The Coconut Pull

A month ago I posted,  Pulling for Me.  For those of you that don't know what Oil Pulling is, it's when you take a teaspoon or two of oil, I prefer coconut, and swish it around your mouth for up to 20 minutes a day. The benefits are described as follows:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

I can't relate to any of the above 'cures' or supposed benefits above.  I do have sinus issues, and I haven't seen any difference there.  My vision surely hasn't improved :(  I won't bore you.

What I DID notice, while being this Pulling Fool, was the whitening of my teeth!  I am so excited to report my pearls have become pearly white!  Sorry I didn't do a before and after but, believe me, it did work. I've used the strips, and they work well but leave my teeth sensitive. Since most mornings I do have the time to swish around for 20 minutes, I'll keep this up many days during each week.  It's cheaper and more effective.

While I can't personally claim all the great benefits of Pulling being touted, I'll hope that all of the above and below (if and when relevant), become closer to the possible.

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for oral health include:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis
• Prevention for bad breath
• Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
• Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area

In the mean time, I'll be very satisfied with my whiter teeth,

Pulling Fool!

Well, I don't have an April Fool's joke to pull on you. Yes, today is April Fool's! Does anyone ever really remember this day? Usually I do a day or two later.  It's a strange day, and I can't remember anyone ever trying to fool me with anything drastically crazy in the past. Not that I can recall anyway.

However, I do have an update on my Oil Pulling, no fooling! 

I have mostly been using coconut oil.  One day I used walnut, then realized it was toasted.  Not a good idea.  So I've stuck with coconut because I really like the light-subtle taste. Especially for first thing in the morning, prior to anything else. I only do this once per day.  I've read others doing it twice per day. Personal choice. I am happy to report that I haven't had any gag sessions, or gross experiences.  NOTE: Don't try to talk while pulling, you will dribble and possibly let out some drops on your shirt or floor!  Yes, I did that. 

TEETH

Although I haven't taken before/after photos of my teeth to show-off, I have seen a difference in them in these past two weeks of pulling.  I am very happy to report that, so I'm hoping for whiter in another two weeks.  I wish I could see, or feel a difference elsewhere, like in the list below. (This was in my original post.)  It would be great if it helped with bloating! Do I hear a 'heck yeah' from my girls? Maybe I didn't focus on these areas.  Maybe they seem too 'unrealistic'? They say some people have experienced these changes, so I'm going to stay positive and try to pay more attention to some of the items.  I'll keep you posted!

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms


Do you have a good April Fool's story? Given or received?
Would love to read about them in comments, below. 

Happy Foolin' Around :) 

Bugging Out!

How many of you have been hit with the nasty-bug this season?  

My hand is up in the air!! I was sick for over 3-weeks with this horrible 'thing'. It was like this evil demon that was driven right into my very soul, taking me down to a weakling. Ugh. It was strange, no fevers, no chills, none of the typical flu symptoms.

The begining was a good 12 hours of barfing (sorry), the only symptom.  We were celebrating the hubsters 55th that Saturday, away! Okay, this was back in January, but I stumbled upon it in my drafts. Don't be a hater :)

I surprised him with a hotel stay, a massage, a comedy show, and The Bacon Brothers!  Yup, Kevin Bacon. I was so excited to see them! Oh we saw them...at a glimpse. As we walked right past the Bro's, to the lobby where I showered the lovely "hotel opening day", with part of my 'internal demon that my body was rejecting'. Yes, I did that, for what seemed like eternity!! It was all a blur.  The hubster definitely did me a solid, taking care of me.  Wow, was I sick! 

It was a fun day, up until that.

Although I thought by Monday morning I'd be fine with a 24-hour bug or something, I wasn't. I was so exhausted I wanted to stay in bed and sleep for a week.  Prior commitments forced me to get up and move around.  My beautiful little niece and beautiful sister were coming to visit for two whole weeks! I was so excited and I needed to get my act together, quick.

By Thursday the cold symptoms knocked me right back down! Getting on the mend was my only thought!  I had to do something.  So I googled...and found...then I made this concoction of a decongestant.  It works people! 

This really helped me. A lot. Use it throughout the day, if you are congested.

 Not remembering where I got this, I was a basket case, I did save these directions. 

Directions

Pour ¼ cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar in pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of raw organic honey and ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and powdered ginger each (the latter amount makes it quite strong.) Store in a jar in a cool, dark, place indefinitely. Adults take 1-2 tablespoons daily as needed. Shake well before using, as the powder doesn’t dissolve in the most pristine way.

As my sister said, 'the baby will make you feel better'.  She sure did! I was so happy to have her all to myself everyday as everyone went to work. (I'm just happy she didn't get my illness.) I'm sooo lucky.

Sad to say, my little beauties had to go home.

Questions:

Has anyone ever tried Olive Leaf Extract? Does it work for you?
Does anyone use garlic as a preventative?
Any other suggestions for a daily preventative, or seasonal?

Hoping y'all are healthy & warm during this crazy season!  Think Spring, even though we aren't experiencing much of it yet!

Hugs and stuff,

  

Pulling For Me!

I'm pulling for me! Day 3.

Do you know what "Oil Pulling" is?  It's when you take a teaspoon or two of oil, I prefer coconut oil, and swish it around your mouth for up to 20 minutes a day. Crazy, right?

The benefits you ask? It's said bacteria is literally pulled into the oil. So spit that stuff out when your done. Makes sense, right? All the bacteria and toxins start in the mouth. Oh, and it is claimed to whiten teeth!  I like that, and I'm game to try.

I've read so much hype on this oil pulling to be a healthy thing, I'm interested.  Who doesn't want to be healthy? I'm always looking to better myself and my health. 

I've stumbled on this over many places of the internet and magazines.
However, it all started here:

One of my favorite blogs that I stumbled upon when I first started blogging. Cutie-pie Erin over there, has her act together.  She has the answers to the most FAQ's and shares her own one-month experience with Oil Pulling. (Do check out more on her blog than just the oil pulling.) 

So I decided on coconut oil, because I love the smell and the flavor.  I warm it up to melt a little before putting it into my mouth.  Maybe I'll try Sesame or Walnut oil tomorrow.  Change it up. 

I've read the following, here. Food Matters, also has info on the different oils and their benefits.

First, the oils mix with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oils begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, it is spit out before the toxins are reabsorbed.

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for oral health include:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis
• Prevention for bad breath
• Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
• Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

I also stumbled upon The Wellness Mama! Lots of healthy food and healthy information on this blog. So happy I stumble on it, and have been stalking it for two days.

A simple 'how to':

- 1 - 2 tsp of organic oil, your preference
- Swish around for 20 minutes, first thing in the morning, prior to any drinking or food
- Spit into paper cup, tin, trash can. Don't test your septic for this stuff!
- Rinse your mouth well with warm water, brush if desired
- Brush to remove any remaining bacteria, or oil

So check it out for yourself, if your interested.  Google it, read it, do it!  For your health. 

Notes: DON'T SWALLOW! Be sure to spit that stuff out! You don't want to swallow the bacteria. Spit into the garbage, you don't want to clog the drain either.  

I'll be checking back next week with any changes I may see in my oil pulling experience.  
It's all the rage! 

(Side note to Kristi, I'll be back.)

Pulling for you,