Friday 26 November 2010

OILIES...

Without realising it, I think we have struck oil - in my household that is.

We have oils in the kitchen, oils in the bathroom, oils in the bedroom.

In my kitchen pantry I have our regular cooking oil - Malaysian palm, almost always Seri Murni, sometimes Knife brand. There's  Beta-Carotina Oil which hubby sometimes mixes with his budu as a salad dressing. I use it occasionally to saute diced tempeh which I snack on. Mostly I use olive oil for this, I love the "lemak" flavour of tempeh after being sauted with extra virgin olive oil.

There's also toasted sesame oil. I only use it in my recipe for Ginger Beef which is a family favourite. When my daughter cooks her fusion Spaghetti Bolognaise she drops a teeny bit of it in the sauce which she has also had sauteed some dried chillies.

And then there's a small bottle of virgin coconut oil which I used to swallow a teaspoon of every night before dinner, but I can't remember what for.

You can also find the untoasted sesame oil in my bathroom. I had read that sesame oil is effective as a medium for oil-pulling. That is you use it is as a kind of gargle to detoxify your mouth and teeth with. Some people swear by it. You can read about it here.

I see a small bottle of oil with a picture of an Indian lady on the label. I'm not sure how long it has been there but I don't think I have ever used it as it smells a little rancid. Will be chucking it out soon.

Let's see what else is there. AHA! My favourite massage oil - also that of my masseuse. Based on sunflower oil, it is transparent and has floral overtones, obviously. My masseuse used to smother himself with this every time he stepped into the sauna until someone else said that the oil can cook your skin in the heat of the sauna. Now he uses Vaseline instead and I don't think he can scratch a line on his arm with his nail any longer.

On my cluttered dressing-table in the bedroom, there is an unopened bottle of nutmeg oil, also unopened is a bottle of ginger oil. These are purportedly for joint aches and pains, which I am happy to report we have not had to use to date.

Did I say I have virgin coconut oil (VCO) in my pantry? Well I also have some on my dressing table. Lately I have taken to use this oil quite liberally. It is excellent as a facial moisturiser. After rubbing my face with it, I run my fingers through my crowning glory leaving the traces of oil there which makes it easier to brush. It leaves a shine too and black looks even blacker.. hehehe.

I apply VCO on my feet as well when they feel dry and ravaged, in fact you can use it on any dry patch that you might have and it's incredible how nice and soft the area feels after. It's a really marvelous oil but it has to be virgin pressed and you need to get a good quality brand.

So those are the oils I have around my house. What's absent is the aromatherapy ones. Perhaps I'll get one to make the bedroom smell nice after the nightly onslaught of Shieldtox spray. Maybe then I might go to bed earlier than my usual time.

Anyhow, if anyone's interested I've copied-pasted here the Earth Clinic page about VCO. It seems to be some kind of miracle oil and I guess that was why I took to drinking that nightly teaspoon.

"We found the following information from various sources over the internet:
You can take coconut oil both internally and externally. Those who are proponents of this cure do both. The typical amount to take internally per day is 3 TBSP. It is recommended that you take 1 TBSP with every meal. Coconut Oil apparently gives an instantaneous energy lift and may help you give up caffeine! Many sports nutrition bars and drinks include coconut oil for its energizing properties.
Warning: Coconut Oil is contraindicated for those with hypertension / high blood pressure! But if you suffer from low blood pressure, this is a great remedy for you.
Lots of research has been done on the subject of Fatty Acids and Monogycerides (found in coconut oil). Some of the reported cures from research are:
WEIGHT LOSS:Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats. Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
SKIN/HAIR/BEAUTY
Applied topically, helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward off infection; Reduces symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis; Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin; Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking; Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots; Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion; Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.; Helps control dandruff.

VIRUSES/BACTERIAL INFECTIONS/FUNGUS/PARASITES
Studies have found that coconut oil can kill viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases; Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections; Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites;

Coconut oil may provide an effective defense against many parasites including giardia. Like bacteria and fungi, giardia can't stand up against MCFA found in coconut oil. Research has confirmed the effectiveness of MCFA in destroying giardia and possibly other protozoa. By using coconut oil every day, you may be able to destroy giardia. Another possible use for coconut is for the removal of intestinal worms. In India it has traditionally been used to get rid of tapeworms. In one study it was reported that treatment with dried coconut, followed by magnesium sulfate (a laxative), caused ninety percent parasite expulsion after twelve hours. In India coconut oil is also rubbed into the scalp as a treatment to remove head lice.
CHRONIC FATIGUEBy taking coconut oil daily, you may also be eliminating the possibility of developing food allergies, chronic fatigue, and other related symptoms. If you're currently troubled with these conditions, coconut oil used liberally with meals may provide a source of relief. Because MCFA are quickly absorbed by the tissues and converted into energy it seems logical that those suffering from chronic fatigue would gain a great deal of benefit.
DIGESTION:Coconut Oil provides a nutritional source of quick energy; Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance; Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose; Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body; Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis; Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes;
BODY/ORGANS
Coconut Oil reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis; Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth; Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease; Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers; Improves digestion and bowel function; Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids; Reduces inflammation. Supports tissue healing and repair; Functions as a protective antioxidant; Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease; Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome; Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement); Reduces epileptic seizures; Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections; Dissolves kidney stones; Helps prevent liver disease; Supports thyroid function;

