Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
Quick fixes to Shrink Pores
Pores are a big problem for us and everybody has this problem. Pores can be fixed quickly if we keep our face clean. We should avoid touching our face as the dirt from our hands gets settled in the pores and causes blackheads.
Here are few tricks which works great to minimize pores and keep the skin tight.
Tomato : Tomato juice can be applied for about 15-20 minutes and is the one of the best method to reduce pores and this also helps with the excess oil in the face.
Cold Showers : We usually take hot showers which opens the pores and relaxes the muscles. S o for closing the pores in the end we can finish our showers with cold water which will help to close the pores and it will also helps with blood circulation because of the hot and cold combination. Splashing some cold water on the face also tightens and closes the pores and it also gives instant color to the cheeks.
Milk Cream : Apply milk cream for 20 minutes this helps to close the pores. Even raw milk can be used. This is best for dry to normal skin.
Multani Mitti (Fuller’s earth) : Take 2 spoons of multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) and mix it with rose water. Make a fine paste. Apply this for 10 minutes or till it dries and wash it with cold water. This is best for oily skin.
Posted by coolmals
Vitamin D’s Health Benefits
Vitamin D is one the important Vitamins to maintain of our bones and organs. It is very easily available through sun light. .
Cheap and easy Source of Vitamin D
The easiest way to get the complete quota of Vitamin D is through sun exposure in the morning hours for about 15 minutes for light skinned individuals and 25 minutes for pigmented skin.
Food rich in Vitamin D
Seafood : Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, Fatty fish species, such as salmon, sardines and tuna. Whole Eggs are a good source of Vitamin D but cholesterol patience should be careful while having whole eggs. Dairy products are rich in Vitamin D. Fortified foods represent the major dietary sources of vitamin D, as very few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. Cereals are a good option.
Recommended daily dosage
The exact long-term safe dose of vitamin D is not entirely known. Exposure to sunlight for extended periods of time does not cause vitamin D toxicity.
Vitamin Deficiency can cause
Vitamin D deficiency can result from: inadequate intake coupled with inadequate sunlight exposure, disorders that limit its absorption, conditions that impair conversion of vitamin D into active metabolites, such as liver or kidney disorders, or, rarely, by a number of hereditary disorders. Deficiency results in impaired bone mineralization, and leads to bone softening diseases, rickets in children and possibly contributes to osteoporosis.
How Vitamin D Helps our body and organs
Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood by promoting their absorption from food in the intestines, and by promoting re-absorption of calcium in the kidneys. It promotes bone formation and mineralization and is essential in the development of an intact and strong skeleton. However, at very high levels it will promote the resorption of bone. Vitamin D affects the immune system by promoting anti-tumor activity.
Boosts Metabolism : Having adequate amount of Vitamin D helps to boosts Metabolism.
Posted by coolmals
When to Consume water for better Digestion
Drinking water plays an important role in the digestion of food but, When to drink water is the important question? Here are few tips to consume water for maximum benefits.
Drinking water before meals helps us to feel full !!
We know that Drinking water before meals helps us to feel full that is not the case as water has no nutrients it is passed on immediately. But it definitely helps us to identify if we are hungry or thirsty. Thus helps us to avoid overeating.
After meals Half an hour Gap should be given before drinking water
After meals it is best to give ½ hour gap before drinking water this helps us to digest food in a better manner.
Combine water and food together
Combining food and water together as in a thick appetizing soup will help us to feel fuller for longer. This is because when combined it expands our stomach.
Thus the ways in which we consume water plays an important role to keep our body healthy. Our body needs about 8-10 glasses of water to keep it running smoothly.
Posted by coolmals
Avocado mask for healthy radiant skin
You probably heard it loads of times and do you know what, it is absolutely true that ripe avocado when applied to the face is fantastic for the skin it nourishes and also rejuvenates it as Avocado is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and natural oils which helps to smoothen and soften the skin. Avocado masks also gives instant radiant and glowing skin.
Avocado Mask Recipe
1 Avocado ripe
2 Tablespoon Honey
1 Tablespoon Plain Yogurt
1 Lemon Juice
Mix the above ingredients into a fine paste and apply it to face and don’t forget you should apply the mask on your neck too.
Avocado nourishes the skin.
Honey hydrates the skin also helps with blemishes and spots
Yogurt helps to bleach the facial hair mildly and also hydrates and moisturizes the skin.
Lemon Juice has astringent quality and has Vitamin C.
This Avocado Recipe can be stored in refrigerator for a couple of days. This recipe can also be applied to the body and you can flaunt your super smooth skin from head to toe. You can apply it for 25-30 minutes.
Fresh Avocado Oil Hand and Body Cream 2.2 oz. by L’annine
Posted by coolmals
Don’t call it “DIET” and Never announce it to the world.
We all have a diet of our own but when we start eating healthy we tend to call it “THE DIET” which is a big mistake because this way instead of enjoying the healthy delicious food we start to crave the unhealthy and well delicious food.
Don’t call it a “DIET”
It should be our lifestyle choice instead of a temporary thing because if it is a phase then it will come back when you start eating the unhealthy foods. Always remember slow and steady will win the race. Here we have to set goals and try to achieve it and do reward yourself but not with food, instead reward yourself with a trip to somewhere you wanted to go but haven’t gone yet. So the basic idea is to stay clear of food and enjoy life through nature. So it should be called “WAY OF LIFE”.
Don’t announce it to the world around you.
