What on Earth is "Oil Pulling"?

While perusing one of my new favourite Mama Blogs - I came across a video about "Oil Pulling". Well at first I was sort of grossed out, but mainly I was super curious! So I began googling, and apparently people have been experiencing some seriously awesome reactions to this little ritual, that I couldn't ignore.

What is it? Well, first thing in the morning (or on an empty stomach) you pop a spoonful of veg. oil into your mouth and swish it around for 15-20 min. It supposed to activate natural enzymes, and pull toxins out of your body through your mouth. Sounds a little hoaky, but people are reporting amazing health results! First and foremost, stellar oral health. Whiter teeth; healthier gums - not to mention story after story of people's accounts of healed gum disease, tooth infections etc. the list goes on. the next most common result was softer, clearer, glowing skin all over the body, specifically on the face, elbows and heals.
There are also reports of cured asthma, headaches, bronchitis, thrombosis, chronic blood disorders, arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, eczema, stomach ulcers, chronic intestinal diseases, heart and Nierenbe complaints, gynecological illnesses, neurological diseases and liver diseases! *

SO, I thought, why not try it out myself?  There's no harm in trying, since it's just oil.. and the worst that could happen is that it makes me gag the first time, and the best that could happen is that I have improved health.

Day 1 - today :) I grabbed a spoonful of organic coconut oil and had a very hard time popping it into my mouth. Coconut oil is great b/c the taste is mild, and it smells great, but it's solid at room temperature, so it was really weird to have in my mouth at first. (most resources suggest sesame oil, so I think I'll be switching to that soon, as I think the texture will be easier on the palette :} ) I had to keep it between my teeth and cheek until it dissolved into my saliva. But, after that, it was easy peasy! 15 minutes of swishing, then I spit it out into the garbage. You wouldn't want to spit into a sink b/c it might clog the drain. I then rinsed with salt water (everything I've read has suggested this b/c there are loads of toxins and bacteria left over in your mouth that you really should rinse out). Then I brushed my teeth like usual. So I'll continue to do this every morning, and take photos every week to track any visual progress (whiter teeth, pinker gums?)  

*Here is the link to oilpulling.com, for more in depth information on this technique.

I'd love to hear if anyone has ever tried this, and their experience with it :)

Good Ol' Fashioned Dog Treats!

This is Watson, our lovable not-so-little Bernese Mountain Dog. We love her to bits.. and we try our best to provide her with the best we know how, physically, emotionally and nutritionally :)

It wasn't that long ago that kibble was introduced to pet owners as an economical and easy food option for pets, sort of like a TV dinner for pets - it was all about simplifying our daily lives. In fact it was only 60 years ago or so that kibble was introduced. Before then, pets ate table scraps and raw food. So we choose to live by this philosophy with Watson for a number of reasons, and we feed our pupster raw meat and veggies, as well as appropriate table scraps. We still buy "natural" manufactured dog treats for the most part, such as dehydrated beef liver, but today I am going to make our girl some homemade cookies :) They are dead easy, and Watson LOVES them. It's a good thing these recipes make so many, because they won't last very long.

I found these recipes (and adapted them a touch) in a little doggy cookbook called "The Doggy Bone Cookbook"; not only are they super easy, and make a lot as I mentioned, but they are really inexpensive to make.. and if you are a dog owner, you know how much natural dog treats can set you back.. even the crappy ones can cost an arm and a leg :) These cookies also make great gifts for doggy friends!

Peamutt Butter
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp veggie oil
1 cup water
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl combine peanut butter, oil, and water. Gradually add flour, then oatmeal. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with your favourite cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 35 min. Makes 5 dozen.

Garlick & Cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic powder (or) 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together cheese, garlic and butter. Add Milk and flour. Mold mixture into ball and roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with your favourite cookie cutter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 min. or until edges start to brown. Makes 3 dozen.

***A note about garlic. Some professionals say that since garlic is a member of the onion family that it could be bad for dogs; while other professionals recommend it for natural pest repellent such as heart-worm prevention and repelling mosquitoes - studies also show that it is great for a dog's cardiovascular system.  We've been giving Watson raw garlic in her food for years now, and she's thriving. However, please use your own discretion as a pet owner.