Monthly Archives: February 2013

North Korea’s Third Nuclear Test

At 11:57am (local time) February 12, North Korea, in defiance of the international warnings, appears to have conducted an underground detonation that is widely believed to be a nuclear weapons test. An “artificial earthquake” was detected from the northeastern area of the country with a magnitude of 5.0-5.1 according to the U.S. Geological Survey. North Korea’s official news agency claims that this was a successful nuclear test using a smaller, miniaturized device. The White House released a prepared statement this morning condemning the test. If confirmed, this would be the country’s third nuclear test since its previous tests in 2006 and 2009 and also the first test since Kim Jong-un took power after his father’s death. The nuclear test came against the backdrop of already heightened tension in the region following North Korea’s hostile statements in reaction to the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2087 against the country, which was unanimously adopted in late January 2013 in response to its long-range rocket launch using ballistic missile technology in December 2012.

Q1: How significant is this test compared to two previous nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009?

A1: Details are still very sketchy and it will take a few days to confirm the test by government authorities. The only confirmed information is that the earthquake magnitude of previous tests in 2006 and 2009 were 3.9 and 4.4 each. Thus, this appears to be a test of a more powerful device.

Q2: Why did North Korea conduct a nuclear test now?

A2: But there seem to be two major objectives. First and foremost is a desire to demonstrate a successful nuclear detonation to advance its weapons program. North Korea has boasted of its nuclear weapons status and this test adds further to the goal of mating a long-range ballistic missile with a miniaturized nuclear warhead that could reach the United States. Second, Pyongyang may want to perform a fait accompli with this test and compel the Obama administration to deal with North Korea as a full-fledged nuclear weapons state. Testing on the day before the president’s state of the union address only accentuates the point. In the inter-Korean dynamic, this provocation is historically not unprecedented; North Korea has done provocations ranging from missile tests to military incursions within weeks of every South Korean presidential inauguration dating back to 1992. Thus, the North may well want to show the new government in Seoul who is the alpha dog on the peninsula with this test. 

Q3:
Does it matter that the test came before the inauguration of Park Guen-hye?

A3: No. There will be some who rationalize the nuclear test as a parting shot to the outgoing conservative Lee Myung-bak government, thereby leaving Park some room to reach out to the North once she takes office but that is a stretch. Park, who ran on national security, will be compelled to take this as a direct threat to the country’s security and will react accordingly.

Q4: What would be the likely international response?

A4: The UN Security Council will convene immediately to seek another resolution against North Korea. This resolution should be a Chapter 7 resolution and should include more severe sanctions including financial sanctions, travel bans, and targeting of individual assets held outside of the country. UN member states will look to China to curtail undisclosed amounts of economic and energy assistance to the North. Chinese leaders cannot be happy with this test. In the world of diplomacy, little things do matter and conducting the test during the Chinese new year will be viewed by Beijing as extremely insulting, and perhaps will lead to them to take quiet punitive but temporary measures.

Q5: If this is a uranium-based nuclear test, would this be any different from past plutonium tests?

A5: A uranium-fueled test would suggest several disturbing new problems in the effort to denuclearize North Korea. First, it would mean that the DPRK has not one, but two ways to make a bomb which doubles the problem. Second, highly-enriched uranium is much easier to hide than plutonium. It can be made in from centrifuges operating in buildings the size of a warehouse unlike the big and easily identifiable footprint of a plutonium nuclear plant facility. Third, the North can potentially produce a lot more uranium than it can plutonium and proliferate horizontally to others (like Iran) who may not need to test a device and feel confident that it has acquired a working device. Moreover, if this is proven to be a test of a miniaturized device as the North claims, then they will have crossed another technological threshold in mating a nuclear warhead with a long-range ballistic missile that could threaten U.S. security and that of its allies. Basically, none of this is good at all.

Q6: What is the road ahead?

A6: It is very difficult to say. The test, if confirmed, would come one day before President Obama’s state of the union speech and would constitute his first foreign policy crisis of his second term as North Korea’s long-range ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons pose both a proliferation threat and a direct threat to U.S. security. North Korea’s outrageous behavior encourages few voices for dialogue and we are therefore in for a period of heightened tensions. Yet at the same time, climbing down from these crises with the reclusive regime has only happened historically through a return to diplomacy. Whether President Obama and his new secretary of state can stomach such a thought in the months ahead remains to be seen.

By Victor Cha, senior advisor and Korea chair, and Ellen Kim, fellow and assistant director of the office of the Korea chair
February 12, 2013
Read online: http://cs.is/VQQtfB

Securing Long Term Survival With Seeds

Seeds are an invaluable commodity and hold the key to long term sustainability, and survival in some cases.  There are many theories floating around on the correct methods to store seeds for long term use.  Knowing how to properly store seeds will ensure their viability for when they are needed the most.

Seeds are Alive

Seeds are a living thing and should in all the sense of the word be treated that way.  Seeds are dormant until they are introduced to natural elements such as oxygen, moisture, sunlight and warmth that create a growth reaction.  Keeping these elements away from the seeds will prolong their longevity.  Since seeds are alive, they can be stressed out and damaged when subjected to extreme temperature shifts.

