Gandusha is an ancient Ayurvedic detoxification technique that involves holding oil (typically sesame oil or coconut oil) in the mouth for a specific period. It is part of a set of practices known as "oral hygiene therapies" in Ayurveda, and is often considered a form of "oil pulling". The word "Gandusha" comes from the Sanskrit word "Gandh," meaning fragrance or taste, and "Usha," meaning to hold or retain. Therefore, it is the process of holding oil in the mouth to cleanse the oral cavity and promote overall health.

Gandusha is primarily aimed at improving oral health, but it is also believed to have detoxifying effects on the whole body, enhancing the immune system, and promoting the balance of the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).