9 Ways Preppers Could Face Fines or Jail Time!

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A prepper plans ahead for events that pose a threat to the life or safety of himself or loved ones, but did you ever think your actions could potentially cause an issue? The amount of prepping each of us chooses to do can vary widely and is really a matter of personal preference, circumstances, and discretionary budget. But there are some things we might do as a prepper or homesteader that could actually land us in legal trouble resulting in fines, taxes, and even jail!

So, as a prepper or homesteader, one of the things you must do is to take care NOT to get caught up in any unnecessary legal trouble. If you aren’t aware of laws and regulations for your area or don’t stay updated on them, something as simple as building a rain water catchment system or traveling with your firearm to another state, can land you in jail. Researching and staying abreast of laws and regulations will save you a lot of headache and trouble later on.

1. Land Use & Property Zoning Laws

If you are already living on your own property or if you are trying to decide what piece of property to buy, make sure that you know with 100% certainty what the local laws are for the zoning of your property. Whether a property is zoned residential, commercial, or both, can have a huge impact on what you can and cannot legally do on your own property.
One way to avoid fines and maybe even jail time is to know in advance whether what you want to do now or in the future, will violate any local rules. Think about what you may want to do next year or even five or ten years down the road. Make sure that current zoning for the property you are buying doesn’t conflict. Google the name of your town and state and the phrase “planning” to find agency information to get more specific details on zoning for your area.

“Family protection measures that you need to know”

2. Covenants

When it comes to property, covenants can be either restrictive or positive in nature. A positive covenant attached to your property requires you to do something whereas a restrictive covenant tied to your property requires you to refrain from doing something. Covenants are often sporadically enforced so make sure you have written notice of any covenants of lack thereof so you don’t end up in a bad situation.

3. Property Easements

Property Easements are generally enacted to give specific people the ability to access parts of your property for a specific reason. They are typically in writing and are on file with your local property assessor’s office. Don’t depend on a realtor’s knowledge or even a property owner’s knowledge of property easements. Check it out for yourself through the assessor’s office.
Easements typically involve granting access to another property through a road on your property or granting access to a utility company to get to power lines by using a road that crosses your property. The language of an easement is critical when it comes to enforcement.
If an easement was granted for one neighbor’s use for example, it often cannot then be expanded to include traffic from a development of homes just because they now all live there and need access. Interfering with an easement that has been granted can get you into legal trouble, so if there is an easement tied to your property, make sure you know what it involves.

4. Home Owner’s Association (HOA)

A Home Owner’s Association or HOA is typically a non-profit group that is charged with providing services and regulating the activities within a planned development or subdivision. An HOA is authorized to charge fees or assessments and even to impose fines for failure to comply with rules. The HOA is made up of voting members, your neighbors, who have the authority to dictate a wide range of things.
If you choose to buy property that has an HOA, you are required to join, pay the dues, and follow the rules set forth by that HOA.  These rules can change dramatically based on the opinions and preferences of the membership, typically your neighbors. Make absolutely certain that you are prepared to abide by any rules created by the HOA now and in the future. Keep in mind that if the make-up of the neighbors living around you changes drastically, it can have a big impact on new restrictions that could be enacted.
An HOA can dictate anything from the color of your house and roof, to the mailbox you can install, and can even forbid you to have a garden in your yard! My uncle lives in a development where every homeowner is required to have their garage door closed by a specific time each day. They even have a security person who rides by to ensure this is being adhered to each night! Failure to comply with the rules or failure to pay your dues can result in additional fees and even a lien against your home.

“USA Blackout Warning Predicted for 2016!”

5. Hunting & Trapping Laws & Restrictions

People who regularly participate in hunting and trapping small game must be intimately aware of the laws and regulations surrounding this activity. If you plan to hunt, trap, or even fish, make sure that you know what the restrictions are for your area regarding “season length”, allowable quantity, etc. This applies to any kind of activity involving animals.
For example, in some states, catching fish with your bare hands can actually be illegal! Do your due diligence for any property you want to purchase or that you own. If you cannot abide by the current laws or they seem overly restrictive, avoid legal problems by moving to an area that will give you more freedom to live the way you want to live.

6. Water Rights

You own your property and you have a creek or stream on the property that you want to tap into to irrigate your gardens and water livestock. Or maybe you decide to install a rainwater catchment system to use for your garden and livestock or even to supply water to your house for personal consumption. It’s not normally something you’d think about in great detail, it’s your land so it’s your water, right?  Well you may not be legally entitled to the water right you think you do.
Surface water rights, such as creeks and lakes, are governed by two doctrines, either the Riparian Doctrine or the Prior Appropriation Doctrine. The Eastern part of the United States uses Riparian doctrine, this means that your right to use surface water such as creeks, rivers, and streams are based on proximity and reasonable use.
The Western half of the United States is governed by the Prior Appropriation Doctrine which is based on who began using the water first. As Indian tribes are now widely recognized as being there first, they have been granted first appropriation. This is causing conflict across the Western United States as ranchers who were the first to “apply” for a permit and who have been using the water to irrigate their cattle for decades, are being ordered to stop using the water.
If you’re looking to harvest rainwater, you may also want to check this article on the topic.
Recommended article: So You Want to Keep Your Preps Secret

7. Making Explosives/Federal Conspiracy

It is illegal to make or possess explosive substances and devices, even handmade ones without proper licensing and permits. You can have explosives for your own personal use, but you are required to follow all laws regarding storage and transport. This is a very sensitive area because if you are found in possession of explosives and there is any suspicion that you intended to use those explosives to harm life or property, you can also be charged with Federal Conspiracy, a more serious crime.
For more details, see the Explosive Substances Act 1883 in the UK or 27 CFR, Part 555 if you reside in the U.S. Keep in mind, that in addition to federal laws regarding explosives, there could also be state laws that apply. In the U.S., there are additional laws and penalties if you transport explosives, including something as innocent as taking an explosive target you made to the shooting range for practice. Contact DOT before transporting any explosive materials to avoid fines and court proceedings.

8. Firearms Violations

The laws regarding the use of, sale, and transport of firearms and ammunition can be very different from state to state. There are many aspects to these laws, so make sure you check and thoroughly understand the regulations regarding firearm purchase, registration, background checks, and licensing as well as open and concealed carry laws.
When it comes to gun laws, you cannot be safe just knowing what the laws are in the state in which you live, you are bound by the laws of where you are located at the time. If you are concerned about your liability in the event of an intruder in your home, check into the Castle Doctrine Law for your state. If you will be traveling, pay attention to the Peaceable Journey Laws for each state you will travel into.
If, for example, you live in Idaho and hold a Concealed Carry Permit, and you decide to make a trip to Oregon, your Idaho permit will not be recognized there. In some states, local government is allowed to pass their own laws that could be more restrictive than state laws. This means that your firearm can be perfectly legal in the entire state except the one county or town that you visit to sightsee. You could end up in big legal trouble for a firearms violation.
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act prohibits certain individuals from possessing a handgun, including anyone who committed a crime punishable by prison of one year or more, anyone addicted to or illegally using a controlled substance, and even anyone who was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.

9. Living in an RV or Non-traditional Home on Your Own Land

In Los Angeles County, in a desert area, otherwise known as the Antelope Valley, residents are being targeted by armed county inspection squads that target victimless code violations. Approximately 14 residents, living relatively independent in this remote location, have left the state in recent years, broke and destitute after losing their property to the county. Remaining residents believe a future development or highway is planned in this area and residents in this valley are an obstacle.
Joey Gallow, retired Vietnam era army veteran, was initially cooperative when asked to clear brush, move a shed, and then remove his motorhome. After cooperating with officials and complying with multiple requests, he was then told he couldn’t live there and would have to move. He was told that his activities are obstructing the free and clear use of neighboring land. His nearest neighbor is almost a half a mile away.
Oscar Castaneda is a mechanic and a preacher. He and his wife own the church where popular movies, Kill Bill 1 and 2 were filmed. They bought their land twenty-three years ago. They grow their own food and use solar power. They believe in living independent of the city. He has no neighbors for over 10 miles. Government officials visited several times, taking pictures. After the fourth unannounced visit, Castaneda learned that he could ask them for a warrant. But the damage had been done. Castaneda received notices of multiple code violations. He is now being told he has to clear his land and move or a bulldozer will be brought in to level the property.
Jacques Dupis and his wife have lived on their property for twenty-five years without any issues. They paid taxes every year. They are now being told their water storage tank doesn’t meet code and they must put in a well in order to stay, at a cost of 85,000, a price this retired couple cannot begin to afford.
Kenny Perkins of Acton, collects and restores old cars. He moved to the country after his cars were vandalized by gangs at his previous home. Local authorities showed up and informed him that one of his outbuildings did not meet setback requirements and he had to move it. He complied and moved the building. He is the last house on a private dirt road. He was then told to register all his cars with historical vehicle plates, which he did to the tune of $2,500. He later discovered that the county had no authority to order him to move the outbuilding because the “setback” requirements don’t apply on a private dirt road.
So, as a prepper or homesteader, guard against potential fines and even jail by making sure you:
(1) research the laws and ordinances for your property at the federal, state, and even the local level,
(2) know your rights so that you can stand up for yourself should an incident occur, and
(3) pay attention to potential changes in laws and regulations so that you can band with other residents to fight any laws that would interfere with your right to live the way you see fit.
Our right to live free is guaranteed to us by the Constitution. It’s a fine line between living the way you want to live and being a nuisance to your neighbors. Most people with non-traditional ways of living intentionally move to remote locations so as not to bother anyone else. It seems even those remote areas are now under attack. One must be ever on guard to keep authorities from chipping away at our freedoms.
Source: disasterrecoverymanager.com

Useful articles and resources:
The vital self-sufficiency lessons our great grand-fathers left us
This Is Sickening Even By Obama’s Standards
Learn The 7 Secrets Every Family Must Know To Survive Any Disaster Or Crisis
Agenda 21: Sick Depopulation Plot Kicks-Off In USA

Five reasons why you're totally crazy if you aren't growing your own food

 As things get ever crazier in the world, there are more reasons than ever to grow at least some of your own food. In fact, I say you're crazy if you don't grow some of your own food!

Here are five huge reasons to back that up... or listen to my full podcast at HealthRangerReport.com.

#1) With food prices skyrocketing, you'll save money by growing your own

Have you priced organic romaine lettuce recently? Or a pound of beef? With food prices continuing to skyrocket, the economics of growing your own food make more sense than ever before.

Growing food costs almost nothing in terms of actual dollars -- it's the labor input that represents the greatest input cost. But with container gardening, square foot gardening, simple hydroponics systems and even countertop sprouting, growing your own food doesn't have to be a labor-intensive activity. You don't even need dirt or a yard to do simple things like grow window sill herbs or countertop sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean, chickpeas, clover, broccoli, etc.).

Ever better, the much higher nutritional value of home-grown food (compared to processed factory foods you buy at the grocery store) actually saves you money on long-term health care costs. By eating your way to good health, you are eliminating your future need to buy expensive prescription medications and undergo costly doctor visits (or hospital procedures).

It's true: Growing your own food saves you money today and tomorrow.

#2) The end of cheap water is making food more scarce and difficult to produce

The end of cheap, easy water is upon us. Thanks to extreme weather events and runaway drought conditions in food-producing states like California, underground water aquifers are being rapidly pumped dry.

The end game of all this isn't difficult to see: Today's food-producing meccas will become tomorrow's Dust Bowl regions. Without cheap water, there is no cheap food. And as water becomes increasingly scarce, food will become increasingly expensive, vastly outpacing the average price inflation rate for other product categories.

In addition to water scarcity, modern mechanized monoculture (chemical agriculture) also destroys soils, rivers, trees and healthful microbes. There is no long term sustainability of modern agricultural practices, which are focused on "poison and pillage for profit" rather than growing nutritious food to nurture a civilization into a better future.

The era of scarce, expensive food has already begun. You're witnessing its beginnings right now, and as the march of human agricultural destruction accelerates, it's only going to accelerate.

#3) Home-grown food is far more nutritious and medicinal

Stated plainly, nearly all the food you buy at the grocery store is little more than a mere shadow of real food. The processed, packaged food provides empty calories and little else. Dairy products are all homogenized and pasteurized, and even the fresh produce that claims to be "ripened on the vine" was actually cut from the plant -- with the vine still attached -- weeks before it reached its peak nutritional potency.