The USDA states that if seeds are stored at optimum conditions, they can last for hundreds, maybe thousands of years…”

 Over time, seeds do succumb to the aging process and begin to lose their vigor.  It should be emphasized that if a person is purchasing seeds for long term sustainability, then the seeds purchased should be non-hybrid (non-GMO) and heirloom quality.  These types of seeds will produce fertile seeds that can be stored and the risk of aging seeds is diminished.  Typically, larger seeds such as beans and corn have a longer longevity compared to smaller seeds.  Finding resources such as a Seed Longevity Chart will help determine which seeds can be stored longer than others.

Seed Storage Methods

Seeds should be stored in an airtight container where the natural elements cannot get to them.  Many people use their refrigerators, freezers and basements as a storage facility for seeds.  Keeping seeds at room temperature will cause the embryo to consume its stored sugars within the seed casing and will either get too weak to germinate or die altogether.  There is no right or wrong method, it mainly depends on how the person plans to use their seeds and for how long.  Seed packets typically have a “use by” date.  Once the seed packet is opened, the seeds should be used that season.

Freezing the Seeds

Freezing seeds will put the embryo into suspended animation reducing its need to consume the sugars that are encased in the seed.  This increases it’s storage life immensely.  If the seeds are frozen, they should sit at room temperature for a few days before they are planted.  This is the preferred method of seed storage by leading farmers and agriculturalists.

Refrigerating the Seeds

Storing seeds in the refrigerator is another method of prolonging seeds lifespans.  Some put the seeds in a zip loc bag than then place it in a brown bag so that light cannot permiate through to the seeds.  Another method is to use a smaller zip loc bag, add the seeds and close them up.  Get a larger zip loc bag and place a moisture absorbing material such as dry milk or dry rice to the main large zip loc bag and then add the smaller bags containing the seeds.  Use large bubble mailer to store the large zip loc bag into and place it in the upper back of the refrigerator and use rubber bands to keep the bubble mailer sealed.

Vacuum Sealing Seeds

Many believe that vacuum sealing the seeds is the best course for long term seed storage.  However, some believe this method would harm the seeds due to the absence of the oxygen the seeds need to stay alive.  Vacuum sealing does extend the life of the seeds by keeping out the natural elements such as excessive moisture and oxygen.  If a person lives in a climate where there is high humidity, then this method would be the preferable one.  Storing the seeds in a mylar bag or in a dark container where sunlight and moisture cannot get to it is ideal.

Paper Envelope Storage

Storing seeds in paper envelopes and then storing them in waterproof containers with gasketed lids or in mason jars is another preferred storage method.  One can add desiccant (a substance that removes moisture from the air) to ensure the seeds are not exposed to moisture.  Using aluminum coated plastic bags in lieu of the paper envelope can also be used.  The seeds should be stored away from sunlight in a cool, dark area such as a refrigerator or dark room.

Via: readynutrition

Three Sisters Technique

According to the Native American legend, the three sisters, also called “Our Sustainers” were sent down from the “Great Spirit.” The sisters are inseparable and all work together in order for each sister to thrive.   This trio: corn, beans and squash, have a symbiotic relationship that helps sustain the crops and gives them maximum nourishment.

 The corn stalk offers itself as a structure for the beans to climb on.  While the beans supply the corn with needed nitrogen as well as well as improving the overall fertility of the soil.  When the beans climb the corn stalk, it also provides the stalk with added stability from strong winds.  The squash vines grow at the base of the bean and corn plants and  provide a type of living mulch to help conserve water and provide weed control.  The roots from the squash vines are shallow and will not invade the roots of the other plants.  Once the plants have been harvested they can be incorporated into the soil as organic compost, thus fertilizing the soil even more.  In this approach, the efficiency of space is not only beneficial, but it is also very easy to achieve results.  Moreover, this is a great gardening approach to teach children about companion planting.

How To Create The Three Sisters Gardening Technique

Just like in human life, each sister must be by itself, before another sister comes along.  In this technique,
timing and spacing are the keys to success
.

1. In late Spring or early Summer, hoe a mound of soil into piles about 1 foot high and about 20 feet across.  The centers of the mound should be about four feet apart and should have flattened tops.  *Note: a 10×10 square foot of space is the minimum area needed to have a good corn harvest of corn.  If you have a smaller garden area, plant fewer mounds, but be aware that you may not get good full corn ears as a result.  See Diagram:

<——————————— 10 FT. ———————————>

 

2. In the center of the mounds, plant 5-6 corn kernels in a circle about 6 inches apart.

3.  After a week or two, when the corn has grown to be 5 inches or so, plant seven or eight pole beans in a circle six inches away from the corn kernels.  

4.  A week later, at the edge of the mound (about 1 foot away from the beans, plant seven or eight squash or pumpkin seeds. 

5.  When the plants begin to grow, weed out the weaker plantlings, and keep a few of the sturdiest of the corn plants from the mound as well as the bean and squash plants. 

6.  As the corn and beans grow, make sure that the beans are supported by the cornstalks.  They should wrap themselves around the corn.  The squash will creep between the mounds of the corn and bean plants.