The moment you announce that your are on a DIET they will force you to ‘have just this one slice of pie since you have been so good’ and obviously we fall for it and our body which has been without the fat will store the fat which you have been craving. Here the theory is that you should not follow and eat just because someone says it and should have enough will power to refuse and say that you are full and can’t have it, this way you evade the situation and are still honest to yourself.
Satisfy the odd craving with healthy alternative.
Some times we crave food which are not healthy so much that instead of that just one slice the whole pie has vanished. To avoid this scenario it is ok to satisfy your craving once in a while. Making it healthy is simpler and you won’t have to stay away from anything which you like. Learn which food are healthier and try to prepare it the healthy way and live life healthy.
Follow these Mantras and see the rewards for your efforts.
By following these Mantras you will be able to follow path to healthy lifestyle with ease.
Posted by coolmals
Cucumber’s Health benefits
For Cucumber there is a great saying which “As cool as a Cucumber” and for a reason because cucumber is a coolant vegetable it helps to remove excess heat form the body and makes our body cool.
Cucumber’s Health Benefits
Cucumber juice : Cucumber’s juice can be extracted and used for many things like
Health drink : Mix Sweet lime juice with cucumber juice and have this health drink for glowing skin. This health drink also aids digestion.
Dark Circles and Eye Bags : Dab cotton with cucumber juice and leave it on the eyes for 20 minutes and you will see instant results. For best results use chilled cucumber juice.
Face Mask : Cucumber juice is one the best to remove blemishes and spots. It also helps to remove natural tan.
Salads : Just by adding cucumber to your salad not only you have filled your nutrient quota but also satisfies our craving to have something crunchier and juicer.
Diuretic properties : The cucumber is a natural diuretic which is used in the fitness world by bodybuilders and people trying to cut fat as it detoxifies our body from the toxins.
Cucumber, with peel, raw Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 20 kcal 70 kJ
Carbohydrates 3.63 g
- Sugars 1.67 g
- Dietary fiber 0.5 g
Fat 0.11 g
Protein 0.65 g
Thiamin (Vit. B1) 0.027 mg 2%
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.033 mg 2%
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.098 mg 1%
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.259 mg 5%
Vitamin B6 0.040 mg 3%
Folate (Vit. B9) 7 g 2%
Vitamin C 2.8 mg 5%
Calcium 16 mg 2%
Iron 0.28 mg 2%
Magnesium 13 mg 4%
Phosphorus 24 mg 3%
Potassium 147 mg 3%
Zinc 0.20 mg 2%
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient database
Posted by coolmals
Gosh, I’m glad I saw your comment. I need a break from the bad news! I’ll be back tomorrow to “pore” over some of these comments and write up my at home facial - I sure need to do one.
Night, granny!
Adding to the section on “water”, I’ve heard that it’s better for your system not to drink cold water. Better to drink warm or hot water; it keeps food moving through your system. FWIW...
Hot water v/s Cold Water – Which one is the winner? You decide
The first thing we are always advised upon our health issues is to guzzle loads of water at-least 8-10 glasses of water per day if not more. But do you that the temperature of water plays an important role in the functioning process of the body. Just with the temperature of the water the way our body works and functions is different and it is definitely a lazy way for us to burn those extra calories and boost our metabolic rate as we age.
Here are the Pro’s and Cons of hot water and cold water.
Drinking Cold Water
Pro’s
1. If you drink cold water it boosts the metabolic rate of the body as the body works to bring it to your body temperature.
2. Easily availability every where you go.
Con’s
1. Cold water solidifies the oil which you consume and turns it to fat.
2. Slows down the digestion.
3. You Catch cold frequently
Conclusion for Cold water
Though cold water is easily available and boosts the metabolic rate it also turns the oil from our food to fats, so we are back to square one.
No major change but a risk of cardiovascular disease. The Con’s outweighs the Pro’s.
Drinking Hot Water
By hot water I mean as hot as your coffee or tea not scalding water
Pro’s
1. If you drink Hot water it boosts the metabolic rate of the body as the body works to bring it to your body temperature.
2. Flushes the oil in your food out of the body
3. It increases the digestion process
4. Slows down the aging process.
5. Boosts immune system.
6. Helps with the roughage.
Con’s
1. Less Availability of hot water everywhere you go.
Conclusion for Hot water
Drinking hot water is an ancient Ayurvedic method. Though hot water is less available it is a simple and easy way to improve our lifestyle and bring positive outcome of this change. The Pros outweighs the Cons.
Overall Conclusion
Drinking hot water has been there but with the invention of refrigerator it was forgotten but now is time to return to the basics and to improve our habits for better health. Lets drink hot water and have a HOT! HOT! HOT! body.
Posted by coolmals
Pomegranate – 6 Health Benefits you must know.
Pomegranate not just looks like a king in appearance but also deserves the crown as it has one of the highest amounts of antioxidants among fruits.
Must Know Facts about Pomegranate
Antioxidants
Pomegranate has one of the highest amount of antioxidants among fruits even higher than berries.
Protects against Cancer
Having pomegranate on a regular basis reduces the risks of cancer.
Heart Friendly
In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Reduces systolic blood pressure
Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). If you are wondering what is systolic blood pressure here is a definition from Wikipedia it says The systolic arterial pressure is defined as the peak pressure in the arteries, which occurs near the beginning of the cardiac cycle; the diastolic arterial pressure is the lowest pressure (at the resting phase of the cardiac cycle). The average pressure throughout the cardiac cycle is reported as mean arterial pressure; the pulse pressure reflects the difference between the maximum and minimum pressures measured.)
Dental benefits
The juice may also have antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque.
Diarrhea
In case of diarrhea pomegranate is very effective.
