Oil Pulling Day Two

Day two of oil pulling. I had to wait until my fiance and his build crew left for the day so I was only able to swish for 10 minutes before work. Today was a lot easier to take more of the oil. I put small amounts at a time between my teeth and lips and let it melt. Instead of waiting a minute or two between additions, I added more as soon as the previous bit was incorporated. I was able to take approx. 1 1/2 tablespoons in the 10 minutes. The last addition probably was only swished for a minute or two. Then I swished with salt water. (really salty today, oops dropped in a looot of salt)
I brushed afterwards with baking soda and a drop of peppermint oil. I wanted to get rid of that film that was left but I didn't want to use too many other products so I can gauge the reaction of the coconut oil.
For breakfast, I am having oatmeal with some coconut oil mixed in (made it creamier) and water. I got some small stomach cramps and my hands and wrist continue to ache. I think it is the tendons that are sore, not the joints. I'm having trouble gripping and pulling. Even grabbing mugs to put away from the dishwasher.

No-Poo journey day three

First No-Poo update. I have gotten plastic squeezy bottles and filled one with 1 cup water/1 tbsp baking soda and one with 1 cup water/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (acv).  I decided not to waste or give up my beloved It's A 10 but will supplement with coconut oil weekly deep treatments and coconut oil/shea butter glossing creme (when I can find shea) . After the first wash, I feel like my hair is fuller, I can tell the difference between squeeky clean (but stripped) and clean and fresh (but still full of natural oils). It's like the difference between my hair falling in  a perfect curtain like in a shampoo commercial or it falling in locks like curly hair.. but its straight. Its a weird feeling, but I think I like it. Right now the cut is so awful that I don't have any idea what it is doing.
Second wash was last night since I had some flakes and it bothers me. I put it wet into french braids and it is still there drying. I will probably start doing braids more often (including all the time for bed) to stop putting a hair tie right over the middle part. I'd rather protect the middle part of the shaft, keep the scalp clean and healthy, and break the ends a little to keep it tucked away and safe.

Oil Pulling Day One

While researching shampoo-less methods of washing hair, I came upon the practice of using coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment. (HTHG's no-poo journey) This lead to further research on coconut oil, as I had heard things like taking a couple of tablespoons a day will improve memory or giving it to your pets will help with joint function. Reading more, it seems to be a wonder drug; improving everything from RA to gut pain.
The technique for pulling seems simple: take a small amount of oil into the mouth and gently work between teeth and around mouth for 15-20 minutes. You can use any vegetable oil, but since coconut oil has antimicrobal properties and since I can use it for a host of other things, I went to the local heath food store and got a jar of Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil.
This morning I scooped out a 1/2 tablespoon and popped it in my mouth. Last thought beforehand: I hope this doesn't have a weird texture. First thought after: gag reflex, spit gross chunky blob into sink. Second attempt I took a 1/2 tablespoon and took a little smidge at a time and let it melt and swish around. I found that if I put it between my lips and teeth and pulled it through my teeth the chunky blob feeling was reduced. I also read after the fact, that someone else has success with "chewing" the oil to melt it quicker, I'll try that tomorrow. I kept my head inclined forward (reading a book helped keep the incline) and tried really hard not to swallow but the reflex kicked in a couple times, keeping my head forward helped not swallow too much of the oil. I had to spit out a bit several times so I would be able to take the full 1/2 tbsp since I'm a drool monster. After approx. 15 minutes I spit into a cup and threw it out. It was white and cloudy. Then I rinsed with salt water to help further reduce gum inflammation and rinse out the gross oily texture. My mouth felt cleaner but my teeth didn't feel as smooth as after brushing. I burped a few times and felt a little nausea. I read that you might possible throw up the first few times as your body is getting all the bad stuff out. I felt hungry and ate a scrambled egg with some water which didn't give me any cramps. Later Tim made me some fried papas (made with no fat, will try to convince him to use coconut oil in future to add more to diet in addition to swishing)