Oil Pulling - Highly Effective Herbal Infused Method.

I'm sure most of you have heard of Oil Pulling. I had been doing the coconut oil method for quite some time with pretty fantastic results BUT I still had some issues with sore gums, inflammation and sensitivity. Not nearly as bad as before I started oil pulling but I needed some extra relief..



It suddenly hit me. CALENDULA! Why not try mixing some of my Calendula Infused Oil into the coconut oil for extra healing benefits. I had made up a Caledula Tea which helps speed up healing, reduces inflammation, heals infections etc. I use this tea often to heal sore throats, issues with teeth & gums & infections, so why didn't I think of this earlier?

It made perfect sense. If oil pulling has all of these oral health benefits and the Calendula Infused Tea works so well for improving oral health, wouldn't this be a powerhouse of healing?

You could even pull with the recipe for the 'Calendula Salve' as long as you didn't add in any essential oils or beeswax.

I can honestly say, I noticed a HUGE difference after just one oil pulling session with this mix! I was so excited, and after using it for only a short time now, I am noticing amazing results! Any painful gum or teeth issues have been resolved, my mouth feels overall cleaner and healthier & improving muscles in your jaw results in less teeth clenching, I find. I used to have bad lock-jaw every morning and that hasn't happened once since I started oil pulling!

I think I will use the calendula mix in between straight coconut oil pulling.

You'll have to let me know if you try this! <3

SO what is oil pulling?

• Oil pulling or oil swishing is a folk remedy where oil is "swished" (kavala graha) or "held" (snigda gandoosha) in the mouth. - Wikipedia.


• Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents for pulling harmful bacteria, fungus, and other organisms out of the mouth, teeth, gums and even throat. - Oil Pulling - The Habit That Can Transform Your Health.

What are the said benefits?

It is said to detoxify teeth & gums, remove stains from teeth and improve oral hygiene. Because bacteria and infection can enter the blood stream through the mouth, it is important to keep up your oral hygiene.

Practitioners of oil pulling claim it is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and acne, as well as whitening teeth. Its promoters claim it works by pulling out "toxins", which are known as ama in Ayurvedic medicine, and thereby reducing inflammation. - Wikipedia

Some insights from Henry Happened on OIL PULLING 101: 10 Tips for Making It Work:

• reduced headaches, insomnia, PMS, sinus congestion


• general detoxification benefits


• overall increased oral health


• reduced inflammation in the body, including reduction of arthritis symptoms


• pain relief


• skin problems (eczema, acne, rashes) reduced

How does it work?

Take a spoonful or two of the oil of your choice. Coconut Oil is a very popular choice because of its antibacterial, antimicrobial properties.

Swish and "pull" the oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. (I suggest doing this while you are busy with something else. Shower, checking emails, etc. 20 minutes seems like an eternity otherwise. I am oil pulling as I'm writing this blog post! ^_^) If your mouth gets tired, take a break or swish with less force.

NEVER swallow any of the oil - it is FULL of the toxins that it has pulled from your mouth.

Spit it into the toilet or trash. Because coconut oil solidifies, it could clog your pipes so avoid spitting it down any drains.

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with hot water, & brush your teeth. Some people recommend rinsing with hot water + baking soda as it's supposed to restore the pH balance to your mouth. You can also try out our All Natural Toothpaste. (I'm working on an updated recipe)

How often to pull?

There is no strict schedule for oil pulling. (At least not that I'm aware of.) Some people recommend a few times a day. I usually oil pull every other day, once. I have noticed a difference, so maybe doing it more often would be more beneficial but I'm not entirely certain. If any of you have experience with how often it should be done, maybe you can let me know.

Some Helpful Articles & Suggested Reads:

Oil Pulling for Oral Health - by Wellness Mama

OIL PULLING 101: 10 Tips for Making It Work - by Henry Happened

An Ancient Ayurvedic Ritual for Clearer Skin, Whiter Teeth & Overall Wellness: The Beauty Benefits of Oil Pulling - by Living Pretty, Naturally

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil - by The Coconut Mama

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil & Thieves Essential Oil - by The Coconut Mama

How to Save Money at the Dentist (Hint: Oil Pulling Works!) - by Naturally Healthy Concepts

 

What is your experience with oil pulling? Let me know in the comments below! <3 Happy Healing!

NOTES: Please remember the possibilities of allergies. (some people prefer sesame oil) PLEASE do your research if you are pregnant or breast feeding as there are different opinions on this.

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

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Phototoxic Essential Oil Safety

What does phototoxic mean?