Once the vegetables are harvested, they can be canned, dried out or eaten fresh.  The yields from these vegetables will be able to further sustain a family longer.  Perhaps the Native Americans were right by calling these three plants “Our Sustainers.”

The three sisters: corn, beans and squash were some of the first domesticated crops used by the Native Americans to sustain their long term survival.  The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims their agricultural techniques to help the Settlers survive.  In fact, if it was not for these seeds given to the Pilgrims, and the three sisters approach, the Pilgrims sustainability would have been greatly diminished.

Via: readynutrition

Essential Trees, Bushes and Berries

In a homestead environment, a person wants the land to work for them as much as possible.  Wildlife will play a large part as a food source if people are living this type of lifestyle.  Venturing out to play the waiting game when hunting for food can be time consuming and at times, unsuccessful.

Positioning specific types of plants and trees that wildlife are naturally attracted to around the homestead property would be advantageous for any person looking for food or hunting wild game.  There are many advantages to planting trees that attract wildlife.

  • The wildlife that come to feed on these trees and bushes will be nourished by the fruits, but the animals will also fatten up as a result of making the food so available to the animals.  And will make a great prize when hunted down.
  • Additionally, if the trees or bushes are planted near a crop, these trees offer a tasty distraction for animals coming to feed on crops.
  • Not only do the wild animals look to the trees and bushes for food, they will also use them for shelter and use the twigs and foliage for nest building.
  • Most of these trees and bushes provide nourishment for humans as well.  Many of the wild fruits can be used for jellies, jams, fresh juices, types of medicines and tasty snacks.  The nuts from the trees can be ground up into powders and used in baking breads.

Like all types of plant life, it takes time for trees to mature enough to begin bearing fruits.  Some of  these types of trees and bushes can take up to 4-5 years before they begin bearing fruit.  And there are some varieties that take even longer.  Doing proper research on the type of tree or bush that is needed for the property and finding out what zone to plant them in are essential.

Five Trees That Attract Wildlife

Oak Trees–  This tree is one of the most important sources of food for wildlife as it produces acorns that the animals eat. Wild animals will thrive in areas where there is an abundant supply of acorns and will the height of the trees for protection.  Oak trees such as the sawtooth oak, turkey oak, blue jack oak, and the white oak provide food for wild game and wild birds to feed on when food is scare in the Fall.  If this type of tree is around, animals such as duck, wild goose, squirrel, opossum, raccoon, wild boar, and deer will be there.  The sawtooth oak tree is the fastest tree  in producing acorns.  In five years, the tree will be mature enough to begin bearing it’s fruit.

Nut Trees– Nut trees such as the chestnut tree, chinquapin tree, hickory tree and pecan tree are known for attracting wildlife, especially squirrels, birds, boars, deer and sometimes bears.  The nuts from these trees can also be used for human consumption.  In fact, American Indians would grind the chestnuts and hickory nuts into a powder and used it to make breads.   Deer use the thick canopy of pecan trees as shelter and can regularly be seen underneath these trees even in early spring, feeding on late maturing nuts.

Wild Fruit Trees– Having wild fruit trees in abundance not only provide edible food for humans and animals, but they also attract needed pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.  The crab apple tree, mayhaw tree, mulberry tree, pear tree, persimmon tree and plum tree offer food for animals such as the deer, quail, goose, pheasant, and turkey.   Most of the fruit from these trees can make tasty jams, jellies, and fillings for pies.  Plum trees have a tendency to produce fruit faster than the others.  The plum tree will bear it’s fruit in 4-5 years.  Planting a persimmon tree will ensure that the bucks and does will be present for the fruits.  Mayhaw fruits are also great for making mayhaw jelly.  Some believe this is the best type of jelly that can be made.

Wild Berry Bushes– Berry bushes such as blueberry, strawberry, elderberry and blackberry are not only humans favorite types of berries, they are the wildlife’s favorite as well.  Normally, wildlife hunters plant strawberry bushes around their hunting zones to attract whitetail deer who love to eat the leaves.  In fact, the deer love these leaves so much they will strip the leaves off the bushes in the fall during hunting season.  Deer prefer the leaves of the strawberry bush over corn or any other food, for that matter.  The wild strawberry bush is relished by waterfowl, quail, turkey, ruffed grouse, rabbit, deer, bear, raccoon, squirrel and fox.  Turkey and other types of wild fowl will gather around the bushes when the strawberry fruit begin to ripen.  Blackberry thickets are another good berry plant to have around the property for attracting wildlife.  Ground nesting birds, such as quail often use the thorny blackberry thickets as nesting areas.

Wild Grapes – If  wild grapes is on the property, wild life will be drawn to the sweet fragrance this fruit gives off and will go the distance to eat some.  Quail especially love muscadine grapes.  This wild grape grows so many fruits that there would be enough for human consumption and plenty left over for deer, quail, opossum, raccoons and song birds.  When the grapes ripen, quail will migrate in large masses to feed on the fruit.  When planting grapevines for wildlife feeding, one could also interplant other native fruit tree varieties such as plum trees, and persimmon trees.  The grape vines will intertwine with these fruit trees and create a private screening effect for the animals to come and feed.  This privacy will make all deer, turkey and quail feel safe to feed.

