Medicinal Aloe Vera

November 14, 2008 at 11:54 pm • No Comments 

Here’s a plant that you will definitely want in your home or garden. I can not count the number of times that Aloe Vera has aided in burns and itches. I’ve had these plants in my garden in every place that I have lived. The is the most indispensable first aid you can have in your garden.

Although you can use it quite often, the Aloe Vera multiplies of lots of leaves so you have a constant supply. I have used it for kitchen burns, sun burns, cuts, rashes, and even on the face as acne treatment.

I once had gotten a sever burn on my hand from the kitchen oven. I had rushed out to my garden and got the aloe and applied it to my hand (like in about 60 seconds — the sooner it is applied, the better). The burn absorbed most all of it within a few seconds. After several applications and about 30 minutes later, I figured it had done its job. The pain was still there, but only slightly. In fact, after a couple days, there was no pain at all and absolutely no scarring.

For medicinal use, just cut of a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open and apply the gel on the affected area. The gel is clear, quite slimy and mucous-like, but quickly absorbed by the skin. The best leaves are from the mature plants (after they have had flowers). You can even refridgerate what you don’t use, as it will keep for a couple days.

Categories: Self-Sufficiency
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Mormon Canneries and Self-Reliance

November 5, 2008 at 4:42 pm • No Comments 

 

At the Houston Texas Cannery operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members work on a peanut butter assembly line.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are taught to prepare for emergencies by having a one-year food storage as well as an immediate two-week supply of food, water, and money. Stocking up on food storage is just one of the many ways that we can prepare for the troubled times we now live in.

If you don’t have any food storage yet, you can get it done at the cannery. You volunteer your time and labor (along with others), and only pay for the cost of the food itself. This is for stuff that you would need in bulk, such as grains, beans, et cetera. The other part of your food storage should come from the grocery store for items that you use on a regular basis, such as canned goods, and should be rotated every six months or so. A good way to start is tithing your food budget.

By using 10 percent of your food budget for food storage, you will be able to grow your supply easily and without much struggle. For example, when you go grocery shopping with a budget of $100, spend the first $10 on food storage items (specifically things that you need and that are on sale), then the remaining $90 on your regular groceries on your list. You will be amazed at quickly you are able to build up your food storage this way.

Now that Obama will be our next president, it is clearly evident that “change” will happen, and it will be only worse than it is now. Time to get started on the preparations…

Categories: Food Storage, Self-Sufficiency
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Troubled Times are Ahead

November 2, 2008 at 7:33 pm • 1 Comment 

For those that have been following the counsel of the prophets and apostles over the course of the past decade know that a repetitive message is that troubled times are ahead. In fact, at a recent regional conference, Elder Boyd K Packer said that “things are going to change, and change drastically.”

During MBA program several years back, one the courses taught was on organizational behavior. It was stated that people are typically complacent with how things are done and are usually hesitant to embrace change. A change is simply a deviation from the given norm.

What most people fail to understand is that change might be good or it may even be bad. You have to learn to discern the possible outcomes and effects that change could bring before deciding to act upon it.

Of course people understand that the government has gone done the wrong path and that change is definitely needed. However, people should be careful with what kind of change they embrace. With the general election within hours away, there are two candidates who both bring a message of change. One brings a change that would turn our current republic system of government into a socialist and communistic society, while the other candidate (a maverick) brings change to clean out the corruption from within the government.

The question is, are you prepared for the changes that are to come? Please share your experiences of what you have done to prepare for any coming change.

Categories: Political, Self-Sufficiency, Skills
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72 Hour Kits

October 29, 2008 at 12:35 am • No Comments 

You never know when a calamity might arise that requires your previous preparedness. I like to think of the 5 P’s: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. That should speak volumes on the need to be prepared.

However, the first line of defense to prepare for the first 72 hours. The reasoning behind this is that it should get your through the most dramatic parts of the situation. When Hurricane Ike devasted the Houston area last month, most people were left without electricity for over a week. A 72 hour pack provided enough preparation to cope with the situation and evaluate a plan of action. We had an immediate source of light, food, and communication.

A 72 hour pack should be something that you have access to at all times, whether in your home, car, or work. It should be mobile and always ready to go. A backpack is the suggested tote for the items. Some things that you might consider putting in it are:

Food:
Protein Bar or Food Bar (2000+ calorie)
Granola Bars
Trail Mix
Dried / Dehydrated Fruit
Water (1 gallon per person)
Canned foods ready to eat (tuna, beans, corn, carrots)
Water Purification (tablets, drops, et cetera)

Bedding and Clothing
Change of Clothing
Jacket
Undergarments
Poncho / Rain Coat
Solar Blanket
Cloth Sheet
Plastic Sheet / 50 gal Garbage bag

Fuel and Light
Flash Light
Extra Batteries
Light Sticks
Lighter
Waterproof Matches