Phototoxic basically means certain oils become toxic in direct sunlight. When a phototoxic essential oil is left on the skin, and you are exposed to the sun, the harmful effects are increased. (severe sunburn, blisters, swelling & even skin colour change)

Best said by David Fisher from candleandsoap.about.com:

Phototoxicity, sometimes referred to as photo sensitivity, refers to constituents in the essential oil that absorb sunlight intensely...in effect, increasing or focusing the effect of the sun on your skin. It’s a constituent of the essential oil called a furanocoumarin that causes this. (Note: It’s also furanocoumarins that make drinking grapefruit juice problematic with some medicines.)

If these phototoxic essential oils, and/or products containing them, are left on the skin and then exposed to sunlight, they can cause the sun’s effect to be greatly magnified.

This mostly applies to products that are going to stay on the skin - “leave-on” products like lotions, lip balms, perfumes etc. In soaps, in which the product is rinsed off, so little of the essential oil remains behind on the skin that I’ve never heard of it being a problem.

Which Oils are phototoxic or cause sun sensitivity?

• Angelica root


• Bergamot (unless it's specified as "bergaptene-free" or Bergamot FCF)


• Cassia


• Cumin


• Ginger (possibly)


• Grapefruit


• Lemon (unless steam distilled)


• Lime / Lime Peel (unless steam distilled)


• Orange (unless sweet orange)


• Tangerine (possibly)


• Verbena

(This is just a list of research I've been doing, if you have any to add, please let me know.)

Here is another great list by David Fisher of phototoxic & toxic oils to be cautious of.

How can I stay safe when using them in my skin care products?

It is suggested to avoid the sun for approximately 12 hours after applying a 'leave on' product containing phototoxic oils. I only apply any products containing phototoxic oils in the evening or at night before bed.

Here is a great article from Nourishing Treasures about Phototoxicity

Here is another great article called Are Essential Oils Safe?

And another for Essential Oil Safety.

Phototoxicity – How to Stay Safe in the Sun - Here you can also find a few great charts outlining the safety of phototoxic oils and how much they should be diluted!

 Image created using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. ALWAYS do your own research when using essential oils. Thanks Friends.

Choosing the right Carrier Oil for your Handmade Remedies.

This is a list of CARRIER OILS - for a list of Essential Oils & Their properties see HERE

[caption id="attachment_503" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Choosing the right Carrier Oil[/caption]

 

SKIN TYPE

Normal 

• Apricot Kernel


• Sweet Almond


• Jojoba


• Sunflower 

Dry / Damaged / Mature

• Argan


• Avocado


• Sweet Almond


• Baobab


• Borage Seed


• Calendula


• Camelina


• Coconut


• Jojoba


• Kukui Nut


• Macadamia


• Meadowfoam


• Olive


• Palm Kernel


• Pomegranate Seed


• Rosehip Seed


• Safflower


• Sea Buckthorn


• Shea Nut


• Sunflower 


• St. John's Wort


• Tamanu


• Wheat Germ

Oily / Acne Prone

• Grapeseed


• Hazelnut


• Jojoba


• Neem 

Sensitive / Prone to allergic reactions

• Apricot Kernel


• Avocado


• Calendula


• Coconut


• Grapeseed


• Kukui Nut

Skin Issues

Eczema / Psoriasis

• Sweet Almond 


• Avocado


• Calendula


• Coconut


• Evening Primrose


• Jojoba


• Kukui Nut


• Neem


• Olive


• Rosehip Seed


• Sea Buckthorn


• Shea Nut

Scars / Stretch Marks

• Argan


• Calendula


• Jojoba


• Kukui Nut


• Macadamia


• Pomegranate Seed


• Rosehip Seed


• Sea Buckthorn


• Shea Nut


• Sunflower 


• Tamanu

Burns / Bruises / Cuts / Scrapes / Stings

• Arnica


• Coconut


• Comfrey


• Macadamia


• Rosemary


• St. John's Wort


• Shea Nut


• Tamanu

Hair

Dry / Damaged

• Argan


• Baobab


• Camelina


• Coconut


• Hemp Seed


• Jojoba


• Kukui nut


• Meadowfoam


• Rosemary

Dandruff

• Jojoba


• Meadowfoam


• Neem 


• Rosemary

Hair Loss 

• Jojoba


• Neem 


• Rosemary

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all your herbal needs. They sell a wide variety of Carrier Oils.

 



An excerpt from Mountain Rose Herbs on the different qualities of carrier oils:

• Cold Pressed - A method of mechanical extraction where heat is reduced and minimized throughout the batching of the raw material. This helps the oil maintain its original state, constituents, and depth. Temperatures are rigorously controlled to ensure that it does not exceed 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not a practical method of extraction for all vegetable oils on the market it is highly regarded as the extraction method of choice.


• Expeller Pressed - A method of natural, mechanical extraction and processing of oils where a small amount of heat is produced simply through the frictional heat created by hydraulic presses. This is usually around 120-200 degrees Fahrenheit and makes the oil suitable and economical as a base for cosmetics because of its fairly undisturbed molecular state. It also makes a fine food grade oil.