Pomegranate’s Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 70 kcal 290 kJ
Carbohydrates 17.17 g
- Sugars 16.57 g
- Dietary fiber 0.6 g
Fat 0.3 g
Protein 0.95 g
Thiamin (Vit. B1) 0.030 mg 2%
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.063 mg 4%
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.300 mg 2%
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.596 mg 12%
Vitamin B6 0.105 mg 8%
Folate (Vit. B9) 6 g 2%
Vitamin C 6.1 mg 10%
Calcium 3 mg 0%
Iron 0.30 mg 2%
Magnesium 3 mg 1%
Phosphorus 8 mg 1%
Potassium 259 mg 6%
Zinc 0.12 mg 1%
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrient database
Posted by coolmals
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Home remedies for Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin are those skin which can gets irritated quite easily like with metal earring, face masks which have chemical in them so it is a difficult process to see what suits your skin in the best way. Sensitive skin is delicate and prone to allergic reactions.
Before applying any of the face mask it is best to perform a test patch behind the ears keep for 10 minutes if you not forming any rashes its safe.
Usually fruit masks are great for sensitive skin here are some of them which will give your skin a healthy glow.
Coconut milk and few drops of lemon juice can be applied for 10 minutes it acts as a nice cleansing face mask.
Extract Carrot juice and mix honey in it and apply it to your face and neck for 10 minutes and wash it with wash. Carrot has Vitamin A in it which gives a healthy glow and it is a great rejuvenating face mask.
Water melon juice and lemon juice brighten dull skin.
Banana pulp is a great for anti ageing. This mask can be applied to the whole body for achieve firmer skin.
Almond oil and Lavender oil are great for sensitive skin as it is very mild.
Cucumber juice mixed with yogurt also makes a good face mask.
Aloe Vera gel can soothe skin that is red, irritated and blotchy. This also helps to moisturize the face and helps to fade the acne scars.
Fresh Apple Juice is also great for that instant glow.
Posted by coolmals
Raid your Kitchen for Healthy and Shiny hair
Hair care never goes out of style no matter what season it is and rightly so. A hair can is a great confidence booster. Hair care is very easy all you have to know is the right method and you have a great hair. Don’t forget the nutrition we need protein rich diet.
* Always massage your hair with warm coconut oil an hour before washing or the night before hair wash. But remember don’t apply oil before you go to sleep, apply it at-least three hours before bed time.
* Apply the mixture of an egg white, 2 tablespoon of Castor oil, 2 tablespoon olive oil in the scalp and hair. Wash it after some time.
* Do a ‘steam-towel-wrap’ once in a while, if your cuticles are damaged, as this steaming opens out the pores and absorbs the oil.
* Soak 1 teaspoon fenugreek,1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry powder(Alma), about 20 Curry leaves and 1 tablespoon yogurt, grind this mixture leave it overnight and then apply to scalp and hair and leave for 30 minutes then wash it off with mild shampoo and condition the hair and voila you have voluminous and shinny hair. Doing this procedure before every hair wash will definitely make your hair stronger, soft and shiny, darker and also full of health.
* Mix a little vinegar in warm water and rinse your hair with this solution. This will add bounce to dull and lifeless hair. Don’t do this very often just a couple of times in a month as vinegar will make your hair dry with regular use.
* Boil coconut oil with curry leaves and fenugreek seed let it cool then apply in on the scalp with the help of cotton this nourishes and is a good for the scalp. Then wrap the hair with hot towel so that the scalp absorbs the oil, keep it for and wash your hair after an hour or so.
* Egg white and curd and lemon juice this mixture is a good conditioner for hair and leaves the hair shiny and healthy. Wash your hair with cool water after applying this mixture to avoid foul smell of egg in the hair.
* Apply Castor oil and sesame oil mixed together for 20 min this helps in the growth of the hair and a good remedy for dry scalp. In the end you have a shiny and healthy hair.
* Always end you hair wash with a cold water rinse, this makes your hair lustrous.
Happy Healthy Hair.
Posted by coolmals
[If this is a good example, groups are forming in the old hippie commune style, except now it is not just a farm, it is the entire town....granny
http://groups.diigo.com/groups/transition-towns
Description
We have fun working out a sustainable future that is resilient to the future economic shocks of reduce oil availability.
icon courtesy of http://oilcrisis.org/
http://westclifftransition.wordpress.com/subgroups/food/
Food Group Draft Statement
TRANSITION WESTCLIFF FOOD SUBGROUP
Please note that this is a work in progress, if you have any ideas or contributions please leave a comment in the box below
1.
CONTEXT FOR TRANSITION WESTCLIFF FOOD SUBGROUP
1.
Peak oil
1.
Energy descent
2.
Transport implications
3.
oil based fertility
2.
Climate change
3.
Increasing economic instability
4.
Food security
5.
Sustainability
1.
Increase resilience
2.
AIMS OF TRANSITION WESTCLIFF FOOD SUBGROUP
1.
Networking and partnerships. Forge links and share resources between existing food related groups and projects such as allotments, Milton Community Partnership ‘Fruit and Veg Together Food Co-op’ and ‘Credit Crunch Cooking Club’, Growing Together, WEN allotment project, South East Essex Organic Gardeners, etc, etc
2.
Add energy descent/post carbon context onto existing projects. Many existing projects
3.
Post energy descent strategic planning - how will Westcliff and the rest of South East Essex feed itself when cheap oil is no longer available?
4.
Initiate new projects
5.
Education around food issues, including reskilling and awareness raising around food security
3.
POLICY
1.
