Dhanvantari’s Kavala Gandusha
Do you dream of a perfect oral hygiene routine for sparkling teeth, fresh breath, clean tongue, strong jaw bones, powerful voice, sexy lips, better sense of taste, clearer sinus, better skin and more? Jump for joy: Dhanvantari, the Vedic God of medicine concocted Kavala Gandusha, an ancient recipe that involves swishing oil in the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits.
Today, most people call it “oil pulling” and this is how you do it: First thing in the morning, on an empty stomach and before brushing your teeth, put a good tablespoon of organic coconut or sesame oil in your mouth and swish it (the oil, of course, not the spoon) vigorously. Don’t spit or swallow, just pull and push the oil through your teeth to expel all the non-grata nesting there. Start with 5 minutes then progressively build your way up to 15 or 20 minutes.
This swooshing can be quite taxing on the jaws, zygomatic muscles and their neighbours. As they are not used to such intense workouts, don’t push them too hard: you don’t want to find yourself with cramps or adisjointed lowerjaw,
While happily oil pulling, you can shower, dance – but don’t sing – dry yourself, get dressed, prepare breakfast, take Sweetie for a walk, meditate or read.
After 15 minutes or so of serious swishing, the liquid doubles in volume and is slightly opaque. Spit it into a plastic bag and trash it. Don’t spit it into the toilet or the sink, you don’t want to block them. Gargle with some water or saline solution, brush your teeth meticulously and flash them with pride.
Research confirms that this traditional folk remedy is fully efficient after 4 weeks of regular practice. Sesame oil has been found to reduce plaque induced gingivitis and free radical injury occurring in oral cavity. Coconut oil neutralises Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans proliferation. Scientists also observed an 85% reduction in bacteria responsible for gingivitis. This wonder oil also fights bad breath and, by activating salivations, it prevents dental plaque.
Finally, after a few weeks regular oil pulling, you should be deliriously happy on seeing your skin so much smoother, tighter and lighter. Do a little dance routine and shout: Viva Ayurveda!
You’ll find out more about oils and their fabulous virtues by diving into Le Dictionnaires à tout faire des huiles
