Natural Gout Remedies

Our ancestors used to call gout “The Disease of Kings”.  That’s because in ancient times, gout was thought to be the punishment of a lifetime spent overeating rich meats and wine.

Today, we know that this disease is a form of arthritis, caused by high levels of uric acid. Although our kidneys normally remove uric acid, for those afflicted, the acid does not dissolve properly and forms large crystals which build up in the joints.

If you have experienced this, then you know just how painful it can be. We now have modern medicine to help relieve pain and inflammation. There is also medications that block the production of uric acid.  It makes you wonder, What did our ancestors do before pharmaceuticals? And what could we use if — one day — pharmacies are closed?

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Our ancestors relied on herbs and foods to help reduce the symptoms of gout, as well as to work as preventatives against future attacks. Here are a few natural gout remedies for you to try.

Here is a sweet “cure” to be sure! There is research showing that they lower inflammation and uric acid levels. One study found that just 48 bing cherries a day lowered uric acid. Therefore decreasing the symptoms of gout, in just two weeks! Other studies show similar results — one with results in just 2 days. It’s worth noting that dried cherries or cherry juice works as well as fresh fruit.

Celery seed has long been used as a healing herb, as it has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, but modern research shows that celery seeds flush out urates from the kidneys. This lowers acid levels, including uric acid, in the body. Therefore making it a useful natural remedy for gout pain.

This is another ancient herb, used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions due to its anti-inflammatory compounds. The interesting thing about this root is that it can be used both internally and externally to help fight gout symptoms. Consumed as a tea, burdock root removes uric acid from the body and topically, it can be ground into a poultice and applied to the feet or other joints to help relieve pain.

Like burdock root, ginger also can be consumed as a tea or applied as a compress to help relieve gout symptoms. Ginger has long been known to have anti-inflammatory compounds that help a variety of symptoms, including gout and arthritis. One study found that one of the active compounds found in ginger, 6-shogaol, lowered levels of urate crystals.

Each time I even see the name of this plant, my fingers start itching from the memory of my one encounter with it. But fear not — you don’t have to handle the plant! Nettles are really powerful anti-inflammatory plants that can help stop the pain of gout. You can consume this as a supplement or buy dried leaves that have the stinging part removed so you can drink it as a tea.

There are other ways to help reduce inflammation in the body, such as fish oil supplements, pineapple and turmeric, but some of these items might be hard to find in difficult times. Consider stocking up on some canned cherries or ginger root and adding them to your pantry in case gout decides to make an unwanted appearance.

*This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure any particular health condition. Please consult with a qualified health professional first about this method.

What would you add to our list? Share your thoughts in the section below: 

The post 5 Natural Gout Remedies Our Ancestors Used appeared first on Off The Grid News.

It becomes clear that at certain seasons, trees can provide a wide variety of food supplies.

When we think of trees in survival situations, we tend to gravitate to the obvious. Trees give us wood for our campfires. They provide structure for shelters, materials from which shelters can be built. These are all accurate perceptions, but survival trees, if you recognize and utilize them correctly, can contribute much more to our chances of survival than just firewood and construction materials.

Consider for a moment the varieties of nut trees that grow on the North American continent. There are hickories, walnuts, buckeyes, pecans, and hazelnuts to name just a few. Then consider the wild fruit trees, from plums to persimmons crab apples to mulberries. I hope it will become clear that at certain seasons, many trees can literally become “survival trees” and provide a wide variety of edible opportunities.

Even the oak tree produces acorns which can be turned into meal or flour; the trick is to leach out all the tannins using a lot of fresh water. After gathering acorns, they must be dried so that the kernels can be removed from the husks. Once this is done, the kernels are ground into meal. After grinding, the meal is repeatedly soaked and drained for up to 6 days. The tannins must be removed from the meal before use, or they can cause stomach problems, kidney problems or inhibition of nutrient uptake. Once properly prepared, however, acorn meal makes fine bread, pancakes, and other baked goods.

Obviously, it is a very good idea to become accustomed to the trees in your area from a food gathering standpoint. But the utility of trees does not stop at fire, shelter, fruits and nuts. If you take a bit more time to learn about your local trees, they can provide other foods, medicines and become survival trees.

One of my favorites is the willow tree. Willow bark is known to be an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, and a fever reducer. It has been used since ancient time to relieve a headache, lower back pain, Osteoarthritis, fever, Flu, tendonitis, and Bursitis. In the 1800s one of the active compounds in willow bark, salicin, was used to develop aspirin. It has been suggested that willow bark has more pain relieving benefits at lower dosages, and with less chance of side effects, than aspirin.

To use willow bark you will need to boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried bark in 8 ounces of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes and then allow it to steep for 30 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups daily. This bark can also be used to make tinctures, but the tea I have just described is the best method in a survival setting. It is critical to note that just like aspirin, willow bark should not be administered to those under the age of 16 due to the risk of Rye’s Syndrome. Chewing on Birch twigs, according to folk medicine and modern chemistry should yield similar results for pain relief.

The juniper is another example of a fine medicinal survival tree. Here in the states, many of our junipers are known as cedars. Red cedars, both Western and Eastern, produce juniper berries. Juniper berries are actually very small, tightly compacted cones; more specifically, they are the seed-bearing female cones. The “berries” from this survival tree take 2-3 years to mature, and are ripe when they achieve a purple color. Dried berries have been used for centuries as a seasoning, and are reportedly excellent in conjunction with a variety of wild game. Juniper berries are even responsible for the unique flavor of gin.

Medicinally, the leaves of the eastern red cedar have been used to treat rashes and skin irritations. Smoke from the leaves can be inhaled to treat colds, bronchitis, and rheumatism. The berries can be chewed to relieve canker sores and toothaches. A tea brewed from the berries can be used to treat colds, worms, rheumatism and coughs.

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Fruits can be chewed to treat canker sores. It has been suggested that red cedar has calmative and anti-spasmodic properties as well, and that it may be used as a nerve tonic, and that it may contain a cancer-fighting agent as well.  Now for the disclaimer: It has also been suggested by some that all parts of this survival tree may be considered toxic. As with any alternative medicine, do your homework on this one before trying it. The long history of medicinal use makes me confident, but weigh all the evidence for yourself! No matter what you decide, it is widely accepted that red cedar should not be given to pregnant women as it may cause spontaneous abortions.

Sassafras is another great little survival tree. For starters, it is excellent as a fire starter due to the very high concentrations of volatile oils in both the leaves and the wood, and this alone could save your bacon on a wet day when you need a fire in a hurry. Next up, the dried leaves of the sassafras make an excellent seasoning. Known as file powder it was a prime ingredient in the original gumbo. The root of the sassafras was the main ingredient of the original root beer. This little survival tree has had an undeniably huge impact on the culinary arts! It goes even further, though. This amazing tree also has medicinal qualities. It has been hailed as a treatment for Rheumatism, hypertension, scurvy, skin sores, kidney problems, toothaches, swelling and dysentery, to name a few.

Teas brewed from the bark have long been considered an excellent spring tonic to cleanse the system and the blood, and are a fine diuretic. Sassafras, too, comes with a disclaimer. Modern medicine sometimes seems bent on destroying the reputations of traditional or folk remedies, but do your research on this one as well before you make up your mind about it. Infusions should be made by boiling and steeping a tablespoon of root bark in a cup of water and taking not more than a cup a day.

Trees are a wonderful gift in so many ways. Take the time to get to know the trees in your area and their uses so what seems at first glance to be ordinary, can truly become survival trees in a time of crisis. Knowledge is never wasted, and a little survival tree knowledge could help to save your life one day.

Do you have any beneficial trees you’d like to add to our list? Tell us why in the comments below! 

The post Survival Trees – 5 Great Ones That Can Heal, Feed And Keep You Alive In A Crisis appeared first on Off The Grid News.

The best self defense rifle should be a weapon that you can easily carry in your bug out bag and use with limited defensive capabilities.

Let’s talk about these so-called self defense rifles. When I say self defense rifle, I am not talking about your main battle rifle. Your AR-15 is a good all-around rifle, but it’s best if you use it for self-defense. A self defense rifle in this sense is one that you can easily carry in your bug out bag and use for general survival measures with limited defensive capabilities.

These rifles are almost exclusively.22 long rifles, and while this limits defensive capability, it does still have considerable capability. The .22 long rifle is an excellent survival caliber for a lot of reasons. First off, there’s the sheer amount of ammunition you can carry. You can throw a 500-round brick in your backpack without a huge difference in weight, and it hardly takes up any room. The .22  rifle is often very cheap and common, except for the occasional ammo scare that dries up the supply. Because the rounds are cheap and easy to find, a person can get a lot of practice with their .22 rifle. These rifles are not only handy in a SHTF situation, but in any outdoor hunting and hiking situation.

These rifles will not replace your main battle rifle, but they will serve to complement your primary weapon. These weapons are designed to become very compact and disappear into a pack, making them very handy and very convenient to carry.

So, we will define these self defense rifles for the sake of this article as small, concealable, shoulder-fired, small caliber rifles. These rifles will be general-purpose rifles or even more like “jack of all trades” rifles.

We will start with an original rifle—a very unique, very odd looking little rifle. The Henry AR-7 was designed for Air Force pilots all the way back in 1959. Since then, developers have slightly upgraded the weapon throughout the years and it has become a camper’s best friend.

The AR-7 is a semi-automatic rifle that fires from an eight-round box magazine and comes with two magazines. The rifle is a takedown rifle and conveniently breaks down into three components. The rifle breaks down into the barrel, receiver, and buttstock. In addition, the barrel and receiver both fit inside the hollow buttstock. The buttstock is water resistant and has the ability to float (should it find its way into water), and if it takes a fall, it is impact resistant. The rifle only weighs three and a half pounds and is less than seventeen inches long when packed into the buttstock.

Putting the weapon together is incredibly easy and quick. The receiver attaches to the stock and the barrel screws into the receiver. Construction and take down is completely toolless. Both the barrel and receiver are coated with ABS plastic and Teflon to completely and absolutely resist corrosion.  Handling the weapon is odd at first, as you lack a forward grip and are forced to either grip the thin barrel or the front of the receiver. However, the light recoiling round makes it easy to control and shoot accurately. One of the key advantages I see for this self defense rifle is the price. In fact, for less than $300, this weapon can be yours.

Now, this is another odd rifle that has been around for a few decades, but unlike the AR-7, the M6 Scout never made a huge splash in the firearms industry. This is probably due to the weapon’s odd appearance and limited capabilities. The M6 Scout is made by Springfield and has been around since the 1970s. Recently, the rifle has had a bit of a resurgence with the increase in people becoming more prepared for less-than-optimistic situations.