Even more, the soils in which these foods are grown are nutritionally depleted and utterly lacking any real quantities of trace minerals. When you buy food or produce at the grocery store, you're mostly buying the illusion of food -- which is also why you're always hungry for more of it. It's never satisfying because it doesn't provide the real nutrition your body craves.

When you grow your own food in nutrient-rich soils, you are producing the world's healthiest foods and medicines. Every edible plant in the world naturally synthesizes its own medicines to keep itself alive (and free from infections). These medicines are at their peak when you harvest vegetables, fruits and herbs after they achieve full readiness... and that's something grocery stores can never achieve because they have to pick everything prematurely to account for transportation and distribution time.

In terms of minerals, phytonutrients and natural medicines, home-grown food is the world's best source for nutrients. That's why home-grown fruits and veggies also taste better -- your tongue is telling you the truth about real food!

#4) Growing your own food practices self-reliance and preparedness

You probably already know our world is headed for some extraordinary challenges ahead. Political strife, social chaos, weather radicalization and even prospects of war are all very real risks throughout the world. When regions are destabilized, food supplies are almost immediately wiped out.

Having the ability to grow your own food provides protection from the unexpected. While riots or war can wreak havoc on supplies of traditional grocery store foods, they usually have no effect at all on home gardens and a home food supply. Even better, if you've practiced the skills of growing food, harvesting food, saving seeds and nurturing healthy soils, those skills are immediately applicable no matter what scenario comes your way.

Ask yourself this question: If the food trucks stop delivering to the grocery stores, would you rather find yourself standing in a government food line, or popping open a jar of home-canned salsa that you grew yourself? Care to guess which food is healthier?

#5) When you can produce your own food, you can't be easily controlled by others

The real danger of being entirely dependent on government for emergency food supplies is that you will simultaneously have to obey the government's demands. Depending on the circumstances, those demands might include giving up your tools of self defense, surrendering your personal property or even abandoning your own home and being relocated to a refugee camp of some sort.

Throughout world history, food has often been used as a weapon against the People. Even today, every dictator knows that the easiest way to control the people is to first control the food. (Just ask anyone who hasn't yet starved to death in North Korea...)

In the days of ancient Rome, raiding forces are rumored to sometimes punish a conquered land by plowing the soils with salt, destroying the ability of that land to produce food. [1] This would make the conquered region beholden to the victor for food. He who controls the food controls the people.

Growing your own food is one of the greatest expressions of freedom and liberty. This is precisely why governments across the United States frequently seek to criminalize those who engage in home gardening, small-scale farming or raw milk production. Julie Bass of Oak Park, Michigan, for example, was threatened with jail time for growing vegetables in her front yard. Read about my interview with Julie Bass at this Natural News article.

Similarly, in 2012 the government of Tulsa, Oklahoma deliberately destroyed the herbal garden of a woman named Denise Morrison. Their goal? To make sure private citizens cannot independently produce their own food and natural medicine.

Government officials in both the USA and Canada have also frequently conducted armed raids on indoor vegetable grow operations, destroying indoor cucumber farms and terrorizing innocent families. As Natural News previously reported:

...the Harte family of Leawood, Kansas, was literally held hostage at gunpoint by law enforcement goons who ravaged their house and tore apart hydroponic growing equipment that they falsely believed to be part of a nonexistent marijuana grow operation in the family's basement.

Just this year, another SWAT-style police raid on a home garden was conducted in Georgia, where law enforcement officers are too stupid to know the difference between okra and marijuana. In a televised interview, Georgia State Patrol Capt. Kermit Stoke literally said on camera: "We've not been able to identify it as of yet. But it did have quite a number of characteristics that were similar to a cannabis plant."

(Seriously? People who live in Georgia don't know what okra looks like?)

One of the red flags of knowing you're living in a police state tyranny, in fact, is when the government criminalizes home gardens and conducts armed raids on vegetable growers. That day has already arrived in America, where being arrested as a "criminal" only requires that you attempt to grow your own nutritious garden vegetables.

Homesteading on a budget – five easy-peasy steps to creating one

 by Jon E. Dougherty

(Homesteading.news) These days it is getting harder and harder to make ends meet, and if you’re a homesteader, you understand this perfectly. Between rising costs for feed, seed, building materials, vet visits and so forth, it can be tough to make your monthly budget balance.
That said, balancing your homesteading budget is certainly doable and, in fact, much easier than you think – and you don’t need a “money manager” or a “financial guy” to make it all add up.

First, it’s important to understand the budgeting process and why it is so vital to the success of your homesteading operations:
— Homesteaders will often have increased expenditures during specific seasons, such as when you need to buy seeds and start up equipment in the spring, and buying bulk feed for livestock later in fall;
— Your income is likely not reliable each month; if the majority of your income is derived from the land you must organize it property for budget purposes and for taxes;
— Life happens – and so do unexpected emergencies;
— If you’re new to the homesteading lifestyle, you may not have much of an income right away;
— Equipment and machinery break down and cost money to repair.
A budget will see to it that you’re prepared for these little (and large) inconveniences and emergencies.
So, here are five easy-peasy steps to balancing your homesteading budget, which will not only enable you to cover your expenses, but will also give you the same peace of mind that fits your self-sustaining lifestyle:
1. Gather the facts: The best way to start is to assemble all of your regularly occurring monthly expenses. Add to those your “irregular” bills – those that come quarterly or once or twice a year – as well as annual, seasonal purchases and expenses. This can be tedious but the process will be easier if you collect receipts (and you should).
Now you have a ballpark figure that serves as a basis for your monthly budget.
2. Format your budget design: In order to make the “data entry” easier, choose a spreadsheet on a computer or draw in a chart in a notepad. Some people simply use a Word document or lines on notebook paper.
Organization will help you keep track of what you’ve spent, what you’ll need to spend and will serve as a quick reference in any number of other ways.
3. Add income streams/outflows: Add in all the various income streams coming into your household, as well as all the bills you pay each month, and due dates for both.
4. Required savings: You’ve already figured out what you need to pay each month; now add that amount and divide by 12. That will give you the ballpark budget figure you’ll need to save for each month so you can make the monthly bills.
5. What’s left: Three things will happen – you’ll find that you don’t have enough income, which means you’ll have to 1) find ways to boost your income or 2) find ways to cut expenses; you’ll spend just as much as you take in, which is okay; or you’ll have an amount of money left over after your expenses, which is the best possible outcome, because this money will serve as your reserve fund that you can use for those unexpected expenses. And as a homesteader, you’ll have them.
For those of you who are running your homestead like a business or who really need to carefully keep track of your personal finances, it’s highly recommended you use a program made for that. Some use Mint.com, which works very well for personal finances. Another good program is Quicken. Both will save you time so you have more of it to put into your operations.

Is Your Food on Crack? Salmon Test Positive for 81 Different Drugs, Prozac, Birth Control, Cocaine

When stories like the lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan make national news, people sit up and take notice.
What people don’t realize is just how contaminated our water is all the time, every day, every where.
I’m not talking about heavy metals like lead, although unless regular testing is done the nation over or you test your own water with a home kit (cheap, definitely worth it if you are curious to know what’s in your water), how do you know what’s coming out of your faucet is lead-free anyway?
In this instance, however, I’m talking about Big Pharma.
Salmon caught in the Puget Sound were recently found to be contaminated with a toxic cocktail of 81 drugs and chemicals.
Tissues of the juvenile chinook were tested and researchers were blown away by what they found.
Drugs these fish were on included:

Prozac
Zantac
Advil
Benadryl
Lipitor
Cocaine
Flonase
Aleve
Tylenol
Paxil
Valium
Birth control pills (estrogen)
Zoloft
Tagamet
OxyContin
Darvon
Nicotine
Caffeine
Fungicides
Antiseptics
Anticoagulants
Cipro and other antibiotics galore…

Why? Because the process used in wastewater treatment facilities does not filter out all the drugs that are eliminated by humans into the water supply en masse on a daily basis. That water is then reused, contaminated more, taken up by crops and the animals that eat them, and it ultimately winds up on our dinner tables to be eaten and recycled once more. (Kinda reminds me of the film Soylent Green).
Worse, the researchers had a hard time even completing this study because while their test group came from waters near wastewater treatment plants, even in the control waters of the Nisqually estuary — a water source not near a wastewater plant that was supposed to be researchers “clean reference” water source — fish tested positive for higher levels of drugs than was found in some of the largest wastewater treatment facilities tested by the EPA around the country.
Guess it could have been worse, as researchers actually tested for 150 compounds, but they still concluded some 97,000 pounds of drugs and chemicals are likely making their way into just these waters each year. No reason to think it’d be all that much different in other water sources surrounding heavily populated areas across the U.S.
The scientists in the study go on to question what this is doing to the fish, but what do you think it is doing to you? Your kids? All the men in the country’s largest cities who are eating food and drinking water contaminated with high levels of female hormones from excreted birth control pills? Birth control pills are the leading form of contraception used by women aged 15-29 in this country; the CDC says 17.1% of women aged 15-44 are taking them. That’s millions of women taking millions of pills every day and excreting those hormones into the water supply to be taken up in the food and plants we eat and the water we drink.
If it’s in the food and the water and given at continual doses when we eat or drink anything all day long every day, there has to be an accumulative effect there. And why even bother getting started on the fact that everyone is eating and drinking multiple antidepressants with every meal…
Researchers had already concluded drugs in the water were turning clams into hermaphrodites and antidepressants in the water might be the reason shrimp are committing suicide…
If you still aren’t filtering your water at home, you are drinking this stuff, cooking with it, and eating it every day. At least filtering your water is a big first step toward limiting you and your family’s personal exposure to this stuff.

The Top 12 Cancer-Causing Products in The Average Home

It’s not easy sifting through the endless lists on the internet about products that harm the body. Immersing yourself in research can become overwhelming, we know. So to free up some of your valuable time here are the top 12 cancer-causing products that may be lurking in your home. Thanks to the Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC), Ralph Nader, and smartklean.com here are the 12 most common products manufactured by big business and found in American homes that you need to avoid.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Talcum Powder- (Johnson & Johnson. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredient:
TALC, Carcinogenic and a risk factor for ovarian cancer; lung irritant.

Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Make Up (Foundation) (Procter & Gamble. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients

BHA, Carcinogenic.
TALC, Carcinogenic; Lung Irritant.
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA), Interacts with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
LANOLIN, Often contaminated with DDT and other carcinogenic pesticides.
PARABENS, Contact dermatitis.
FRAGRANCE, Wide range of unlabeled, untested, and toxic ingredients; contact dermatitis.

Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste – (Procter & Gamble. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients:
FD&C BLUE #1, Carcinogenic.
SACCHARIN, Carcinogenic.
FLUORIDE, Possibly carcinogenic.

Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients:
FORMALDEHYDE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer.
POLYSORBATE 80, Generally contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.
FD&C RED #4, Carcinogenic.
FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis.

Clairol Nice ‘n Easy (Permanent Haircolor) (Clairol. Inc.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredients:

QUATERNlUM-15, Formaldehyde-releaser; carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer.
DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA), Carcinogenic; also interacts with nitrites to form a carcinogenic nitrosamine.
PHENYLENE-DIAMINES, Includes carcinogens and other ingredients inadequately tested for carcinogenicity; contact dermatitis.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL, Contact dermatitis.
FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis.

NOTE: Also evidence of causal relation to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other cancers.

Household Products

Ajax Cleanser (Colgate-Palmolive. Inc.)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients:

CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant.

NOTE: Carcinogenicity of silica is admitted in 1994 Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS).
(Manufacturer claims to have reduced silica levels since 1993.)

Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient:

CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.)

Lysol Disinfectant Spray (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.)

Labeled or Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient:
ORTHOPHENYLPHENOL (OPP): Carcinogenic; irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.)
See article on the truth about disinfectants and suggested alternatives!

Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar (Sandoz Agro. Inc).

Labeled Toxic Ingredient

PROPOXUR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic.

Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer (Monsanto Co.)

Labeled Toxic Ingredient

SODIUM 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETATE (2,4-D), Carcinogenic with evidence of casual relation to lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers ; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin.

Food

Beef Frankfurters – (eg. Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients
BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE, Carcinogenic.
DACTHAL, Carcinogenic (can be contaminated with dioxin); irritant; strong sensitizer.
DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen.
HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; teratogenic.
LINDANE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; damage to blood forming cells.
HORMONES: Carcinogenic and feminizing.
ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance.

Labeled Ingredient
NITRITE, Interacts with meat amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines which are a major risk factor for childhood cancers.