• Refined - A fully processed oil where it has been exposed to all methods of refinement including a flash fluctuation in temperature as high as 450 degrees and winterization as low as -30 degrees, deodorization, which removes the heavy and often unsettling odor in oil, and finally bleaching, where natural clays and other mediums are used to alter or remove an oils color, and scent. This makes for an economical oil in cosmetics and body care products, but it is not the healthiest as a food grade oil.


• Partially Refined - A process where only some of the methods available are employed to produce a manufactured oil. Only one or two of the three available methods are used in a partially refined oil. These include, but are not limited to; deodorization, winterization and natural bleaching. These methods are used for oils which have been known historically to go rancid quickly, and they are also used to further stabilize an oil or remove its heavy odor and deep color.


• Unrefined - A process of mechanical extraction and screen filtering where no additional refining process has taken place. This ensures the finest quality product and makes the oil the most exquisite for food and cosmetic preparation. The unrefined process helps oil retain a rich, strong flavor and color that is true to its natural state. Unrefined oils are always darker in color and richer in scent.

Most of the vegetable and carrier oils offered by Mountain Rose Herbs are Earth Kosher

Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Resources: 

Mountain Rose Herbs

http://heaneyl.hubpages.com/hub/carrier-oil-properties-and-effects

Top 50+ Uses for Coconut Oil.

Healing of nearly anything - cuts, bites, rashes, skin irritations, itchiness, the list goes on and on.  Coconut oil is by far my most favorite ingredient in many things! The list is endless as to what it can be used for. I decided to compile a list of MY TOP 50 + FAVORITE ways to use coconut oil here. I'm sure I'll continue adding to the list as time goes on. (Seeing as this started as a list of 20 things) 



 

1. Face / skin Moisturizer  - You can't beat this chemical free alternative, which works 100% better anyhow!


2. Acne Healer. (I like to mix some with a few drops of lavender & tea tree essential oils) 


3. Wrinkle / age spot / imperfection healer. - Also reduces aging.  


4. Makeup Remover - no need to pre-rinse. Just massage some on and gently wipe off with a warm cloth. 


5. Makeup brush cleaner. - massage some into your brushes and wipe off with a warm cloth. 


6. Hair Healer. Heals Dry, split ends & removes the frizzies. (can leave in overnight for an intense hair mask. You may want to wear a shower cap or wrap your head in a towel to avoid getting it all over your pillow.)


7. Oil pulling - Improve oral health, heal mouth problems & more. To pull toxins from your system- swish 1tbs of oil around in your mouth for about 15 minutes. Be sure NOT to swallow, the oil now contains all the yucky toxins from your mouth. Spit and rinse thoroughly.


8. Oil Brushing. - a new favorite thing I've been doing.


9. Tooth paste - Mix with baking soda for an all natural / fluoride free whitening toothpaste.


10. A spoon full or 2 a day to help heal internally & gives a boost of energy.


11. Added to drinks such as coffee, tea, shakes, etc.for extra healing benefits.


12. Beneficial in almost every natural remedy. (Added to almost all of my all natural herbal recipes & remedies.) 


13. To heal or prevent stretch marks. You can wrap a warm towel around the area for extra healing.


14. To heal scars. (yes, even old ones. Add in some calendula for an extra boost) 


15. On eyelashes to help them grow longer and stronger.


16. On cuticles to help nails grow longer and stronger. 


17. Rubbed into the scalp with a mix of peppermint, lavender and tea tree to promote growth. 


18. A safe replacement to baby oil. 


19. Extra beneficial when combined with calendula infused oil for extra healing. (of everything) 


20. A natural (spf 4) Sun screen. Helps tan and lessons the chance of burning. 


21. Sun burn healer. It will lesson the pain, reduce the redness and minimize peeling. (also great mixed with aloe)


22. Great for removing dandruff or cradle cap. (massage into scalp for a few minutes and use a warm cloth to gently wipe off, you can also leave it to soak in for a while.) 


23. It's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties are great for any infections or other issues.


24. For pets suffering skin issues. You can mix into their food, or rub directly on affected areas. (Calendula mixed in works well also)


25. Great for Blackheads & Other face issues! Can be used in a healing face steam. Apply oil to face and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Steam off with a warm face cloth, just patting lightly. 