Trees can provide more than just shade for homes.  Finding the right kind of trees will keep wildlife returning throughout the year in search for food.  Having a readily available food for wild game to feed on in the fall, winter and spring will keep the wildlife healthy, provide them needed nutrition during the months were food is scarce, and keep them coming back to the property so the hunter does not have venture out to search too far for them.

Via: readynutrition

Garden Health Checklist From the Vegetable Gardener’s Bible


Edward Smith’s The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible is a must have for those wanting to learn everything there is know about gardening and self-sufficient gardening practices.  This easy to read book gives first hand knowledge on how to grow a successful garden.  Many who have read his best selling book are already adopting his gardening methods.  Methods such as the W-O-R-D system:

Wide Rows

Organic Methods

Raised Beds

Deep Soil

His chapter on nurturing soil has been a great source of knowledge for me, and my garden has prospered as a result.  Edward C. Smith has created a book that takes all the secrets out of gardening.  For many of the gardening novices, this book has tips and suggestions that will get vegetables to grow anywhere in North America.  Here is a checklist from Smith’s book for a healthy garden:

  1. Put your garden where there’s enough sunlight, especially in the morning, and adequate air circulation, to dry the dew quickly.  Diseases do better in a damp environment.
  2. Build and maintain a living soil, full of the microbes that help plants to grow and protect them against diseases.
  3. Rotate crops so that disease-causing organisms that live in the soil won’t find their host crop when spring arrives.
  4. Plan varieties that resist whatever diseases are likely occur in your gardening neighborhood.
  5. Intercrop whenever possible.
  6. To keep diseases from spreading, don’t work in the garden when plants are wet.
  7. Keep at least a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) layer of compost on growing beds all the time.  Compost not only ensures a steady flow of balanced nutrients to the plants but also has been shown to inhibit many plant diseases.
  8. Make sure plants have enough water.  By the time it begins to look droopy, a plant is already stressed, and a stressed plant is an open invitation to pests and diseases.
  9. Use mulches and row covers to maintain soil and air temperatures within the plant’s preferred range.

Via: readynutrition

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DHS Purchases 21.6 Million More Rounds of Ammunition

Federal agency has now acquired enough bullets to wage 30 year war.

Paul Joseph Watson
Infowars.com
February 7, 2013

The Department of Homeland Security is set to purchase a further 21.6 million rounds of ammunition to add to the 1.6 billion bullets it has already obtained over the course of the last 10 months alone, figures which have stoked concerns that the federal agency is preparing for civil unrest.


A solicitation posted yesterday on the Fed Bid website details how the bullets are required for the DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico.

The solicitation asks for 10 million pistol cartridge .40 caliber 165 Grain, jacketed Hollow point bullets (100 quantities of 100,000 rounds) and 10 million 9mm 115 grain jacketed hollow point bullets (100 quantities of 100,000 rounds).

The document also lists a requirement for 1.6 million pistol cartridge 9mm ball bullets (40 quantities of 40,000 rounds).

An approximation of how many rounds of ammunition the DHS has now secured over the last 10 months stands at around 1.625 billion. In March 2012, ATK announced that they had agreed to provide the DHS with a maximum of 450 million bullets over four years, a story that prompted questions about why the feds were buying ammunition in such large quantities.

To put that in perspective, during the height of active battle operations in Iraq, US soldiers used 5.5 million rounds of ammunition a month. Extrapolating the figures, the DHS has purchased enough bullets over the last 10 months to wage a full scale war for almost 30 years.

Such massive quantities of ammo purchases have stoked fears that the agency is preparing for some kind of domestic unrest. In 2011, Department of Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prepare for a mass influx of immigrants into the United States, calling for the plan to deal with the “shelter” and “processing” of large numbers of people.

The federal agency’s primary concern is now centered around thwarting “homegrown terrorism,” but information produced and used by the DHS to train its personnel routinely equates conservative political ideology with domestic extremism.

A study funded by the Department of Homeland Security that was leaked last year characterizes Americans who are “suspicious of centralized federal authority,” and “reverent of individual liberty” as “extreme right-wing” terrorists.

In August 2012, the DHS censored information relating to the amount of bullets purchased by the federal agency on behalf of Immigration & Customs Enforcement, citing an “unusual and compelling urgency” to acquire the bullets, noting that there is a shortage of bullets which is threatening a situation that could cause “substantial safety issues for the government” should law enforcement officials not be adequately armed.

As we highlighted last month, the DHS’ previous ammunition solicitation was awarded to Evian Group, an organization that was formed just five days before the announcement of the solicitation and appeared to be little more than a front organization since it didn’t have a genuine physical address, a website, or even a phone number.

While Americans are being browbeaten with rhetoric about the necessity to give up semi-automatic firearms in the name of preventing school shootings, the federal government is arming itself to the teeth with both ammunition and guns. Last September, the DHS purchased no less than 7,000 fully automatic assault rifles, labeling them “Personal Defense Weapons.”

