Ayurvedic Daily Routine: Dinacharya Certification Course, Section 7, Lecture 58
Introduction
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a wealth of natural remedies for maintaining overall health. One such practice is Gandush, or oil pulling, which is highly effective for oral hygiene and can also help with various ailments like sinusitis, migraine, and even facial paralysis.
In this blog, we will explore different conditions where Gandush can be beneficial and the best ingredients to use based on your needs.
The Power of Gandush in Oral Health
Many people experience inflammation in the oral cavity, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and bad breath despite maintaining good dental hygiene. Ayurvedic Gandush can help alleviate these issues naturally.
Coconut Oil for Oral Health
- Coconut oil is one of the safest and most widely used oils for Gandush.
- It has cooling properties, making it ideal for all seasons except winter.
- Using coconut oil for Gandush helps prevent:
- Mouth ulcers
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Frequent tooth decay
- Chapped lips
- Dryness of the face
- Regular use of coconut oil for Gandush enhances complexion and gives the face a natural glow.
Honey for Ulcers and Inflammation
- Honey mixed with warm water works wonders for oral inflammation.
- It has natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties, promoting wound healing.
- Ayurvedic texts refer to honey as Ropan, meaning it helps in healing wounds.
- Mixing one teaspoon of honey in 100ml of warm water and using it for Gandush can prevent frequent mouth ulcers and gum bleeding.
Gandush for Sinusitis and Rhinitis
Mustard Oil for Sinus Relief
- Sinusitis occurs when the air pockets in the face get filled with mucus and infection.
- Mustard oil helps dissolve mucus and relieves sinus congestion.
- The strong aroma of mustard oil might be intense, so you can mix it with sesame oil for a milder effect.
- Adding a pinch of rock salt enhances the mucus-clearing effect.
Eucalyptus Oil for Stuffy Nose
- If you have rhinitis or a blocked nose, try mixing 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil with sesame oil for Gandush.
- Alternatively, adding a small pinch of camphor to lukewarm sesame oil clears nasal congestion and helps drain trapped mucus.
Relieving Ear Pain with Gandush
Earaches can result from multiple causes, including infections or inflammation. Gandush can help ease pain when used correctly.
Sariva Decoction for Ear Pain
- Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) is a lesser-known but effective herb for treating ear pain.
- Prepare a decoction by boiling one teaspoon of Sariva in 100ml of water for five minutes.
- For added benefits, mix in a little ginger and clove.
- Using this decoction for Gandush may provide immediate relief from ear pain.
Sesame Oil for Simple Earaches
- If Sariva is not available, lukewarm sesame oil works as a great alternative.
- However, if the ear pain is due to an infection in the lymph glands, Gandush alone may not be effective, and medical consultation is advised.
Gandush for Headaches and Migraines
Wine for Chronic Headaches
- Surprised? Yes, wine can be used for Gandush in cases of severe headaches and migraines.
- Wine acts as a natural painkiller and provides relief to the head region.
- How to use it safely:
- Always use wine at room temperature.
- Do not swallow it; swish and spit it out.
- Start with a short duration (5 minutes) to see how your body reacts.
- If you have a Pitta-dominant body type, use it cautiously and for a shorter duration.
Meat Stock for Deep Healing
Ayurveda recognizes meat stock as a highly nourishing and healing ingredient.
When to Use Meat Stock for Gandush
- Effective for migraines, facial paralysis, sinusitis, earaches, and chronic headaches.
- The best options include chicken or mutton stock (avoid fish stock for Gandush).
- Warm meat stock can be held in the mouth for a comfortable duration before spitting it out.
- This method is particularly beneficial in preventing and managing conditions like facial paralysis.
Experiment with Other Natural Ingredients
Ayurveda encourages the use of natural and safe ingredients for self-healing. Here are a few more beneficial options:
- Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Cinnamon – Helps with oral infections and freshens breath.
- Green Cardamom – Improves digestion and reduces bad breath.
- Black Pepper – Aids in clearing mucus and boosting immunity.
Mix and match these ingredients based on availability and your specific health needs.
Conclusion
Gandush is an ancient yet highly effective Ayurvedic practice that goes beyond oral hygiene. From treating mouth ulcers and sinusitis to relieving migraines and earaches, its benefits are vast. The best part? Most ingredients needed for Gandush are easily available at home!
So, why not give it a try? Start with coconut oil or honey and experience the natural healing power of Ayurveda.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help!
Ritucharya 
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