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The M6 Scout has the distinct advantage of being chambered in both .22 long rifle and .410 shotgun rounds. We’ve gone over the .22 long rifle, but the .410 is its own handy cartridge. Like any shotgun shell, there is a variety of different loads that the .410 can hold. The main three are birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. The .410 is capable of taking medium and small game at close range.

The .410 birdshot round is a proven snake destroyer, and the slugs have their place in self-defense and hunting. The M6 has one less than desirable feature: it’s an over-under double-barrel weapon. The top barrel is .22 and the bottom barrel is .410. The advantage of a .410 barrel is that gauge adapters will allow you to fire rounds like 9mm and 38/357 out of your shotgun barrel.

For compactness, the rifle breaks in half at the breech. Consequently, you can store the firearm in a very short package. The rifle is very lightweight and very Spartan. There is almost no furniture on the rifle, and this keeps the weapon lightweight and compact. The stock does open and it allows you to store ammo inside.

This is a very unique firearm that’s quite an interesting weapon to shoot. The ability to fire precision rifle shots or a wide variety of shot is something any backpacker or prepper can appreciate. This weapon may not match the firepower of the AR-7, but it does beat it in versatility.

The Ruger 10/22 needs no introduction. This self defense rifle has been the poster gun for all .22 rifles for the last 50 years. The Ruger 10/22 is an incredibly versatile rifle with more accessories than any rifle I’ve ever seen. This is America’s .22 rifle. The newest model combines the well-known Ruger platform with the ability for you to break it down into two pieces.

This rifle is probably the least compact of the three, but it offers the most comfort and reliability. The Ruger is an incredibly reliable weapon, and the amount of accessories available is staggering. The list includes high-capacity magazines, scope mounts, sights, and the ability to switch out the integral parts with easy-to-find match-grade pieces. Take this little .22 and load it with a BX 25 magazine and a red dot sight, and you’re ready to rock and roll all day long.

The weapon is probably easier to strap down than it is to pack. Even so, it’s still plenty easy to transport. Ruger even offers a backpack with Molle straps and a very prominent Ruger logo (not very discreet) that they’ve designed perfectly for carrying the weapon. You can never go wrong with a Ruger 10/22.

If you are interested in a larger caliber takedown rifle, I have recently come across two that are very interesting. The first is an AR-style carbine chambered in a variety or in pistol rounds. The next rifle is a full-sized Browning hunting rifle. These weapons are larger and heavier but considerably better for defense and hunting.

The Aero survival rifle is designed to resemble the look and feel of an AR, but it is chambered in a pistol caliber. The little carbine accepts Glock magazines, so you know that plenty of high-capacity options will be available. The weapon is chambered in 9mm, .40 caliber, and .45 ACP. Moreover, the ammo can be interchangeable with your sidearm.

The rifle comes apart without tools, and it breaks into less than half its normal length. It drops easily into a backpack, giving you a close-to-medium-range hunting and self-defense weapon. This self defense rifle features some rail space for optics or folding iron sights as well as a flashlight or foregrip. The stock is an M4-style six-position adjustable.

Browning is a very well-known firearms maker of high-quality rifles, handguns, shotguns, safes, and just about everything else in the firearms world. Their lever-action takedown rifle is no different. This rifle is an excellent choice as a hunting rifle, and it even has some excellent defensive capabilities. For those poor folks who live in a less-than-free state like California or New York, this rifle is completely legal in either—for the time being anyway.

The weapon feeds from a detachable box magazine and can chamber full-powered rifle rounds. The weapon can be chambered in fourteen different calibers from 22-250 to .375. These options give you long-range and hard-hitting bullets. The lever action guarantees reliable and quick feeding.

The weapon weighs around seven pounds and is bulky compared to any other survival rifle that we’ve mentioned. Once the Browning is broken down, it still fits in a hiking pack though, and it is relatively easy to strap to the side or top. This rifle is an awesome choice when you need a full-sized and full-powered rifle to take game, especially at longer ranges. Browning has a winner with this rifle. I only wish it was easier to find.

You may also enjoy reading an additional Off The Grid News article: 10 Practice Drills Guaranteed To Make You A Highly Skilled Concealed Carrier

Do you have any other suggestions for survival rifles suitable for self-defense? Let us know in the comments below.

The post What Is The Best Self Defense Rifle? appeared first on Off The Grid News.

When you’re feeling under the weather, being able to soothe a sore throat can really help.

So, your kids are probably now all back in school. Unfortunately, mine have already come home complaining of stuffy noses.  Now, flu season is fast approaching, and a sore throat is one of the most common symptoms you might experience. A sore throat can be painful — and contribute to your misery during a sickness. Fortunately, there are dozens of kitchen remedies you can try to soothe your inflamed throat.

The first way to soothe your sore throat is to incorporate honey into your day. Honey is a traditional remedy for soothing throats. While all honeys are beneficial, manuka tends to be the most revered choice. Honey is antiviral and antibacterial, making it a great choice. Honey is also a wound healer. You can use it on wounds anywhere, which contributes to its effectiveness against sore throats.

You can use honey several ways. The first is just eating a tablespoon of honey, without anything else. The only deterrent here is the texture. You can mix honey with a delicious cup of herbal tea. Make sure you are taking honey frequently, ideally every hour.

Honey is a great choice for kids. Please always remember that honey is not safe for kids under the age of one year old. However, if your kids are old enough to consume honey, many parents believe it is just as effective as cough suppressants.

Gargling salt water can elevate some of the pain associated with a sore throat. While the taste might be unappealing, you can’t argue with evidence. Gargling salt water every hour will get rid of your sore throat in no time. Salt water also helps to kill bacteria in your throat and break down secretions.

To properly use this method, mix a half teaspoon of salt into a full glass of warm water. Gargle for as long as you want. Best of all, chances are you already have salt in your kitchen cupboard, so you don’t need to run out for special ingredients.

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Chamomile is known for its calming and soothing effects. Aside from aiding sleeping problems, chamomile can also soothe your sore throat. Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties, making it a great choice.

To use chamomile to soothe your pain, there are a few methods. First, you can try inhaling chamomile steam. Many people create a tent with a towel over a pot of hot water. You can add some drops of chamomile essential oil or dried herbs.

Another choice that tends to be the most popular is drinking chamomile tea. You can purchase pre-made chamomile tea bags in the store or make your own at home with homegrown herbs. Best of all, it will also help to boost your immune system to fight off whatever is causing the sore throat.

Chances are you think that there is no way you will drink ACV. It seems so uncomfortable. However, ACV is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it an ideal choice to fight your sore throat. Also, the higher content of acid will help to break down the mucus leading to a sore throat and stop any bacteria from spreading.

Don’t worry; you don’t need to drink a glass of plain ACV. Instead, try diluting one to two tablespoons in a cup of water. Then, gargle it. Also, you can sip on warm water, ACV and honey. Together, they will pack a punch. Do this at least once an hour.

No, you don’t need to eat a plain clove of garlic. Garlic has amazing antibacterial properties that will fight off infections. For example, it is one of the best treatments for a yeast infection.

So, to use garlic to soothe your sore throat, try taking a garlic supplement throughout the day. It is a good idea to include a garlic supplement all the time to reduce the risk of catching a virus. Add some garlic to your lunch and dinner today.

Your grandmother might have mentioned sucking on a clove of garlic to soothe your throat. Yes, this can be an effective treatment. However, make sure you brush your teeth very well afterward if you want to be close to your loved ones and friends.

What is your favorite method for soothing an irritated throat? Let us know in the section below:

The post 5 Kitchen Cures For Soothing A Sore Throat appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Heart Attack

The odds of surviving a heart attack have increased significantly over the past several decade, due to several factors.

Some measures include medications and high tech interventions, while others involve lifestyle changes which you can implement at home. Let’s begin by looking at beneficial herbs.

Herbs such as hawthorn and motherwort are excellent for the circulation. If you prefer to avoid medications which reduce cholesterol levels, consider using herbs to lower unhealthy levels of cholesterol. Herbs are effective, yet they do not deplete the body of coenzyme Q10, which pharmaceutical cholesterol lowering agents do. If you take medications to lower cholesterol, be sure to take a coenzyme Q10 supplement daily, as low levels of coenzyme Q10 may result in muscle pains, including pain in the heart muscle.

Two well-respected, large studies recently revealed that increasing fiber may prolong life after a heart attack by approximately nine years. Several studies indicate that fiber from grains is the most effective. While fiber and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables are healthy, the fiber in cereal is the type that results in increased longevity. Scientists do not understand the specific compound or mechanism behind these findings.

Much of the fiber contained in grains and cereals is soluble fiber. Soluble fiber lowers levels of unhealthy cholesterol and absorbs toxins from the body. This may be what makes fiber from grains and cereal effective.

Sadly, less than five percent of Americans consume the minimum recommended amounts of fiber each day. Women should consume a minimum of 25 grams each day. Men should aim for at least 38 grams daily.

Researchers found that for every 10 grams of fiber consumed, the risk of death decreased by 15 percent. They also discovered that people who ate the highest amounts of fiber reduced their risk of death by 25 percent over a nine-year period.

If you have not had a heart attack, incorporate lifestyle measures into your repertoire to decrease the likelihood of you having one. If you have suffered a heart attack, there is much that you can do to increase your level of wellness and improve your chances of living a long, healthy life.

Women sometimes display different symptoms of a heart attack than do men. With more women being knowledgeable about the signs of a heart attack, they are more likely to seek emergency care quicker in the event that a heart attack occurs. Prompt treatment leads to better outcomes.

The administration of medications, known as beta blockers, after a heart attack improves survival chances. After the heart attack occurs, a person takes beta blockers for the rest of their life.

Changes in protocols to manage cardiac arrest have been in place since 2011. In 2011 the American Heart Association updated its guidelines for performing CPR, as it was determined that the administration of high quality, rapid chest compressions resulted in better outcomes.

Instead of the decades-old sequence of rescuers opening an airway, providing artificial respiration, and then beginning chest compressions, the recommendations changed to only administering compressions. Amazingly, the new technique increased survival rates by 300 percent. Make sure your family member and friends are aware of the new method – and are trained to perform it.

“In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the brain and the heart need resuscitation, not the lungs,” said Gordon A. Ewy, director of the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center.

“When you stop chest compressions to give mouth-to-mouth ventilations, no blood is moved and the organs essentially are starved. In fact, during CPR, blood flow to the brain and the organs is so poor that stopping chest compression for any reason – including so called ‘rescue breathing’ – is not helpful.”

Also, the availability of defibrillators has afforded people rapid treatment.