Whole Milk – (eg. Borden or Lucerne)

Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients
DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen.
HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen.
HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin.
ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance.
RECOMBINANT BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE and IGF-1: Also, risk factor for breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Safer Alternative:
rBGH-free Raw Organic

For more information read: Top 10 Most Unhealthy, Cancer-Causing Foods

 

Dollar Store Prepping

Most of us don’t have a ton of extra income, so when it comes to prepping, it often takes a back seat to every day expenses. After all, Jay Leno used to have a segment called “Things found at the dollar store”. There were creepy toys, and my favorite, a small toilet, that when you lifted the lid, had lip gloss in it!

Dollar store items are often overruns, have minor defects, and often are major brands. Here is a list of things to look for in dollar stores.

• Over the counter medications. Why spend five dollars or more when you can get aspirin. Acetaminophen, allergy medications, Imodium, triple antibiotic cream, (We even found some with zink and some with silver.) and more for a dollar! Here is where a smart phone comes in handy. You know that for a dollar you aren’t going to get 100 pills, sometimes only a few, so check the prices and compare with other stores.
• Band-Aids, gauze, tape, elastic support bandages, wrist, ankle and knee supports. Don’t forget the icy hot muscle relaxing pads. I keep them in my suitcase, for when I overdo when I travel, and my bug out bag, too.
• Security items: Door stops can keep, or delay people from entering a door. I use them in hotels as well as putting Band-Aids over hotel room peep holes so no one can spy on you.
• Board games. Yep, checker, backgammon, playing cards, and balls. Boredom is bad, especially when there are kids.
• Hoola hoops and jump ropes are good exercise in a small space, like a bunker or a tent.
• Clothes line is good for more than clothes.
• Plastic tubs galore! Good for storage, washing yourself in, washing clothes and dishes…
• Buckets
• Cleaning supplies of all kinds.
• Zip lock and other plastic bags
• Blanket and garment storage bags.. not very thick but they keep the bugs out.
• Duct tape, electrical tape, wire, nails and screws, screwdrivers and wrenches, flashlights, little pocket fans, garbage bags.
• Small bags and even kid sized backpacks.
• Food! I have found tuna, salmon and spam in foil pouches, which are great for bug out bags. Protein in a lightweight, slim pouch.
• Boxed milk. Yes, it’s real and tastes good. Their expiration dates are months away, unlike regular milk, does not require refrigeration, but don’t get them hot, and they even last longer in the fridge when opened.   I keep it around for when I don’t  want to make a trip to the store.
• Condiments: all kinds can be found here including sea salt, mustard with turmeric, hot sauce, spaghetti and sauces, parmesan cheese, ( check the cellulose levels ) spices..food boredom is bad for people in survival mode. Ever gone to the kitchen hungry and just didn’t want anything you had on hand? That’s food boredom. So when you prep, remember to get a huge variety of things you and/or your family, eat every month, like Mexican, Asian, Italian. Juices, powder drink additives..avoid ones with equal! (aspartame) and spices to pep the taste buds.
• Clothes: Think socks, gloves, and hats.
• Little miniature cloth wash cloths shrunk to the size of a small block, that when placed in water, spooing! (often called towels and have cartoon and super heroes on them.)
• Pets: Food, collars, leashes, litter, pee pads. Which are great for kennel liners.

We have seen lots of brand name food and merchandise at dollar stores, sometimes it was made for a foreign country and did not sell well. We have gotten t-shirts, towels, lots of kitchen stuff, aluminum pans.
The cooking bags you sometimes see during the holidays can be used as crock pot/pot liners for easy cleanup. Really good when water is in short supply.
And speaking of the Holidays..seasonal items are always a time to get deals, like nuts for cheap, $1.00 solar yard lights, etc.

Things not worth getting:

• Potting soil, you get about 5lbs for a dollar when Lowes and Home depot have 20lbs for less than $3.00.
• Seeds..I have bought them several times and never had anything produce. So, poor quality seeds.

Never knew you could get so much eh? And different locations of the same stores will often have different items, check out stores around you and when you travel. Dollar Tree stores have where you can order cases online, and have them shipped for store pickup, for free.
Now grab those dollars and go shopping!
Guest post by Gwen!!
The post Dollar Store Prepping appeared first on American Preppers Network.

 

Woman heals her bladder cancer with frankincense oil

When Jackie Hogan was diagnosed with a rare bladder cancer, she was informed by doctors that she’d eventually need to have her bladder removed, something that would necessitate her having to wear a drainage bag for the rest of her life.(1)
Not wanting to live in such a manner, she turned away from medical suggestions and decided to take matters in her own hands.

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These days, Hogan couldn’t be happier; she has no signs of bladder cancer. (1)
How did she get better?
Very simply, she discovered the healing abilities of frankincense oil, which University of Oklahoma researchers have found, especially in conjunction with sandalwood oil, has properties that kill off cancer cells.(1,2) So effective is the frankincense oil that experts say, “Frankincense essential oil may represent a candidate on a growing list of natural compounds selectively eradicating cancer cells.” (2)

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Hogan says she took four drops by mouth twice daily.

The many healing abilities of frankincense oil

Not only can frankincense oil help with bladder cancer, but it has been shown to have anti-cancer properties that help keep other cancers, including melanoma, prostate, and leukemia, at bay.(2) It’s also an excellent choice to boost mood, heal wounds and fight fungus, and has been enjoyed as an ancient traditional healing method in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.(2)
The list goes on: Frankincense oil has also been used to remedy bad breath, strengthen hair, and ease digestive problems.(3)

Why frankincense oil heals

Frankincense oil is effective because it contains monoterpenes, compounds which have the ability to help eradicate cancerous cells at the onset of their development, as well as their progression stages, making it ideal for those who discover their cancer regardless of when it’s found.(4)
Monoterpenes play a role in healing by following a series of events in the body, first stopping a cell’s replication process, then cell death, and ultimately, tumor regression.(4)

Sources for this article include:
(1) www.oil-testimonials.com
(2) news.therawfoodworld.com
(3) www.organicfacts.net
(4) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

10 Ways To Be Self Reliant In The City

Living in town is certainly convenient, but don’t you wish you could be a little more self reliant? Many people living in cities and suburbs find themselves buying just about everything from stores and supermarkets. The thing is, although many people rely on big companies to create their clothing and food, it doesn’t mean that it’s good quality or healthy. It’s a great thing to know how to take care of yourself and your family if there were to ever be an issue, and it’s very educational for children to learn about sustainability as well. Being able to live even slightly more sustainably would benefit you and your family tremendously.
Here are some fun tips on how to become a little more self-reliant, even if you live in the city or suburbs….

Gardening

Nothing is better than a fresh fruit or veggie from your very own garden. Urban gardening is something that’s actually becoming very popular. There are several techniques for growing sufficient gardens in small spaces including tower gardens, square foot gardening, container gardening, and adding edibles into your landscaping and window boxes. Interested in urban gardening? The website Urban Organic Gardener also has some amazing resources to help get you started!

Food Preservation

Food preservation goes hand in hand with gardening. If your garden is successful enough, you can easily preserve green beans, tomatoes, etc. by freezing or canning them.
Veggies are not the only foods that you can easily preserve to be more sustainable AND save a substantial amount of money; many meats can be purchased from nearby farmers and be preserved for healthier AND more inexpensive meals.
Canning and preserving is something that does take a little time to master, but with the help of websites like Self Reliant School and Food in Jars, you’ll be a pro in no time!

Re-purposing

It may not seem self-sufficient, but using your old junk and repurposing it is exactly that! Instead of heading to your nearest Target to buy organizers for your junk drawer, use something you have on hand! We really love this great list from DIY N Crafts for projects that use recycled items from home.

Composting

All of your fruit and vegetable scraps, as well as egg shells and other waste, eventually break down into super nutrient-rich soil. You can keep a small rotating compost bin and use the soil in your garden rather than purchasing soil from the plant nursery. You can even start composting if you live in an apartment. See how Survival at Home is doing it.

Sew, Crochet, or Knit

Learning to sew or knit gives you the sense that you are capable of making things on your own and you don’t always have to go out and buy everything. I crocheted my children winter hats last year, and although they had store-bought ones as well, they chose to wear the ones their Mama made them every time.
Once you learn how to sew, crochet, or knit, you could make your own diapers, blankets, non-paper towels, clothing, or bedding. The options are endless!

Backyard Chickens

This is something that you obviously can’t easily do in an apartment, however many larger cities and towns have made it legal for people to have a couple of chickens in their backyards for eggs. If you would love backyard chickens, but it’s against the rules in your town, start a petition and I guarantee once you educate others on the benefits of backyard chickens, you’ll be able to convince the town to allow it.

Make Your Own Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies

With just a few ingredients on hand, you can make a huge variety of your own products. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but your family’s health will benefit!
Using products you make yourself gives you the opportunity to choose the ingredients. Bye-bye mystery chemicals, hello all natural and healthy! Need some recipes to get started? Check out this woman’s blog and she’ll have just what you’re looking for.

Harvest Rainwater

Collect rainwater from your downspouts or even in buckets to collect water for your garden. Simple and effective! Please don’t go purchase an expensive rain barrel at the store though, you can easily make one like this one at very low cost.

Use Your Space Wisely

A huge problem for people living in the city is the lack of space (outside and sometimes inside as well). Many think that being self-reliant should involve a big chunk of land, but you really don’t need it! Use your space wisely by planning and organizing how you are going to make this self-reliant lifestyle work in your small home or apartment, which leads me to the last tip…

Be Creative!

Living a self-reliant lifestyle can be done- even in town. You’ve just got to be creative and remember that even a little bit of self-sufficiency is better than nothing! Look at what you have available to you, do a little research, and put your plan into action!

The Real Truth about What Causes Cancer and Why Doctors Constantly Ignore It

In 1971 an unusual thing happened for the medical world. The Congress and President Nixon declared a kind of war on cancer. But nothing much important has happened during the four decades that passed after it. If we sideline all the hype and check the statistics, we will find that not much has happened.

We might imagine that if we apply the offerings of modern science in the last four decades, it could take us to something that can almost eradicate cancer. It will be good to compare development in cancer to other areas of technology. Look at our cell phones, they are more powerful and capable than the biggest supercomputers 40 years ago.

Cancer rates have grown over the last 40 years. In fact, cancer surpasses heart disease as the No.1 killer in America for the age group 45-74. There is a very high chance that someone in your circle is suffering from cancer, dying from it or has already died.

The War on Cancer – An Utter Failure

Reynold Spector notes these 6 reasons for this failure in the work he authored for the Skeptical Inquirer:

• We are yet unable to understand the pathogenesis or cause in most cancers.
• Most cancer treatments (apart from surgery) are not specific cell killers or ‘smart’
• The grant system and clinical trials don’t promote innovation
• Animal models of cancer are usually insufficient
• Screening drugs for fighting cancer cells has not been successful
• Ineffective ‘fads’ keep coming and going in research

Even though these factors show why the failure has occurred, this list tells exactly what could be wrong with this system. There is a general ignorance of the point that cancer could be nothing else but a man-made disease which is caused mainly because of toxic overload.

A little while ago, I authored an interesting study on ancient mummies and found that cancer doesn’t fall into the category of ‘natural’ diseases. Even genetics don’t form as the main factor. Tumors were very rare during those times. It is only in this era of poor diet and pollution that they have started emerging. What are the reasons the scientific and medical communities have mostly ignored such basic points?

The Underlying Causes Behind the Problem

Cancer rates are increasing because no one is making an attempt to address the underlying cause behind most cancers. On the other hand, most research is focused on costly drugs targeting late stages, enriching the drug companies, but not preventing cancer.

This is a field where even the smallest amount of prevention can be worth a lot as a cure. I have a strong belief that if you can follow the advanced health plan, you could almost eradicate the risk of developing most types of cancers.

What Causes Cancer?

The cancer epidemic is mostly claimed to be caused by our lifestyle and environmental factors. They include the following:

• Artificial & Processed Foods (and the chemicals that come with packaging)
• Exposure to Pesticides And Various Chemicals
• Obesity, poor sleeping habits and stress
• Exposure to Wireless Technologies, medical diagnostic radiation, and dirty electricity
• Inadequate exposure to sunlight and Using Toxic Sunscreens
• Pharmaceutical drugs

This is certainly a brief list on what causes cancer and an elaborate one will be too long. If you want to learn more about the consumer products which are considered to be contributing to cancer, kindly check the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list by the Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Pharmaceutical researchers want to show to the world what they are making every effort to find the solution. But we see nothing else but all the researchers taking place in developing new drug therapies. They are not getting anywhere close to the cause of the problem. Otherwise, they could learn about all these lifestyle problems mentioned above. I look at it this way – if you ignore your lifestyle factors, you are putting your own life at risk. It is obvious that drug-based ‘advances’ are going nowhere against this disease that is progressively advancing.