Via: infowars

Medicinal Plants for the Survival Garden

Plants have been revered through out history for their magical healing powers.  In a dire situation where over the counter medicine is no longer available, many will be forced to turn their backs on modern medicine and reacquaint themselves with more homeopathic and natural forms.

In this type of situation, many will be turning to alternative medicines to alleviate and assist some of the more chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, migraines, anemia and arthritis.   Acquiring books on herbal medicines for a disaster scenario would be a great knowledge source to add to any preparedness library.

 In the book, Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way To Get Well and Stay Well by Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph. D, the author advises how important natural medicine is.  She adds that, “Even though much of the medical community ignores, perhaps even disdains plant medicine as too old fashioned, plants are nonetheless the basis for some of the most effective drugs.”  This article is based on some of the author’s favorite medicinal herbs.

Top Ten Medicinal Herbs for a Survival Garden

Cayenne Pepper – (Capsicum minimum)

“Cayenne pepper is a powerful stimulant, producing a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow ove r the body without a narcotic effect.  A few grains in hot tea will aid in sluggish digestion and flatulence.” (Source – Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way To Get Well and Stay Well)

  • This pepper can assist as a digestion aid.  Using sparingly, sprinkle a bit over food or in a hot soup.
  • Cayenne pepper is a good source of Vitamin C.
  • Mixing cayenne pepper to a citrus drink such as grapefruit juice can be a very effective energizing drink.
  • Cayenne pepper can be used to combat a sore throat and can also be used in a sore throat gargle mix.
  • An effective anti flu drink uses 2 tsp. of cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1 cup of boiling water, 1 c. apple cider vinegar.  Most adults can take between 1 tsp.-1 tbls. every half hour.
  • Sprinkling cayenne pepper in shoes will warm the feet when it is cold outside.  Caution: it will stain the area where it is sprinkled, but it is quite effective.
  • Cayenne has a history of being used during malignant sore throats and in scarlet fever where it is used internally and as a gargle.
  • Cayenne tea can be used as a control for internal or external bleeding and should be used for those health emergencies where no medical or nursing help is available.
  • A few grains on the gums of cayenne will smart on the gum, and in a cavity and act as a temporary pain alleviator.

Chamomile – (Anthemis nobilis )

  •  This herb is known for it’s uses as a mild sedative.
  • Some homeopathic and natural remedies for children with ADD/ADHD have used chamomiles calming properties.
  •  The flowers can be strained out of the tea and placed into a warm compress to use on ear infections.
  • Tea compresses and tea rinses can be used to treat eye problems.
  • It also has the power to assist in healing of  indigestion, morning sickness, nervousness, neuralgia, painful periods and assists as a sleeping agent.

Dandelion – (Taraxacum officinale)

  •  The salt in this plant acts to neutralize the acids in the blood and is considered a cleaning tonic.
  • When the flowers and a few leaves are gathered and made into a tea that treats biliousness (gastric disorder caused by liver or gall bladder disorder) and reducing ankle swelling.
  • To jump start a slow functioning liver, drink two to four ounces of freshly sliced dandelion root in two pints of water until the water is reduced to 1 ounce.
  • A coffee can be made from the root to cleanse the liver and also has a tonic effect on the pancreas, the spleen and the female organs.
  • If a person is suffering from gallstones, dandelion can also be used.  Combine an ounce of  each: dandelion root, parsley root, lemon balm with a half ounce each of licorice root and ginger root.  Add two quarts of boiling water, simmer down to one quart, strain the liquid and drink a half glass every two hours.
  •  The Chinese “barefoot doctors” use the entire dandelion in their healing practices.  The leaves and the tops are simmered together in a decoction, or they are crushed and used as a poultice for boils and abscesses on the body.
  • Dandelion has also been known to lower elevated cholesterol levels, as well as normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics, and can also help cure symptoms of gout due to its uric acid content.
  • Additionally, young leaves can be gathered in the spring time to make a lovely salad or a steamed side dish.

Echinacea –  (Echinacea Paradoxa, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida)

  • There are three types of echinacea plants, and all have the same healing properties.  The chemical constituents are different in some, but the healing is the same.
  • Although the root is most widely used for it’s medicinal purposes, truly the entire plant can be used.
  • This herb strengthens the body’s ability to resist infection and stimulates production of white blood cells.  Echinacea stimulates the body in non chronic illness such as colds, bronchitis, sore throats, abscesses and for recurrences of yeast infections.
  • Echinacea can also be taken as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis.
  • A gargling solution can also be made with the tea to use with a sore throat.  For cases that are not strep throat related: add 10-16 drops to water or to sage or ginger tea and use as a gargling agent.  If a person is fighting strep throat: every two hours, gargle with the above mentioned teas to which add a dropful of echinacea extract.  If only tablet or capsules are available, take then every two hours during the acute stage.
  • It also helps eliminates mucus and phlegm associated with certain respiratory conditions.