Until the 1990s, most people who developed cardiogenic shock after having a heart attack died. Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition which sometimes results due to weakened, injured tissues of the heart. The heart is too weak to pump blood effectively to the rest of the tissues in the body. Fluid may build up in the lungs. Organs, such as the kidneys, are susceptible to injury. Advances in technology and aggressive treatments have improved survival rates of people who develop cardiogenic shock.

Increased screening and advances in diagnostic technology help identify risks for heart attack so that early interventions can be implemented. Links between risk factors for heart attacks, obesity and diabetes have been identified.

Blood tests which measure levels of C-reactive protein, cholesterol and triglyceride levels give clues regarding inflammation and imbalances of fat. Other tests, including the measurements of fibrinogen, Lipoprotein (a), and brain natriuretic peptides are sometimes used in conjunction with other tests to evaluate heart attack risks.

Medications and lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss, exercise and decreasing the intake of unhealthy fats, improve cardiovascular health. Obtaining good control of blood sugar levels among diabetics reduces the risk of heart disease.

The post Make Yourself 3 Times More Likely To Survive A Heart Attack appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Remarkable ‘Outside-The-Kitchen’ Uses For Honey

September is National Honey Month, and the golden liquid seems to deserve the honor. Americans consume about 1.5 pounds of honey per person annually, and there are more than 300 unique types of honey in the U.S. alone.

Honey is made by honeybees from the nectar of flowers and plants; it is not made with pollen. Pollen is brought back by the bee as a source of food for its offspring or “brood,” and it can be introduced to honey through other means, such as during the extraction process. Trace amounts of pollen are, though, found in honey.

You may be wondering about raw honey versus processed honey. According to the National Honey Board, raw honey is honey that has not been heated or filtered. A 2012 National Honey Board study of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidant levels in raw and processed honey found that processing significantly reduces the pollen content of honey, but that processing does not affect honey’s nutrient content or antioxidant activity.

Some honey found on supermarket shelves has been pasteurized, which means it has been heated at extremely high temperatures and rapidly cooled so that it looks more appealing on the shelf. Unfortunately, pasteurization also disturbs the blend of vitamins, yeast, aromas and enzymes that make honey such a nutritional powerhouse. Since true “raw” honey is collected only from the extractor, a compromise is to look for honey that has been warmed (not pasteurized) for bottling purposes.

Honey contains a complex blend of naturally flavored sugars as well as trace minerals, enzymes, vitamins and amino acids. The 60,000 bees in an average beehive may travel more than a collective 55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make just one pound of honey! Honey’s color and flavor depends upon the source of the nectar. Sources can include clover, orange blossoms and eucalyptus in addition to flowers. Generally, light-colored honey is milder in flavor than dark honey.

In the kitchen, we use honey as a sweetener to balance and enhance other food flavors, to thicken sauces and marinades and to give moisture to a variety of dishes. While honey should have its place as a staple on the pantry shelf, it also has a variety of other uses and benefits beyond the kitchen. Here are a few “outside-the-kitchen” uses for honey:

Honey has powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which make it useful as a topical treatment for minor skin ailments such as cuts, wounds and burns. Try applying a thin layer of honey to the skin to soothe pain and to promote healing. Another option is to dab honey onto skin blemishes to reduce inflammation. When you mix honey with water, you also can make an effective antibacterial face wash.

Remarkable ‘Outside-The-Kitchen’ Uses For Honey

You’ll see honey as an ingredient in many cough suppressants and lozenges for good reason. It works even better on its own or with some lemon. Try combining a tablespoon of honey with the juice of one whole lemon as your own homemade cough syrup.

As a humectant, honey attracts and retains moisture. This factor makes it work well for hair. Honey cleanses and moisturizes the hair shaft, and it also helps protect the scalp from the irritation of conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. For an easy hair boost, you can add a teaspoon of honey to your normal shampoo and leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing. To use honey as a conditioner, mix a quarter cup of honey with water so that it is a thin enough mixture to work through your hair. Apply the mixture to the hair and leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

In the same way as it helps your hair, honey can condition your skin. Try it as an all-over moisturizer. Add two tablespoons of honey to one cup of hot water. Mix and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes before adding to your warm bath. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a relaxing treat.

Honey works as a skin moisturizer. Apply it directly to dry patches on your elbows, knees or hands. Then let it work for about 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Similarly, you also can apply honey to your lips to smooth and condition them. Try dabbing it on with a cotton ball and letting it do its magic for about 10 minutes or so before rinsing. Another idea is to make your own lip balm by mixing one part warm, melted beeswax to three parts olive oil or almond oil. Add one to two tablespoons of honey to the mixture and then allow it to set. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil if you would like.

Honey’s antibacterial and antiviral properties may help boost your immune system to help you fight sickness. If you are feeling a cold coming on, try sipping this soothing solution: one tablespoon of honey and two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice combined in a half cup of hot water. Honey also may help you get the rest you need. It helps facilitate the action of tryptophan, a natural amino acid that helps make you sleepy.

For centuries, one of the uses for honey has been used to help quell anxiety and nervousness. Add honey to your favorite herbal tea and sip slowly or sip a blend of honey with lemon juice and ginger for a relaxing effect.

You may have heard that it is unsafe to feed an infant honey. Infant botulism can occur when a baby younger than 12 months ingests spores of Clostridium bacteria, which can be found in dust and dirt and can get into honey. These bacteria are usually harmless to older kids and adults.

Honey has a very long shelf life. You can store honey at room temperature. If the honey turns cloudy, it is the result of the natural crystallization process and is not a sign of spoilage. If your honey crystallizes, simply place the honey container in warm water with the cap open and stir until the crystals dissolve. Repeat when needed.

The post 7 Remarkable ‘Outside-The-Kitchen’ Uses For Honey appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Knowing what you’ll need when preparing for a hurricane is a life or death matter for many.

The devastating power of nature is truly amazing. Our thoughts are with the east coast as they prepare for and deal with the devastation of hurricane Dorian.  It’s difficult to think that a single hurricane can cause billions of dollars of damage, undoing in mere days what has taken mankind years to build. The cleanup efforts for the damage that Hurricane Dorian causes will take an estimated three years or more.

The first question you must ask yourself when preparing for a hurricane is whether or not you should bug out. This depends a lot on where you live, the terrain around you, and the strength of the coming hurricane. There are many people on the east coast who won’t be affected by the hurricane, simply because their homes are just a few feet higher than the water.

If you don’t know how high you are above sea level, and how that compares to the area around you, then you need to get your hands on a topographical map. You can download these for free from the USGS website.

If your home is located in what is known as a “100-year-flood zone,” chances are pretty good that you’ll be flooded out in any major hurricane. This term means that there is a one percent chance that your home will flood in any one year. Other zones are listed as “500-year flood zones” or “1,000-year flood zones.” Anyone who buys their home with a mortgage loan and who lives in a 100-year flood zone will be required to buy flood insurance as part of their contract. Few of the rest of us bother with that.

No matter what you do while preparing for a hurricane, there is nothing that prepares you for the devastation that follows.

Even if you are certain that you are living high and dry, where the flooding from the hurricane can’t get to you, you should be prepared to bug out. Hurricanes and tropical storms are unpredictable. Things might end up very different than you expect. Always make sure you leave yourself an avenue of escape.

To be specific, I mean that you should leave yourself an avenue of escape if there are five feet of water in your home. You don’t want to depend on being able to drive your car, unless you happen to have a monster truck parked in the driveway. Nor should you really count on walking. You won’t be able to see what’s under the water, so you might just step into a hole that’s 20-feet deep.

If you don’t happen to own a boat, you should probably invest in an inflatable rubber raft. You can buy these for as little as $100, giving yourself a means of getting to safety, instead of having to wait for someone to rescue you.

Don’t forget your bug-out bags. This is what they are for. If you don’t have one, it’s an ideal time to make one. Wherever you go when you bug out, you’ll need tools, equipment and supplies to help you survive.

Even if you survive the hurricane in your home, you have to consider that you won’t have any electric power, water, sewage service and that your home may very well have several feet of water in it.

Often, preparing for a hurricane is really preparing to survive its aftermath. That means stockpiling the things you’ll need to have, until power is restored. Specifically, you’ll want:

1. Bottled water
2. Non-perishable food (canned food is great)
3. Fuel (gasoline)
4. A means of cooking your food
5. Flashlights and batteries
6. Battery operated radio
7. Recharging battery for your phone
8. Solar phone charger
9. Good first-aid kit
10. Toiletries, especially toilet paper
11. Insect repellant
12. Baby formula and diapers (if you have a baby)
13. A complete set of important documents (identification, birth certificates, insurance, marriage license, property deeds, vehicle titles) in a waterproof container
14. Laminated list of emergency phone numbers
15. Cleaning supplies (for salvaging your home)
16. Rain gear (ponchos and boots)
17. Water purifier

Hurricane devastation

All of this needs to be packed in waterproof containers, such as five-gallon buckets. Most storage bins aren’t waterproof, as the lids aren’t sealed. However, they will usually float, as long as things don’t get to the point where they are underwater.

Keep in mind that this list is just the most basic of supplies. If you are already a prepper, you probably already have much more than this. That’s good, because you’ll need it. Just make sure that if you have your prepping supplies stored in the basement, you move them to a higher point in your home when preparing for a hurricane.

Trying to save your home from a hurricane is difficult, at best. This boils down to two basic parts: keeping your home from being damaged by the wind and keeping the water out of your home.

There is little you can do to prevent your home from being damaged by high winds. Hopefully your home was already built with that in mind. Homes along the coast should be built with hurricane clips holding the rafters to the walls and other safeguards to protect them. But if you own an older home, it may not have some of these safeguards built in.

Other than direct damage to your home, the biggest risk that high wind creates for your home is breaking tree branches. If you have any tree branches that overhang your home’s roof, you should cut them off. You also should look around your home for loose objects that could become projectiles and store them away.

But, as I already said, flooding is the bigger risk. Keeping water out of your home requires building a dam to stop the water. The most common way of doing this is with sandbags. These work well, because the sand moves, allowing the bags to seal well against one another. A properly built sandbag wall should be at least a few feet away from your home’s walls, so that you can walk around your home to check for leaks. You also will need a pump or two, to send any water that leaks through back over your sandbag wall.

But it takes a lot of sand and a lot of sandbags to make a wall around your home. Typically, a 10-foot-long section of four-foot-high sandbag wall requires about 160 sandbags, plus the sand to fill them. You will need a pretty good crew, working together, to fill all those bags and build the wall.

The power of nature is so frightening because there is nothing you can do to stop it.

