I was in Miami to speak at a conference on food blogging. There was a constant pain in my paranasal sinuses and left ear. At one point my gums were swollen. Great, I thought, I have a sinus infection. Having resorted to taking ibuprofen to at least get through the weekend, I resolved to take nothing else until finding a natural solution when returning to New York.
Oil pulling seemed like a far fetched solution. But…it worked!! Within 30 minutes of doing it, I thought I was in an episode of X Files with the neon stuff that came out of my nose. I have used this method for congestion, teeth whitening, and curing my sinus infection.

Oil pulling is an ayurvedic method. Traditionally, it involves using unrefined, untoasted sesame oil. Success has been reported by others I’ve recommended this to using coconut and neem oil.

Oil pulling has been reported to treat the following conditions: “Mouth & Gum Disease; Stiff Joints; Allergies; Asthma; High Blood Sugar; Constipation; Migraines; Bronchitis; Eczema; Heart, Kidney, Lung Diseases; Leukemia; Arthritis; Meningitis; Insomnia; Menopause (hormonal issues); Cancer; AIDS; Chronic Infections; Varicose Veins; High Blood Pressure; Diabetes; Polio; Cracked Heels.”¹

::How to::
1::
First thing in the am, on an empty stomach, before you eat, drink water, or brush your teeth, take 1 tablespoon of oil.

2::
Put the oil in your mouth and swish and pull it through your teeth for 5-20 minutes. The longer you do it, the better. The oil will turn into a thin foam in your mouth after the first 2 minutes.

3::
DO NOT SWALLOW or get the oil on your throat as it is now toxic. Spit it out after the allotted time.

4::
Rinse you mouth well and drink plenty of water afterward, minimum 2 glasses full.

You can do this more than once during the same day but it must be on an empty stomach so one hour after drinking a liquid or 3-4 hours after eating. Hopefully, this method will be as useful to you as it has been to me. and if you try it, please let me know about your experience.

¹Earth Clinic

My number one secret for losing weight is cutting out dairy, switching to plant-based calcium sources and whole grains. I went from a size 14/16 to a size 2/4 in a matter of months. The increased fiber in my diet did wonders for achieving a flat belly. I learned from my mom that as a baby I was lactose intolerant and now I see the effects of listening to my body. Check out these ways to get your plant-based calcium fix.

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I always forget about allergy season; then it is too late. The pollen has hit. the rain has stopped, and I am a mess of itchy eyes and sneezing fits. This year, I’m committed to creating a different result. Let’s Go!

Dust & Spring Clean
Read Spring Clean/Detox Your Kitchen, and apply to your entire household.

In addition:
- Donate old clothes that you have not worn in 1-2 years. It is time to let go Please be aware that I will be taking my own advice as I have a basement clothing museum.

- Change your filters in your air conditioner and HEPA air purifier.

Body Talk
Read my post Have Allergies? Some drug-free tips and remedies to combat hay fever from last season for foods to curb and increase as well as some nutrients that support you during allergy season.

In addition:
- Start taking quercetin and nettle supplements now. They need at at least 1-2 months of intake for your system to absorb the benefits and be prepared for the allergy battle. Both quercetin and nettle provide natural antihistamine protection. You can take in supplement form and/or up your intake of veggies that contain quercetin such as onions, green/black tea, most red fruits and vegetable, dark leafy greens.

- There are some who believe using locally produced honey helps support building up immunity to local pollens. There of course is a great debate in the vegan community about the use of honey since many consider it to be an animal product. While most commercial production of honey is cruel and invasive, there are some local producers who are also vegan and care for their bees immensely. If you are open, investigate and talk to you local producer and make a decision that works for you.

Get Your Water Game Tight
Water not only provides hydration; It eliminates toxins from the body. This is super important especially during the allergy season. Allowing your body to go into a state of dehydration will create a haven for histamines to latch and create havoc.

Stop Stressing
A study in 2008 by Ohio State University revealed that stress and anxiety can actually make seasonal allergies worse. Create habits and activities now that combat a stressful day. Consider yoga and meditation for at least 15 minutes as part of your early morning routine. During the day, make sure to take breaks and moments of self reflection. AND BREATHE. I even have a bad habit of holding my breathe periodically and not realizing I’m doing it. Take conscious breathes throughout the day, as it is a natural means of releasing tension in the body.

Now I feel like I’m prepared for the allergy season and hope you do too! If you have any other suggestions and methods/supplements etc that have worked for you, please leave a comment below.

Today’s guest post comes at the perfect time. Aisha Alayande, herbalist and owner of TheHealingPot.com, shares some tips on teas that will warm the body, boost are immune system, and fight off an annoying cold/flu. Use these tips along “Top 5 Natural Ways to Prevent and Fight a Cold or Flu” to support you this winter season.
Read more…

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