26. Speeds Metabolism when ingested daily. Can help aid in weight loss. 


27. Gentle enough for healing baby and pets - strong enough to heal a burly mountain man! ;) 


28. All natural lip moisturizer. Perfect for dry, cracked lips. 


29. Add some to your bath with some Epsom salts & allow your body to soak up it's nourishing moisture. 


30. Excellent in Exfoliating Sugar Scrubs (for lips too!) 


31. Mixed with Coffee infused oil makes for a great 'tired eyes cream'.


32. Mixed with coffee infused oil for a cellulite & stretch mark scrub.


33. To relieve blisters. 


34. Mixed with clove oil for instant tooth pain relief. 


35. A natural Beard Oil. 


36. Used as a gentle way to dilute oils (especially for children)  


37. Provides Headache Relief and extra soothing when applied with peppermint and lavender oils.


38. Makes for a healthy alternative oil to cook with. 


39. Excellent for baby bums - especially when mixed with calendula BUT still very beneficial alone.


40. An all over moisturizer. 


41. Mixed with Vitamin e oil (or used on it's own) to heal tattoos. 


42. Face masks,  Hair Masks, even feet masks /hand masks. 


43. For dry cracked heels, slather it on your feet, put on some socks and leave on overnight.


44. To kill yeast and fungus. 


45. Sooths severe skin conditions such as eczema & psoriasis


46. Mixed with calendula to heal cold sores (will work effectively on it's own as well) 


47. Healing shaving bumps.


48. A natural shaving cream


49. As a natural goo-be-gone. 


50. To remove gum and other things in hair or carpets. 


51. To polish furniture (test small area first) 


52. As a natural deodorant. (I'm working on an updated recipe) 

For an excellent & extensive list (101 Uses!) Check out Katie - Wellness Mama's post HERE

Coconut photo by:
 http://elaineselenestock.deviantart.com/

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal needs.

HERE YOU CAN PURCHASE:

• 
  

  Coconut Oil Unrefined

  
  


• 
  

  Coconut Oil Refined

  
  

You can also check out my post HERE to learn more about the different types of carrier oils.



Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Thanks for the read & Happy Healing! ~ 

What do you use coconut oil for? 
I'd love for you to share with me in the comments below! - Let's make this list massive! ~ <3 

Infusing Your Own Oils ~ Herbal Oil Infusion.

Making your own infused oils isn't as difficult as you may think! I use so many different oils for so many different all natural remedies, I love to make (most) of my own. 

A FEW THINGS YOU MAY NEED: (depending on desired preparation)

• Your desired herbs /  flowers *Organic is best* (I like to use dried herbs to prevent bacteria from forming in oil) (You can also crush the herbs if you'd like - this sometimes helps to pull out the most from the herbs)
  


• Large Storage jar with an airtight lid for infusion (I like to use Mason jars for this)


• Smaller storage jars (or you can keep oil in the larger one)


• Carrier oil that your herbs will infuse into (some options are Virgin Olive, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Hemp etc. it is best to look up the different oils to see which is good for what. Extra Virgin Olive oil is least expensive and easiest to obtain but I've put together a bit of a list HERE on choosing a carrier oil that's best suited for what you're making)


• A fine mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth 


• Stove 


• Pan 


• Funnel

There are a few ways I do this. 

Natural or Sun Infusion. 

1. Put herbs you wish to infuse in a jar that has an airtight lid. (Mason / jam jars work well for this)


2. Fill the jar the rest of the way with your choice of oil (Or at least until the herbs are covered)


3. Seal the jar with an airtight lid or cork.


4. Leave the jar to brew on it's own, best in a sunny windowsill.


5. Shake jar every few days - checking the scent / strength of the oil, straining and replacing herbs if a more powerful strength is desired. Usually allowing to brew 1-2 weeks or more.


6. Strain using cheesecloth or a fine screen strainer & store in jar.


7. Store in a dark cool place / in a dark bottle or depending - in the fridge.

Fast Infusion  - Double Boiler / Heating Method

BE CAREFUL & USE OVEN MITTS IF HANDLING JAR!

1. Put herbs you wish to infuse in a jar that has an airtight lid. (Mason / jam jars work well for this)


2. Fill the jar the rest of the way with your choice of oil (or at least until the herbs are covered)


3. Place the jar in a pan filled a quarter of the way full of water and turn on low - medium heat. (I leave mine somewhere between low & medium and I let it infuse for an hour - 2 hours or so. (I leave the lid off) Don't boil, and don't heat the glass up too hot as the jar may burst. 


4. Stir every few minutes. Be sure not to allow the water to get into the oil. 


5. Allow to cool,


6. Strain out herbs using cheesecloth or a very fine strainer.


7. Store in jars, either dark coloured or store in a cool dark place or in the fridge.

---

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs & Starwest Botanicals for all of your herbal healing needs!

HAPPY INFUSING! ~ <3

Have you got any tips or tricks about infusing your own oils? Or even different blends you like to make? I'd love for you to share with me in the comments below!

Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

[caption id="attachment_736" align="alignleft" width="112"] Calendula Infused Oil Pulling Method[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_611" align="alignleft" width="100"] Menstrual Cramps Infused Oil[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_582" align="alignleft" width="99"] Calendula Salve DIY Healing Cream[/caption]