Tools and Equipment
Small Pup Tent
AM/FM Radio (with batteries)
FRS two-way radios (with batteries)
Whistle
Axe / Hatchet
Utility Knife
Nylon Rope
Duct Tape
Shovel
Crescent Wrench
Screw Driver
Camping Stove
Can Opener
Permanent Marker

Personal Supplies
First Aid Kit
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Soap
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Deoderant
Presciption Medication for 3 days
Baby Formula and Diapers (if needed)

Some Extra Stuff
Cash
Computer Backup (on CD/DVD)
Home Inventory (on DVD)
Legal Documents

You may also want to consider adding games, puzzles, and activities for children to alleviate any possible boredom. It is recommended that you review the contents of your 72 hour kit periodically and update it as necessary; every six months is ideal (Daylight Saving Time or General Conference). What your experiences with 72 hour kits?

Categories: 72 Hour Kit, Food Storage, Self-Sufficiency
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Preparedness or Hoarding?

September 20, 2008 at 10:31 am • 2 Comments 

People of this greaty country have been badly misinformed by the mass media about what actually constitutes “hoarding.” By preparing and stockpiling several months in advance, you do not contribute to any shortages. Supply chains are continously replenished when there is no crisis at hand. So, by buying and storing supplies, food, ammunition, and gas well in advance, you are actually helping to alleviate the short-term supply disruption when disaster hits.

Only the people that buy a disproportionately large supply during a crisis could be legitamately labeled as “hoarders.” People who prepare well in advance are not part of the problem but are rather part of the solution since by having extra on hand, they can dispense charitably.

Categories: Food Storage, Self-Sufficiency
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Preserving Newspaper Clippings

August 19, 2008 at 7:53 pm • No Comments 

Ever keep newspaper clippings for Family History, only to find out that over time the paper becomes brittle and turns dark yellow? That is part of the “aging” process of newspaper. To slow (or almost stop) this aging process, use the following solution:

Dissolve a milk of magnesia tablet in one quart of club soda and leave overnight. Pour solution in a large shallow pan and soak the clippings for one hour. Carefully remove the clippings and pat dry (or hang up to air dry). This process will stretch the life expectancy of the clippings up to 200 years (supposedly). Note that this process is only for printed matter or papers written in permanent ink. Colored inks may fade. Test a small portion first before submerging entire sheet.

Personally, I just either make a copy of the newspaper or scan it into a PDF document. The above formula works if you MUST keep the original.

Categories: Self-Sufficiency
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Why Self-Reliance

August 17, 2008 at 9:32 am • 1 Comment 

Self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency makes us free. When you are prepared, not only can you take care of yourself, but you can help others. When the storms comes and the wind blows, you can still sleep peacefully. The more dependent you are on others, the less freedom you have.

Even though we need to be self-reliant in the world, we are nonetheless completely reliant on God, for we are nothing without Him. We must study the scriptures and the words of the prophets. We must put our trust in God and rely on him to help us provide for ourselves.

We all want to help others, but we should look at how we may be helping them. There is an old saying, “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, feed him for life.” Regarding the needs of others, we need to do the most responsible thing. We must determine if it is actually hurting others (keeping them from being self-reliant) when we do things for them.

Categories: Self-Sufficiency
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Country Survival and Self-Sufficiency

August 16, 2008 at 11:47 pm • No Comments 

Living in the country is one the the best ways to become completely independent and self-sufficient. Why do people have to have jobs and work and earn tons of money … because of the high expenses of living in the city.

If you lived in the country, you can live “off-the-grid” and have your own well for water, solar panels and wind turbines for electricity, burn your trash, heat your home with a fire place, et cetera. Not to mention the added expense of owning a vehicle and driving all around town, which in essense is for the purpose of spending more money.

Simplify your life. Move to the country. Feel the joy and relaxation.

Categories: Self-Sufficiency
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Home Remedies That Work

August 15, 2008 at 11:44 pm • No Comments 

I recently came across this list of “Home Remedies That Work.” I haven’t personally tried any of them, but it’s worth a shot.

Milk of Magnesia immediately stops the itch from mosquito bites, poison ivy and poison oak. It’s wonderful, try it.

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to he drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1/2 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes,then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore Throat?? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 Tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with alka-seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Eliminate puffiness under your eyes…..All you need is a dab of preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly.

Honey remedy for Skin Blemishes……Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus….Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection….To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust…Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer….If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover…..just pour a drop of Elmers Glue-all over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt’s tomato paste boil cure….Cover the boil with Hunt’s tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters…..To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine….a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises…Soak a cotton ball in white

vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor….Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites….All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat’s ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Vaseline cure for hairballs…..To prevent troublesome hairballs, apply a dollop of vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat’s nose. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief….It’s not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Categories: Self-Sufficiency
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