health.

The basic idea is that oil is swished in the mouth for a short time each day and that this action helps improve oral health. Just as with Oil Cleansing for the skin, the principle of “like dissolves like” applies, as oil is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins without disturbing the teeth or gums.

The practice of oil pulling (also called gundusha) started in India thousands of years ago, and from my research, was first introduced to the United States in the early 1990s by a medical doctor named Dr. F. Karach, who used it with success in his medical practice.

Benefits of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling seems to be a practice with a plenty of anecdotal support but a lack of extensive scientific studies (though times they are a changing and there are more every day… see below). Most sources do agree that oil pulling is safe, but debate you will always find a debate on the effectiveness of the protocol. Personally I’ve noticed the benefits and dozens of bloggers swear by its effectiveness as well.  Fundamentally it make sense but like any natural solution to commercial practices, if you don’t do it it won’t work for you.

In my research I found hundreds of testimonials online from people who experienced benefits from oil pulling, including help with skin conditions, arthritis, asthma, headaches, hormone imbalances, infections, liver problems and more.  When you understand the importance of detoxifying and balancing the body, it is not hard to understand why thy are making these claims.  And where Oil Pulling may not have been the sole reason for the relief of systemic symptoms of their ailments, I am confident it saying that it certainly didn’t hurt.

I’ve heard several experts explain how bacteria and infection can enter the blood through the mouth, it does make sense that addressing these infections could have an impact in other parts of the body.  At the very least, I think that oil pulling can be very beneficial and has no downside as long as a quality oil (that is high enough quality to eat) is used and it is done correctly.

Oil pulling is a very inexpensive therapy that could potentially have great benefit on oral health, so I see no downside to trying it and I have used it myself for several years.

How to Oil Pull

The concept is incredibly simple. Basically, a person swishes a couple teaspoons of a food grade nut or vegetable oil (coconut, sesame or olive) in the mouth for 20 minutes and then spits it out and rinses well. Oil pulling is best done in the morning, before eating or drinking anything, although in Dr. Bruce Fife book Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing he suggests that it can be done before each meal if needed for more severe infections or dental problems.

Oil Pulling Instructions

  1. Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into the mouth. The oil traditionally used in oil pulling is organic sesame oil, and this is also the oil that has been the most studied for use in oil pulling. It is also possible to do oil pulling with organic coconut oil or pre-made coconut oil chews. Whichever oil you choose, place 1-2 teaspoons in the mouth. I also pour a few drops of OnGuard: Protective Blend or Myrrh Oil into the mix.  You can re-purpose a stopper bottle or get something like these resealable glass flasks with essential oils already added to the oil of your choice or a covered mason jar to hold the coconut oil chews (drops or unprocessed coconut oil which are first melted to add the essential oils and then added to Mini Ice Cube Trays with Flexible Silicone Bottom For Easy Release Pop out | here is a Set Of 3 Ice Molds BPA Free and cooled in a freezer until re-solidified.  I will link a DIY article for that soon)
  2. Swish for 20 minutes. Apparently the timing is key, according to Dr. Bruce Fife, as this is long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not long enough that the body starts re-absorbing the toxins and bacteria. The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixed with saliva during this time and it should be creamy-white when spit out. It will also double in volume during this time due to saliva. At first, it can be difficult to make it the full 20 minutes, but you can work up to it and 5 minutes is better than nothing.
  3. Spit oil out, not down the drain. Don’t spit into the sink! Esspecially if you are using unprocessed Coconut oil which may thicken and clog pipes. Do not swallow the oil as it is hopefully full of bacteria, toxins and puss!  Nasty!  Have a container or you can use an empty Supplement bottle to spit into until it’s full or a paper towel and then throw it in the garbage.
  4. Rinse well. Warm water works better than cold and you can also use a Organic mouth rinse or Apple Cidar Vinegar which you can keep by the sink for mouth rinsing.  I swish a few times with warm water to get any remaining oil out of my mouth and then some Homemade Mouth Rinse.  Some sources recommend swishing with warm salt water.
  5. Brush well. I prefer to brush with On Guard Protective Blend Toothpaste to make sure any remaining bacteria is killed, or you can make your own healthy toothpaste.

This can also be done with coconut oil, which is naturally antibacterial and has a milder taste that other oils. Anyone with a sensitivity to coconut oil or coconut products should avoid using coconut oil in this way. Sesame oil was traditionally used in the Ayurvedic tradition and is another great option, just make sure to use an organic sesame oil.

Is Oil Pulling Safe?

Thankfully, this is one point that all sources seem to agree on! Some sources claim that oil pulling  doesn’t have the benefits often attributed to it or that it doesn’t actually detoxify the mouth, but all of them agree that it shouldn’t hurt anything.

All of the oils that are often used are completely edible and considered to be healthy when eaten, so they aren’t problematic when swished in the mouth. The only potential danger I’ve seen is if the oil is swallowed after it has absorbed any bacteria or toxins from the mouth.

When I asked my own dentist about oil pulling, I was told that while the research is lacking, it could be considered an effective and safe alternative to mouthwash and that there shouldn’t be any harm to trying it.

What Oil Should Be Used for Pulling?

It depends.