Another option is to buy water dams. There are a few different brands of these on the market. Basically, they consist of a flexible plastic tube, three or four feet across. Filled with water, they actually work better at creating a barrier than sandbags do, with less of a chance of spaces where water can leak through. They are also easier to set up, as you only need to lay them out and connect a hose. But you’ll need a lot of time for your hose to fill that many tubes.

If you find yourself trapped at home with the waters rising, don’t panic. Your home may have a second story, move up there. If not, you can move onto the roof. But whatever you do, don’t go into the attic to escape flood waters. An attic can become a death trap in these situations.

There actually was a home in the Houston area, during Harvey, where the homeowners pitched a couple of tents on their roof and sat the storm out in them. While not a normal method of protecting yourself from a hurricane, that was quite effective.

Chances are, someone will come by with a boat to rescue you if you end up on your home’s roof. But you’re better off being able to rescue yourself. That’s why I recommended buying a rubber raft. While that may not be as nice as having a speedboat to make your getaway in, it will still be effective.

What would you add to our list of hurricane preps? Share your tips in the section below:

The post Preparing For A Hurricane: 17 Vital Items You’ll Definitely Need appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Canning Tomatoes

It is never more gratifying to be a gardener than when luscious ripe tomatoes are rolling off the plants and into our kitchens. For most of us, though, there are often far more tomatoes than we can eat at the time. After slicing, sautéing, roasting, making salads and salsa, adding to pizza and ratatouille and grilled burgers, and filling the freezer with sauce, there is only option left.

It is time to can tomatoes. People have been canning tomatoes for long enough that everyone and their great-grandmother—and I do mean that literally—has strong opinions on how it should be done. Some folks use strictly paste tomatoes, meaning only those varieties developed specifically for use in homemade sauces. Others use any varieties of tomatoes at all, from commercial or traditional to heirloom, in all shapes and sizes.

There is no single correct answer when it comes to the best tomato varieties for canning. The primary difference is that paste types usually have less water content and require less reduction for sauces and ketchup. Taste, texture and personal preference are factors that matter.

The thing about canning tomatoes is that there are a lot of choices, not the least of which is whether to use a pressure canner or a boiling water bath canner. And the right answer to this question is that both methods are correct.

This is unusual. For almost every other food, there is only one right choice. All vegetable, meats and seafood products need to be pressure-canned for safety. And while fruits can be processed using a pressure canner, it would diminish the quality of the product.

Canning Tomatoes

So why can tomatoes go either way? To explain, let me first talk about acid. The value of various foods are either very acidic—which registers very low numbers on the pH scale—or very neutral and registering very high pH numbers.

Almost all fruits range from 3.0 to 4.0 and are considered to be high acid. Vegetables range from 4.8 to 7.0 and are considered to be low acid.

And then there are tomatoes. The average tomato sits at 4.6, right on the cusp of high acid versus low acid. In this sentence, “average” is the key word. If the average is at 4.6, that means there are some varieties that are a tad more acidic, and a few—particularly some of the heirloom types—that are a little less acidic.

Therefore, the safety rule with tomatoes is to acidify them. By adding a little acidic content to every jar of canned tomatoes, we can be absolutely sure that they are adequately acidic. Just a tablespoon of lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon of citric acid per pint of tomatoes does the trick when canning tomatoes. It is super easy, inexpensive and does not affect the taste of the finished product.

It may sound as if it is alright to skip the acidification step—adding the lemon juice or citric acid—if you are pressure canning, but that is not the case. You need to add acid with both processes, and here is why. The directions and processing times for both canning methods have been tested using acidified tomatoes. If you do not use added acid, the processing times given may not be adequate.

The major difference in canning tomatoes using the boiling water bath method versus pressure canning is processing time.

For example, tomatoes packed in water take 40-50 minutes (depending upon the size of the jars) in a boiling water bath canner and only 10 minutes in a pressure canner. Tomatoes with no added liquid take a whopping 85 minutes in a boiling water bath canner and 25 minutes in a pressure canner. With crushed tomatoes, there is a huge time difference as well—35 to 45 minutes versus 15 minutes.

However, there is more than just processing time to consider when canning tomatoes. Using a pressure canner involves 10 minutes of venting, several minutes to build pressure, and more time to depressurize after processing. When you add it up, the actual time differences are less dramatic.

So why use a pressure canner for tomatoes? Many people say it is about the quality of the finished food. Pressure canned tomatoes often have brighter colors and flavors, retaining more of that tart zing that only a fresh backyard tomato can pack.

Either way, there are some basics to go by. Following is a synopsis, although complete step-by-step directions can be found either in Ball’s Blue Book Guide to Preserving, which can be purchased for under $10 at most stores, or accessed free online at the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Prepare your supplies for canning tomatoes. Wash and rinse jars and lids, and keep warm. Assemble equipment:  canner, jar lifter, funel and head-space tool.

1. Peel tomatoes by dipping in scalding water until skin loosens, plunge in ice water to make them cool enough to handle, and pull nskins off. Trim ends. Cut or crush as needed for recipe.

   Canning Tomatoes

2. Prepare your canner and heat the water to simmering.
3. Add lemon juice or citric acid to each jar.
4. Pack tomatoes according to recipe: crushed, whole or halved packed in water or tomato juice, or whole or halved with no liquid added. Add salt if desired.
5. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and adjust lids to finger tight.
6. Process in either boiling water bath canner or pressure canner, following times and procedures for the one you are using.

You cannot safely mix and match processing times. It will not work to use pressure canning times in a boiling water bath canner, or to go with times given for whole tomatoes with added liquid for crushed tomatoes. If using the boiling water bath method for whole tomatoes, follow that recipe to the letter.

I have been canning tomatoes for a while and have used very nearly all of the permutations—with liquid and without, whole and crushed, boiling water bath or pressure canner processed. However, I admit that I do not have a single go-to way of doing it. An hour and 25 minutes is a long process time, but once it’s boiling, I can set it and forget it. Pressure-canned tomatoes do seem a little tastier, but it is more of a multi-step process than a boiling water bath. Crushed tomatoes are easier to pack into jars, but require more prep work and yield a product that I tend to use less in recipes. Most years, I do a variety.

Even though it seems a little more complicated at the outset, tomatoes are the perfect food for canning and are just right for those who prefer a wide variety of methods. And as long as you use an approved recipe, there is no wrong way to can garden-fresh tomatoes.

The post Canning Tomatoes: Here’s What Grandma May Not Have Told You appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Storing potatoes well into the winter months provides an excellent food source

Extending the shelf life of root vegetables like potatoes has been practiced for centuries as a method to enjoy the harvest year-round. Traditionally, potatoes grown for storage are a variety bred specifically for winter storage, since not all varieties keep well long-term. Thicker-skinned potatoes such as russets will store far longer than thin-skinned red potatoes.

The traditional method of winter storage is by using a root cellar. Harvesting them is to dig the potatoes when the potato plants have died down. Then, brush off dirt (without washing) and cure them before storage. Curing the potatoes in temperatures ranging from 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit (or as high as 80-85 for sweet potatoes) and high humidity (90 percent or more) gives potatoes a thicker skin that prolongs their storage life and lessens spoilage.

The curing process should occur in the shade or in a darkened indoor location like a barn. If your potatoes are green, it means they have been exposed to excessive light and should be discarded. The green color is frequently a sign that solamine is present. Unfortunately, solamine is toxic at high levels.

Store potatoes in a humid dark root cellar at approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit after curing them. Potatoes should be packed in bushel baskets or burlap sacks or in several piles. Storage temperatures below 45 degree Fahrenheit may increase the sugar content of potatoes. However, higher temperatures can lead to shrinkage or rot, reducing storage life by half. Also, potatoes should be stored away from any fruit that gives off ethylene gas (such as apples and pears). Frequently, people will wrap apples and pears individually in paper to store them in a root cellar so as to reduce the ethylene gas they emit.

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Twenty years sounds like a long time to store potatoes. Surprisingly, “fresh” potatoes in the grocery store are often 11 months old when you buy them.  Modern developments in commercial food storage allow growers to store produce with a chemical (1-methylcyclopropene), which extends the shelf life of vegetables.

Of course, fresh potatoes won’t last 20 years, but you can dehydrate them to get that kind of long-term shelf life while maintaining nutritional value.

1) The shelf life will be longer if your storage location has a moderate temperature and reduced light. Therefore, a cool basement would be ideal, while a hot attic or room which fluctuates in temperature will shorten the shelf life of any stored food.

2) Botulism can grow in low-oxygen moist environments. To avoid this, you must reduce the moisture level within the potatoes to 10 percent or less in order to store long-term with an oxygen absorber packet or to safely store using a vacuum sealer that removes air.

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• A dehydrator with an electric fan is recommended.
• Wash the potatoes (peeling is optional).
• Slice ¼ inch or less, or grate.
• Drying temperature for potatoes is generally 125-135 degrees Fahrenheit. Drying time will depend on the humidity and your dehydrator. Dried potatoes will be crisp and brittle.
• Once dry, let them cool for an hour or so, and then place temporarily into gallon-size Ziploc bags to “season” the dried slices for a week. Seasoning accomplishes two things: 1) It distributes any remaining moisture evenly between slices, and, 2) It alerts you if there is too much moisture in your dried potatoes. If you have too much moisture, you will see condensation on the inside of the sealed bags (in which case you need to dry some more).
• Pack into airtight glass containers or cans.

Your kitchen cupboards are simply too exposed to light and temperature fluctuations to be useful in storing items more than a year. However, dried potatoes in a glass jar will last about a year in kitchen cupboard conditions. This is about the same time as a canned potato product. However, in a cool, dry and dark place like a cellar, these jars of dehydrated potatoes will last five or so years without any detectable change in taste.

For REALLY long-term storage of 20 years or more, put an oxygen absorber packet in the airtight container when packing, or remove air using a vacuum sealer, and again, store in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Dehydrated potatoes are tasty in soups, stews and casseroles. Also, vegetables and starches are an essential component of any balanced diet, and potatoes are a great (and delicious) option for long-term food storage.

What storage advice would you add? Share your tips in the section below:

The post Storing Potatoes For 20-Plus Years appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Cheese making for beginners

After visiting with a friend, she convinced me to try making my own cheese.  Doubting my ability, I asked her if there was a cheese-making for beginners class she could recommend to me.  She smiled and said she would be happy to teach me.

Think it’s too difficult to make your own cheese? Think again!

Making cheese can be quick, easy and inexpensive. In fact, some cheese can be made in just three steps. Below are three recipes that you can make at home. Even if you’ve never made cheese before, you can make these simple cheeses to save money. And they’re much more nutritious and taste better than the store-bought versions that are full of chemicals and preservatives.

