Colds

Both kids are sick today. My daughter has been sick for a few days with head congestion and a cough. My son woke up with a sore throat today. I decided to give them a half a dose of the Immune Boosting Capsule I mixed up. It contains Thieves, Oregano, Lemon and Frankincense. Thanks to my YLEO sponsor, Vanessa, for sharing this recipe on Facebook. I've seen this recipe floating around on Pinterest for a while, just haven't needed it. They also drank 1 ounce of NingXia Red. With all the sicknesses that are going around, we are making sure to kick this cold to the curb! Both kids have a history of breathing problems, with my daughter's last episode as recent as this past spring. I'm not taking chances.

Oil Pulling

Are you familiar with oil pulling? If not, this post is for you. Oil pulling is a type of Ayurvedic medicine that dates back thousands of years ago. Oil pulling involves swishing or "pulling" oil through your teeth for 15-20 minutes. The oils that are most commonly recommended are sesame and coconut(virgin). Coconut oil has the added benefit of lauric acid, which is well-known for it's anti-microbial agents. Which makes it more effective! It is said that the best time to "oil pull" is first thing in the morning, before you eat. Once you are done, spit it out into the trash can (not the sink-the coconut oil can clog your pipes) and brush your teeth. Do not swallow what you have just swished!! There are a TON of bacteria in your mouth now just waiting to be spat out. Now brush your teeth.

Now you're wondering.....just what are the benefits of oil pulling?  Here's a list, but this is a condensed list only.........

Whitens teeth
Strengthens teeth, gums & jaws
Helps with teeth sensitivities
Clearer skin
Clears sinuses
Detoxifies the body
Helps you sleep better
Digests headaches
Digests halitosis
Helps cavities & gingivitis
and much more........

I'll just run you through my morning oil pulling routine. I have a small mason jar of extra virgin coconut oil (I buy from VitaCost) mixed with several drops of Thieves essential oil. I keep it on the counter in the kitchen, close to the silverware drawer. Anyway, first thing after my shower I get a heaping teaspoon of the coconut oil and set a timer for 20 min. I start swishing and pulling through my teeth. Once the timer goes off I spit it in a paper dixie cup and put a couple squares of toilet paper in it to absorb the liquid. (*Note-Make sure the liquid you spit out is foamy/milky looking. If it is not, you didn't pull long enough.) I brush my teeth and go about my day.

I have noticed that my teeth are less sensitive, I don't have to use sensitive toothpaste any longer. They are getting whiter too. My mouth feels really clean after oil pulling, like I've been to the dentist. It doesn't take the place of brushing, flossing or going to the dentist. Just one more way to keep our mouths HAPPY!

Happy Oil Pulling!

Kefir

I've been making kefir smoothies for my family (mostly me and the kids) for the past year or so. What I've been using is the store bought kefir, which is lowfat and adding frozen berries to it, then blending it. This past year I started reading the book "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis. One of the foods he recommends is kefir. As I was reading more about kefir, I learned that what I was drinking all along was not good for me beacause it was lowfat and has added sweeteners in it. It needed to be full fat. I was on a search for full fat kefir. I couldn't find it anywhere!! At least not local. I could order it online, if I wanted large cases of it. :( Now what? I started researching. I learned that you can make your own kefir. First I bought a box of kefir starter. It was nice and worked good. The only downfall was once you made your kefir and drank it , it was gone. I wanted something that lasted longer. Now let me introduce you to milk kefir grains. Yay! Just what I've been looking for! The search is over. They are called grains due to their grain-like appearance. They contain a unique symbiotic community of natural bacteria and yeasts, which are able to transform milk into kefir. Just the probiotic bacteria I've been looking for!!

I purchased my milk kefir grains from Cultures for Health. www.culturesforhealth.com .

My husband didn't like to drink kefir smoothies before, but he won't go a day without one now! I usually make mine in my Cuisinart SmartPower Blender (single serve). I use 8 oz. kefir, 1/2 cup frozen berries and 1/4 tsp. pure stevia (or liquid stevia to taste). I like mine thick so i stick it in the freezer while I'm getting ready in the morning, then it's ready for me.