If the goal is whitening the teeth, I’ve found coconut oil to be most effective (especially when combined with this unusual remedy). Coconut oil is also slightly more effective at removing certain bacteria from the mouth, including the Streptococcus mutans bacteria that is known for causing dental caries (source).

Sesame oil is recommended by most sources (though this is partially because it was one of the more widely available oils when the practice first started years ago) and it is also the most well studied and considered safe for those who are not allergic to sesame seeds. Olive oil is sometimes used, though some sources claim that it is too harsh for the teeth. The main thing is to avoid using any high Omega-6 or chemically created oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, etc.

  • Peppermint:  Peppermint is good for giving you an energy boost both mental and physical, give you lovely fresh breath,  and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
  • OnGuard: Protective Blend also has clove in the blend which helps with sensitive teeth and may support your healthy immune system.
  • Orange: Orange is very uplifting and tastes amazing.
  • Grapefruit: Grapefruit is fresh, invigorating and tasty and is often used when managing weight loss.
  • Lemon:  Lemon is good for so many things including cleansing, detoxing, uplifting, supporting a healthy immune system and easing everyday stresses.
  • Oregano:  Oregano is traditionally used to help cleanse the mouth so it’s a good oil to be used with oil pulling.
  • Rosemary: Rosemary supports a healthy lifestyle regimen and smells and tastes wonderful.

You get Peppermint, OnGuard, Oregano, and Lemon as part of the many of the starter bundles and can get all others a wholesale pricing when you join doTERRA

Who Can Do Oil Pulling?

Children: Several practitioners I’ve asked about this said that oil pulling is safe for kids once they are old enough not to swallow the oil.

Pregnancy: According to what I have found out it is generally considered safe for pregnant women, especially after the first trimester. Oral health is especially important during pregnancy. Just consider it like brushing or using mouthwash.  As with anything, check with a Doctor, Doula or Midwife before doing oil pulling, especially if pregnant.

Nursing: Generally considered safe but check with a dentist or doctor to be safe.

Dental Issues: Generally considered safe but check with a dentist or doctor to be safe but check with a doctor or dentist to be sure, especially if you have any metal fillings, crowns, or dental problems.

Note: Some people supposedly notice a detox reaction for the first few days of using oil pulling that usually includes mild congestion, headache, mucous drainage or other effects. I personally didn’t notice any of these effects, but have read cases of others who did.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

My only personal experience is yes, with the oral health benefits and I continue doing it for this reason.  I had chronic bleeding in my gums due to gingivitis and my gums continue to get healthy.  The most comprehensive resource I’ve read on the topic is the book “Oil Pulling Therapy” by Dr. Bruce Fife.  There are additional books available like Teeth Healing Through Oil Pulling: by Tammi Diamond

Though the research is limited, there are some scientific studies that support the benefits of oil pulling, including those showing its benefit on different types or oral bacteria, on dental caries, on plaque/gingivitis and on oral micro-organisms:

Studies About Oil Pulling

S Asokan, J Rathan, MS Muthu, PV Rathna, P Emmadi, Raghuraman, Chamundeswari. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry. 26(1):12-7, 2008 Mar

TD Anand, C Pothiraj, RM Gopinath, et al. Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria (PDF)African Journal of Microbiology Research, Vol 2:3 pp 63-66, MAR 2008. (PDF Link)

HV Amith, Anil V Ankola, L Nagesh. Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque and GingivitisJournal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry: 2007; 1(1):Pages 12-18

S Thaweboon, J Nakaparksin, B Thaweboon. Effect of Oil-Pulling on Oral Microorganisms in Biofilm ModelsAsia Journal of Public Health: 2011 May-Aug. (PDF)

FAQs

There are several questions that are repeatedly asked in the comments, so I’ve compiled them here, along with the most common answers and any research I could find:

Does Oil Pulling Help Bad Breath?

This is one benefit of oil pulling that all sources seem to agree on. Likely because of its ability to help wipe out harmful bacteria in the mouth, oil pulling is known for its ability to help improve breathe and reduce plaque in the mouth.

Do I Have to Swish for 20 Minutes?

It can be difficult to swish for the full 20 minutes when first starting oil pulling. Though this is recommended, it isn’t a hard and fast rule. Neither is the recommendation to use a tablespoon of oil.  If you only use a teaspoon and swish for 5 minutes, start with that and don’t stress about it.  Some people also find that adding a drop of essential oil helps the taste and makes oil pulling easier.  Just make sure that any oil you use is safe to use internally.  I personally like to use Myrrh for gum support and Spearmint for the flavor.  I also find that a good time to oil pull is in the shower, since this is a time of fewer distractions.  Just remember to keep container for spitting out the oil near by so you don’t spit down the drains.

Can I Swallow the Oil? Or Where Should I Spit?

Please do not swallow the oil after oil pulling. It may contain bacteria, dead skin or other residue from the mouth and the whole purpose of oil pulling is to remove these things from the body. Especially with coconut oil, it is also important not to spit this in the sink, shower or toilet as it may solidify and clog the drain. You can use an old supplement container and spit the oil in that each morning and throw away when it is full.

Can People With Fillings Try Oil Pulling?

Check with a dentist to see if this would be appropriate for your particular dental situation.