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There’s something filling about eating cottage cheese. It has lots of protein and makes a great breakfast or snack. But the cottage cheese that you get from the grocery store doesn’t always taste good. If you want delicious cottage cheese, why not try making it yourself? It just takes a e of minutes to make and is a great recipe for those of you who feel like you are a cheese-making beginner!

Homemade cottage cheese.

Makes 2 cups

• 1 gallon whole milk
• ¾ cup white vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
• ½ cup half-and-half

1. Pour the milk into a large saucepan and cook over medium heat. Check the temperature with a candy thermometer and continue cooking until it reaches 120 degrees F.
2. Remove from heat. Stir in the vinegar and continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes. Cover and sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Pour the mixture into a colander lined with cheesecloth or a tea towel. Allow to sit and drain for 5 minutes. Gather up the edges of the cloth and rinse with cold water for 3 to 5 minutes. When it’s cool, squeeze the curds dry as much as possible. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the salt and stir to combine. When ready to eat, stir in the half-and-half. If not, transfer to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. Add the half-and-half just before serving.

Farmer’s cheese is a great cheese for beginners. So if making your own cheese sounds intimidating, try this recipe first. And it tastes great in lasagna, tacos, salads and even cheesecake.

In fact, that’s my favorite way to use farmer’s cheese. And now that it’s fall, try this pumpkin cheesecake; it’s my favorite cheesecake to make!

Makes 1 pound

• 1 gallon whole milk
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Juice from 1 large lemon

1. Pour milk into a large kettle. Add a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
2. When the milk starts to boil, turn off the heat. Stir lemon juice into the milk. The milk will curdle. Wait 10 minutes.
3. Line a colander or strainer with cheesecloth or a tea towel. Place a large bowl underneath the colander to catch the liquid. Pour the milk through the cloth. What is left in the cheesecloth is the farmer’s cheese. And the liquid that is leftover is the whey. Gather the cloth around the cheese, and squeeze out as much of the whey as you can. Wrap in plastic, or put in an airtight container. Store the cheese in the refrigerator; it will keep for a week.

Homemade mascarpone is just as good as the store-bought version. It’s also quite simple to make, and is cheaper than buying it.

Mascarpone cheese is too rich to eat by itself, sort of like eating a spoonful of butter! But it’s delicious to use in savory and sweet recipes alike.

Makes 1 1/2 cups

• 2 cups heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1. Pour heavy cream into a large pan. Simmer over medium high heat until a thermometer reads 190 degrees F. And stir often to avoid scorching.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and continue to simmer at 190 degrees F for 5 minutes. The cream should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to let cool for 30 to 45 minutes, or until room temperature.
3. Place a strainer or colander lined with cheesecloth or a tea towel over an empty bowl. Pour the cream, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator. Keep the cream for 8-12 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Next, discard the whey and put the cheese in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Don’t buy expensive cheese that is often full of chemicals and additives. Instead, make your own cheese! By following the recipes above, you’ll become an expert in making cheese in no time. But there’s only one drawback to making cheese — it won’t last long! And if you do run out, don’t worry. These homemade cheeses are so simple and easy-to-make, that you’ll be able to whip up some more in no time at all!  With a little practice, you’ll no longer be a just cheese-making beginner, you’ll be an expert!

The post Simple And Easy Cheese-Making For Beginners appeared first on Off The Grid News.

It is important to watch for signs of spoiling when it comes to your canned food.

Do you know how to tell if the can or jar of food in your stockpile is safe? Surprisingly, some dents are ok, but these 10 signs mean that your particular can or jar is not safe to eat.

Canned food should not create a bulge. Therefore, if you see a bulging lid or side, it’s a sign of pressure from gas, bacterial activity and spoilage. Whatever you do, don’t eat the contents of any bulging can or jar with a bulging lid.

It’s normal to hear a light “whoosh” when opening a sealed jar. However, a lot of pressure or even a surprising amount of pressure releasing on opening is not a good sign. It could mean gas has built up inside the jar as a byproduct of bacterial activity. Remember, if something doesn’t seem right, throw out any can or jar that does this.

Bubbles usually indicate some kind of fermentation, a bacterial process which can be perfectly fine IF intentional and under certain specific conditions. It also makes excellent pickles, wine, beer and other foods.

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However, unintentional fermentation is rarely a good thing, and under low-acid or low-oxygen environments some bacteria can lead to deadly problems, including botulism. If you open a can or jar that’s been sitting on a shelf and you see bubbles, something isn’t right.

Botulism and other dangerous bacteria can survive (and even thrive) in very low-oxygen environments like canned food.

Liquid inside the can is typically clear. Therefore, if the liquid is cloudy that is another sign that food may no longer be good.

Canned food is a must have on most homesteads.

If you find any signs of mold on the underside of a lid means the food should be discarded. No matter what the color is, mold on the underside of a lid is a bad sign, and the food in that can or jar should not be eaten.

If a lid can be pushed up and down, it’s not safely sealed. When you first can a food, the lid is sucked down as the jar of canned food cools. Therefore, you should not be able to depress a lid and have it pop back up. That indicates it did not seal properly. Consequently, unsealed and unrefrigerated jars are not safe to eat.

If there are traces of food on the outside of the container, it likely leaked from inside the same container. If there’s a leak, the seal is compromised, and the food is likely unsafe. When in doubt, throw it out.

If the contents of a can or jar smell “off” or unusual, or somehow different that you remember, then the food might have gone bad. If it doesn’t pass the sniff test, throw it out.

is a sign the container may be compromised. If you can clearly see the can is fine, then it’s probably ok, but your containers should not be getting rusty. Evaluate your storage location and rotation plan to ensure you aren’t keeping food too long or in less-than-ideal conditions. Rust is a clear sign that something isn’t ideal.

Be smart and bon appetit!

What tips would you add? Share your advice in the section below:

The post 10 Signs Your Canned Food Has Gone Bad appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Harvesting down feathers can be a chore, but beneficial in the end result.

Raising ducks and geese can be rewarding — in many ways. They’re social animals that play out a backyard soap opera on a daily basis. Many species of ducks produce just as many eggs as your average chicken. Duck eggs are much larger and richer than chicken eggs.

Ducks also generally excellent, devoted mothers. If you’re not careful a single duck can raise two clutches of 12-16 babies in a single year. That leaves you with a common duck owner problem: overpopulation. An overpopulation of ducks can be quite the blessing if you’re prepared to harvest meat from your home duck flock. Which means, you also have the added benefit of harvesting insulating feathers for homemade down pillows, blankets and jackets.

The trickiest part about harvesting water birds is the plucking. When plucking chickens, most people scald the birds in 145-degree water to cause the base of the feathers to loosen. This allows for them to be easily hand plucked without much effort.  They can also be mechanically plucked in a home use drum plucker in about 30 seconds.

Plucking ducks or geese can be a bit more complicated. Their feathers are water-resistant, and they’ve worked hard throughout their life to preen them into an insulated waterproof barrier. Drop them into a scalding bucket, and the water won’t reach the skin to loosen the feathers. Some people recommend dousing them in a mild dish detergent to break up their natural water-proofing oils so that the water can penetrate. However, in reality that just creates a soapy mess and doesn’t make the feathers any easier to pluck.

The fact that wetting ducks through scalding doesn’t make plucking them any easier means that hand-dry plucking is both easier and cleaner, which is good news for pillow fans. The feathers stay dry and clean with the dry plucking process, making them easy to store until you have enough to make your own down crafts.

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When it comes to harvesting down feathers from your birds, make sure you provide them fresh clean water to bath in before harvest. The birds love preening and cleaning themselves, and will do all the cleaning work for you if you give them the right tools. Supply them fresh clean water in a small kids pool or large rubber feed tub on a clean surface. Give the birds a short break period (10-20 minutes) in a dry clean area to dry off before harvesting. Damp feathers can mold in storage.

If during the harvest process the feathers become soiled by just about anything (blood, excrement, etc.), simply wipe the bird down with a damp cloth until the feathers are clean and then make sure to allow them to dry thoroughly before plucking and storing the feathers.

Geese have excellent down feathers for harvesting.

Roughly 20 percent of the feathers on a duck or goose are considered “down,” and they’re easiest to harvest from the underside of the bird, on the stomach, breast, thighs and upper legs. Larger, tougher wing feathers are not appropriate for use. For home use, there’s a big gray area as to how big a feather you can use and still keep the pillow comfortable. Some of the feathers on the upper back between the wings can help fill out a pillow and keep it fluffy, but may not have the insulating power of down for a comforter or jacket.

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Commercially, the “100 percent down” label is reserved for items containing only the finest 20 percent of the bird down feathers. Other items labeled just “down” may contain other larger feathers as well, and are much less expensive to purchase. You’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference in a pillow. Keep in mind that feathers insulate less well than down.

While being very selective and using only the finest of down (20 percent of the bird), it takes about 12 Wild Canadian Geese to make a single standard-sized pillow. Domestic geese can be up to two to three times as large as their wild cousins. Therefore, it only takes 6-8 domestic geese to make a 100 percent down pillow. Using some slightly larger, but still soft feathers from the back and thighs of the birds, a single pillow can be made from as few as 3-4 domestic geese.

Likewise, it takes 40-55 geese to make a 100 percent down king-sized comforter. It would take a bit over half that number of domestic birds to make a king-sized comforter.

Goose down is more resilient and durable than duck down, and has better insulating qualities. High-quality duck down can still make an excellent pillow. In many cases high-quality duck down is superior to low-quality goose down. Be choosy with your duck down and you’ll do just as well.

Ducks vary greatly in size, but they’re generally about half the size of a wild Canadian goose. Plan accordingly, and expect to both be very choosy with your duck feathers and use the feathers of a lot of birds to accomplish your task.

What advice would you add on making a down pillow or down comforter? Share your tips in the section below:

The post The Easiest Ways For Harvesting Down Feathers appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Re-purposing old wood pallets to make fun pallet projects.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to make a variety of wood projects on your homestead, look no further than shipping pallets. Many large retailers and distribution centers will let you haul away wood pallets they cannot use for free or for a nominal fee.

Lots of companies re-use their pallets for return shipments. However, you should call first to see if pallets are available. Never assume that pallets stored outside at a facility are free for the taking.

Not all pallets are alike. Pallets usually are marked with either the letters “MB,” which means they have been chemically treated with methyl bromide, or “HT,” which means they have been heat treated.  Also, other pallets may have been pressure treated with preservatives.

If you are planning a project for your garden or for the interior of your home, avoid chemically treated pallets and pressure-treated pallets. Also, if the pallets smell bad or appear to be infested with bugs, leave them be.

When you choose wisely, however, pallets can become the basis for a wide variety of easy home and garden projects. What’s more is that items made with this form of reclaimed wood tend to last and last.

