Currently the posts are filtered by: Storage
Reset this filter to see all posts.
TIPS FOR EMERGENCY WATER STORAGE
The human body can only survive three days without drinking water. Water is really a high priority in terms of emergency preparedness.
Nearly 25 gallons each day is used by each individual in the average household. This isn't only drinking water, but that put to use in cleaning cooking and flushing as well. The majority of the systems that are utilized to supply water into these homes are driven by electricity. Even properties with wells often make use of electric pump systems. So, water storage is very important should the power grid stop working.
If you know beforehand that you could suffer a loss of your supply of water, take the occasion to fill up bathtubs, sinks, ice chests and any other container you've got that is good enough to hold water without leaks. Divide your stored water into some that will be useful for drinking and that designated for other use.
Plan to keep enough water to last the home seven days. Every person will need to have 21 gallons of water stored. To be safe, you might wish to double this amount. A family of five would call for a bit more than 100 gallons of water in storage. Double this amount would mean you'd need 210 gallons. So, two or four, fifty-five gallon drums would satisfy your storage needs.
The weight of a gallon of water is under eight and a half pounds. Bear this in mind when planning storage and transportation of water. Large amounts of water are safest kept on a reinforced concrete floor for the reason that weight of fifty-five gallons of water is nearly 500 pounds -- and that doesn't include the weight of the drum! This is too heavy for most other floors.
In case you are unexpectedly without water, there are locations within your house that have useable water. Typical hot water heaters may hold forty or more gallons of drinkable water. The water tank part of the commode also has water which is able to be used for drinking purposes. Ice cubes within the freezer are another resource. Do not discard the water found in canned goods because it is another valued way to obtain moisture when every single drop counts.
Water can be collected via downspouts or inside a kid's swimming pool in the course of a rain. On top of that, clean sheets and bedspreads can be placed out to soak up the dew or rain and then wrung out over a storage container. Non drinking water sources include things like water from the toilet bowl and the water bed mattress.
Prepare ahead to prepare for possible water shortages. Use your imagination to replace stored water when utilities are not working. Educate yourself and your loved ones to reduce the use of the water you DO possess.
USES & REMEDIES OF DANDELION
Dandelion can be used liberally as it's non-poisonous. Each of the parts of the plant are edible: the roots, leaves and blooms. Healthy kidney, urinary tract and liver function are helped by Dandelion. Select plants to collect that haven't been around chemicals or toxins. For more information, click here.
Regarded historically as a hepatic herb, Dandelion supports healthful liver function. Dandelion is abundant in vitamin C and it is beneficial in the treatment and also prevention of scurvy. Additionally it is beneficial in treating skin eruptions and warts. The white liquid that exudes from the bruised stem can be applied directly to treat blemishes on the skin.
Dandelion helps to relieve water retention in soft tissues. As it replenishes the vitamins and minerals shed as water exits your body, there isn't the mineral depletion associated with pharmaceutical diuretics. Lung ailments that cause wasting of the body are treated with Dandelion.
Classified as a bitter herb, Dandelion is useful in treating heartburn or acid stomach due to a lack of muscle tone. It works as a moderate laxative in chronic constipation. A decoction or extract of Dandelion used three or four times daily can calm an irritated stomach. It has a very good effect in improving the appetite and promoting digestion.
INFUSION/TEA
Pour 1 pint of boiling water over one ounce of Dandelion and permit it to steep for ten minutes.
Strain and sweeten by using honey. During the day, drink several cups of this. This tea is useful in treating edema and nausea.
DECOCTIONS
A decoction is produced by putting an herb into gently simmering water and allowing the amount to reduce a specified amount.
1st Version
Simmer 2 cups of sliced Dandelion root in twenty parts of water for fifteen minutes. When cooled off, strain the liquid and sweeten with honey. Have a small teacup full one or two times daily.
2nd Version
Simmer a couple of ounces of the herb or root in 1 quart of water until the amount is diminished to 2 cups.
Use 6 ounces every 3 hours as a therapy for a number of maladies that include scurvy (disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency), scrofula (tuberculosis of the lymph glands most usually within the neck), eczema and all sorts of eruptions on the skin.
3rd Version
Decoction for jaundice in small children:
one oz of Dandelion root
A half ounce of each: Cinnamon bark, Caraway seed, & Ginger root
A quarter ounce measure of Senna leaves
Bring all to boil gently in six cups of water until it is reduced to 3 cups (1 1/2 pint). Strain. Pour 3/4 cup of honey into the hot liquid and re-heat to a simmer. Any foam that rises to the surface should be skimmed away as these are impurities. Allow to cool. Give frequently in teaspoonful doses.