‘Ends and Means’
2.
What we are
1.
Inclusive
2.
Open
3.
Broad based
4.
Driven by awareness of CC/PO challenges
5.
Multifunctional
6.
Community driven
3.
What we aren’t
1.
parochial
2.
Trying to take control of existing projects
3.
Critical of existing projects
4.
Don’t have all the answers
5.
No ‘experts’ culture
4.
STRUCTURE
1.
Social enterprise?
2.
Business plan?
3.
Strategic plan?
4.
Interlink with other subgroups
1.
Use Viable Systems Model??
5.
FUNDING
1.
Sources of funding? What grants etc are available and how do we access them?
2.
Why? What do we need funding for?
1.
Development of project
2.
Co-ordinator post
3. Paid post means that local food sub group can be prioritised, rather than fitted in ‘when the time can be spared’
3.
How much do we need?
6.
RESEARCH
1.
Food mapping - identifying potential local food growing locations, eg, allotments, school gardens, ‘waste land’, green spaces, roof tops, back gardens, public land, parks, etg, etc, etc
2.
How did we feed ourselves in the past? Where did Southend source its food before the age of cheap oil?
3.
Identify new opportunities for localisation of our food supply - food feet not food miles!
7.
PROJECTS/INITIATIVES
1.
Garden share - pilot project underway in Westcliff
2.
Garden tours
3.
Scrumping project
4.
Local food directory
8.
EDUCATION/OUTREACH - BRAINSTORM!
1.
Basic veg growing workshops
2.
Permaculture courses
3.
Forest gardening workshops
4.
Work with schools
5.
Publicity
1.
Website
2.
Echo
3.
Yellow Advertiser
4.
Level 4 magazine
5.
Healthy Living magazine/website
6.
South East Essex Organic Gardeners newsletter/website
7.
Milton Community Partnership newsletter
8.
Community and shop noticeboards, eg, Scarletts, etc
9.
Library network
9.
PARTNERS - POTENTIAL AND ACTUAL (*) - BRAINSTORM!
1.
Schools
1.
Westborough
2.
Barons Court
2.
Community projects
1.
Milton Community Partnership*
1.
Fruit and Veg Together box scheme*
2.
Credit Crunch cookery club*
2.
Growing Together*
3.
Emerge*
3.
Allotments
4.
Organistions/campaigning
1.
FOE*
2.
SEEOG*
1.
Organic seminars*
3.
WEN*
5.
Business sector
1.
Farmers markets
2.
Cafes
3.
Local shops
6.
Local Authority
http://my-natural-cures.com/blog/category/remedies/page/2
Anxiety Disorder - causes, symptoms and natural relief
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
What is anxiety?
Anxiety refers to a persistent feeling of uneasiness and exaggerated apprehension and worry. It is a serious form of mental disorder and can lead to a complete physical and mental breakdown. Anxiety can be caused by a number of things—a traumatic episode, an addiction, stress etc.
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions characterized by constant fear and uneasiness. They engulf the individual in a cloud of gloom and systematically destroy his or her ability to cope with life. Obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorders, panic attacks, post traumatic stress syndrome, are all forms of anxiety disorder. They can affect people of all ages. Anxiety affects children as well as adults.
Anxiety symptoms include insomnia, chest pain, panic, palpitation, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, muscle tension, and tremors.
Conventional anxiety treatments involve therapy and a dosage of antipsychotic medications. These are very strong and can have serious side effects. It is helpful to supplement therapy with natural remedies to cure anxiety.
What are the natural cures for anxiety disorders?
Natural cures can help control anxiety and its symptoms.
Lemon Balm is useful in treating anxiety. It is known for its ability to soothe and restore the nervous system, improves digestive functions and sleeping patterns, and lower blood pressure. It is also a mood enhancer. It is especially useful to lift off depression.
Passion Flower is another effective anxiety treatment. It is known to ease anxiety and insomnia. Passion flower helps to calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and controls hyperactivity and tremors.
Valerian is yet another anxiety cure. This herb is known for its calming effect on the mind and body. Valerian eases insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and depression. It is very effective and can be used as a bath soak, inhaled as steam or administered orally.
Yoga and meditation can help you take control of your life. Yoga helps ease and correct symptoms of anxiety. It makes your body stronger. Meditation helps you develop and strengthen the mind, enabling it to fight off anxiety easily.
Aromatherapy is also known for its therapeutic effect on the mind and body. It boosts emotional strength; lifts off depression, calms the mind, enhances mental strength, and improves the ability to cope. The essential oils used in this therapy are soothing and have strong healing properties. Oils know to ease anxiety include cypress, lavender, sandalwood and jasmine.
An anxiety diet further ensures well being. Cut out refined foods, caffeine and alcohol from your diet. Replace it with fresh greens and fruits, complex carbohydrates and herbal tea. Ensure you are always hydrated and boost your diet with additional multivitamin supplements.
How are these remedies beneficial?
These anxiety treatments allow you to take control of your life. They don’t come with any side effects and ensure long term well being.
[Excellent blog of natural cures. granny]
http://my-natural-cures.com/blog/category/remedies/page/3
Natural cures for Asthma
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a common disease which affects the lungs. Asthmatic patients suffer from constricted and congested air passages which results in an impaired ability to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and coughing.
Airways constrict when they are inflamed and irritated by common triggers. These triggers cause asthma attacks. Triggers can include a clammy or arid environment, or even stress and anxiety. Allergy and asthma go hand in hand. Common allergens are also the most common inducers. They cause airways to inflame and trigger attacks. These include pollens, mold, dust mites, animal hair, and feces.
