Okay. I'd better post about this for two reasons:
1 - If you read my 'routine' gratitude post, I promised I would, and
2 - It has changed my world.
So ... several years ago I started having sinus problems.
After a severe sinus infection following a trip to New Jersey in 2006
I have always kept Sudafed and Advil on hand and used them
quite regularly - but never on a daily basis - until we moved to Oregon ...
Something about the humidity, the change in elevation and the climate
caused my sinuses to go haywire, and I literally took Sudafed and Advil
EVERY DAY (sometimes twice a day) for about a month and a half.
I wanted to give it some time to see if it would get better on it's own,
but alas, it did not!
I finally got sick enough of it that I started doing a little research
and that is when I came across 'oil pulling' -
I read and researched and googled pros and cons (of which I found none) ...
and then I headed to the store to get some coconut oil.
Here is the reason why:
"Oil pulling traces it roots to oil gargling practiced in Ayurvedic
medicine. Oil pulling as we know it today, was introduced in 1992 by Dr.
F. Karach, MD. Dr. Karach claimed that oil pulling could cure a variety of
illnesses ranging from heart disease and digestive troubles to hormonal
disorders.
"The oil is “worked” in the mouth by pushing,
pulling, and drawing it through the teeth for a period of 15 to 20
minutes. It is done one to three times a day on an empty stomach. The best
time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but can be done before any
meal. The used oil is discarded and the mouth rinsed out with water. The
oil is never swallowed because it is loaded with bacteria, toxins, pus,
and mucous.
"The oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it
around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. It
acts much like the oil you put in your car engine. The oil picks up dirt
and grime. When you drain the oil, it pulls out the dirt and grime with
it, leaving the engine relatively clean. Consequently, the engine runs
smoother and lasts longer. Likewise, when we expel harmful substances from
our bodies our health is improved and we run smoother and last longer.
"As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect.
Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other
parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents
in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products
that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health
problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is
constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes
overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental
toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing
secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of
health problems.
"Oil pulling is incredibly effective in brightening teeth, healing gums,
preventing bad breath, quenching inflammation, and healing oral
infections. It is also effective in treating many systemic conditions
throughout the body." - - Information taken from THIS ARTICLE.
I have now been 'pulling' on a daily basis for about two months
and I cannot believe the difference that it has made!
I have taken Sudafed a total of 6 times in the last two months
(which is MUCH better than one a day),
and my Advil consumption is now reserved for aches and pains
that result from other random things - you know - the normal reason why people take it!
Nate started pulling soon after I did and his headache suffering
has been reduced dramatically, as well as improved sinuses,
less achy joints, and feeling better overall.
Anyway - so that is it!
It is a little time consuming, but also can be quite entertaining if you are
pulling at the same time and try to communicate - especially if
only one of you knows sign language!! :)
Anyway, if you try it out, I'd love to hear about your experience!