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Here are seven ideas for pallets in and around your homestead.

The very way pallets are constructed makes them ideal for use as an attractive and practical vertical planter.

• one 25 inch x 38 inch pallet
• roll of landscaping paper
• sandpaper
• staple gun and staples
• hammer and nails
• potting soil (2.5 cubic feet)
• succulents, herbs or other small plants

1. Sand the rough spots on your pallet and use some pieces of scrap wood to add some support to the back of your pallet.
2. Double or triple the landscaping fabric, and then staple it along the back, bottom and sides of the pallet, carefully folding in the fabric at the corners so soil will not spill out.
3. Place the pallet flat on the ground and pour soil through slats, making sure you allow enough room for your plants. Press the soil down firmly.
4. Starting at the bottom and ending at the top of the pallet, begin planting your plants. Add more soil as needed to make sure plants are tightly packed.
5. Water plants thoroughly and let the pallet remain horizontal for about two weeks. After plants begin to take root, you can hang it upright.

Here’s a video demonstrating this:

You can make an attractive, rustic-looking room divider for your home with wood pallets. The number of pallets you need depends on the size of the room and the style of the divider you want to create. Here are a few clever ideas.

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Are shoes taking over your entryway? This idea is such a natural for pallets, you will wonder why you didn’t think of it before.

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There are some lovely examples of pallet end tables on the Internet. You can make a sturdy accent piece for your living room or a bedroom by using reclaimed pallet wood.

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Do you like the traditional styling of Adirondack chairs? Surprisingly, you can make one yourself with this pallet project.

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The slats in pallets make them a good choice for a garage or shed organizer for your rakes, shovels and other long-handled garden equipment.

Here is a standing rack option:

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Last but not least, you can use pallets to create a simple-but-creative headboard for your bed. Here are some directions to get you started:

Once you get started working on pallet projects, you are sure to come up with more ideas of your own. Here is a video that showcases some attractive and useful items – including some of the ideas in this article as well as others — made with pallets.

What have you made with pallets? Do you have any advice? Share your thoughts in the section below:

The post Pallet Projects: 7 Things You Can Build For Free appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Cancer-Fighting Foods

Did you know that your immune system is capable of healing pretty much every disease known to man? The body’s self-healing capabilities are quite astounding.

There actually have been cases of people defeating cancer without the use of traditional medication and treatments.

Some people have success with vegetarianism, raw foods, ketogenic diets and juicing, just to name a few. Due to the individuality of the human body, one diet simply won’t work well for everyone.

What does work for everyone is banishing heavily processed, unhealthy foods for more natural options. The following 8 cancer-fighting foods will improve your health, thereby reducing your risk of cancer.

Oily or fatty fish include favorites like salmon, tuna, sardines and trout. These fish are simply packed with nutrients and should be a part of everyone’s diet. Omega-3 has incredible anti-inflammatory capabilities. Aside from omega-3, these fish also are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, both of which fight cancer cells. Studies have shown that chemotherapy patients with diets high in Vitamin A are less likely to develop cachexia (weight loss, lethargy, muscle atrophy and other ailments associated with chronic illness).

Garlic is so versatile when it comes to health, especially cancer prevention. The sulfuric properties of garlic work toward repairing damaged DNA and killing off cancer cells. Garlic also fights bacteria that is linked to cancer.

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It is recommended that when using garlic in your cooking you prepare it at least 15 minutes prior to using it in your dish. Peeling, crushing and dicing it, and then letting it sit will ensure its sulfuric properties are working at its maximum.

Spinach isn’t just good for your eyes but also excellent as one of the cancer-fighting foods. Lutein is the antioxidant in spinach that people claim is responsible for improving eyesight. This same antioxidant helps to remove free radicals and other harmful molecules from your body. Spinach also contains carotenoids, which has been linked to reducing risk of certain cancers like ovarian. In fact, a ton of dark leafy greens have this property. Don’t skip on them!

Mushrooms might be a fungi but are surprisingly good for you. Aside from being a general healthy addition to your diet, they are particularly suited as a cancer-fighting food due to the level of Vitamin D in them. Mushrooms also help boost your immune system with their alpha and beta glucan molecules. In fact, one study done with white button mushrooms shows incredible results with assisting the body in fighting salmonella.

The antioxidant that gives tomatoes their wonderful color is also wonderful at stopping cancer cell growth. Lycopene studies have shown that it effectively stops or drastically reduces breast, uterus and prostate cancer. Tomatoes are naturally one fruit that have high concentrations of lycopene, but other produce like watermelon and red bell peppers are worth adding to your diet, as well.

Not only are carrots a favorite veggie but their nutrients have some serious disease-fighting capabilities. Carrots have an antioxidant called beta-carotene. Studies have shown that this antioxidant protects cells from damage and also inhibits cancer cell growth. Carrots are best eaten cooked.

Strawberries are not only delicious but have a wide range of health benefits. Not only do they prevent cancer but also improve memory and fight against heart disease.

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Strawberries, along with many other berries, inhibit cancer cell growth with can be useful during the treatment process. These berries are full of Vitamin C, flavonoids and ellagic acid. Studies have shown that berries are particularly effective at reducing certain cancers like stomach and mouth.

Broccoli and its sprouts are one of the best sources of sulforaphane, an enzyme that is believed to reduce the risk of cancer due to its antimicrobial properties. Essentially, sulforaphane helps detoxify the body. Studies have shown broccoli is most effective with cancers of the stomach and esophagus. The nutrients in broccoli are packed within its walls. That means it should be chewed thoroughly or processed in some way to get the most benefits.

These eight foods are only the tip of the iceberg for cancer-fighting foods. If you’re serious about changing your diet, it would be wise to do private research and consult your doctor.

What other foods do you eat to try and minimize your cancer risk? Share your tips in the section below:

The post 8 Powerhouse Cancer-Fighting Foods appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Kids love making and drinking homemade apple juice

Like most children, my kids consume a lot of apple products—fresh apples, applesauce, and apple juice. I love the health benefits apples offer. Cornell University in particular has conducted several studies on apples and found that the antioxidants in apples can reduce cholesterol levels, improve memory and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. Making homemade apple juice is one of our favorite things to do!

Unfortunately, commercial apples are ranked number one for the most pesticide-polluted crop, according to the Environmental Working Group. I can’t always afford to buy organic produce, but I buy organic apples most of the time because my kids eat so many of them.

I also make my own juice and applesauce. Like most foods, homemade apple products taste infinitely better than their commercial counterparts, and I have total control over what goes into them. And, the produce usually doesn’t cost me a single red cent.

My apple trees are still very young, so it’s going to be a few years before I can harvest from them. In the meantime, I’ve got two neighbors who are more than happy to share their apples with me. Crab apples make great apple juice, as well.

If you don’t have access to free fruit, try joining a fruit share. A fruit share is simply an organization that records your contact information and the type of fruit you’d like to get. Then, you’re put in touch with orchards or individuals who have extra fruit they want to get rid of. You usually have to pick the fruit yourself, which isn’t the worst way to spend an afternoon. You get to meet nice people and you get free fruit.

Another option is to visit a U-pick orchard. You’ll pay for the fruit—sometimes a premium price—but you’re supporting local agriculture and getting a high-quality product. The final option is to watch local grocery store ads. My local produce store sells apples in the fall for .49 per pound. These apples usually aren’t organic, so peel them before you make the juice.

Learn the old time secrets of food storage

Making homemade apple juice may seem like a big job, but it’s really very simple. First, start with about 25 pounds of apples for one batch of juice. I like to use several different varieties for the best taste. You can use almost any variety, but I like those with a little bite and a slightly spicy flavor. Favorites include McIntosh, Jonathon, Gravenstein, Gala, and Golden Delicious. Make sure the apples are ripe. They can have a few blemishes, but if the apples don’t taste good, the juice probably won’t taste good either.

Wash the apples carefully and cut away any bad spots or worms. You don’t have to peel them—in fact—the peels contain a lot of nutrition so it’s better to leave them on if the apples are organic. Cut the apples into quarters, discarding the seeds, and toss them in a large pot.

Add enough water to almost cover the apples and bring them to a simmer. Cook the apples until they’re very soft and pulpy—about one hour. Line a colander with cheesecloth and pour the apples into the colander. Press down on them with a spatula or spoon to extract more of the juice. Another option would be to grind the apples using a food mill and then place the apple mash in the colander. If you do this, be sure to save the apple pulp for apple butter, baby food, or applesauce.

Let the juice drain for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. If you like, you can pass the juice through a coffee filter, jelly bag, or cheesecloth to filter it. I prefer unfiltered juice for its taste and added nutrition. Heat the juice in a stockpot to simmering. Taste it and sweeten it if necessary with sugar or honey. Sometimes I add a bit of cinnamon or orange juice.

Ladle the juice into hot quart jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe the rims with a damp cloth and place lids and rings on the jars. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 30 minutes.

If you plan to make a lot of juice, it might be worthwhile to invest in a steamer juicer. This product has three chambers—one for the fruit, one for the juice, and one for boiling water. The steam from the water heats the apples and extracts the juice, which comes out a surgical tube on the side of the contraption.

To make apple juice in a steamer juicer, simply wash and cut the apples as described above. Fill the top chamber with the apples and fill the bottom chamber with water. Heat the water to boiling and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until you see juice in the tubing. Open up the valve on the tube and empty the juice directly into clean, warm jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.

The steamer juicer does a pretty good job of filtering the juice, but if you prefer, you can empty the juice into a pitcher or pan and filter it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. This is also the best option if you want to add sugar, honey, or spices to the juice before canning it. After filtering, reheat the juice if it’s cold and pour it into hot jars. Process as described above.

• Make homemade hard apple cider or vinegar.
• Add pectin and sugar to make homemade apple jelly.
• Heat apple juice with a little lemon, honey, and chamomile tea to comfort an ill child.
• Add sparkling soda for a special drink.
• Mix apple juice with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch for a yummy pancake syrup. Heat it to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
• Add apple juice to fruit smoothies or add a few spoonfuls to pancake batter.

Do you have any delicious apple juice recipes that you’d like to share? Please put them in the comments below.  

The post 5 Easy Steps To Making Homemade Apple Juice appeared first on Off The Grid News.

As soon as you know that a power outage is going to last more than a few days, you should shift over to long-term mode.

Getting through a long-term power outage is much more challenging than getting through a short-term one. Also, it’s a good time to consider the challenges with the hurricane season just heating up. After all, September is typically the month with the most tropical cyclone activity worldwide. With a few preparations to make things easier, you can survive a short-term outage almost as if you were on a camping trip. However, when the power outage lasts for multiple days or longer, you’ve got to take additional action to take care of yourself and your family.