Conventional asthma remedies and medication involves the use of steroids. These tend to be very strong and have many side effects, leaving the body weak. Many asthma patients opt to enhance recovery by opting for complementary natural cures.
What are the natural cures for asthma?
Natural cures for asthma help ease symptoms and decrease the frequency of attacks.
Figs are a good asthma remedy. They are very effective in removing phlegm from the respiratory tracts, allowing for less congestion and easier breathing. Soak a couple of dry figs in a cup of water and eat them in the morning on an empty stomach.
Coffee is another natural cure for asthma. It helps to open constricted airways, allowing easier breathing. Coffee contains theophylline and theobromine which help relax and open up the airways. If you feel uneasy, a few sips of coffee will help soothe the system.
Another great asthma remedy is apple juice. Drinking apple juice twice a day, truly does keep the doctor way! Apple juice contains phytochemicals which ease inflammation in the trachea; this relaxes the respiratory system and also reduces the number of attacks. Pineapple juice also helps ease symptoms.
Cranberries are considered to be natural vasodilators, that is, they free congestion in the bronchial tubes and aid breathing. Boil a bowl of cranberries, strain and puree. Refrigerate the puree. When you feel the onset of an asthma attack, mix two spoons of the pulp in a cup of warm water and drink. This will ease symptoms.
Honey is also very beneficial for asthma patients. Honey soothes the windpipes and lungs. It also thins phlegm from the respiratory tract and so eases congestion. A spoon of honey goes a long way in maintaining health. You can also mix half a spoon of cinnamon powder along with a spoon of honey. Have this spoonful before going to bed.
Garlic is a traditional natural cure for asthma. It boasts of many healing attributes including anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. It is recommended to chew on a raw garlic clove every day. This prevents onset of symptoms and reduces the number of attacks.
Vapor rubs can go a long way in easing pain. They contain menthol and eucalyptus, both of which aid breathing. Rubbing them on the chest and back helps open airways and relieve congestion. Inhaling steam with a vapor rub or eucalyptus essential oil also helps.
How are these remedies beneficial?
Natural cures for asthma are not substitutes for allopathic asthma medications. However, they do facilitate over all well being by reducing the frequency of attacks and asthma symptoms. It also reduces reliance on pumps and steroids, boosts immunity and reducing discomfort.
Natural Cure for Arthritis
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common auto-immune disease that leads to severe inflammation of the body’s joints. There are several forms of arthritis; these include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and infectious arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis include chronic pain, stiff and swollen joints, muscle fatigue and joint deformation.
Arthritis is a painful and difficult condition to live with as it has a very great impact on the individual’s quality of life. Coping with the symptoms of arthritis can be very tough both physically and emotionally.
While conventional treatment includes steroids and pain medication, by using natural cures for arthritis, you can control the condition.
What are the natural cures for Arthritis?
The simplest form of arthritis relief can be derived from a therapeutic massage. A gentle massage enhances blood circulation around the swollen and stiff joints. As fresh blood is delivered to the region, pain and discomfort are considerably eased. Using essential oils and natural healing vegetable oils further ensures relief.
Potato Juice is an effective treatment for arthritis. Simply soak raw chunks of potato in a cup of water and leave overnight. Drink the potato water on an empty stomach the following morning. Following this regime everyday will ease arthritis symptoms considerably.
Garlic is a traditional home remedy. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties make it an ingredient for arthritis relief. If you don’t want to include garlic in your diet, opt for garlic capsules.
Aching joints can be eased with a vinegar compress. It eases the pain by decreasing acidity in the tissues and by boosting blood circulation. You can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak in it for at least 20 minutes. This brings instant relief.
Cayenne is a useful ingredient to beat arthritis. It has many therapeutic properties. It is known to stimulate circulation and ease pain. It also strengthens arteries and capillaries, promoting the flow of fresh blood to the affected parts. Include cayenne in your diet or use it in the form of a tincture.
Devil’s Claw is also useful in arthritis relief. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also eases pain and increases mobility. Devil’s claw strengthens the body’s immunity and can be taken along side conventional medication.
Follow an arthritis diet to ease symptoms; this essentially refers to a well balanced meal inclusive of whole grains, fresh fruits and green vegetables.
Yoga can help in the treatment of arthritis. It provides gentle exercise to the body and mind, allowing it to recuperate and heal. Be sure to inform your instructor of your condition beforehand.
How are these remedies beneficial?
Natural cures for arthritis help reduce dependence on steroids and painkillers, thereby reducing or eliminating the side effects they give rise to. These natural cures are clean and healthy. They promote natural and long-term healing. Furthermore, they ease discomfort and improve the quality of life.
http://blog.prescriptionproject.org/
Stanford disclosures, IDEA reintroduced, and professional society recs in JAMA
April 2nd, 2009
Stanford will put researchers’ industry payments online
Stanford has announced it will disclose the names of researchers and faculty members who receive drug and device company consulting payments on a public website beginning later this year. The move makes Stanford the second major academic medical center, following the Cleveland Clinic, to make public such disclosures, and comes as the Physician Payments Sunshine Act gathers steam in Congress.
“Access to information about physicians’ interactions with industry is key to fostering strong doctor-patient relationships, as well as increasing public confidence in the medical community,” Dean of the College of Medicine Phillip Pizzo said in a news release.
Stanford says it plans to publish the names of all researchers and physicians who make more than $5,000 from industry consulting or speaking in a year, but not the specific payment amounts. The list will be located here beginning later in the year: http://med.stanford.edu/profiles/.