CANCER:Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers;
HEART:Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease; Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease;
TEETH:
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

COCONUT OIL FOR POOR CIRCULATIONDo you feel cold much of the time? You might try coconut oil, which is said to increase body temperature (and blood pressure). This is due to increased metabolic rate as medium-chain fatty acids of the coconut oil are burned.
CURE FOR ATHLETE'S FEETThe 8% caprylic acid in coconut oil is said to be effective against fungus, and on skin conditions like planter's warts and athlete's foot.
CURE FOR ROSACEA
Used externally and internally, we read one report on the internet of a 15-year bout of rosacea clearing up within 2 weeks with Coconut Oil!"



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14 comments:

Wan Sharif said...

At first I want to say you also have a man who is in oil business..but after reading through.. it look like you have done some research on that VCO..

Pak Idrus said...

Zen, I am glad to know that you are now into Oil Business too. It sure is messy eh! Take care.

Siti Roffini said...

Congratulations! For striking oil, that is. With so many different varieties, you're on your way to becoming an oil tycoon soon. You know, your entry reminds me of the TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies" in the 70's.I'm not saying that you're a simple country folk like them but the fact that they found black gold in their backyard and you also have them in your house strikes a remarkable resemblance!!! Hehehe. On a more serious note, I've never tried VCO. Been taking VOO religiously, though. Will make it a point to try VCO soon.

tireless mom said...

VCO ni minyak kelapa dara kan? Somehow VCO sounds so scientific and the latter, ehem ehem... I plan to check out MAHA this weekend and hopeful to purchase some oilies there too.

Cat-from-Sydney said...

Aunt Zendra,
Last time they said it's cholesterol laden but now it's a wonderful thing. Anyway, my Mama says you can have the same effect on your hair by applying santan. It does have the same properties, cheaper and no oil! purrr....meow!

Unknown said...

..soorry..I only minyak Mestika in the bedroom..but, hey, can I have that extra virgin without the olive?..

Zendra-Maria said...

I guess Ayoh Wang saw through my supposedly stealth method of trying to in my approval of VCO. Yes it does sound like I'm trying to sell snake oil as Pak Idrus had concluded, though I sure hadn't reckon on Siti's excellent long-term memory regarding the Hillbillies but VCO, I daresay, is more valuable than Texas gold for our overall well-being as I can attest just by looking at regular user Tireless Mom whom I had mistaken for an anak dara herself although she has five lovely aces to her credit, Cats' mama would agree too. Oh thanks for the tip Cats - I might try the santan treatment on my "crowning glory". I prefer this reference since it's more specific - seeing that pakmat the smooth operator is around, there's no telling what he'll read into the word "hair" since he obviously sudah naik minyak... hahaha

Tommy Yewfigure said...

Why u slippery fella!...hahaha.

Nope, oil & I never ever gelled, especially Brylcreem & Tancho stick; always gave me headache when I was experimenting with them in my younger days.

And I don't like oily food but olive oil is ok by me. I swear by fish oil tho (in capsule form) :))

P/s - Olive Oyl was she Popeye's missus? Was she a virgin too? :))

DrSam said...

salam kanda. We in the sticky business always hope that the price of oil (fossil fuel) on the climbing trend as this will surely improved the economy of our kampung smallholders. Nobody has really utilized the oil from rubber seed. Any taker kanda?

rohaizahabas said...

zen..i used saji oil for cooking ..sometimes Alif brand..olive oil..tak mampu lah wei...
Another oil yang ada kat rumah ni ilah..minyak gamat...this one kalau kucing I bergaduh ke..balik luka sana sini..i just pour kat luka tu...hahaha..cepat baik tau!


lain lain minyak..hmmm itu PA punya...minyak hitam kereta dia laa...hahahaha

Zendra-Maria said...

Tommy, this is the first time I hear about headaches induced by minyak rambut. Maybe you used the menopausal variety. You should give Virgin Coconut Oil a try hehehe...

Zendra-Maria said...

Wow Dinda... also first time I hear about rubber-seed oil... should be really-really good as engine oil - kinda like springy lubrication... no?

Zendra-Maria said...

Ezza, we happen to have the beta-carotino oil pasal hubby I bought it for his friend in Kazakhstan tapi tak lepas airport security. Olive oil I beli brand Basso, dia paling murah - rasa dia sedap gak untuk goreng2 tempeh atau guna dalam roast chicken atau baked fish.

PA tak pakai minyak rambut ke?

zafi said...

I did asked my mum to post the VCO to me.. Its really good! I have no doubt! Anyway talking about oil, I am really happy to enjoy various types of oil in here. especially the olive one! oh it taste great!!! not so expensive as well! :D