The first and hardest thing to do is to find out how long the outage is going to last. In my article on getting through a short-term outage, I mentioned the need for communications. Specifically, I recommended having a radio so that you could get emergency news reports and have an idea of how long the outage was going to last. That’s important so that you know when to shift from short-term mode to long-term mode.

As soon as you know that a power outage is going to last more than a few days, you should shift over to long-term mode. Basically, that means that you don’t just try and hang on until the utility companies restore power, but you change your way of doing things to methods that don’t require electricity. Particularly, we’re talking about:

• Food Preservation
• Cooking
• Heating Your Home

We should begin by saying you should put in some means of alternative electrical power so that you are ready for a power outage. A few solar panels or a wind generator will make a world of difference, allowing your family to use at least some electrical devices. Make sure that you have a battery backup system as well so that you can store the power your system creates for when you need it.

Unless you have a lot of money to use, it’s going to be very hard to generate enough electricity to fully power your home. The average American family uses a lot of electrical power every day. However, you easily can generate enough electrical power to allow you to use some appliances, run a computer, turn on a radio, and maybe even operate a room air conditioner or small refrigerator on really hot days. A lot depends upon how much you can afford to invest in your power generation.

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The ability to generate some electrical power will also make it easier for you to do some things that would otherwise be impossible, such as charging your cell phone and doing some work on your computer. Even a minimal amount of electrical power generation can make a lot of difference when the time comes.

The food you have in your refrigerator and freezer is only going to stay cold for a maximum of two days. This is where most people give up and just throw that food away. However, you can make good use of that time to preserve your food. You can preserve just about everything you have in your refrigerator or freezer in one way or another.

Remember, there are a number of things in your refrigerator which don’t really need preserving. As Americans, we tend to put a lot of things in our refrigerators that are already preserved. Ketchup, jam, mayonnaise, and other condiments will most likely keep just fine even if they are left out on the counter. Other things like eggs don’t spoil very rapidly, so you don’t need to worry about them. The things you most need to concern yourself with are meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.

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The easiest way to preserve fruits and vegetables is by canning them. If you are already canning produce from your garden (which you should do), then you’ve already got everything you need for canning. You can preserve meats by turning them into jerky. If you don’t have a solar dehydrator to use, don’t worry about it. Simply hang the strips of meat on a clothesline to dry.

Another thing to consider for alternative refrigeration is making yourself a Zeer pot. This is a natural refrigerator which works by evaporation and cools quite well. While it is an ancient form of refrigeration, people still utilize this method in Third World countries today.

A Zeer pot is very simple to make. All you need is two ceramic pots which will nest inside each other. The outside pot needs to be unglazed and the inside pot can either be glazed or unglazed. When you put the pots together, fill the space between them with sand as well as the space below the inner pot. Then, fill the sand with water. Next, put the food inside the inner pot and cover the top of the unit with a wet cloth.

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The water will seep through the outer pot and begin to evaporate, thereby cooling the entire unit. You can keep produce and dairy products in the Zeer pot to ensure that they are fresh for a longer period of time. Typically, produce stored in a Zeer pot will last three to four times longer than produce that is left out. While not as good as a modern refrigerator, the Zeer pot works quite well, especially in arid climates.

While you can cook on your barbecue grill during a power outage, you may want to have an alternate means of cooking available. Eventually, you’ll run out of charcoal or gas for your grille and you’ll still want to eat. Of course, if you’re heating your home with a fire, you can always cook over it as well.

The easiest and most efficient alternative for cooking is to build a rocket stove. Rocket stoves provide a lot of heat for a very small amount of fuel, making them highly efficient. The secret is that the rocket stove moves a large amount of air through the stove by natural convection. This fresh air helps ensure that the fuel is burned completely. It also keeps the fuel burning rapidly so that the temperature is maintained. Please be sure to read our article on rocket stoves for more information on this.

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Another alternative cooking method I want to mention is the camp stove. Most camp stoves today run off of small bottles of propane. I don’t like those for a survival situation, simply because you have to depend on having the propane bottles. However, Coleman still makes their older dual fuel camp stove. This is the type where you have to pump up the tank just like the Coleman lanterns.

The dual fuel stove will work either off of Coleman fuel or gasoline. While gasoline might be hard to come by in a grid-down situation, it will probably be easier to come by than other types of fuel. If nothing else, you can siphon it out of your car, giving you fuel to cook by for quite some time.

The other big challenge is going to be heating your home. All of our modern home furnaces require electricity to operate. With the grid down, you won’t have any heat at all.

This is one item that takes some prior planning and preparation. You’ll need to have some sort of heater available, as well as a good supply of fuel on hand. For the majority of people, the most obvious heater is either a fireplace or a wood burning stove. Another alternative to consider is a kerosene heater.

A wood burning stove can be installed temporarily for emergency use. The hardest part is making sure that you have an adequate fireproof floor under the stove. You don’t want to set it on carpeting, as it will most likely ruin the carpeting. Besides, both carpeting and wood floors can burn. If you don’t have a fireproof floor, you can easily put a temporary one in by overlapping layers of tile on your existing floor.

The chimney for the wood burning stove can be run out through a window. Simply remove one pane of glass and run the chimney through the hole. Make sure that the chimney is installed in such a way that the path the smoke must travel through is uphill all the way. Otherwise, the fumes might back up into the room. In addition, close off the extra space in the window with plywood.

This may require that your whole family lives in one or two rooms for the duration of the power outage, or at least until it warms up again. This is especially important at night when everyone is sleeping. While sleeping together in one room may be difficult, it won’t be as bad as freezing due to lack of heat.

You may also enjoy reading an additional Off The Grid News article: Build Your Own Solar-Powered Backup System

Do you have any other tips or suggestions for surviving during a long-term power outage? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Cooking, Surviving And Thriving During A Long-Term Power Outage appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Foraging for healing roots can prove to be very beneficial

Fall and spring are the best times to harvest roots and bark. In summer, plant energy is spent producing leaves, flowers and fruit. In the fall of the year, the energies concentrate on survival and protecting the plant through future winter months. Thus, energy is directed downward. Roots grow and store carbohydrates for future nourishment and survival.

While each herbal root or bark possesses its own chemical makeup and healing attributes, most roots and bark contain compounds which work to deeply nourish and support healing. Although plant compounds are designed first and foremost to protect survival of the species, many roots and bark improve human and animal health, too. Most roots benefit the liver, skin and kidneys — the organs of detoxification which keep the entire body working optimally. Many roots are bitter, which makes them valuable for the digestive tract. Bark is often astringent. This quality is useful for relieving inflammation of joints and sore throats.

It is always important to obtain herbs ethically. Never take more than you need, and leave plenty of plants for future plant and human generations. With bark and roots, this is particularly important, as entire plant populations have disappeared due to injudicious consumption.

Slippery elm bark is an at-risk herb. It is a wonderful medicine which is sweet tasting and nutritious. Slippery elm bark relieves digestive and respiratory illness but should never be gathered from the wild, even if local stands are large. Marshmallow root makes an acceptable substitute in most cases. However, if you do choose to use slippery elm bark, only purchase organically grown cultivated bark.

Ginseng is very expensive because it is a threatened plant, and many states are cracking down on illegal ginseng gathering and they are limiting harvests. Most states require that plants be a specific age when they are harvested. In addition, harvesters must propagate future stands.

Marshmallow root is a healing root that you can substitute for Slippery Elm

Personally, I never use wild ginseng. If you are patient and have the right growing conditions, you can grow your own. If not, then excellent quality, organically cultivated ginseng is available. In most cases, other adaptogenic herbs such as eleuthero, rhodiola and ashwagandha may be used instead of ginseng.

Goldenseal’s most active compound is berberine. Unfortunately, goldenseal is an at-risk plant. Barberry root is also a rich source of berberine. Use it instead of goldenseal. On the rare occasions when I do use goldenseal, I only use organically grown cultivated roots. Goldenseal may be grown in woods if you have the right conditions.

It is critical that you identify your roots correctly. If you are harvesting wild roots, then mark the plants while easy-to-identify foliage, seeds or flowers are still present. If you wait until after a frost to gather roots, it will be difficult to ensure that you are gathering what you intend.

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Choose roots of vigorous plants. In most cases, I cut and harvest approximately one-third of the root. Place the remaining root back in the ground. Water it to ensure that the root will re-grow.

In some cases, it is the root bark that is most active medicinally. An example of this is barberry root bark. To gather the bark of the root, free pieces of the root from the soil, and scrape off the bark. Be sure to replant the root.

Roots may be whole, sliced or chopped prior to drying them. Place the fresh roots on a screen in a warm, dark place for several weeks in order to allow them to dry thoroughly. A dehydrator speeds up the process. After the roots are completely dry, package them in clean jars. You may choose to make syrups or tinctures as well.

Dandelion root is excellent for liver and digestive health. Burdock root is nutritious. It benefits the liver, digestion and skin. Yellow dock is a good source of iron. It is also good for the liver and digestive tract.

Home grown Echinacea is terrific for immune health. Do not harvest it from the wild, as it is also at-risk for disappearing. Barberry root is a terrific aid for treating infections. It also tones the digestive tract. I find barberry especially useful for relieving respiratory ills.

Learn about and use roots which are abundant in your locale. Many are easily grown in a home medicinal herb garden. Garlic, horseradish and onions are among the most valuable herbal roots. Gather some blackberry roots to treat diarrhea.

When possible, harvest bark from downed limbs. Never gird a tree or the tree will die. Carefully lift the bark away from the wood, and remove the bark without cutting into the wood. Use the instructions above for drying and preparing roots to preserve your bark. Sometimes, the inner, softer bark is desirable to gather. Inner bark usually separates easily from the outer bark.

Wild cherry bark has been used to prepare cough syrup for many years. It must be cooked prior to consumption. White oak bark, witch hazel and prickly ash bark are powerful astringents. White oak is good for diarrhea. Witch hazel has been used for centuries as a topical antiseptic that relieves itchiness. Soaking in a bath that contains a strong prickly ash tea helps to relieve joint pain.

Dried bark and roots retain their healing properties for a long time. They are excellent additions to a natural home medicine chest. As the days turn cooler, and the colors of autumn burst forth, enjoy gathering and preparing roots and bark for your family.

Which roots and bark do you gather during the fall? Leave your tip in the section below:

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Spring isn’t the only season that can bring dreaded colds and sinus problems. For many people, fall allergies can be just as much of a concern.

Spring isn’t the only season that can bring dreaded allergies. For many people, fall, with its ragweed pollen and mold spores, accompanies fits of sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and watery eyes.

