Latest Obsession

I didn't used to think that I had an addictive personality, but clearly - Lara Bars disproved that theory.

My latest obsession?  Coconut oil.

I already knew of the wonders coconut oil could do when cooking and baking, but I'm just now learning how amazing this stuff is when used outside the kitchen. 

I kept seeing a blog post link being shared on Facebook recently and decided to see what oil pulling was all about.  It immediately struck my interest because I feel like I could brush my teeth three times a day, every day, and they still wouldn't be as white as I'd like.  I'm normally way behind on anything trendy, so what did I do first?  I asked my three confidants - Tiff, Rachel, and Cara, if they had heard of oil pulling.  They always know about trendy things lightyears before me.

To my surprise, none of them had.

Basically, you swish 1 tsp. of coconut oil (or any other vegetable based oil) around in your mouth for 20 minutes.  The sticky oil then attracts and pulls bacteria from your mouth and body and dissolves it.   Whaaaaat? 

I mulled over the thought of swishing coconut oil in my mouth for 20 minutes and was a little intimidated.  I don't like coconut and I get tired of swishing mouth wash after 20 seconds so... This didn't sound too appealing.  With no other reason to discredit this practice - I gave it whirl.  

During my first attempt I was totally caught off guard by the need to sort of chew the oil at first (gross), and the need to actively remind myself not to swallow it.  Once I got over those humps, I was swishing away.  Surprisingly, the 20 minutes went by fairly quickly, and now, as a more seasoned oil puller, I've swished while showering, blogging, or doing some other task that will keep my eyes off the timer. 

I've been doing this daily for a week now and can totally tell a difference in my pearly whites!  Apparently, in addition to oil pulling whitening teeth, it can strengthen your gums/teeth/jaw and help with tooth sensitivity, prevent cavities and gingivitis, rid acne/eczema and other skin issues, provide a general body detox, cure a hangover and migraine, improve sleep, clear sinuses and provide allergy relief, help halitosis and general pain issues, and so many more things!

Because coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, oil pulling has prompted me to become slightly obsessed with coconut oil.  I've started using it as a mask on my face to help moisturize and eliminate redness and smearing it on Camden's bum to keep redness/diaper rashes at bay.

Other uses for coconut oil? 

- In place of/addition to Lanolin cream to sooth cracked or irritated nursing nipples (Uhhh, why was this not readily available in our home in December 2012?)
- A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz
- Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
- Externally, for pets struggling with skin issues (I'm looking at you, Brock)

Seriously, the list goes on, and on, and on!

So, tell me.  Have you used coconut oil inside or outside the kitchen?  Have you heard of or tried oil pulling?  Inquiring minds want to know!

(Rachel tells me that Costco sells giant jars of coconut oil.  I may or may not become a coconut oil hoarder.)