“IDEA” academic detailing bill introduced in Senate, House
The Senate and House have reintroduced a bill that would send pharmacists and nurses head to head with pharma’s nearly 100,000 sales reps to give doctors unbiased information about prescription drugs.
The Independent Drug Education and Outreach Act of 2009 would provide grants to create unbiased educational materials for doctors, and grants to train pharmacists and nurses to make educational office visits to doctors with that information, combating the biased commercial information brought by drug reps.
Since last year when the bill was first filed, academic detailing programs have picked up steam in the states, with MA, NY, DC and ME all implementing state-wide programs this year. Other states that have proposed academic detailing bills this year include CA, MN, and IA. IDEA, if passed, could offer these states – as well as other payors and non-profits who accept no pharmaceutical funding – grants to fund their academic detailing programs.
“Academic detailing,” a concept which relies on the pharmaceutical industry’s own tactic of office visits to share unbiased drug information with physicians and other prescribers, has demonstrated cost savings at the national level in Australia, and in Pennsylvania’s PACE program. The bill, if passed, could have important effects as Congress looks to introduce a health reform proposal in a tight fiscal climate.
IDEA is being sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA), and in the House by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Rep Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY).
For more information, check out the Prescription Project’s fact sheet and academic detailing cost analysis here.
PMA leaders in JAMA: drop industry funding
continues......
100 Terrific Self-Learning Sites to Boost Your Resume During the Recession
[Wide variety of subjects, including home projects and higher education...]
50 Free Online Tools to Discover Your Strengths, Weaknesses, and Hidden Talents
Although it’s important to know all of the talents and weaknesses that you may have, it’s not always easy to be a fair judge of your own abilities. However, there are a variety of tools available that will make simple work of unearthing what you have to offer. Check out these free online assessment tools to get a look at the real you.
http://www.bestuniversities.com/blog/2009/top-100-leadership-blogs/
Top 100 Leadership Blogs
Whether you want to work on standing out as a leader or just want to improve your confidence and charisma for all aspects of life, you can find some great guidance and advice on the Internet. These bloggers, some of whom are well-known writers, CEO’s and business professionals, can help you discover the leadership potential that exists in you so you can be more successful, productive and happy in any role in your life
101 Free Open Course Classes to Learn How to Build ANYTHING
Open courseware classes offer an academic opportunity to anyone with a computer and the motivation to learn. Maybe literature or history isn’t your thing, though, and you would prefer a more hands-on experience. These classes offer just that with instruction from some of the finest professors teaching how to build anything from a space shuttle to ocean vehicles to robots to theater scenery.
http://groups.diigo.com/browse?cg_id=7
Family and Home groups at a new website, [not quite Yahoo or Digg]
http://groups.diigo.com/arthritis/bookmark?sort_by=1&page_num=1
http://groups.diigo.com/browse?cg_id=10&page_num=1
Sustainable Energy Bookmarks
[Should be interesting, has 2310 posts of links]
http://groups.diigo.com/energy/bookmark?sort_by=1&page_num=1
Read
* Free reading online
* Receive personal recommendations
* Catalogue your books
[Interesting and more modern books]
http://www.completelynovel.com/
A research and e book site:
http://www.bookrags.com/browse/ebooks/50
Adopting an Abandoned Farm eBook
Kate Sanborn
http://www.bookrags.com/ebooks/12021/
[LOL, dumping open tabs, not enough energy to search them all....granny]
Hot Bookmarks...
http://www.diigo.com/buzz/hot?page_num=3
Scientists create glow-in-the-dark brain cancer
Brain tumors are energy hogs but are sneaky and hide their consumption behind the blood protein albumin. Researchers have discovered how to attach a fluorescent substance to albumin that accumulates in the tumor. A laser light causes the tumor to glow and viola! Surgeons safely remove the glow-in-the-dark cancer cells, leaving healthy cells alone
Tags: energy, hogs, brain, tumors, cancer, cells, blood, protein, albumin, laser, light, viola, tumor, consumption, scientists
first saved byBecky Minx about 19 hours ago, last byDIY Chick about 18 hours ago
more fromwww.eurekalert.org
100 Best Blogs for Those Who Want to Change the World
The world is full of visionaries and people who want to make a difference in the world, and many of those people share their knowledge online through their blogs. Whether you want to change the world through environment, humanitarianism, business, or any other way, there’s a blog out there that can offer you guidance and inspiration. Read on, and you’ll find 100 blogs that can help you change the world.
General
These blogs highlight good works in everyday life, around the world, and more.
http://www.bestuniversities.com/blog/2009/100-best-blogs-for-those-who-want-to-change-the-world/
[Not all are greenie blogs, several will be worth checking....granny]
http://www.diigo.com/buzz/hot?page_num=5
Opinion: The West’s Fatal Overdose - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Only on the basis of independent estimates can the outside world get a sense of the internal erosion of what was once the strongest currency in the world. These estimates report a steep rise in the amount of money in circulation. Since the decision to keep the figures confidential, the growth rate for the expansion of the money supply has tripled. Last year alone, the money supply increased by 17 percent. As a comparison, the money in circulation in Europe grew by a mere 5 percent during the same period.
Tags: cirsis;summit
first saved byadevale on 2009-04-03, last byahughes2 Hughes on 2009-04-04
more fromwww.spiegel.de
FT.com / US / Society - Tent cities pose challenges for US census
Tags: no_tag -Annotations (3)
first saved byTerrance Heath on 2009-04-03, last byW21st NYC on 2009-04-03
more fromwww.ft.com
A blog about medical drugs and the incomplete testing used, interesting read, with sources/links for the news articles.
http://brodyhooked.blogspot.com/
I need a break from the bad news! I’ll be back tomorrow to “pore” over some of these comments and write up my at home facial - I sure need to do one.<<<
Smiling and thinking that I am still waiting for you to post your book on herbs.