Version 4
Decoction for Gall Stones
One oz each of: Dandelion root, Balm herb and Parsley root
One half ounce each of Ginger root and Liquorice root
Place in two quarts of water and gently simmer down to one quart Strain. Take in 6 ounces every couple of hours.
TINCTURE OF DANDELION
Find a place free of herbicides and pesticides to collect Dandelion plants, including roots and their tops.
Good quality dried Dandelion may be used also. Collect several more plants than you believe necessary because the plants wilt somewhat in the course of processing. Use the directions here to wash the plants.
Thinly slice the roots. Place enough plant material inside a canning jar in order to fill it 2/3's full. Pour just enough boiling water over the herbs to cover. Fill the rest of the space in the jar with vodka, 100 proof. Tightly seal the jar and shake it in order to combine the contents completely.
Put the jar within a warm spot with good sun exposure. Sunshine isn't detrimental to the tincture. Shake the jar twice daily. In two weeks, the tincture will be ready. Make use of a nice, clean cloth or coffee filter to filter the liquid. Press the solid matter to express all of the fluid. Fill up a glass bottle which is tinted dark amber with your freshly made tincture. Leave almost no space at the top to expose the fluid to air in the course of storage. Cap tightly. Store in a cool, dark cupboard till needed.
Take a spoonful of the tincture every day to aid with health issues.
Several herbalists utilize dandelion leaf in addition to the root to make tinctures. Dandelion leaf tinctures are usually taken by placing ten to fifteen drops into a spoon filled with water, taken 3 times daily.
This information is not meant to be taken for medical advice. This post is for the benefit of the person who reads, not in place of the care of a medical professional. Readers applying this information will need to proceed with discernment, common sense and take on all liability.
HARVESTING & USING GOLDENROD
Solidago virgaurea is the botanical name for goldenrod. This adaptable plant can be found in Asia, North America & Europe. Found in areas with good sun exposure, goldenrod will reach a height of 2-3 feet in open areas, mountain ranges and along hillsides. The leaves alternate along the stem which is accented with branches of golden flowers.
The choice places to locate goldenrod are those with good sun exposure, near water. We were able to locate a patch growing near an abandoned footbridge in an open area. The little patch was filled with pokeweed, leggy grasses and splashes of goldenrod. Use sharp garden shears to harvest, removing the 2 or 3 feet of stem, leaves and blooming tops. The bruised parts of the plant will offer up a pleasant smell similar to wild carrots with a hint of citrus. A yellow dye can be made from the flower tops.
HOW TO DRY HERBS
Use a string to tie the cut stems in groups of five to ten. Make a loop in the tail of the string in order that you may hang the plants with the flowers downward and a box lid or tray beneath. Find a place to hang the plants where they will not be disturbed: a closet, cabinet, storage room, ceiling beam. Hooks and coat racks can also be used. If it fits, a paper bag can be secured over the plants to shield them from sun and catch loose plant parts. In one to three weeks the plants will be dry. This method is also effective for preserving flower arrangements.
When the plants are dried, remove the blooms and leaves to store them in a glass jar with a lid.
As an herb, goldenrod has qualities that make it symptom regulating, regenerating and detoxifying.
DETOXIFYING HERBS clear blockages and remove excesses. Known as a bitter, goldenrod contains tannin. Bitters are herbs that trigger the secretion of digestive juices by their taste. Because it helps the body release excess fluids, this herb is known as a diuretic. In times past this herb was used in applications to assist in the removal of bladder stones. Goldenrod helps remove hardened mucus and thick phlegm deposits (catarrh). Urinary tract infections are also eased by the antioxidant properties of goldenrod tea. Goldenrod is a digestive which means it strengthens digestion. A diaphoretic, this herb promotes perspiration which helps the body remove toxins.
REGENERATING HERBS
SYMPTOM REGULATING HERBS are plants which help relieve discomfort and pain. The antiseptic properties of this herb help counteract decay. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used as a mouthwash. Its stimulant properties increase the action of other herbs in remedies. Stomach pain is relieved by the carminative action of goldenseal which helps remove gas from the digestive tract. To reduce fevers, goldenseal tea is helpful. Pain associated with menstruation is also lessened by drinking goldenseal tea.
TO MAKE GOLDENSEAL TEA
SINUS WASH
The tea is also good as a sinus spray. This is an effective treatment for upper respiratory inflammation and congestion accompanied by a sore throat and low fever.