To combat fall allergies, you can try herbal remedies. In particular, here are 11 excellent sources of natural relief:

Elderberry tones the respiratory tract and keeps the airways clear from phlegm. Moreover, research confirms that elderberries contain compounds which strengthen the immune system and help ward off infections.

Sarsaparilla is a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids in sarsaparilla have proven to be effective in reducing inflammation caused by fall allergies, asthma, and bronchitis.

This root vegetable relieves coughs and bronchitis, it also soothes inflamed tissues. Horseradish root opens clogged sinuses and further facilitates their drainage. Our sinus cavities often have poor circulation of blood. Horseradish root improves the circulation of the whole body.  As a result, immune compounds from the blood reach the sinuses more efficiently to fight infection.

Echinacea is well-known for its tonic effect on the immune system. While some people use it as a preventative herb, I prefer to use it for acute, short-term use.

Spilanthes possesses immune-supporting compounds which help ward off infection. Additionally, it has a tingling, numbing effect, which makes it useful for relieving the discomfort of a sore throat.

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Garlic lessens the symptoms of fall allergies. Symptoms including, runny noses, fevers, coughing, sinus congestion, bronchitis, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, its immune and circulatory-enhancing effects aid the body’s immune system and relieve infections.

This plant has been used since antiquity and is a superb remedy for sore throats. Most notably, horehound enhances immune health. The herb is useful for treating upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses. Horehound possesses decongestant properties which hasten healing.

Licorice root combines well with other herbs used to relieve respiratory problems. In fact, it strengthens the actions of other herbs. Licorice has been employed for centuries to support respiratory health. Furthermore, modern science confirms that licorice enhances immune health. Licorice works as a decongestant, clearing mucus and hastening healing. Also, its sweet flavor helps make less tasty herbs more palatable.

Goldenseal root is a perennial herb that many people use to treat minor respiratory issues.

Goldenseal root is a perennial herb that many people use to treat minor respiratory issues. It is an at-risk plant, so I prefer to use goldenseal only for serious infections. Overall, the most active compound in goldenseal is called berberine. Berberine is also found in Oregon grape root and barberry root. However, for minor ills, I prefer to use these herbs as alternatives to goldenseal. If you opt to use goldenseal, purchase organically cultivated roots only.

This particular herb contains compounds which open up air passages. Therefore, it is useful for the treatment of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.

Specifically, Andrographis prevents and treats the common cold, influenza, bronchitis, tonsillitis, allergies, pneumonia, and sinusitis. It is a powerful herb which has been the subject of several studies that confirm its healing benefits for the respiratory system.

Herbs are available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and in bulk.

However, I usually prefer to use herb teas to relieve upper respiratory ills. The warm beverages help to unclog sinuses and soothe sore throats.

In essence, tinctures are convenient. Herbs in tincture form are readily absorbed.  However, alcohol-based tinctures often extract plant compounds that teas cannot.

Try making a gargle with herbs. Gargles are surprisingly excellent tools for preventing illness and alleviating symptoms if illness occurs. On the whole, they help to relieve sinus congestion and post-nasal drip.

Surprisingly, one of the most effective methods of herb administration is to make an herbal steam. Simply place a few spoonfuls of a bulk herb in a pot over steaming hot water.  Next, sit facing the pot with a towel draped over your head. Eucalyptus, thyme, oregano, and rosemary make good antibacterial steams.

Surprisingly, herbs are among the most effective tools available for preventing and treating fall allergies. Unlike pharmaceuticals, most herbs are well-tolerated with no or few side effects. If you have a serious respiratory illness or long-standing health problems, first consult with your health care provider.

You may also enjoy reading an additional Off The Grid News article: 12 Ways Thyme Oil Can Heal, Help You Sleep, And Even Chase Away Bugs 

What are your favorite herbs for fall allergies? Leave your reply in the comments section below.

The post 11 All-Natural Fall Allergy Remedies appeared first on Off The Grid News.

Animal Trap

Survival snares and traps will help feed the family during a long-term disaster or simply if you’re looking to supplement the menu choices when living off the grid or on a rural homestead.

Traps and snares hang, trap, crush or choke the prey. The best type of snare or trap to construct is a simple one. Devices made of inexpensive material with a simple design allow you to locate the traps and snares in multiple locations, increasing the likelihood of going home with some meat.

The figure four dead fall animal trap got its name from the shape of the pieces used to create the hunting device and the rapid fall of the object used to kill the prey. A piece of board or wide branch is often used at the top of the trap, with a heavy stone balanced near the top. Branches or other small piece of pole-like wood or metal prop up the top of the trap. This type of trap can be made in any number of sizes.

A weight of some type supplies the downward pressure on the end of the stick support. A diagonal stick that rests and pivots on a vertical stick keeps the trap from slipping or tipping over. The diagonal stick must be held into place by affixing the pieces together with a piece of string or rope that will break away when the trap is tripped by an animal.

Place bait at the end of the horizontal stick, directly below the rock or other weight used near the top of the trap. When the prey takes the bait at the end of the horizontal stick, the trigger of the trap is released and the weight falls and kills the animal immediately. Make sure the vertical stick rests upon a flat stone or other hard surface so the device does not sink into the ground.

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A fixed loop snare is typically made from either braided steel cable or wire. Wire is usually strong enough to trap small game-like rabbits, squirrels, raccoons or a fox. This type of snare is usually a one-time-use hunting aid. The wire on a fixed snare is often kinked or bent by an animal as it struggles to break free. Many trappers consider the fixed snare the quickest type of snare to make and set.

Fixed snare animal trap

To make a fixed snare use a piece of branch or a twig found on the ground; the twig should be considered breakable. Wind one end of the wire around the piece of branch about three times and twist the wire or steel cable as you close the end. Once you break the twig, you will have an “eye” in the wire, just like used when sewing, but on a larger scale.

Make a loop out of the other end of the wire and thread it through the eye. Put the fixed snare along small game trails or over burrows. You can attach the snare to a spring pole to garner an even more secure snare line. Copper or brass-colored wire blends in with the wooded environment far more than silver wire. The less likely animals are to discover your fixed snare, the more likely you will find your next meal waiting when you return to check the hunting device.

Perhaps the simplest snare to make is of the noose variety. The rope, chain, wire or heavy string noose should be placed over an animal den or trail frequented by wildlife. So placing the simple snare near a path to a watering hole would be an ideal location. Make the noose just large enough for the head of the most likely prey to pass through. As the creature attempts to move through the obstacle, the noose snare should tighten around its neck. Although a simple snare may not actually kill the prey, it will keep it in place until your return. Check the traps frequently for the sake of both bagging the meat and for the sake of humane treatment of the animal. Baiting the noose will likely increase the curiosity of animals in the area.

A dead fall pit is an excellent way to trap large, and potentially deadly animals. The digging required to make a deep hole in the ground will require both time and energy. So this is not a project to undertake and expect to score meat for dinner the same day. Making sure that everyone knows where the pit is located or marking it with a warning flag will help keep those you care about safe.

As with the simple snare and the dead fall trap, look for a quality game trail before grabbing a shovel to begin making the dead fall pit. Dig the pit deep enough that large game in the area will not be able to escape. Encountering a wounded and angry bear that managed to crawl out of the pit will quickly change you from the hunter to the hunted.

Once the trap has been dug to the desired depth, “plant” sharpened sticks, branches, or metal poles into the ground. Cover as much of the open area as possible; the prey may not fall dead-center and could be alive and feisty when you arrive to haul it out. Once the dead fall pit construction is complete, tie together long but not thick branches to cover the pits. Placing leaves and grass over the pit will further hide the trap from the animal’s view.

Do you have any animal trap tips? Tell us what you’ve used in the comments section below.

The post 4 Simple Animal Traps For Off-Grid Survival appeared first on Off The Grid News.

A tin can has many different survival uses.

A key component of a good survival plan is to take everyday items and apply them into useful purposes for a disaster scenario. Tin cans are just one of those items.

Tin cans, of course, cannot be resealed after you open and eat the food inside of them, but this does not make them disposable items.

Ttin cans are normally used for storing food. But they also can just as easily be used to store other food and items after their initial use. More food, coffee, ammunition, seeds, water — take your pick. You can use a bandana or plastic wrap with rubber bands as a makeshift lid.

The ability to boil water and cook food while on the go in the wilderness should absolutely be on your list of top priorities in a survival situation. After all, drinking water from a natural source that is contaminated or hasn’t been boiled can sometimes be more dangerous than not drinking any water at all. Consider including an empty tin can or two in your survival bag to make hot drinks, to boil water, or to cook food. When using a tin can over the fire, just remember to use a branch or other object to hold the can and prevent burning yourself.

You’ll need to be creative in how you make fire if your supply of traditional fire-starting materials is starting to run low. One such way is to keep your fire burning constantly, regardless of whether you’re stationary or on the go, in your tin can. The concept is incredibly similar to how you would make a fire bundle. Punch five holes in the sides and the bottom of your tin can, and then place coals from a recent fire at the bottom. The coals will burn for several hours, and you can keep them going by adding kindler and tinder at different moments. Caution: Avoid letting your skin coming into direct contact with the can (for obvious reasons).

Tin can pieces can be one of your best resources for fashioning fishing hooks and arrowheads. You can accomplish this either by bending the pieces yourself until you reach the shape you want, or better yet, you can cut them with a knife or another sharp object. All you have to do then is lash the arrowhead onto the end of a makeshift arrow or tie the hook onto some fishing line.

A tin can, could be used as a vital survival tool.

You can make your own wilderness shower just by punching holes in the bottom of a tin can. You’ll need to come up with a system where water is continuously pouring through the can. This is a survival use that you shouldn’t overlook.

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Many campers believe that a fire is all they need while sleeping under the stars; it offers them protection, peace and warmth. But fire can’t alert you to danger while you sleep. This is where tin cans come in: Simply set up a perimeter of cordage or string around your immediate camp site, and then attach tin cans at various points, paired by twos. If something tries to get through, the cans will rattle, alerting you.

Many survival kits include candles to provide the user with immediate light and warmth. Nonetheless, lighting your candle and leaving that small flame exposed out in the open is going to pose some obvious problems if the wind is involved. Cut and punch a hole in your tin can’s side and then face it away from the wind. Set your candle inside of it for proper warmth and lighting.

This survival use doesn’t need too much of an explanation. If you ever need a shovel or a scooper in a survival situation, a tin can will do nicely.

There are so many survival stories where people made it out alive because they were able to signal for help. A tin can is an excellent signaling device if used correctly. Cut a small hole in the center of the bottom of your tin can. Polish the outside with charcoal or chocolate. The surface should become very bright and smooth, and if the sun is also bright enough, you can aim the tin can at whatever or whoever you are trying to signal by looking through the small hole.

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