Every day or so, others who join you in “tired of the news” find this thread and say that they are glad they did.
That is reward enough for the fun [and work] of building it.
I was glad to see your name, as I so rarely see it ....
Hurry back and sleep well.
Find it again bump.
I’ve heard that it’s better for your system not to drink cold water. Better to drink warm or hot water; it keeps food moving through your system. FWIW...<<<
Hello, good to see you posting.
Yes, I have often heard that cold water is not good for you.
My own real experience is that cold water will do great harm if you are over heated.........you will only drink too much of it once and never again.
I did ...once... and laid in the floor, in great distress for quite awhile....and never took that chance again.
When I work in the heat, I sip coffee, or room temperature water, never ice cold, until the sun goes down.
When we lived in Wellton, Az, and were the first place 40 miles from the Mexican border, the men who walked that in 115 degrees, could do it on 2 gallons of Nescafe, [Mexican instant coffee], they would make it in gallon milk jugs and head out.
Sometimes they had to do it on one gallon and were in bad shape when they reached us. A few even died.
Even now, I still drink room temp coffee, after the first hot cup in the morning and at night.
Welcome and thanks for reading the thread.
If you lost us, then you will need to put in hours of reading to catch up with us.
Do join in the tread, if you would like or read away.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/unioninternational204_09.html
Revised Update: Union International Food Co. is Recalling Lian How Brand Spices and Uncle Chen’s Brand White Pepper and Black pepper in 5oz. Retail Containers Because of a Possible Health Risk (April 3)
Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:35:00 -0500
Union International Food Co. is further expanding the recall of Lian How brand and Uncle Chen brand dry spices to include all types of dry spice products in 15-pound and smaller containers (boxes, plastic bags and wide mouth jars) and 30-pound boxes and smaller packages of crushed chili because of a possible health risk.
Shocker: Rocket fuel chemicals (perchlorate) have been found by the CDC in 100% of infant formula products tested in the U.S.!
Are parents in the U.S. feeding their babies rocket fuel chemicals? Yep. Find out more in today’s feature article: http://www.naturalnews.com/025997.html
Speaking of water, did you know that five major U.S. rivers are contaminated with Big Pharma’s drugs? http://www.naturalnews.com/025994.html
And did you know that bottled water has also been found to be contaminated with toxic chemicals? http://www.naturalnews.com/025993.html
If that’s not enough reporting on water, check this out: The chemicals used to disinfect water also create more toxic chemicals! http://www.naturalnews.com/025996.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/025992.html
NaturalNews.com printable article
Originally published April 4 2009
South African GMO Crop Failure Highlights Dangers of Food Supply Domination
by Barbara Minton, Natural Health Editor
See all articles by this author
Email this author
(NaturalNews) Worry is building over the effects of the Food Safety and Modernization Act of 2009, otherwise known as HR 875. This is the bill currently working its way through Congress that would effectively hand over control of America’s food supply to such a nefarious giant as Monsanto and its lesser counterparts such as Tyson and Cargill. We have a right to worry, because broad interpretation of this bill reveals its potential to put an end to healthy food in America. Family farms, local growers, organic producers, and even backyard gardeners can all be put out of business by its heavy hand. Yet an even greater threat may be looming at the front end of the controversy over the food supply as harvests of genetically modified foods begin to fail.
GMO corn plants fail to produce kernels
Farmers in South Africa have suffered millions of dollars in lost income due to the failure of their genetically modified (GMO) corn to produce kernels. The three varieties of plants look lush and healthy from the outside, but when the husks were pulled back there are no kernels. Monsanto’s GMO corn was planted on 82,000 hectares of farmland, an amount that equals over 202,000 acres. The loss is spread over three South African provinces, and 280 of the 1,000 farmers who planted the corn have reported the lack of kernel development.
Monsanto has blamed the failure on under fertilization processes in the laboratory and attempted to make light of the situation by claiming that only 25% of the Monsanto seeded farms are involved in the loss. But Marian Mayet, environmental activist and director of the Africa Centre for Biosecurity in Johannesburg is not buying it. According to her information, some farms have suffered up to an 80% crop failure. She has demanded an urgent government investigation and an immediate ban on all GMO food. She points out that it is biotechnology that is the failure, and a careless mistake would not affect three different varieties of corn at the same time. The varieties failing to produce kernels were designed with a built-in resistance to Monsanto’s weed killers, and were manipulated to increase yields.
Mayet is justifiably upset. Corn is the primary staple food for South Africa’s 48 million people.
Apparently Monsanto is upset too. It has offered immediate compensation to all the farmers experiencing crop loss. Damage estimates are being collected buy local farmer cooperatives, and Monsanto is standing by with its checkbook. Locals are saying they are satisfied that Monsanto is doing a good job to protect them. This kind of largesse is uncharacteristic of Monsanto, a company more widely known for its use of strong arm and bullying tactics, and total disregard for people’s rights. It implies that Mayet’s concerns over the failure of bioengineering may be justified.