SALVES & OILS
A tincture of goldenrod can be used to help alleviate allergy symptoms. In tincture combinations, goldenrod will help to increase the beneficial properties of other herbs. While the individual response and underlying conditions must be considered, a tincture of goldenrod, nettle and elderberry is considered a good combination for allergy relief. Another tincture combination that is useful in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract infections is goldenrod, echinacea, yarrow and elderberry. One dropperful should be taken hourly until symptoms ease. After the symptoms lessen, continue taking several drops 3-4 times a day for around 10 days. A ten day trial period is the same time used in Scripture to establish good health.* Another application for tinctures can be topical as a liniment.
the latest book by herbalist Debi Pearl entitled THE VISION
SEEDS FOR SURVIVAL
broadcastseed
Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Vigorous animal and plant life were created with the ability to generate similar offspring. Gardeners began to collect seeds and hold them in reserve for the next seedtime. Seed was harvested from the healthiest plants.
US corporations now exist that specialize in marketing seeds to farmers. The farmer was relieved of the time he used to spend to manually secure seed while the corporations gained a profit. Concerned only with the collection, storage and sale of seeds, these corporations flourished.
With new developments in science, it became possible to modify seeds and increase profits. However, the farmers, consumers and food quality did not always benefit from these new methods. Hoping to eliminate other sources, seed corporations set into motion a plan to become the only suppliers of seeds for farmers. Seeds were altered so that the resulting plants produced flawed seeds that either did not germinate, or did so in an unpredictable manner.
Today, there are 3 commonly used methods to accomplish this: Terminator Technology, genetically modified (GM) seeds, and hybrid plants.
Because hybrid plants are a cross of differing varieties, their seeds aren't likely to produce a similar plant. Genetically modified seeds (GM seeds) are designed to withstand many chemical applications. These GM plants allow farmers to use stronger chemical treatments that affect the microbes and nutrient content in the soil which, in turn, affects the nutrient content of the crops. Plants grown from seeds that have Terminator Technology will produce seeds which are sterile and cannot produce crops the following season.
A seed bank is one way that an individual can insure fertile seeds are available in the future. Farmers aren't the only ones that can participate in this project. Find sources for your seeds that state they sell only NON GM seeds. Limit your purchases to unaltered, heirloom seeds. Choose from the foods and ingredients you normally find in your kitchen for cooking and medicinal uses.
Dry your seeds from vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs at room temperature on stiff paper. Make a notation of the date and the variety of seed on the paper as a reminder. Place the dried seeds into a labeled paper envelope. The envelopes can be kept in a glass jar in the refrigerator for great lengths of time. For most purposes, seeds will store well in a cool, dry, dark place. Seed balls are a good choice for grasses and grains that will be used to plant large areas.
Is there a reason that a person would store seeds that he isn't planning to grow?
The United States Congress is currently considering a piece of legislation named H.R. 875 which could potentially make it impossible for you to get produce from organic farmers or backyard gardeners. So far it is unknown whether the bill will pass or how it will be enforced. With this in mind, it may be best to store seeds while it is still legal to do so.
While you may not grow them yourself, think about saving a variety of seeds. The botanical name and the common name should both be used on the label; you may have to do a little research. On the internet, people regularly trade seeds through the mail. By trading your surplus seeds, you could secure the seeds you do want in an equal exchange.
If heirloom seed companies shut their doors, the seeds they offer might no longer exist. Current politics and the economy make this an uncomfortably realistic possibility. Having your own source of heirloom seeds may be one way you can insure a steady source of good organic foods, whether you normally grow your own or purchase from the roadside stand.
A bi-monthly publication, No Greater Joy Magazine features articles on simple living and building strong families. Get your free subscription at Mike and Debi Pearl's web site www.nogreaterjoy.org.
GREAT NEWS! Shoppers who purchase newest book THE VISION on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 will qualify for free gifts!
The publisher is offering to send two additional copies of THE VISION to those who purchase this book from Amazon.com on Tuesday, July 21. Additionally, a coupon for a 25% discount off of your next Bulk Herb Store internet order will be offered to those with qualifying proof of purchase. Act quickly to place your order for THE VISION!
Ensure your free gifts by following these easy steps:
1. Order your copy(ies) of THE VISION from Amazon on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. Click on this link to place your order.
3. For every copy of THE VISION you purchase from Amazon, Pearl Books will send you two extra copies free. Qualifying customers will receive an additional 25% discount code that is applicable towards any Bulk Herb Store internet order placed July 22-31, 2009.
4. Offer valid only for purchases of THE VISION made July 21, 2009 on Amazon.com. No receipts will be accepted after July 31, 2009. This offer is void where prohibited and expires midnight August 1, 2009.
GOOD FOR ONE DAY ONLY! Be part of the July 21st Amazon blitz for THE VISION! Then, take advantage of your 25% online discount at Bulk Herb Store July 22-31!