Cancer drugs, on the other hand, are infamously toxic and offer destructive and even deadly side effects.Those behind conventional medicine are working so hard to create the illusion that they are engaged in a fight against cancer. But many such drugs continue to be used despite not offering anything to extend the life or improve quality of life of people diagnosed with cancer.

Avastin was the best-selling (and too costly) cancer drug but it was stopped from usage for treating metastatic breast cancer after research showed that the benefits were almost nil compared to the hazardous side effects. It became clear that it was ignorant to treat a disease caused by toxins using toxins.

Genuine Cancer Advancements that Should Reach Public Domain

Over the past three decades, the cancer burden has increased two times across the world. It is expected to grow at same rate during 2000-2020. By 2030, it is likely to triple. This will happen if we don’t start taking cancer prevention more seriously. This trend can be reversed if the medical community no longer overlooks the methods that could have a major impact.

There are 3 cancer developments which specifically need a lot of attention. Conventional medicine has not accepted them yet.

1. Vitamin D

There is lots of evidence that shows that deficiency of vitamin D has an important role in causing cancer. According to researchers, around 30% of deaths from cancer (around 2 million globally and 200,000 in the U.S.) can be avoided annually if vitamin D levels are optimized in the population.

I believe that you could reduce the risk of cancer by over 50% by doing nothing else but optimizing vitamin D levels through exposure to sunlight. If you are already under treatment for cancer, you should have higher blood levels of it (80 to 90 ng/ml).

There is a huge population that is at enhanced risk of cancer because they have low levels of vitamin D, as they don’t get enough exposure to the sun.

When it comes to providing protection against cancer, vitamin D offers protection in various forms.

• Regulation of genetic expression
• Preventing cancer cells from spreading and reproducing
• Causing the mutated cells to self destruct (if mutated cells are allowed to replicate, it could lead to cancer)
• Causing differentiation of cells
• Reducing the chances of development of new blood vessels from existing blood vessels (this is a step in transformation of dormant tumors becoming cancerous)

2. Optimize Insulin Levels

One of the best actions you could take to reduce your cancer risk is to normalize your insulin levels. Otto Warburg won a Nobel Prize in the 1930s for his research on the physiology of cancer cells. This showed how cancer cells need more sugar for thriving. It is surprising that not many oncologists use this knowledge nowadays.

One of the best examples is that of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. It has stringent dietary measures in place in its cancer treatment program.

If the insulin levels increase in your body, they could cause significant damage. Diabetes is a common form of this damage. Dr. Ron Rosedale (M.D.) pointed out the following in one of my widely read articles, Insulin and Its Metabolic Effects:

All kinds of diseases, from common cold to cancer to osteoporosis to cardiovascular disease and everything in between – all have their roots in at the molecular and cellular level. He says that insulin will certainly have some role to play in a disease and in many cases it controls it.

Fortunately, it is easy to control your insulin levels. You should start by controlling how much grains, sugars or fructose, and processed foods you are taking. This will prevent insulin levels from rising.

3. Exercising

If you are also like most others, exercise is not the first thing that comes to your mind when you want to reduce cancer risk. But there is good proof that exercising could help in reducing cancer risk.

Exercise primarily helps in reducing cancer risk by lowering the high levels of insulin. It helps in creating an environment of low sugar that helps in discouraging the development and spread of cancer cells. You should optimize your vitamin D levels and control insulin levels – the two most effective ways in reducing cancer risk.

If you are a physically active adult, you reduce your risk of colon cancer by 50% compared to those leading a sedentary lifestyle. As a woman who exercises on a regular basis, you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by 20-30 percent compared to your inactive counterparts.

Exercise also helps in improving immune cell circulation in your bloodstream. Remember, our immune system is the first shield of protection against anything ranging from a small illness such as cold to the most destructive and deadly diseases such as cancer.

When it comes to exercising, it is important to understand how you can use it as the exact tool. It is important to ensure that you are exercising adequately to reap the benefits.

But don’t overdo it to get injured. It should also be the right kind for exercise to create the perfect balance between your physical structure, flexibility and strength, and your anaerobic and aerobic fitness levels.

That is the reason exercise should be seen as a drug that should be prescribed with care for achieving optimal benefits.

Making Right Personal Choices to Win the War Against Cancer

There is a lot that you can do for reducing your risk of cancer. According to the conservative American Cancer Society, a third of all deaths from cancer are related to:

• Poor diet
• Excess weight
• Physical inactivity

If you make the best and healthy lifestyle choices, they can prove to be big in eliminating the failure-streak and reducing one factor in our war against cancer.

• Optimize your vitamin D levels by getting safe exposure to the sun. It will be best to keep track over your vitamin D levels all the time.
• Keep control over your insulin levels by putting a limit on how much sugars or fructose and processed foods are taken.
• Get the right amount of exercise. The main reason why exercise is effective is because it keeps our insulin levels low. It is one of the best ways for reducing risk of cancer.
• Get the right amount of omega-3 fats.
• Use a tool that could permanently eliminate the neurological short-circuiting that could activate cancer genes. The CDC too agrees that around 85% of diseases have emotions as their root cause. Chances are that this could be an even bigger factor than all of the physical factors mentioned above. I use the Emotional Freedom Technique for this purpose.
• Not more than 25% of people consume adequate amounts of vegetables. So make sure to consume as much vegetables as you can. But make sure to consume organic and fresh veggies. Cruciferous veggies have specifically been found to have powerful anti-cancer benefits. Keep in mind that carb-based nutrition could require up to 300% more veggies compared to protein-based nutrition.
• Make sure to maintain the right body weight.
• Minimize your exposure to environmental toxins such as Chemical Cleaners Used In Households, air pollution, and Synthetic Air Fresheners.
• Get sufficient amount of quality sleep.
• Minimize the use of wireless technologies, especially cell phones. Make sure to put different kinds of safety methods in place if you are unable to avoid their applications.

Article sources:

Viral Alternative News
Food Matters
Mercola

 Canning: Pomona's Pectin

We are on a mission in our household.  Reduce the use of sugar!  I'm finding it is not easy to do. Every year in the past, when I make our supply of jam and jelly, I am amazed at the amount of sugar that I use.  I cringe every.... single... time.   It's unbelieveable and we always do it every... single... year!

This year I decided I'm just not going to do it.

When Fillmore Container asked me to choose some items from their store I might like, I new right away what I'd want.  I've been wanting to try out some Pomona's Pectin.  This was perfect timing!
Pomona's Pectin is a different type of pectin that you can use with fruit to get a nice gel without all that sugar.  You can use a small amount of sugar or no sugar at all.

And without all that sugar you know what you taste???  The fruit!  Yay! 

The pectin itself is made with no sugar.  No such thing here on this ingredient list.  (It's amazing how much you start reading all ingredient lists when you are getting healthy!) 

In the past with a regular jam recipe I would mix in half fruit, half sugar or sometimes even more sugar than fruit!  With this pectin you can use no sugar at all or just a small amount of sugar.  For example 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar for 1 cup fruit. Much much less than conventional jam and jelly.

I'll say it again.... You know what that means??

You taste the peaches, or cherries, or strawberries, or..... 

It comes in a box with a pouch of pectin and a separate pouch of calcium to make the required calcium water  Now before you panic thinking calcium water? What is that! What do I do with it!  It is easy.  You just mix the powder with some water according to the directions in a small jar.  Use the small amount you need for this recipe, put the jar in the refrigerator for next time.  It is ready to go.

It also comes with a nice little pamphlet with instructions on just how to use it.  This pamphlet has several recipes of specific types of jam and jelly, it also has directions on how to use Pomona's Pectin to develop your own recipes.  So feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations.  
And it even has directions for other alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia.  I'm a stevia user so I'll be checking this out. 
Pomonas Pectin can be found here.... 

Preserving with Pomona's Pectin Recipe Book 

Preserving with Pomona's Pectin is a book put out by Pomona's with recipes for a variety of low and no sugar jam, jelly, conserves and marmalades.
If you are not feeling creative and want some recipes already done and tested. You might want to pick this up.   A full explanation of how to make delicious fruit spreads without all the sugar.  And gorgeous pictures too!
Buy Pomona's Pectin and Pomonas Recipe Book.

Know Your Region Before Disaster Strikes

 Where will you be when PHTF? There’s a big chance it will catch you in your home region and eventually, it will all be for the best. If you know your region before the even occurs, you have better chances of surviving it.

People are making a lot of preparations for various emergency scenarios, but we all know that it is difficult to predict the circumstances of the scenario. There are many things that can influence the outcome of a disaster event, things such as your location, environment, population density, etc. In a previous article, I’ve shown you how you can establish prepping priorities for the most probable events in your area. I recommend reading it because it will help you rethink your emergency preparedness strategy, or even better, it will confirm that everything you are doing is well planned.
After you establish your prepping priorities, the next step would be to predict the best course of action for you and your family, before disaster strikes. For example, would bugging-in be an option for your family or will you be forced to move to a safer location? If so, which route will be the safest and do you have all the supplies to make the journey, even if there are delays? All these questions can be answered if you know your region and it will help you reduce the “unknown” factor. If you are forced to find refuge in your local wilderness, it is important that you know what resources are available and how to find them. Even more important, you should know how to avoid the dangers within your region.

Here is what you should know about your region before disaster strikes

Vegetation

If you’ve been reading the articles from this website, you probably know by now that I’m encouraging foraging as a survival skills. Many plants have the ability to save your life in an emergency situation, but they can also put you in an early grave if not researched carefully. Without taking the time to practice plant identification, you will easily confuse the plants that can save your life with the ones that can have an adverse effect. You should start by learning which plants from your region will be of help during a survival scenario and which one you should avoid
You should keep in your bug out bag a guide that helps you identify the following type of plants:
Edible plants
Some of the edible plants from your region can provide you with the vitamins and nourishment you need to survive when food is scarce. You should discover which edible roots, flowers, berries or grasses grow in your part of the country and how to safely prepare and eat them.
Medicinal plants
A doctor may not always be around and proper healthcare will be difficult to find during a crisis event. Fortunately, you have a bio pharmacy in your region and nature can provide you with all sorts of cures. From headaches, to sore throats and even blood clotting, nature has a solution for everything. There are all sorts of medicinal plants that can heal minor ailments and injuries, and you just need to know how to identify and use them.
Poisonous plants
Touching the wrong plant or ingesting the wrong berries can easily seal your fate. While some will make you ill and incapacitate you for a long period of time, others will leave you cold for good. Before you go out foraging for edible and medicinal plants, you should learn about the plants you have to avoid. Making a positive identification before usage is the number one skill of every forager. If you are in doubt, leave it be!
If you want to learn more about wild edibles and the dangerous plants to avoid, make sure you subscribe to my email list, to receive my free book: “The complete guide to foraging Wild Green Edibles in North America”.

Natural water sources

While water might not seem a primary concern when disaster strikes, it can become a major hassle if the event is not a short-term one. Many survivalists and preppers, have a good supply of water and various means to purify the water they find, if they are able to find it. You should know the water sources from your region because it will help you restock your water supplies and it will provide you with an understanding of the disaster’s gravity. If there is only one major water source, there will be a lot of competition and you need to make sure you are able to deal with “friendlies”. If there are multiple water sources, you should try the smaller ones in order to stay out of sight. Weather conditions play an important role in your region and they will increase or decrease your chances of finding water.
Suggested reading: Water is not free for the taking

Animals

When hunger is becoming your mortal enemy, finding an animal in the wilderness is a true blessing. Each hunter knows that it is important to learn about the animals from the region in order to know which can be eaten and which will eat you. Every region has an ideal prey that is good for consumption and the trick is to learn which ones in your area are the easiest to find. You might not have a rifle available or you will have to avoid using it due to various circumstances. It is crucial to know various hunting techniques. You also need to learn about the right way to cook them because prey might be different from what you buy at the grocery store. Your food list will include mammals, reptiles, insects and everything in between when your food supplies run out. Predators can be found in your region as well and you need to know what deadly beasts might be on your trail. Every region has its dangerous animals and an encounter with a bear or a mountain lion is not a pleasant experience. Not to mention that there are also the sneaky, stealthier ones like spider and snakes. You should educate yourself about how to handle the dangerous animals that can be found in your region.