Monsanto uses insidious plan to gain control of world food supply
Monsanto has pushed around farmers to the point where they cannot simply refuse to buy Monsanto’s GMO seeds. In its insidious efforts to feed its bottom line at the expense of feeding people, Monsanto has established itself in countries often with the help of their governments who approve the planting of their GMO Roundup Ready seeds. Initially farmers save, multiply and sell seeds to other farmers as they always have, and the area planted with GM seed multiplies exponentially. Monsanto sits by and watches this happen without a complaint. Then when the spreading of seeds is nearly complete, Monsanto begins to threaten these farmers and call their use of the GMO seed illegal. It gets the government behind them to enforce patent laws.
Soon farmers who are paying patent royalties complain about those who are not. Monsanto answers by enforcing their patents on everyone. By this time the spread of GMO seed is so pervasive that any farmer who has refused is bound to have a few stray GMO plants in his fields. Monsanto seeks them out and then sues the farmers for patent infringement. Farmers who buy Monsanto’s GMO seeds are then required to sign an agreement promising not to save seeds or sell them to other farmers. The result is that farmers must buy new seeds every year, and they must buy them from Monsanto.
Meanwhile in the U.S., Monsanto is taking steps to block access to non GMO seeds. They have bought up seed companies across the Midwest, and have gotten legislators to put through laws that make cleaning, collecting and storing seeds so onerous in terms of fees and paperwork that using normal seeds becomes almost impossible. Laws are proposed that ensure farmers cannot block the planting of GMO seeds even if they contaminate other crops. Ownership of seed cleaning equipment is made illegal by considering it a source of seed contamination. More than 1,500 farmers whose fields have been contaminated by GM seeds have been sued for royalty payments.
Monsanto controls over 90% of the patented seed market
Today there is intense concentration and lack of competition in the patented seed crop industry. Monsanto clearly dominates the playing field, controlling over 90% of the market. There is strong evidence that Monsanto uses various devices to squelch emerging technology that might compete with its patented products. As a result of Monsanto’s power grab, small and medium sized farmers have been denied the ability to be competitive and profitable, having to over pay for their patented seeds. Monsanto’s near monopoly of the GMO market has given it the power to overcharge farmers and keep new and better technologies from entering the field.
Monsanto is positioned to control legislation in the U.S.
To ensure the perpetuation of its near monopoly, Monsanto is helping to install the right people in the right places. To that end, Michael Taylor, the ex FDA head who approved the use of bovine growth hormone (rBGH), has just become ensconced in the Obama transition team where he may soon be overseeing food safety. He will join already well placed Tom Vilsack, the pro GMO Secretary of Agriculture. As a pair, Taylor and Vilsack, will be in a position to continue the phasing out of small and medium sized farms to make fertile farmland available for the intensive capital accumulation of factory farms, and the phasing in of Monsanto’s take over of the entire U.S. food supply.
Passage of the food safety bill will allow Monsanto to continue taking control of farms without any obstacles. Similar laws in the EU have already wiped out 60% of Polish farmers so far. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), a production control system for the food industry, is helping to smooth the way for Monsanto by creating international harmonization of laws. According to an article by Linn Cohen-Cole, “in Kansas alone HACCP wiped out 72 small local meat processors who hadn’t had any problems, and vastly lowered the number of inspections to the point where we have over 70 million food borne illnesses a year now.”
Cohen-Cole is shocked at the lack of awareness of what is going on by people who support local and sustainable farming. She sees them as excited about an organic White House garden while a food safety bill is being put into law that would literally destroy everything they have been working for. She is hoping groups that support the going green agenda will wake up and join farmers in an effort to block the legislation. She suggests contacting Rosa DeLauro, the woman who sponsored HR 875. DeLauro can be reached at:
Washington Office: Phone 202-225-3661 Fax 202-225-4890
Connecticut Office: Phone 203-562-3718 Fax 203-772-2260
HR 875 is long and tedious reading, and in the style being set by the Obama administration, has probably not been read by the people slated to vote on it. In the face of public outrage, these legislators may not follow through with support for a bill making them targets for their constituents. But legislators are not the only ones who have been conned by the food safety bill.
Just like the Clean Water Act that ensured more contamination of waterways, and the Clean Air Act that ensured rising levels of air pollution, the Food Safety Act bears a name that makes it difficult to resist if you don’t know the finer points. After all, who could be against food safety? Anyone standing up for family and healthy living is an easy mark for such deception. This well planned attack on the food supply counts on the ability of liberal and progressive communities to cut their own throats.
It may be that the South African crop failure is the first clue that nature will triumph over the scientists and GMO products will end up self destructing. It is certainly a wake up call to the dangers involved in the domination of the food supply by one company and its varieties of patented GMO seeds. It is something to hope for until one thinks about the widespread starvation that would follow in the wake of such an event. The threat of facing that makes contacting DeLauro a much more appealing way to at least temporarily derail Monsanto’s plans.
For more information see:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/artic...
http://www.organicconsumers.org/mon...
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Mo...
About the author
Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using “alternative” treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.
Yeah, we have a fire on chilly nights nearly year long. Forecasting a week of nearly steady rain. Yuck! Lucky we have loads of our own wood. Got up in the middle of the night one day last week and it was 92 degrees in the kitchen. TOO hot.
Am not familiar with the kerosene heater you just purchased. Remember over 65 years ago the three burner kerosene stove my grandmother had in her shed that she cooked on all summer. It had four thin flimsy legs and she would put two heavy canners at a time on it. It's a wonder she didn't burn the whole farm down, cows, horses, pigs, hens and all. She had a round table in the shed where she put all her newly canned goods until Gramps would tote them to the cellar where they would be lined up along with her other rows upon rows of canned goods. That table has its place of honor in my dining area now and it is cherished, nicks, scratches and all.
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