Garlic – (Allium sativum)

  • Garlic is an absolute must for a medicinal garden.  Garlic has so many healing properties, they cannot all be listed.
  • Garlic has natural antibiotic properties.
  • In Russia, garlic is used as an anti flu remedy.
  • Garlic draws out the pain from joints, toothaches, and earaches.  Place a crushed raw piece of garlic on some gauze (otherwise some of these strong herbs can cause blisters) and place the gauze over the area of pain.  For the joints, use a garlic paste.  For the ear, use slivers in gauze.  It takes about 5 days to cure the ear infection.
  • Garlic also helps alleviate and draw out infection from abscesses in teeth as well as in the body.

Marigold– (Calendula officinalis)

  • Marigold is an excellent herb to have on hand for skin issues such as eczema, skin inflammations, soothing varicose veins, soothing chapped hands and can be used to reduce body scars.
  • Creating a plaster by combing marigold ointment and peppermint can be used on the chest to ease the heart during inte4nse fevers.
  • Dipping a compress into marigold tea and using equal parts of apple cider vinegar can alleviate inflammation.
  • The author believes that marigold is “the greatest healing agent for all wounds.”
  • Using marigold in the case of open wounds that will not heal is an effective way to promote rapid healing.
  • This flower is also a haemostatid after a tooth extraction.
  • A douche can made from marigold to aid in leukorrhea (vaginal discharges)
  • Due to marigolds cleansing properties, it can also be used as dressing a terrible wound.
  • Marigold was also used as a toothache and headache preventative in the 1500′s in England.
  • This is also a great companion plant to many garden vegetables.

Peppermint – (Mentha piperita)

  • Peppermint is used in a tea in conjunction with chamomile as a digestive aid.
  • It has stimulating and refreshing properties that dispels headaches.
  • Peppermint tea will also assist in overcoming muscle spasms and cramps.
  • Due to the camphorous principles in peppermint, if peppermint is applied to a wet wash cloth it can be used externally to relieve pain.
  • This herb also hep clear sinus infections.  Apply a large, warm peppermint pack to the sinus area.

Sage– (Salvia officinalis)

  • A tea made of common sage can help lift depression.  A pinch of bruised cloves and a pinch of pure ginseng can also be added as these herbs are also used as antidepression herbs.
  • Rubbing the sage leaves across the teeth can be used to clean the teeth and assist in bad breath.  The tea can also be used to gargle with.
  • Sage tea rub downs and sage baths can be used to ring down a fever.  American Indians used this type of fever reducer.  Note: adding apple cider vinegar to the tea for reduction can be quite effective and the patient simply feel better.
  • Sage tea can used as an antiseptic by chewing the sage leaves to cleanse the system of impurities or drank as tea.
  • Sage has also been known to assist with hot flashes associated with menopause.
  • If a person has stomach troubles, cold sage tea can used to alleviate the symptoms.
  • Sage can also be used to treat the flu.  Using the tea before and during any type of epidemics and to hasten healing during a flu attack.
  • Sage leaves can be wrapped around a wound like a band aid to help heal the wound faster.

Tea Tree– (Melaleuca alternifolia)

  • The Aborigines have used this plant for centuries as an antiseptic to heal insect bites, stings, abrasions , cuts and warts.
  • Because of tea tree oils high antibacterial properties it can also be used as an antiseptic to treat acne.
  • Applying tea tree oil directly to fungus on feet (Athlete’s foot), or adding drops into a foot bath this will help treat the fungus.
  • Tea tree oil can also be used to cure cold sores.
  • Diluting the tea tree oil (4 drops of oil and a pint of water)  in water can also be used as a douche to cure yeast infections.
  • Adding a few drops on tea tree oil to a fine tooth comb and combing through hair to catch lice eggs is also effective.

Thyme –
(Thymus vulgaris)

  • Although thyme is normally used in culinary recipes, it has a great range of use.
  • Thyme can help alleviate gastric problems such as wind, colic and bad breath.
  • Thyme also has properties to help eliminate phlegm and is helpful in overcoming shortness of breath and help with most lung problems.
  • If it also effective in fighting sore throat and post nasal drip.
  • If a person has the whooping cough, make a syrup of thyme tea and honey to help treat the disease.
  • Thyme can also be used to treat a fever.  It is recommended to mix thyme with other herbs to have a better medicinal quality.  Herbs used in conjunction with thyme to treat a high fever could be: marshmallow root tea, slippery elm powder (or tablets), fenugreek or comfrey root or leaf tea.
  • This herb also helps relax the nervous system and can relive a headache.
  • Thyme can be used as a first aid poultice.  Make up a paste of moist (hot-moistened) thyme leaves and apply it to the skin to relieve the pain of an abscess, boil or swelling.  A hot poultice of thyme can help relieve the pain of a sciatic attack, too.
  • An antiseptic can be make for both internal and external use.  It is also used as a local anaesthetic.  Medicate gauze and worrl for surgical dressings with theyme.
  • his herb is also great for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, parasitic skin infections and burns.
  • A insect spray (combined with lavender) can assist in keeping gnats and mosquitoes away.  In fact, the Greeks used thyme as a fumigator.
  • This herb can also be used to dispel worms and parasites.

As many are gearing up to buy seeds for a survival garden, please do not forget to purchase medicinal herbs.  Keeping a body as strong as possible from viruses, colds and flu’s will only help a person in the long run.  And supplying a home with organic healing medicines can, in an extreme emergency assist in saving their lives.