Building materials

If your bug out location was not designed for long-term living, you might need to build something that provides you with comfort and protection. To do that, you will need to rely on using the natural materials from your region and building a shelter is not easy without the proper tools. Time might not be on your side and you need to know beforehand which materials are available, how to use them properly and what tools you need to get the job done. The resources from your area will have to be exploited to create shelters, tools and weapons if the crisis event extends over a few weeks/months.
Suggested reading: How to make a bulletproof home

Weather conditions

All across the country, there are weather conditions that affect our living and we make preparations to make sure we don’t freeze during the winter or that we don’t boil in our own juice during the summer. Knowing the weather conditions from your region is important because it will affect your lifestyle over the long haul. Flooding, extreme temperatures or winds, natural disasters could all be dangerous for your family if you are forced to bug out in the wild. Knowing about the weather conditions will help you find water easily, it will help you build the proper shelter and it will help you face Mother Nature when she gets cranky. You should start by pinpointing the most dangerous weather risks from your region and the time period when they occur. Research and discover solutions for each weather event identified as a possible risk. Learn how to make fire in harsh conditions and prepare for various weather scenarios.

Neighbors and how to deal with them

Population density is an important factor from your region and you should know what to expect when things go south. There is a big chance that many of your neighbors will go for the hills, just like you. The resources you are aiming for are free for the taking and you might need to fight off the competition. Having means to defend yourself and your bug out location is critical when there is a high population density in your area. Although it is recommended to stay out of sight during a long-term disaster scenario and let fate decide who makes it and who perishes, you might not always be able to stay under the radar. Traveling without leaving a trace and keeping your perimeter secure are skills that you should acquire if there are a lot of people in your region. One usually knows about how safe or rough his neighborhood is on a daily basis and all this knowledge will help him prepare better. If you live in a bad neighborhood, do you think that people will behave nicely and go to church when it hits the fan, or will the do anything they can to survive? The same logic applies for any region, the only difference is that survival will be much more difficult if you live in an area that is prone to criminal activities.

Escape routes on foot

If you need to bug out from your region you will need to learn about the escape routes you have and how to use them. You will use a vehicle for the most part of the road, but eventually, you will have to continue on foot. Regardless if you are in the city or in a rural environment, you will have to flee on foot at some point in time. Do you know enough about your area in order to make sure you make it to your safe heaven by foot? If you have a long journey ahead, you will need to plan a bug out timeline and stick to it. You might need to cache some supplies along the way and you will need a meeting spot for your family member and other local friendlies. You should map the secluded routes you feel no others are aware of and map the areas with an abundance of natural resources. When bugging out on foot, you should keep in mind the following, what are you carrying with you, where you are going and how are you going there. Proper footwear is a must and being in good physical condition will make sure you are able to carry your bug out bag without too many resting stops.
Recommended article: Life without electricity
We prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but that’s not enough. Emergency preparedness requires planning and prioritization, and it is not just a shopping spree as many tend to believe. Studying the details of your home region will give you a better chance of surviving a crisis event and it will keep your loved ones safe. In this article you will find various suggested articles that contain a lot of good information. I recommend reading them because they can provide you with the missing pieces you are looking for.
Stay Safe and God Bless!

How to Live on a Budget as a Homesteader

Becoming totally self-sufficient is the ultimate goal for all homesteaders and preppers, but no matter how much we struggle, money is still part of the self-sufficiency equation. Learning to live on a budget as a homesteader is a challenge for some and the lack of money is the number one reason why people abandon the homesteading lifestyle.

People all over the country drop everything in search of a more fulfilling life and they drop a pile of money for their land and home, hoping to have a new start. They think they will be able to adapt to this new lifestyle, then run up enormous debts and lose it all.
If you want to become a homesteader you shouldn’t become naive about money, you will still going to need it. If you follow the guidelines outlined in this article, you may find you’ll need a lot less than you thought. Even more, you’ll find ways to make it while still pursuing your dream of becoming self-sufficient.

Make up your mind and decide what you want!

Before you experience your new lifestyle and learn to live on a budget as a homesteader, you should decide on what level of preparedness or self-sufficiency you want to attain. Do you plan to use your retreat until the situation settles and you are able to get back to your old life? Are you reaching for the ultimate goal, to become completely self-sufficient? Or are you just setting up a functional bug out location as an insurance policy for a long-term disaster?
Once you figure out your goal, you will need to make a list of the skills, equipment, knowledge and tools you’ll need to reach your desired level of preparedness. Go through your list and set priorities for everything you’ve put there. This will help you later on because you will need to get the most important items first, once you save money. Having such list will help you keep track of your progress, but most of all; it will provide you with motivation to continue your efforts over the long haul.

Pennies add up, so pay attention!

If you want to live on a budget as a homesteader you need to keep track of every penny you spend for one full month. When I lived in the city and had a desk job, I used to spend an average of $5 a day for snacks and soft drinks from the vending machines at work. It didn’t sound like much until I had to calculate my monthly budget to get rid of some credit cards. I realized I was spending way too much on junk food to rot my teeth and increase my weight. The lesson here is that if you can save just one dollar a day, every day of the year, you will have $365 to spend on other things, things that you need. Learn to set money aside for the things you really need and want.

Downsizing, the key to saving money

Are you able to eliminate a vehicle for your daily routine? If yes, you’ll spend less on taxes, licensing, insurance, repairs, car parts and gasoline. If you want to live on a budget as a homesteader, you need to learn how to downsize. How about your home? Are you willing to try with something smaller or cheaper? Having a smaller apartment within walking distance of the work place, was how I started downsizing and saved money to buy a piece of land for a retreat. I applied the same principle for my parents when they decided to buy a retirement home. Their wish was to get a house with three bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, but after I’ve explained that large houses are costly to heat and cool, difficult to keep clean and expensive to maintain, they settled on something smaller. Taxes and insurances are atrocious for big proprieties, so you would be better with something smaller that fits all your needs. The first homesteaders and pioneers didn’t need much to survive and thrive. Why should you need a big house and a big car?
Related article: Homesteading lesson – Living in a 1800s SOD house

Insurances, the bottomless money pit

The average American pays insurance on his life, health home and vehicles, and although it’s important to have adequate insurance, a long discussion with a salesman will make your wallet thinner. If you want to live on a budget as a homesteader, you need to carefully analyze what you need to meet the legal requirements on property and vehicle. Everything else will just increase the commission of the salesman. Medical care and insurance is the most difficult obstacle to overcome when you aim to become self-sufficient. You will need to look for county, state and city sponsored clinics that handle most routine medical needs and bill you according to your income.

If you live on a budget as a homesteader, you need to be energy efficient

Driving an old clunker that consumes gas like there’s no tomorrow is not a good money saving strategy and you need a vehicle that will save money on fuel. Even so, you need to be careful and add up the differences in miles per gallon savings versus the cost of the newer vehicles. You might find it cheaper to drive the old car if you can’t afford a more fuel efficient one.
The same logic applies for your appliances, like water heaters, refrigerators or freezers. If they are a few years old, they are probably power wasters and you need to plan their replacement in time. If you plan to live on a budget as a homesteader, you will need to get some energy-efficient models. If you’re not there yet, you can use all sorts of tricks to save a penny here and there. Wrapping insulation around hot water tanks and putting the freezer in a colder room are tips that will make a difference as well. Get used to connect your TV, microwave and gaming console to power strips and turn them off when they’re not in use. Many of the modern appliances have clocks and “always on” circuitry that use power when they are turned off.
Replacing incandescent lights with low-watt fluorescents or LEDs is recommended and it really helps in the long run. Leaving the lights on when you’re not using them is a money wasting habit and you should get rid of it. For outside areas, you should use motion-sensitive lighting rather than leaving a watch light on all night. Personal savings can range from a few dollars to more than $100 per month, but the big difference is seen as these savings add up over time.

Saving money on phone and internet

If you plan to live on a budget as a homesteader learn to cut on the “deals and extras” the phone company sells you. Call waiting, caller ID or unlimited long distance are all options that you could live without. Getting cell phones for everyone just to take advantage of the “family plan offer” is nothing more than a trick to get you hooked on the new technology. Do you really need to “save money” and sign a contract just to buy your kids some expensive toys? Internet access is crucial in these modern times and it helps people stay connected even if they are living in remote areas. However, internet providers have different plans and you need to make sure you get the one suited for your budget, not the one that makes the salesman the best commission.
Suggested article: How to shield yourself from the coming economic collapse

Habits, they rule our world…

If the world would end tomorrow, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, pornography and gambling will still be in high demand. This is the reality and everyone has their vices, more or less destructive. I’m not going to debate about the moral or health issues here, but I’m going to discuss about the financial issues. When we started our homesteading adventure, my husband was still a smoker and it really showed at the end of the month. A pack of cigarettes in my area was $6.75 and a pack a day would end up costing us $47.25 a week. After long discussions with him, he finally understood that spending $2268 a year to get in an early grave is not the way to go. Spending money on vices that decline your health and productivity is not an option if you decide to embark on a self-sufficiency journey.

If you live on a budget as a homesteader, you need to become frugal

If you plan to live on a budget as a homesteader you need to spend only on what is needed. You will live your life by following a general rule: use it up, wear it up, make it do or do without. This is hard for some, but it gets easier if you’re prioritized and willing to understand the difference between needs and wants. Fewer trips out means savings on fuel, food and you will avoid impulse spending. Each trip should be carefully planned and you should make the most of it. As example, if you plan to be out all day, you should pack lunch and avoid eating at a restaurant. Bring snacks and soft drinks for home and keep your cooler ready.
Related articles: Useful strategies to pay down debt

Don’t become part of the pack

Many of our friends are on a constant rat race and they have newer vehicles, larger houses and boats. The thing is that they might seem they have it all figured out, but they depend on others to provide food, fuel and electricity. With the current economic meltdown, many Americans are on unemployment with no prospect of a decent job in the foreseeable future. They are all trying to maintain a lifestyle that is no longer possible and they are struggling to keep their homes out of foreclosure. You should develop an independent lifestyle and break free from the chains of modern society. Why would you accumulate debt just to buy things that you don’t really need, just to compete with others? Who are you trying to impress?

Don’t buy what you need, try to rent it

One of the big mistakes of those who live on a budget as a homesteader is to buy things that they need only for a specific job or for a short period of time. They think that they will be able to rent it to others in the future, but they don’t have any idea if there is a demand for what they bought, in the area they live. Rather than spending money on things that you use only once and hope they will bring you an income in the future, you should rent them. Motor homes, trucks, trailers, carpet cleaners, paint sprayers and almost everything that you might need can be rented at a fraction of what it would cost you to own them.

Money saved, now what?

When you save money by following the suggestions listed here, you should put it aside. Don’t trust banks because they are just loan sharks protected by the government. You should keep your money in an envelope a home, somewhere safe. All the money you set aside should be used only for the things designated in your homesteading master plan. When you have a super deal coming along that fits with your plans, you’ll be able to cash in on it.
Living on a budget as a homesteader is not for everyone and most people will give up after the first year. This is a hard life that takes time to be put in place, but once you manage to do that, you will enjoy the rewards of a free spirit life. Any real homesteader and off-gridder will tell you that there is no better felling in this entire world than the one you get by being able to provide for your family without depending on others. Before you go for the real thing, try to adapt these suggestions to your current lifestyle and see how you’re able to handle it all.
Source: Prepperswill.com
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This Is Why You Should Start Drinking Ginger Tea And How To Make It The Right Way

In the last few years Ginger has been gaining notoriety for its many health benefits. It’s a wonderful anti-inflammatory, helps relieve nausea, and boost the metabolism to aid in weight loss.

One of the best way to begin your day is with a cup of hot tea.
Choosing hot tea over coffee is a healthy way to start the day. Teas come in many different flavors and varieties so the choices are endless so the possibility of becoming bored are slim.
It is widely known how beneficial green tea is, but sometimes you may want to try something new and spice things up, so what’s the best alternative?
Have you tried ginger tea? It’s just as beneficial and delicious and if you can’t give up on your matcha tea, you can drink it in the afternoon.

Anti-inflammatory

Chronic inflammation can pose a serious threat to your entire body and can lead to a number of serious medical conditions. It’s been linked to cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory and autoimmune diseases.

