General Medicine
Question #12785
4 days ago
6

What are the different types of Gandusha, and how do they benefit health? - #12785

Anonymously

I recently started practicing oil pulling with coconut oil for better oral hygiene, but I came across different types of Gandusha in Ayurveda. I’ve read that Gandusha is an advanced version of oil pulling, but I’m confused about how it differs and which type is best for specific health concerns. From what I understand, there are various types of Gandusha, including Snigdha (oily), Shamana (cooling), and Ropana (healing). But how does each type work differently? Are certain oils or decoctions better for gum health, detoxification, or strengthening teeth? I also want to know whether different types of Gandusha can help with issues beyond oral care. Does it improve digestion, reduce headaches, or have other full-body benefits? Also, how long should one practice Gandusha to see noticeable improvements in health? If anyone has experience with different types of Gandusha, please share your insights. Which type worked best for you, and how often did you practice it? Also, were there any specific health benefits you noticed beyond oral hygiene?

Types of gandusha
Ayurvedic oral care
Oil pulling benefits
Natural gum health
Ayurvedic detox
Herbal mouth rinse

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Doctors’ responses

Dr Sujal Patil
Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda. I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.
4 days ago
5
**Gandusha** is a traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic practice that involves holding oil, medicated liquid, or other substances in the mouth for a certain period. This process is part of the **oral hygiene** and **detoxification** practices in Ayurveda. Gandusha helps cleanse the mouth, improve dental health, and balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). It is believed to have a range of therapeutic benefits for the whole body, as the mouth is considered the gateway to health in Ayurveda. ### Different Types of Gandusha: 1. **Oil Gandusha (Kavala or Oil Pulling)** - **Method:** In this type, a tablespoon of oil (typically sesame oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil) is swished around the mouth for about 10–20 minutes and then spit out. - **Benefits:** - **Detoxification:** It helps remove toxins (Ama) from the mouth and improves oral hygiene by cleansing the teeth and gums. - **Reduces Inflammation:** The oil helps to soothe gums, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy teeth and gums. - **Oral Health:** It can prevent bad breath (halitosis), reduce plaque buildup, and combat gingivitis. - **Strengthens Teeth and Gums:** The oil helps nourish the tissues in the mouth, making teeth and gums stronger. - **Promotes General Detoxification:** Oil pulling is thought to help detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system. 2. **Herbal Gandusha** - **Method:** In this practice, a decoction of medicinal herbs like **Turmeric**, **Neem**, **Clove**, **Basil**, or **Triphala** is used in place of oil. The herbs are boiled in water and then swished around the mouth. - **Benefits:** - **Antibacterial and Antifungal:** The herbs used in Gandusha have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, promoting oral health and preventing infections. - **Cleansing and Healing:** Herbal Gandusha helps cleanse the mouth and promotes healing of ulcers, sores, or infections in the mouth. - **Improves Digestion:** Some herbal preparations used in Gandusha are believed to stimulate digestive juices and improve overall digestion. - **Anti-inflammatory:** Herbs like turmeric reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can be beneficial for conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. 3. **Salt Water Gandusha** - **Method:** A solution of warm water with salt (usually Himalayan salt or rock salt) is used for swishing in the mouth. - **Benefits:** - **Reduces Inflammation:** Salt water has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe inflamed gums. - **Oral Hygiene:** It helps in maintaining oral hygiene, reducing bacteria, and improving gum health. - **Cleanses the Mouth:** Salt water aids in washing away toxins and food particles, promoting fresh breath. - **Relieves Sore Throat and Mouth Ulcers:** Salt water Gandusha is often used for treating sore throats and mouth ulcers due to its healing properties. 4. **Milk Gandusha** - **Method:** This involves using warm milk (sometimes with added herbs) for swishing in the mouth. - **Benefits:** - **Soothing and Moisturizing:** Milk has a soothing, hydrating effect on the tissues in the mouth and can be beneficial for dry mouth conditions. - **Nourishes Oral Tissues:** The calcium and proteins in milk help nourish the gums and teeth, promoting oral health. - **Balances Doshas:** Milk is considered a Kapha-pacifying substance, and it is often used for calming and soothing the mouth and throat. 5. **Lemon Water Gandusha** - **Method:** A mixture of warm water with lemon juice is swished around the mouth. - **Benefits:** - **Cleansing and Refreshing:** The acidity of lemon juice helps cleanse the mouth, freshen breath, and stimulate saliva production, which helps in digestion. - **Rich in Vitamin C:** Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which can help maintain healthy gums and teeth. - **Aids in Detoxification:** The lemon helps balance the body's pH levels, facilitating detoxification and promoting overall health. 6. **Honey Gandusha** - **Method:** In this practice, raw honey is used in the mouth and swished around. - **Benefits:** - **Antibacterial:** Honey is known for its antibacterial properties, helping to protect the mouth from harmful bacteria and infections. - **Wound Healing:** Honey can help heal cuts, wounds, or ulcers in the mouth and promote tissue regeneration. - **Moisturizing and Soothing:** Honey also helps to moisturize the oral mucosa, reducing dryness and promoting comfort. ### Health Benefits of Gandusha: - **Improved Oral Health:** Gandusha cleanses the mouth, reduces bacteria, strengthens gums, and helps prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gingivitis. - **Detoxification:** It is believed to remove toxins from the body through the mouth, helping to purify the system. - **Balances Doshas:** Depending on the substance used (oil, salt water, herbal decoctions), Gandusha can balance the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — in the body. - **Prevents Infections:** It helps prevent oral infections, reduces inflammation, and can aid in treating conditions like mouth ulcers, sore throat, and gum disease. - **Stress Relief:** Gandusha helps calm the mind and reduce stress, particularly when used with soothing substances like milk or herbs. - **Promotes Digestive Health:** Some types of Gandusha, particularly those with herbal ingredients, can stimulate the digestive system and improve overall digestion. ### How to Practice Gandusha: 1. Take about a tablespoon to a mouthful of the chosen substance (oil, herbal decoction, salt water, etc.). 2. Swish the substance around the mouth for about 10–20 minutes, making sure it reaches all parts of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, and tongue. 3. Spit it out (do not swallow) and rinse the mouth with warm water afterward. 4. It is recommended to perform Gandusha early in the morning before eating or drinking. ### Conclusion: Gandusha is an effective Ayurvedic practice for oral health, detoxification, and overall well-being. The type of Gandusha used can depend on the individual's health goals and dosha imbalances. Regular practice of Gandusha can support both oral hygiene and the detoxification process, promoting long-term health benefits.

0 replies
Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
20 hours ago
5
Gandusha in Ayurveda is indeed an advanced version of oil pulling, with different types tailored for specific health concerns. Snigdha Gandusha uses oils like sesame or coconut to provide nourishment and lubrication, which helps with gum health, detoxification, and strengthening teeth. Shamana Gandusha involves cooling oils or decoctions, often used for conditions like pitta imbalances, helping to soothe inflammation in the gums and relieve oral irritation. Ropana Gandusha focuses on healing and is typically used for oral wounds, ulcers, or to improve tissue regeneration. While Gandusha is mainly beneficial for oral hygiene, it can also improve digestion, help reduce headaches, and support overall detoxification by clearing toxins from the body. Regular practice, typically 5-10 minutes daily, can show noticeable improvements in both oral and overall health, though results may vary depending on individual constitution and health conditions.

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