Via: readynutrition

Survival Seeds to Sow – Heirloom, GMO or Non-GMO

As many are beginning to take interest in buying seeds in order to secure their future, there is confusion as to what type of seed to buy.  With the different varieties available such as genetically modified (GMO), non-genetically modified (Non-GMO), and heirloom seeds, it is no wonder why there is such confusion.

In a survival situation, finding the right type of seeds that will offer vitamins and food security with recurring harvests will be of great importance for long term survival.

Food Security in Seeds

All seeds are good to have in order to grow food.  However, there are certain types that are preferred seed varieties because they are better at sustaining long term survival. That being said, if a person is purchasing seeds for food security, then the seeds purchased should be heirloom open-pollinated or non-hybrid (non-GMO) quality.

Heirloom or Open Pollinated Seeds (Non-GMO)

Heirloom seed varities are an open pollinated seed developed before 1940.  These type of seeds are bred for their flavor and not their durability while being shipped.  Additionally, these types of seeds will produce fertile seeds that can be saved for subsequent growing seasons.  This is the preferred seed variety that preppers and survivalists are storing as one of their long term survival items.  These seeds are the ones that will continually produce viable seeds.

Genetically Modified Seeds (GMO)

Seeds from a genetically modified variety are a hybrid of two separate varieties that have different genetic make up from it’s parent plant.  As the plant matures, the seeds produced from the plant will either be sterile, or start to revert back to the parent plants.  Furthermore, the seeds that have been genetically modified have been so to be disease resistant, insect resistant, and drought resistant is some cases.  However, these type of seeds are not good choices because while the seed is created a pesticide known as bacillus thuringiensis or BT,  is created inside it in order to keep insects away.  The reasoning behind this idea was to create more plentiful crops.  The problem is that the finished product is a seed that holds pesticides inside it that will kill off any insects (even the beneficial insects).  These are not the best choices for survival seeds due to the BT pesticide and the seed that is produced from the mature plant will be sterile.

Survival Insurance

Long term survival encompasses items that will sustain a person or family for years.  MRE’s, canned goods and dehydrated food can only get a person so far.  If a person has a sustainable way to create food for years to come, then they have the necessary survival insurance that can keep them alive and healthy for the long haul.

Via: readynutrition

25 Survival Seeds You Need For Your Garden

Living off the land sounds as inviting as Christmas dinner.  But many have hardly had adequate experience being “farmers.”  In fact, many have had no experience at all when it comes to planting anything.  That being said, the day is slowly approaching where each of us may have to trade in our company identification badges for a shovel and a pair of overalls.  Educating yourself on farming topics such as mirco farming, planting for the seasons, natural insect repellents, seed collection and seed storage could help prepare for an upcoming economic crisis.  Learn about how many vegetables or fruits the plant will yield.  It is truly an experience when it comes to the first garden.  And the plants have many things to teach.

Start Practicing

The only way to be fully prepared as far as growing plants is concerned is to practice, practice, practice.  If the economy takes a turn for the worse, then the gardening knowledge and skills acquired from practicing will come into play at this time.  Initially, when beginning to plant a garden, start small and work your way up.  Have a small garden plot or do container gardening if you are short on space.  Make sure the seeds that are purchased are heirloom or non-GMO varieties.  The seeds from these varieties will continually produce.  As opposed to hybrid varieties that will only produce for one season.

With each gardening experience will come more wisdom on how to handle a larger garden.  When researching what types of fruit and vegetables will be grown, think about what your family will need for an entire year.  Keep in mind that if you are lucky enough to have any livestock, grains and grasses will be needed to be grown for them to consume.  Any size family will have to have multiple plants.  One plant per family member would be essential if you had a small hobby garden.  You must think on a larger scale.  You are planting a survival garden.  And this is exactly what it means – to survive.   Plant enough plants to have for food as well as to have left over for canning and preserving for the winters.

Survival Seeds

These seeds that were chosen were based upon their yield quantities, *ease in growing, nutritional content and for the season they are planted in.