Boost your immune system

Ginger and contains a number of different immune-boosting compounds like gingerols, and gingerdiol, which account for its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It strengthens your immune system, enabling your body to fight off infections and prevent colds and flu.

Improves digestion

Among gingers many benefits it is imperative to include the ability to help with digestive problems and improve the digestive function overall. These benefits come from gingerols and shogaol which also increase nutrient absorption. 
Ginger can also help with constipation, gastric lesions, bloating, nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea, among others digestive problems.

Improves circulation

If you suffer from high blood pressure and cholesterol, ginger can help regulate your blood flow so it returns to normal by attacking these markers of cardiovascular disease. It can also cleanse the arteries from plaque buildup, aiding in preventing strokes and heart attacks.

Fights cancer

As mentioned above ginger with its strong anti-inflammatory powers enable it to work against cancer cells, stopping their proliferation and metastasis. Studies have shown ginger to be effective against a number of cancer types such as lymphoma, liver, prostate, pancreas, lung, colorectal, breast, skin and bladder cancer.

Improves brain function

Ginger protects the brain from stress, apoptosis and inflammation, it also improves memory function and cognition. It’s proven especially beneficial for middle aged women in improving their cognitive abilities.

Ingredients:

Small ceramic saucepan
1 cup of water
4 to 6 thin slices of raw ginger
Raw organic honey (to taste)
Start by bringing the water to boil and then add the ginger slices while you’re reducing the temperature. Leave it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Set it aside, leave it to cool off a bit and add the honey.

How to build a smokehouse for your home

http://liivingoutdoor.info/how-to-build-a-smokehouse-for-your-home/

 

Huge increase in U.S. families preparing for catastrophe as prepping goes mainstream

 Although some still regard prepping to be an activity favored by survivalist "wackos" who fear a cataclysmic Armageddon-style event, more and more American families are beginning to see the value in preparing for a number of possible scenarios in which the stockpiling of food, water and other essentials could prove to be a very wise investment.

The Oxford Dictionary defines "prepping" (in this usage of the term) as:

The practice of making active preparations for a possible catastrophic disaster or emergency, typically by stockpiling food, ammunition, and other supplies.

Prepping runs the gamut from weather events to armageddon

In practice, prepping can range from simply making sure a household has enough basic supplies to survive a temporary power outage or major weather event - such as a hurricane - to preparing for a long-term crisis, such as a massive power grid failure.

A lengthy power grid failure lasting for months (or perhaps years) could be conceivably triggered by a serious solar event or even a cyberattack on the nation's computer-controlled electrical power infrastructure.

As unlikely as some of those scenarios might seem, they are indeed within the realm of possibility. Other long-term emergencies might include the imposition of martial law due to an economic collapse (which many predict may happen in the very near future) or - god forbid - a nuclear war.

And although many preppers fear the worst, millions of others simply recognize the wisdom of preparing for the unforeseen in the face of a future which appears to be becoming increasingly dangerous and unpredictable.

Peculiarly American prepping comes from history of self-reliance

Prepping does seem to be a peculiarly American phenomenon, and there are perhaps some very good reasons for that. America's relatively short history is imbued with a tradition of self-reliance based on the realities of surviving in a vast wilderness which often presented formidable challenges, some natural and some man-made.

Just as America's preoccupation with firearms - for better or for worse - is based on a historical need for them, so is the population's tendency to focus on self-preservation, a practice founded on the day-to-day lives of its earliest settlers, who faced many hardships in establishing the nation.

To survive the harsh winters and other conditions present in the first centuries of the country's history, Americans learned the hard way that it was necessary to plan ahead and prepare for the unforeseen. An ingrained distrust of governments and authority figures has also contributed to the attitude that it's better to rely on one's self than on nature or someone else to provide the essentials for survival.

This is one of the defining characteristics of the collective American psyche and it explains why so many of its citizens are now beginning to hearken back to the practices of their predecessors who believed, as Benjamin Franklin so aptly put it, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Food, water, shelter not amusing to Preppers

Prevention, in this case, means making sure that one is ready to face events in which the essentials for survival are not available at the local supermarket and where the supply of power or water is no longer something that can be taken for granted.

In recent years, many Americans have become entirely dependent on the government, while others remember the lessons learned by those who came before them.

So, while the rest of the world may be tempted to view preppers as a source of amusement or the object of derision and suspicion, there may come a day when it becomes painfully evident that these "wackos" were right all along.

And in true American fashion, these will be the ones who can survive and be able to impart the value of self-reliance to future generations.

Herbs to treat inflammation: The 10 most powerful natural medicines that really work

 (NaturalNews) Oftentimes, the knee-jerk reaction of the medical community to inflammation is to dole out drugs to reduce it. In fact, there is a whole classification of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, available by prescription and over-the-counter. NSAIDs are associated with a variety of risks, according to new labeling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1), including an increased risk for cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.

Fortunately, you can use herbs for inflammation instead of dangerous drugs.

#1 Black Pepper
People refer to black pepper as the King of Spices because of its intoxicating, rich aroma and complex flavor. Black pepper owes its distinctive pungent flavor to piperine, which also provides an astonishing anti-inflammatory effect. Piperine inhibits the expression of a gene associated with arthritis and the spread of cancer, MMP13. Even at low doses, piperine reduces inflammation by depressing prostaglandin production. Furthermore, piperine significantly suppresses the perception of pain (2) and arthritis symptoms while decreasing inflammation in joints.

#2 Cardamom
As the Queen of Spices, cardamom also reduces inflammation. Part of the ginger family, cardamom is native to India and Sri Lanka; healers there have used cardamom to reduce inflammation for centuries.

#3 Cayenne
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin. Exposure to capsaicin causes body tissues to release substance P, which your body usually releases immediately after tissue damage. Capsaicin does not actually damage tissue -- this chemical only tricks your body into acting as if damage had occurred.

Repeated exposure of one part of your body to capsaicin will deplete that area of its substance P, which increases tolerance to capsaicin in people who regularly eat hot peppers.

Reducing substance P in one area of your body also decreases your sense of pain in that part. Capsaicin cream products take advantage of this effect to reduce arthritis pain in joints and other sources of chronic pain. Best of all, the capsaicin in cayenne pepper can help protect your stomach (3) from ulcers associated with NSAID use.

#4 Chamomile
Ancient physicians Dioskurides, Galen and Plinius recommended tea to relieve inflammation of the mouth. Chamomile is a sun-loving plant whose flowers smell like fresh apples. Oil distilled from these flowers contain a-bisabolol and chamazulene cyclic sesquiterpenes, which directly reduce inflammation. Chamomile oil also contains bisabolol oxides, farnesene and spiro-ether that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

#5 Ginger
Traditional medicine has relied on ginger's anti-inflammatory powers for centuries. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (4), there is also evidence that ginger eases pain associated with that classic inflammatory disease, arthritis. Additionally, ginger eases stomach upset, nausea and vomiting.

#6 Turmeric
Turmeric gives curry its flavor and yellow color; food manufacturers also add turmeric to butter and cheese for color. Healers have used turmeric for more than 4,000 years to relieve inflammation, treat digestive problems and fight infections.

The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is an antioxidant that removes dangerous free radicals from the body. Free radicals cause cell damage that leads to inflammation, including damage to cell membranes, negatively affect DNA and cause cells to die. Additionally, turmeric lowers two types of enzymes known to cause inflammation.

#7 Aloe
Aloe not only reduces inflammation but also eases pain and promotes skin repair and healing. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe gel are superior to 1 percent hydrocortisone cream.

#8 Celery seed
Celery seed works to reduce inflammation by acting as a diuretic, which means it helps the body get rid of excess fluid by increasing urine output. Celery seed is especially effective in treating inflammation caused by arthritis and gout, a type of arthritis.

#9 Green tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, micronutrients that work in the body to prevent certain disease mechanisms -- such as inflammation -- from happening. The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Together, EGCG and the other polyphenols in green tea have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Green tea is especially helpful in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. This natural herb may reduce gastrointestinal inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Green tea may also help with arthritis by reducing inflammation and slowing down cartilage destruction associated with the disease.

#10 Pomegranate
Pomegranates contain flavonols, a type of antioxidant, which seem especially helpful in reducing inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. In that condition, inflammation contributes to the destruction of cartilage. Pomegranate seems to block the production of an enzyme associated with cartilage destruction.

The next time you struggle with inflammation or the medical conditions caused by inflammation, try using an herbal remedy before resorting to dangerous drugs and chemicals. Herbs are highly effective in reducing inflammation and carry relatively low risks for complications.

 

Five Dollar DIY Survival Shelter

 

The Amazing Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide and its Many Uses For Better Health and Daily Living

Hydrogen peroxide is the only germicidal agent composed only of water and oxygen. Like ozone, it kills disease organisms by oxidation! Hydrogen peroxide is considered the worlds safest all natural effective sanitizer. It kills microorganisms by oxidizing them, which can be best described as a controlled burning process. When hydrogen peroxide reacts with organic material it breaks down into oxygen and water.

