May is almost over and here we are about half way through the year. I hope you all are out there working hard on creating a New You! Don’t let the fact that we are half way through the year be a deterrent and let it discourage you. You need to open up your mind and think “I can do this.” Maybe you haven’t even made one change yet……well this is your time to jump on board that train! Now is the time because look at it this way…you still have half a year left!! Today is the best time to get started being the best YOU, that you can be.
Most of us take our healthy gums and teeth for granted. Talk to someone that has had major dental problems and they will tell you not to take them for granted and to make sure to brush, floss, not eat too many sugary things, and visit your dentist regularly. I certainly hope you all are doing that already. You really need to be proactive about your dental care. Don’t put it off!
I’d like to tell you about an alternative way to take care of your mouth, teeth, gums, and boost your immune system while doing it. This is the practice of Oil Pulling and I’m hooked!!! You may or may not have heard of this practice and maybe you’ve never given it a thought; but let me tell you, it really works to decrease bacteria in your mouth and it builds healthy, whiter teeth, freshens breath and improves your gums. The oil actually pulls impurities out of your body. These impurities stick right to the oil and you spit them out where they belong; in the trash!
This practice of “Oil Pulling” has been used by Ayurvedic Medicine Systems, which is one of the oldest medicine systems in the world. Ayurvedic Medicine actually started in India about 3,000 years ago. People all over the world are still using this type of practice today. Don’t know if you know that yoga and meditation are part of this system too! Lots of folks really believe in this type of natural health care for overall health and wellness. I know I do!
Back 3000 years ago folks didn’t go to the dentist twice a year and brush and floss like we do today. No one had ever heard of a toothbrush, yet the people actually didn’t loose their teeth because of rotten, decaying teeth either. They were actually found with a set of full teeth according to archeologists. The sweet sugary candies and drinks hadn’t been invented yet so pretty much they ate a diet of greens, grains, fruits, and meat. They used chew sticks to clean their teeth. Chew sticks were found in tombs of the Egyptians dating back to 3000 b.c. and many other areas around Egypt also used “Oil Pulling.”
So what do you actually have to do for oil pulling? Well it is basically taking about 1-2 teaspoons of coconut, (best choice because it is anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti inflammatory, ) sesame, or almond oil and swish it around in your mouth and through your teeth for 10-20 minutes. I find the best way to do this is while I’m getting ready in the morning and doing my normal routine. Set a timer, keep swishing, and don’t swallow all that toxic junk you worked so hard to get rid of. Spit it out when done!
The best time to do oil pulling is first thing in the morning right after you get up, but if you did it any time in the day or evening it would be beneficial. (I’m actually doing it know as I write this blog) Don’t brush your teeth or drink anything. You want to do this on an empty stomach. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of oil. (I only use about 1 teaspoon because my mouth can’t handle much more) Swish the solid oil around in your mouth, gently. As you are swishing, the solid oil will become liquid. Try to make it for 10-20 minutes and then dispose. (If you can only make it 5 that’s great!! Do what you can!I) Spit it in the trash can since the oils might mess up the plumbing. Have a glass ready to rinse your mouth out with plain water or you actually you can use a warm salt water mix to swish around for added benefit! Next brush your teeth like you normally would. Voila! You have a super clean, awesome, feeling mouth! I have a great toothpaste I like to use that is fluoride free. I would love to give you a sample if you would like to try some.
Plan on using this oil pulling method 3 to 4 times a week. You will notice a huge difference!!! Like what you ask? Well you will have whiter teeth, reduction of halitosis (bad breath), less sinus drainage, reduction of migraines, hangovers might vanish…crazy I know…but it’s all connected, and less sensitive teeth!
Below is a video that outlines exactly what you should do for oil pulling step by step and some other good info from Dr. Axe.
The hard part for me is that I don’t care for the taste of coconut so I will add a few drops of essential oils into it. I scoop out the coconut oil on a spoon and I love to use clove and cinnamon oil. Clove oil is fantastic for dental health. It helps to clean the teeth and gums while promoting fresh breath. You might like orange oil or peppermint oil too. You can mix it up and choose what floats your boat on a given day. Now make sure to choose a therapeutic grade oil that can be consumed. Not all oils are the same. For more information about the best oils on the planet, please get in touch with me.
Oil pulling actually helps reverse tooth decay. Read an article HERE that talks about reversing tooth decay. I can tell you first hand that it does work. I went for my normal bi-annual check up and teeth cleaning; the hygienist stuck that pointy probe instrument in my tooth and it stuck right in there. The dentist came in and did the same thing. She said, “Let’s schedule a time to have it filled. I started oil pulling and when I went back, it was hard as a rock. They were both like “Well we aren’t sure what happened??” Well I know what happened, I reversed my decaying tooth! Bam!
I think coconut oil is an essential in any house. It’s not only great in the kitchen, you’ve just learned about oil pulling, and you can also use it in your hair as a conditioner. Your hair will be soft and shiny. After you get out of the shower and towel dry your hair, rub a little bit in your hands and spread it all over your hair. Don’t use too much or you will end up with greasy hair You can use coconut oil as a skin moisturizer too! You know I am big on not putting chemical laden lotions on my body; well this has 1 ingredient: coconut oil. Towel dry and rub some coconut oil all over your body in place of lotion. Use a high quality coconut oil like this one here. You can’t get much more natural than that, right?
I really hope you give this a try and I know you will be hooked too!! A high quality, organic, coconut oil is fairly inexpensive and so versatile. One jar will last several months. I’ve had my jar for about 6 months now. You can’t beat that! It really makes your mouth, skin, and hair, look and feel great!
Make sure to get your clothes cleaned out of your closets for serveamillion.org. The collection ends May 31st!! Get moving!
I hope you have a great week and make sure to be kind to someone out there!
Naturally, Lisa
