oil pull

English

Etymology

Back-formation from oil pulling.

Verb

oil pull (third-person singular simple present oil pulls, present participle oil pulling, simple past and past participle oil pulled)

1. (transitive) To swish vegetable oil in one's mouth for the purpose of detoxing the body and healing the teeth and gums
   • 2014, Lindsay Sullivan, Emily V. Steinhauser, Oil Pulling and Essential Oils:

     The most recommended oils are sesame, coconut or olive oil. It is also advised to oil pull in the morning, prior to drinking or eating anything.

   • 2015, Dr. Michelle Coleman, Oil Pulling Revolution:

     In desperation with seasonal sinus flare-up, I pulled out my coconut oil with a drop of peppermint and oil pulled for 20 minutes.

Noun

oil pull (plural oil pulls)

1. The act or an instance of oil pulling
   • 2015, Dr. Michelle Coleman, Oil Pulling Revolution:

     If using Melissa to help a canker or cold sore, it is best done with shorter oil pulls of 5 to 10 minutes, three times a day.