Whiten Clothes – An Alternative to Beach
Add a cup of Hydrogen peroxide to white clothes in your laundry to whiten them. Peroxide is great to get rid of blood stains on clothes and carpets. If there is blood on clothing, just pour directly on the spot, let it sit for about a minute, then rub and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
Healthcare
Your body makes hydrogen peroxide to fight infection which must be present for our immune system to function correctly. White blood cells are known as Leukocytes. A sub-class of Leukocytes called Neutrophils produce hydrogen peroxide as the first line of defense against toxins, parasites, bacteria, viruses and yeast.
Rejuvenating Detoxifying Bath
Use about 2 quarts 3% hydrogen peroxide to a tub of warm water. Soak at least 1/2 hour, adding hot water as needed to maintain a comfortable water temperature.
Foot Fungus
To cure a foot fungus, simply spray a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
Douche
Add 2 capfuls of 3% hydrogen peroxide in warm distilled water once to twice a week to remove even chronic yeast infections.
Colonic or Enema
For a colonic, add 1 cup (8 ozs.) 3% H202 to 5 gallons warm water. (Do not exceed this amount) For an enema, add 1 tablespoon of 3% H202 to a quart of warm distilled water.
Infections
Soak any infections or cuts in 3% for five to ten minutes several times a day. Even gangrene that would not heal with any medicine has been healed by soaking in hydrogen peroxide. Put half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus or other skin infections.
Bird Mites Infections
Patients infected by tiny mites report that hydrogen peroxide effectively kills the mites on their skins. They spray it on their skin a couple of times (with a few minutes in between the applications) with amazing results.
Sinus Infections
A tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide added to 1 cup of non-chlorinated water can be used as a nasal spray. Depending on the degree of sinus involvement, one will have to adjust the amount of peroxide used.
Wound Care
3% H2O2 is used medically for cleaning wounds, removing dead tissue, and as an oral debriding agent. Peroxide stops slow (small vessel) wound bleeding/oozing, as well.
Some sources recommend soaking infections or cuts for five to ten minutes several times a day. However, washing and rinsing action is sufficient. You shouldn’t leave the solution on open tissue for extended periods of time as, like many oxidative antiseptics, hydrogen perioxide causes mild damage to tissue in open wounds. Therefore it is important to use with caution.
Personal Care plus Mouthwash / Tooth Care
Healing Properties: Take one cap full of hydrogen peroxide (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. You will not have canker sores and your teeth will be whiter. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a cap full of 3% hydrogen peroxide into your mouth and hold it for 10 minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
Mouthwash: Many people don’t realize that hydrogen peroxide makes a very effective and inexpensive mouthwash. Use 3% H202 – add a dash of liquid chlorophyll for flavoring if desired.
Toothpaste: Use baking soda and add enough 3% H202 to make a paste. Or, just dip your brush in 3% H202 and brush. Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide to keep them free of germs.
Toothbrush: Soaking your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide will help keep them free of harmful germs.
Tooth Ache: Hydrogen peroxide is not a pain killer; however, as an anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent, it is effective at treating the pathogen that is causing the infection. The following is from my own personal experience: My dentist wanted to give me a root canal some time ago as one tooth was inflamed and, in her opinion, would die. I felt some discomfort but told her that I would give it chance to heal. I rinsed with hydrogen peroxide (several times a day) as well as coconut oil (once a day). The discomfort went away and I have had no further problems with the tooth.
Tooth Whitening: Having used 3% Hydrogen Peroxide as a mouth wash for sometime ago, I am thrilled to note that my teeth have been beautifully and effortlessly whitened. I used to pay so much for professional whitening, those silly strips and uncomfortable trays. Live and learn.
NOTE: Do not swallow any peroxide. When the peroxide rinse is done, be sure to rinse out your mouth with water.
Colonic or Enema
For a colonic, add 1 cup (8 ozs.) 3% H202 to 5 gallons warm water. (Do not exceed this amount) For an enema, add 1 tablespoon of 3% H202 to a quart of warm distilled water.
Hair Lightening
Peroxide is a bleaching agent and is used for lightened hair. Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (50 / 50) and spray the solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it’s not a drastic change.
Contact Lenses
Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant in CIBA Vision’s Clear Care no rub contact lens cleaning solution, due to its ability to break down the proteins that build up on the lense from the eye’s immune response, resulting in increased comfort for those with sensitive eyes.
Sanitizing / Disinfectant / Cleaning
Straight or Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
Clean your counters and table tops with hydrogen peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean glass and mirrors with no smearing.
Keep a spray bottle of 3% (straight) to disinfect the interior of the refrigerator and kids’ school lunch boxes.
In the Dishwasher: Add 2 oz. of 3% hydrogen peroxide to your regular washing formula.Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour or spray hydrogen peroxide (and then vinegar) on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, there is no smearing.
Killing pathogens: Combination of vinegar and hydrogen peroxidemake a cheap, effective and non-toxic disinfectant agent and is said to be more effective at killing pathogens than bleach. As it is non-toxic, you can use it to disinfect fruits and vegetables, as well as pet toys, equipment and cages. In tests run at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, pairing Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide mists, kills virtually all Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli bacteria on heavily contaminated food and surfaces.
Directions
You need TWO spray bottles. DO NOT MIX the solutions together. Put straight vinegar in one and straight hydrogen peroxide in the other spray bottle. NOTE: Light destroys peroxide rather quickly. It’s best to leave it in its original bottle and screw in a spray head. DO NOT DILUTE THEM.
Remember for any sanitizer to work properly, the surface has to be clean before you use it.
When you want to sanitize a surface (vegetables, cutting board, counters, sink, cages, toys. toilets, floors, etc.), spray one (it doesn’t matter which one you use first) on the surface, then you spray on the other. When they mix, for a brief time the chemical action of the two make a very powerful sanitizer. You can rinse off the surface afterwards, if you want, but the result is non-toxic. Fortunately it is cheap. ..use it in the bathroom to sanitize the counters, toilets, floors, etc.
Sanitizing Drinking Water
Mold: Clean with hydrogen peroxide when your house becomes a biohazard after its invaded by toxic mold, such as those with water damage.
Humidifiers/Steamers: Use 1 pint 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon of water.
Laundry / Stain Removing: Stain Remover: 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is the best stain lifter if used fairly soon – although blood stains as old as 2 days have been successfully lifted with Hydrogen Peroxide. Although it will bleach or discolor many fabrics. If a little peroxide is poured onto the stain it will bubble up in the area of the blood, due to a reaction with catalase. After a few minutes the excess liquid can be wiped up with a cloth or paper towel and the stain will be gone.
3% H2O2 must be applied to clothing before blood stains can be accidentally “set” with heated water. Cold water and soap are then used to remove the peroxide treated blood.
Washing/Laundry: You can also add a cup of hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
Peroxide is a perfect alternate solution to keep those clothes white. Also, when chlorinating clothes, they tend to wear out faster – peroxide won’t do that.
Food Preparation:
Vegetable Soak
Use as a vegetable wash or soak to kill bacteria and neutralize chemicals. Add 1/4 cup 3% H202 to a full sink of cold water. Soak light skinned (light lettuce) 20 minutes, thicker skinned (like cucumbers) 30 minutes. Drain, dry and refrigerate. Prolongs freshness.
If time is a problem, spray vegetables (and fruits) with a solution of 3%. Let stand for a few minutes, rinse and dry.
Meat Sanitizing
You can also use it to rinse off your meat before cooking.
Leftover tossed salad
Spray with a solution of 1/2 cup water and 1 Tbsp. 5%. Drain, cover and refrigerate.
Marinade
Place meat, fish or poultry in a casserole (avoid using aluminium pans). Cover with a dilute solution of equal parts of water and 3% H202. Place loosely covered in refrigerator for 1/2 hour. Rinse and cook.
Sprouting Seeds
Add 1 ounce 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 pint of water and soak the seeds overnight. Add the same amount of hydrogen peroxide each time you rinse the seeds.
Grades of Hydrogen Peroxide
A) 3.5% Pharmaceutical Grade: This is the grade sold at your local drugstore or supermarket. This product is not recommended for internal use…
 READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:  http://www.jbbardot.com/the-amazing-benefits-of-hydrogen-peroxide-and-its-many-uses-for-better-health-and-daily-living/

Source: http://docakilah.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/the-benefits-of-hydrogen-peroxide-and-its-many-uses/ Written by Andrea Harper

10 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

By Becky Mahan
I’ve been traveling solo for eight years now, and when people find out where I’ve been or where I’m going alone, I get one of the following reactions: “You travel alone?!” “Aren’t you scared?” “What does your mother think?! I would never let my daughter travel alone!”

1. Hide Your Valuables

Photo: San Diego by: Prayitno / Thank you for (9 millions +) views flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot

It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy thieves have it these days. Don’t flash your expensive camera or jewelry, and don’t keep anything valuable in your front pockets. In fact, don’t keep them in any pockets – they’re much safer in a neck or waist pouch beneath your clothes. If you don’t like to wear one of those, invest in a good pair of pants with zippers – pockets on the inside of the leg are even better.
2. Don’t be Shy
When you’re traveling alone, be bold. Look over your shoulder if you feel uncomfortable walking down the street. If you’re alone and someone approaches, look them directly in the eye and address them with a friendly, assertive greeting. Don’t be afraid to ask someone nearby for help if you feel uneasy about someone else. Criminals look for people on their own, who are easily isolated and timid. That being said, don’t confront a thief if you are mugged – especially with a weapon. While the majority of travel-related crime is just petty theft, it’s not worth risking it. And your safety is more important than anything they’re stealing.
3. Watch Your Drink(s)

At the risk of sounding like a total party-pooper, I recommend not accepting a drink from a stranger, no matter how nice they may seem. Unfortunately, “roofie” drugs are still way too common and women cannot be too careful these days (a sad truth, but why risk it?) I go out with people I meet in the hostels everywhere I travel – a beer or a cocktail in a new city is a great way to get a taste of the nightlife. But I always, always buy my own drink, watch the bartender pour it, and keep it in my hand at all times. I do this at home, too, but I’m even more alert about it when I’m alone, abroad. And on that note, I’d strongly recommend staying sober, too – enjoy yourself, but know your limits and don’t get to a point where your inhibitions are lowered.
4. Let Someone Know Your Travel Plans
Whether it’s a one-day getaway or a 6-month round-the-world trip, always leave your itinerary with family or friends back home. Keep them updated on social media, too: but share a general idea of where you are, without providing specific locations (meaning, don’t check in to a specific place or mention that you’re alone.) Pro Tip: U.S. citizens can also check out the government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination.
5. Avoid Solo Travel at Night

Photo: Taiwan by: marcosquilla flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot

In general, try to avoid walking around alone or taking public transportation alone at night. Petty crime rates rise after dark, when people are generally less alert and easily caught off-guard. But, if you have to go it alone, at least know where you’re going ahead of time (looking lost is a huge red flag to thieves), and remain constantly vigilant: don’t walk down dark alleys, stick to well-lit areas as much as possible, and don’t distract yourself with items like your phone.
6. Know the Local Emergency Numbers & Phrases
Learn how to ask for help in the local language and program the local emergency number into your phone (it’s not 911 in all countries!) Many phone companies will allow you to dial the local emergency number from your cell, even if you don’t have international roaming capabilities (confirm this with your service provider before you leave.)
7. Befriend the Staff

Photo: Hotel Monaco Portland – A Kimpton Hotel by: Porto Bay Trade flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot

Tell your hotel/hostel receptionist whenever you come and go and give them an estimated time of return, so someone knows if you don’t come back. You might also want to email them ahead of your arrival to tell them you’re a solo traveler (and a woman) so they are aware — but don’t tell them when you check in (or let them say your room number aloud.) You never know who could be listening.
8. Keep Digital Copies of Important Documents
Scan and upload digital copies of your passport and driver’s license, as well as all travel documents (airline tickets, train reservations, etc.) in a secure, password-protected cloud-based folder. If worse comes to worst and you’re robbed of everything you have, it will be far easier to prove your identity to the embassy or consulate and get your passport and items replaced.
9. Follow the News

Follow the local news in your destination – whether you read the morning paper or follow the news channel on Twitter. If there’s some impromptu demonstration happening in the city square that night and police activity will be blocking it off, that’s a good thing to know. (As is more serious political upheaval.)
10. Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Pretend you’ve got everything under control, even if you’re completely lost. Exude confidence and comfort, walk with purpose, stay alert and vigilant. And relax. Most people and most places are friendly, welcoming, and ready to show you a good time. Don’t expect the worst; just be careful.

 

'We kill so many citizens with drugs,' says doctor exposing Big Pharma's deadly medical racket

 A renowned academic who is the co-founder of the Cochrane Collaboration, one of the world's top organizations for assessing medical evidence, believes that Big Pharma is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year.

Dr. Peter Gotzsche, who arrived in Australia recently to talk to citizens Down Under about their use of prescription medications, estimates that some 100,000 Americans die each year from the side effects of medications they have actually taken as directed.

As reported by Health Nut News, many of the most commonly prescribed medications, such as antidepressants and painkillers, are actually incredibly dangerous, and are killing more people than need be.

"It's remarkable that nobody raises an eyebrow when we kill so many of our own citizens with drugs," he said, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

See a real-time count of pharmaceutical deaths at PharmaDeathClock.com

Hitting the elderly especially hard

His biggest knock is against anti-depressants and painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and celecoxib. He also said he has problems with their claims that they are anti-inflammatory, because he says that claim is not supported by scientific evidence.

As the Australian paper continued:

Another, sold under the brand name Vioxx, was withdrawn after it emerged it had caused up to 140,000 cases of serious heart disease in the US alone in the five years it was on the market - during which time its manufacturer, Merck was withholding information about its risks. About half the cases were thought to be fatal.

"These terms for our drugs are invented by the drug industry," he said. "They had a huge financial interest in calling these things anti-inflammatory. It lured doctors into believing that these drugs somehow also had an effect on the disease process and reduced the joint damage."

Added Erin Elizabeth of Health Nut News:

[A] Lancet review last year found ibuprofen to be as toxic to the heart as Vioxx, a drug that was withdrawn after it caused up to 140,000 cases of serious heart disease- half the cases were thought to be fatal.

Gotzsche, who authored the study, says he believes those deaths are just the beginning, and that they are indicative of a broken, flawed medical system that fails to protect patients. Elizabeth added that the system is skewed for profits as it really sees patients as "dollar signs."

He also said that as evidence against once-popular drugs Valium and Xanax became known, they were replaced by anti-depressants that are as addictive and just as filled with side effects as their predecessors.

'Withdrawal, not depression'

Furthermore, the Sydney Morning Herald reported, additional research shows that small benefits over placebos was biased, because it failed to properly mask whether patients were given the active drug, or were in the placebo group.

Gotzsche says the biggest victims in all of this are elderly patients who are over-prescribed such drugs. He points to research published in 2011 in the British Medical Journal, in which researchers found that for every 28 elderly people treated with an anti-depressant for a year, one will die who otherwise would have lived, from various causes including heart attack, stroke or a fall.

"Those who use arthritis drugs are mostly the elderly who are most at risk of dying of a heart attack caused by the drug or a bleeding ulcer," Gotzsche said. "We have a high use of psychiatric drugs by the elderly and we kill an enormous amount of them."

"These people get shoved in a nursing home and they get aggravated, so they're knocked out with an antipsychotic drug - it's very inhumane," he said.

Gotzsche said he's been criticized for recommending that people should consider slowly weaning themselves from taking any anti-depressants, if their physicians approve. He says he believes that sometimes doctors mistake post-anti-depressant depression as a return of original symptoms, and reinstate the medication.

"If you get depressed by lowering the dose and then immediately increase it to the normal dose, you will usually be well in a couple of hours," he said. "But if you get better straight away it is withdrawal, not depression."