  • Barley –Can be planted in the spring and winter and has the best results when planted early in the season.  This grain has loads of health benefits and a variety of purposes.  Such as feeding livestock, grinding the grains for flour, as well as making beer. Barley is high in dietary fiber and magnese.
  • *Beans – Beans should be planted in the early summer.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  Beans have different varieties such as pole beans and bush beans, kidney beans, etc.  Pole beans begin and end earlier than bush beans.  In comparison, pole beans give a high yield production.  A stake is needed for the pole beans.  Staggering your plantings will give continuous yields.    Beans are very high in fiber, calcium, Vitamins A, C and K.
  • *Broccoli – Plant seeds in mid to late summer to be ready for the fall harvest.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  This plant has a tendency to give yields past it’s first harvest.  And can take light frost with no problem. Broccoli is a good source of protein, Vitamins A and K.
  • *Carrot – Carrots prefer cooler weather and should be grown in the fall, winter and early spring.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  High in beta carotene and vitamin A.
  • Cauliflower – This vegetable is a cool season vegetable.  It harvests over a short period of time and cuts out a high head yield.  High in dietary fiber, Vitamin C and K.
  • Corn – This is a warm weather crop and should be planted after last frost.  Has a good amount of proteins, calcium and iron.  The plant will produce two ears per stalk.
  • *Cucumber – This is a warm weather crop.  This is one of the easiest vegetables to grow.  There are large varieties and smaller varieties for pickling.  Continuous picking increases the plants production.  Cucumbers are good sources of Vitamins A, C, K and potassium.
  • Eggplant – Eggplants are warm weather plants and should be planted after last frost.  This night shade vegetable is high in fiber, antioxidants, and a good source of vitamins B1 and B6.  This is a very versatile vegetable to cook with.
  • *Lettuce – Plant two weeks before last frost as well as in the fall 6-8 weeks before the first frost date.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow and one of the earliest crops to harvest.  There are many different varieties that offer different nutritional content.  This plant grows quickly and harvest can be extended by taking a few leaves at a time.  Lettuce is packed with essential vitamins and proteins, iron and calcium.  Vitamins such as A, B6, C, and K.
  • Melon – Plant 4 weeks after the last frost as these fruits are intolerant to cold weather.  Cantaloupes and Melon varieties need lots of space to grow.  Getting the dwarf size of these fruits can save space.  One melon plant will produce two melons.  Good source of fiber, B6 and folate.
  • Okra –Plant 2 weeks after last frost. This vegetable has a variety of uses such as in soups, pickled or canned.  High in vitamin A, K and folate, and calcium.
  • *Onion/Garlic – One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  Plant onion in mid to late October.  Onions can be pulled earlier and used for green onions.  A good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, folate and potassium.
  • Peanuts – This is a hot season plant and should be planted in April until Early June.  Peanuts are a good source for healthy fats, Vitamin E, protein and antioxidants.
  • *Peas – This is a winter loving plant who is resistant to frost.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  There are many varieties of the pea plant, such as shelling, snap, snow and sugar pod.  Most varieties are fast growing.  This is a good source of protein, fiber and has a good source of 8 different vitamins including vitamin A,  B6, and K.
  • *Peppers– Grow after the last frost.  There are many varieties of peppers as well as choices on if you want them to be hot or mild.  Sweet peppers are one of the easiest vegetables to grow.  The more peppers are harvested, the more the plant will produce.  Peppers are high in Vitamin A and C.
  • Potatoes– Plant 4-6 weeks before last frost.  1 plant yields 5-6 young potatoes.  Potatoes are high in fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Vitamin C.
  • Pumpkin– Start pumpkin seeds in the late spring.  Pumpkins require lots of room for the vines to grow.  Pumpkins are packed with vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, iron, Vitamin A, C and E.
  • *Radish – Can be started 4-6 weeks before last frost.  Many have had success growing radishes in the fall as well.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  They are very tolerant of weather conditions.  Radishes are high in Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, Vitamin C and iron.
  • Spinach– Spinach grows best in cool weather.  However, there are some varieties that like warm weather.  Many call this a super food based upon it’s large array of vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, iron, thiamine, thiamine and folic acid.
  • *Squash – There are both summer squash and winter squash varieties.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow and most are prolific producers.  Picking squash regularly encourages a higher yield.  A Good source of Vitamin A, B6, C, K, and dietary fiber.
  • * Tomato– Plant tomatoes in the late spring and again in the late summer.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow.  Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin A, C, K, E, Potassium, thiamine and Niacin.
  • Turnips/Rutabagas – Seeds should be sown in late May or early summer.  Turnips are fairly disease free and easily cared for.  The greens as well as the root can be eaten.  Turnips are high in B6, Vitamin C, Iron and Calcium.
  • Wheat– Winter wheat can be planted from late September to mid October.  This is the preferred variety due to the nutritional content as well as the protection it gives the soil in the wintertime compared to spring wheat.  Spring wheat is planted in early spring.   This is one of the most commonly used food crops in the world.  Wheat is high in copper, zine, iron and potassium.  Planting a 10×10 plot will yield between 10-25 loaves of bread.

Other seeds to take into consideration are crop cover seeds such as hairy vetch or clover.  These crop covers loosen up soil as well as gives the soil nitrogen to feed the plants for the next season.  These crop covers are also food for livestock such as cattle, sheep and rabbits.  When the crop cover is mowed, the cuttings can be used as natural mulch.

Also you may also want to check out buying currants, black grapes, muscadine grapes, lentils, tay berries, rasberries, and some herbs for medicinal uses.

If my recommendations do not grow well in your area that you live in, do some research on which fruits and vegetables grow best in your area. In addition, find native vegetables and fruits that are acclimated to the weather there.

Having a wide array of food choices when times get tough will keep spirits up, nutrition high and give each person a high amount of energy.  Do research and find the best plants for you and your family.  Become familiar with planting cycles at a local level.  Finding pertinent information regarding soil conditions, natural fertilizers, and germination of seeds can get you ready for a good planting season.  The more prepping you do on this, the better your family will eat when they need food the most.

Sources:

http://www.nutritiondata.com/

http://howtogardenguide.com/

http://gardening.about.com/

via: readynutrition