I am turning granola. Well I’m at least becoming more ‘green’ friendly and more aware of pollutants entering the temple that is my body. I suddenly realized this just the other day when Avril was telling me to stop using Bio Oil as it is a mineral oil full of rubbish stuff that will actually dry my skin out. Rosehip Oil apparently is the way to go – so I have just ordered some from Amazon to give it a whirl as a night treatment.
The other ‘treatment’ I started doing regularly just a few weeks ago may make you feel queasy – but I assure you it is fabulous and you will notice a difference too. Oral health is really important – not just to prevent tooth decay and bad breath – but gum disease has also been shown to raise the incidence of heart disease and premature birth/miscarriage. I am REALLY OCD about my teeth, especially after orthodontic treatments as a child and adult. I want to keep my teeth around forever thank you. In the past I have used a mouth wash for whitening, freshening and rinsing after brushing. Mouthwash can be really harsh and has brought tears to my eyes in the past – plus read the label – I dare you – so many chemicals! Anyway I was reading about juicing (see I am turning granola…) and stumbled across an article about oil pulling. Bear with me. Using an organic oil – I prefer coconut oil – you just swill it in your mouth, like with mouthwash, only for a bit longer, about 15mins. Coconut oil can be a bit intimidating as it is solid at room temperature – but trust me – take a tablespoon in your mouth and it will turn liquid at body temperature. It tastes fabulous – just like coconut – no surprise there really. Ok so what does swilling oil do? Well to a scientist, ah hem, like myself, it makes perfect sense. The oil ‘pulls’ toxins and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Remember hydrophilic and hydrophobic at school? Well all the rubbish stuff in your mouth is actually quite oil friendly (feel free to switch off here, but I used to use oil in my research to separate certain proteins – some liked oil and some didn’t). So the theory is that oil pulling every morning or every other day will remove all the rubbish from your mouth. Avoid swallowing it as it is now full of toxins, and spit it in the bin or down the loo as it will block your sink drains! I swear it has been beneficial – and much more pleasant than mouth wash. Others say it not only freshens breath, whitens teeth and helps oral hygiene but can also aid a more restful sleep and diminish arthritic pain – true detoxification. Give it a go and let me know what you think. It’s now part of my morning routine – and I actually ‘swill’ while showering every morning.
It’s Hugh’s birthday today so we’re both hanging out together. It’s the last time I’ll be able to take him out of school on his birthday. The new drum kit seems to have been a hit (groan – no pun intended) – at least with me and Poppy – one of us WILL tour with Jack White.
I had to nip into Zara to take a couple of things back – poor Hugh got dragged along too but he gave me 10 mins to try a couple of t-shirts that didn’t come home with me.
Boots – Rag & Bone charcoal suede Newburys // Trousers – Dorothy Perkins coated jeggings // Knitted tunic – H&M (old) // Coat – Boden Iona coat (only $97 in clearance!) // Scarf – Marks & Spencer bicycle scarf
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Does your mouth hurt from swigging that long? I would swallow the oil I think.
Lol – it doesn’t need to be vigorous swilling – just gentle…the oil is really lush and thick and it’s a lovely, pleasant sensation – trust me!
so you swill for 15 mins – really? I would gag after 20 seconds!! I am actually going to take your word for it – I KNOW how religious you US folk are about teeth and hygiene and so you should, you put us Brits to shame with our manky teeth (I know I know you are UK born and raised and it’s only the last decade you are US) – even still I think it’s a good thing that people care about their smile
I’m off to find out how to buy this coconut oil you speak of in the UK
Fiona
I nearly said something rude. Just don’t do what I nearly did this morning and put your head under the shower unable to breathe through your nose or mouth – I nearly choked myself:)
I hate coconut so this is a no no for me I’m afraid Joanna, plus I have a very weak gag reflex so not a good combination as u can imagine! Your a mad woman buying Hugh a drum kit! Happy birthday to the little man!
I have never tried it, because I think I might swallow all the oil but my mom does oil pulling with olive oil and she’s sure that it helps a lot.
Happy Birthday Hugh!! You are a brave woman indeed for buying drums but I guess it’s ok if you put him far away at the other end of the house!
Fascinated by the oil pulling. Read it out to Brian and he says it’s a quack thing! lol…would love to prove him wrong so will try. Coconut oil is great for cooking with so I can always use it there if I don’t get on with the pulling!! Avxx
Coconut oil can be used for all types of things – it’s a great moisturizer for dry skin too – it smells divine!
Intriguing! Might just try it as like the thought of getting rid of all those toxins. You even manage to make 15 mins not sound too bad!
Had to smile at your sons feet poking through the curtain!
A bit like the Witch in Dorothy lol – poor boy on his birthday too:)) Let me know how you get on with the oil pulling – I love it!
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