How to Reduce Snoring / Sleep Apnea with This One Simple Juice

One of the most insidious ways of ruining you or your partner’s holistic health lifestyles is by snoring. We all know how essential it is to get the right amount of sleep, and if you’re constantly awoken or kept awake by your partners snoring; it’s not only frustrating, but long term it will harm your holistic health and well-being.

A major contributor to snoring

One of the things that contributes to snoring is excess mucous. If you can lessen the amount of mucous that builds up in the throat and nasal passengers, you will free up the airways which can reduce or maybe even prevent someone from snoring altogether. One of the simplest and also most pleasant ways to achieve this is by juicing and further below you’ll find a recipe you are recommended to try out on either yourself, or your partner (or both).

The benefits of juicing

Juicing is being taken up my more people every day as a way of improving their nutrition and their health. The fact that the ingredients are raw means that the nutrients they contain remain intact and unadulterated, and the fact that you then juice them means they are so much easier to digest, so you get the full goodness and benefit.

An easy way to get your 5 per day

A lot of people struggle to get their 5 portions of fruit and veggies per day, but juicing makes that an absolute doddle. To get the full benefit from juicing, you should take it on an empty stomach, about half an hour before you eat anything solid. The fact that your stomach is empty means there’s nothing else in it to interfere with the digestion process, and it will speed it up.

Include more veggies than fruits in your juices

A lot of people prefer juicing fruits more than veggies, as fruit are sweeter. But you don’t get sweetness without sugar; or in the case of fruits – fructose – which is essentially the same. In other words juices made up predominantly from fruits contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar. It’s far more beneficial to make veggies your main ingredient.

Lemons and Limes are the exceptions

The only exceptions to the rule in terms of fruits are lemons and limes. Neither of these contain anywhere near the same levels of fructose than other fruit does. Another good thing about them is that their zingy taste is great for disguising that more bitter taste that some dark leafy vegetables impart to a juice recipe.
The other piece of advice to consider is that you should use organic fruit and veg wherever possible. It doesn’t have the same chemical pesticide contamination that non-organic produce has.

Snoring reduction juice recipe

Here is the recipe we promised you earlier for a juice concoction that will help to eliminate excess mucus; one of the main causes of snoring.
Total time: 6 minutes
Makes: 1 serving
Ingredients:
-2 Apples
-2 Carrots
-¼ of a Lemon
-1″ stick of Ginger
Remember that where possible, all ingredients should be organic.

Foods to avoid

There are numerous foods that are renowned for making snoring worse. These include things like:
-Drinking alcohol in excess
-Eating too much chocolate
-Eating too much fried food
-Eating food that is heavily floured
-Eating too much processed food

Banish snoring and get your holistic health lifestyle back on track

By eliminating these foods or at least cutting them back as much as possible, and instead drinking freshly prepared juices containing natural, raw ingredients, you’ll find that you will experience less mucus constricting your airways, and that this will help to alleviate snoring, and keep your holistic health lifestyle on track.

How Should You Start Planning For Ecological Disasters?

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/start-planning-ecological-disasters/

 

Survival Archery 101 – Going Medieval When Ammo Runs Out

 For thousands of years, survival archery was the only thing that helped man provide for his family and defend his lands. The invention of gunpowder changed the battlefield forever and man was able to improve his ways of waging war and killing food. Long before gunpowder was invented, a sharp stick propelled down range was the top of ballistic technology.

In today’s modern world, using a simple bow and arrow might seem useless and obsolete. After all, we have an incredible variety of guns that would do a much better job, than a simple bow or crossbow. That might be true, but in a post SHTF world, a bow and arrow is a must have weapon if you want to survive. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to convince you to give up your lead throwers and stick with just a bow and arrow. Guns have their place in a doomed world, but there will be times when survival archery will have an advantage over firearms.
Whether you need to be completely silent, have run out of ammo or simply need to send a line over a high tree branch, it is nice to have a tool available that can do all these things and even more.
For most of the readers, their first encounter with a bow and arrow was probably during summer camp and it most certainly didn’t include extended lessons that would improve one’s archery skills.

Survival archery as plan B

When given the choice of only carrying one weapon, let’s say the Glock 19 or a compact crossbow, I bet that many of the readers will choose the pistol in the blink of an eye. And they’re not wrong, given that choice; I would probably do the same thing. However, one knows that emergency preparedness and long-term survival is about always having a plan B. You have a backup plan already and most of us have even a backup for our initial backup. Having access to a bow and a good variety of arrows is a great alternative means of hunting and defense.
I don’t want to get into a debate about the pros and cons of survival archery. I think it is better if we explore the advantages of knowing how to launch projectiles down range without making noise and why a bow (regardless its configuration) should be included in your arsenal.
If you remember summer camp, you should probably remember that archery is a good way to get kids involved into developing their concentration and aiming skills. Survival archery, is a good way to get your kids involved into emergency preparedness and with the right lessons, kids will learn how to contribute to the defense or the hunting needs of your family. Not to mention that it is a great bonding experience and one of the few times when you can calmly discuss with them and teach the kids some discipline.
Survival archery requires commitment and you need to learn about the techniques and equipment options. The advantage is that you can practice survival archery even in suburban or urban surroundings without drawing attention to yourself. You don’t have the same luxury when using a gun and in many jurisdictions it is illegal to practice shooting in your backyard.

Survival Archery – They won’t hear you coming

The bow and arrow were the first, true stealth weapon system and this characteristic will become useful in a world where you constantly need to stay under the radar. If you live in a suburban or urban environment and bugging out is not an option for you, keeping a low sonic profile is vital. After you outlast the first waves of causalities, you will need to defend your home ground or catch your next meal without making noise. Survival archery will be your main option and it will make sure you keep your base camp protected and your plate full. If the world will go off the grid tomorrow, you will need to compete with whole groups of starving, unprepared and angry people. Going hunting with a firearm when there is so much competition around is not a good idea, not unless you want to share your prize. Using a bow and arrow will ensure a stealthy takedown and you will be able to return to your base camp without attracting any hostiles.

Survival Archery, more than meets the eye

When discussing about survival archery, one must understand that it is not a skill that can be used only for hunting and defensive or offensive tactics. Survival archery is about versatility and about how one can use a bow and arrow under various circumstances.
The bow is a versatile tool that can be easily carried (especially if you have a takedown recurve bow that can be broken down into pieces) and it will never run out of ammo. It was the first flamethrower, and using a bow and flaming arrow was not only a war tactic. It was also used as a signal to reach others when in need.
Suggested reading: How to signal for help in the wilderness
You can also attach a string to an arrow and shoot it over a high limb or a gap. It will help you get a rope out farther than you can throw it by hand. Attaching a string to an arrow is also a good method of fishing and with a little practice you will be able to procure dinner.
Bows have a wide variety of purposes and there are many configurations that one can use. This is why you will always find debates about which calibers are best for survival archery, what type of arrows you should use in a post SHTF world and other such topics.
I think that it’s a matter of personal preference and it all depends on what you are comfortable with and what you needed it for.

Survival Archery – How about the many type of bows?

This is one of the most difficult questions and choosing a bow for survival archery is never easy. You have many bow types and there are a lot of models available on the market. Here are the types of bows one can chose:

Longbow

  This is one of the oldest bow models and probably the simplest one to use. It is a long semi flexible plank of wood hold under tension by a length of string. When the string is drawn back the bow is put under increased tension. Releasing the string will cause the tension to propel the arrow. There’s nothing complex to it and you can even build it yourself (there are many tutorials on YouTube).

The Recurve bow

This is an upgraded model of the longbow and it has the basic shape of its predecessor. The difference is that the tips of the bow curls (recurves) in opposite direction. When the recurve bow is put under tension not only does the bow itself bend, but the recurved tips are also straighten out. When the string is released, the bow goes back to its original state with extra energy imparted to the arrow as the tips return to their original position.

The Takedown Recurve bow

Many survivalists and preppers say that this bow was born for them and it was designed for crisis events, to fit better in their survival bags. This type of bow, usually breaks down in three parts, plus the string, that can easily be packed away and transported more discreetly in the bug out bag. This is a bow that can be used by the entire family because it provides a great advantage: it has interchangeable limbs great for progressing in skill level. Your kid can use it to practice and when the lesson is over, you can change the limbs and use it for survival archery.

The Compound bow

When high-tech science meets medieval weapons, the compound bow is born. This is an ancient design brought to the next level using cams and pulleys to increase arrow speed while making it easier to draw. Not to mention that there are customizable accessories and parts that make this bow more accurate than its forefathers. Fiber-optic sights, stabilizers, string and limb silencers and anything you can name it. All these parts are meant to increase accuracy and ease of use. The downside of this high-tech bow is that you will need to perform regular tuning. This will require some education, guidance and practice, but once you learn it all, you will have a state of the art defensive/offensive tool.

The Crossbow

  Those who are used to use a rifle and don’t want to make a significant change will most probably opt for a crossbow. In the last years, due to the “The walking Dead” TV show, there was a high demand for crossbows and it seems that this trend is continuing to ascend. When cocked, the crossbow is at much higher tension than any of the bows listed above. It can send bolts down range at incredible speeds and it’s the most lethal of them all. There are even crossbow that have the lower receiver of an AR-15 incorporated with the long-crossbow “upper” part. This improvisation made it possible to create a long distance sniper crossbow. When it comes to crossbows, there are so many models available on the market that it is almost impossible to choose one, without a proper research.

The Sling bow

  This is the new “toy” out there and although it can be quite fun to use, it is advised to use it carefully. It is the most portable option of the bunch and it’s used mainly for taking down small game. The sling uses industrial elastic to send a wide variety of arrows down range. If you don’t want to spend money on it, you can make a sling bow at home. There are many tutorials online, teaching you how to do it.

Survival archery – How about the cost?

Perhaps the most compelling reason for adding a bow to your weapons cache is the cost factor. Unlike a gun, you can find cheap materials to make your bow and arrows. Some may argue that the homemade stuff is not as good as the name-brand gear, but if you do your homework, you can construct and effective make-do solution.
If you decide to try survival archery, you shouldn’t run and spend all your money on the best gear there is out there. You should first try surfing the web for cheaper solutions and trying Craigslist will turn up some great deals on models that were once the top. If you decide that survival archery is no for you, at least you will still have some money left in your pocket.

Survival archery – Let’s not forget about the arrowheads

While the arrows can be manufactured at home without much trouble, making the arrowheads is not that easy. There are many types of arrowheads that one can use and the flexibility of using interchangeable arrowheads is a compelling reason to include a bow in your SHTF plan. Here are some of the arrowheads available on the market

The bullet arrowhead

This is the simplest and least intimidating arrowhead there is. It is used mainly for target practice and some even use it for small game (very small and frail game).

The blunt arrowhead

This is a flat bulbous tip made of metal, plastic or rubber. This type of arrowhead is used to knock out small game that would be torn apart by other types of arrowheads.

The field arrowhead

This is a variation of the bullet head, but as you can see from its shape, it’s a little bit more aggressive. This type of arrowhead is used for target shooting as well and also for small game.

The broadhead arrowhead

This is the most aggressive arrowhead of the group, with razor-sharp blades designed to tear through the hide of big game. The size and number of blades may vary depending on the type of game you are after. These types of arrowheads are designed to be used for both defensive and offensive actions.

The fish arrowhead

This is pretty self-explanatory as how to use it and I was mentioning earlier about bow fishing. If you plant to try it, you will need this arrowhead. It has spring loaded barbs that secure the fish when you reel in the arrow, using the attached string.

The judo arrowhead

This is the most bizarre looking arrowhead of them all, but the design behind it has a precise scope. It has spring activated arms that catch leaves and grass so that you don’t lose the arrow. Those springs will prevent the arrow from burying itself in the brush or embedding itself in the soft ground. It is used to for shooting small game

The snare arrowhead

This oddly looking arrowhead is designed to entangle a bird’s wings and bring it down. Although the loops at the edge of the arrow seem to, somehow defy aerodynamics, it does its job pretty good.
Survival archery is an alternative to using firearms that might put you in danger, rather than help you eliminate it. You don’t need to hang up your guns and turn into an Apache after reading this article. Just keep in mind that this is a good backup plan to your backup plan and you can give it a try to see if is for you. Having a multitude of tools serving the same scope is always recommended and survival archery will always be there when ammo runs out.
Stay Safe and God Bless!


Source: Prepperswill.com
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