Oil pulling. We’ve probably all heard of it by now. If you read our blog, 11 Benefits of Oil Pulling (and How to Do It), you know oil pulling isn’t some crazy new fad; it has existed since ancient Chinese medicine’s dawn. Oil pulling is even an essential part of Ayurvedic living.
People have spoken about oil pulling promoting oral health, even reversing receding gums. As someone who recently had an amalgam filling removed and has receding gums, I decided to jump on the oil-pulling train. Instead of the standard coconut oil approach, I decided to add an herb with oral health benefits – peppermint.
If you read our peppermint herbal profile, you know the peppermint plant’s fresh leaves are often used in cooking, while the flowers are dried and used to flavor foods. Peppermint is also widely known for its many medicinal properties, primarily in the form of oil. Some benefits of peppermint include:
- May ease digestive upsets
- May help relieve headaches and migraines
- May relieve clogged sinuses and seasonal allergies
- Antibacterial properties
- May freshen your breath
- May improve sleep
- May relieve menstrual cramps
- May aid In weight loss
This recipe helps hone in on the antibacterial and breath-freshening properties of peppermint. Add in the amazing benefits of coconut oil, and you have the perfect recipe for oil-pulling.
Mint-Infused Coconut Oil
Ingredients & Supplies:
- 1 cup dried peppermint (I recommend Starwest Botanicals or Frontier Co-Op)
- 1 cup of coconut oil
- 16 or 32 oz. Mason jar
Step 1: Gather 1 cup of dried peppermint and ensure it’s chopped up. I do not recommend using fresh peppermint as the water content may shorten the final product’s shelf life. If you only have fresh peppermint, I recommend drying it before infusing the oil. To learn how to dry herbs, check out our blog, How to Dry Herbs.
Step 2: In a Mason jar, pour 1 cup of oil over the peppermint and combine well.
Step 3: Fill a pot with water and place the jar in the water. Allow to simmer for 2-3 hours.
Step 4: After simmering, strain the mixture through a strainer covered in cheesecloth.
Optional: Some people use a French press to extract the remaining liquid after straining the mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to a dark-colored, glass, airtight container for long-term storage.
Usage & Storage: Shake before each use. Gently swish 1 tablespoon of mint-infused oil in your mouth for 2-10 minutes before brushing, flossing, or tongue scraping. DO NOT SWALLOW! It will last about one year when stored in a cool, dark place like a cabinet. If you notice a rancid smell or visible mold at the top, it has gone bad.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and nothing in this post is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. If you have questions, please do your own research or seek advice from a health professional.
