Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick

Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.

At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."

Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.

A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."

She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.

"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."

http://www.ehow.com/how_2220971_store-food-long-term-survival.html

How to Store Food for Long Term Survival
by WriterGig

How to Store Food for Long Term Survival

How to Store Food for Long Term Survival
Introduction
Knowing how to store food for long term survival is an essential skill that few have. In early America, food storage was necessary and practiced by all. As cities grew and grocery shopping became the norm, food storage fell by the wayside for many. But now, in uncertain times as the potential for financial crises, food shortages and political unrest becomes more real, many are learning how to store food and other necessities for times of emergency, man-made or natural. Here’s how to store food for long term survival.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Store Food for Long Term Survival
Steps
1
Step One
Click to enlarge
Create a pantry list detailing what your full home food storage should include, what you already have, and what more you need. Consult the steps below for basic recommendations, although further reading is suggested (book list below).
2
Step Two
Click to enlarge
Make a shopping list detailing what you need to purchase (consult your pantry list from step 1). After researching prices and availability, list the best sources next to each item. As you learn how to store food for long term survival, it will get easier and more natural.
3
Step Three
Click to enlarge
Purchase and prepare containers for your home food storage. For storage of whole grains and other bulk foods (wheat berries, rice, lentils, beans, raisins) use 5- or 6-gallon storage buckets, available online and in some home supply stores. Smaller (1-3 gallon size) are suitable for sugar, salt, baking powder, etc. Some food items will come in storeable containers, such as canned goods.
4
Step Four
Click to enlarge
Compare prices and sources as you shop, noting any changes on your shopping list. For example, I purchased 35 pounds of natural peanut butter from an online food supplier for $2.30/ lb., but I later found natural peanut butter at Trader Joe’s for $1.69/lb. I noted this on my shopping list, so as I build my stock of peanut butter (and replace what we eat), I’ll head for Trader Joe’s.
5
Step Five
Buy a variety of items as you build your emergency food storage pantry. For example, if your budget is $100 per month, split it between several categories, rather than just buying salt one month and sugar the next. If you were to need your supplies sooner than expected, you’d want a little of everything.
6
Step Six
Click to enlarge
Store water, at least 14 gallons per adult, to last two weeks. Rotate this water storage as water only has a shelf life of 6-12 months. If you have a well with a hand pump, you won’t need to store water, while water storage its critical for someone dependent on a town water system. In any case, be sure to store a heavy-duty water filter/ water treatment system and spare filters.
7
Step Seven
Click to enlarge
Choose grains, flour and beans for your home food storage. The good thing about grains is that, when stored properly in sealed containers, they can last for decades or longer. Try food co-ops, health food stores and bulk food distributors. My local health food store gives a 20% discount on bulk orders. Suggested amounts are for one adult’s one-year supply:
Whole grain wheat berries, 350 lbs.
Other whole grains (barley, corn, oats, popcorn, rye), 100 lbs.
Rice (whole, brown, wild) 45 lbs.
Pastas (lasagna, egg noodles, spaghetti, wheat, veggie) 35 lbs.
8
Step Eight
Click to enlarge
Add cereals, 75 lbs. per adult, choosing from the following: granola, oatmeal, grits, Quinoa, processed cereals ready-to-eat.
9
Step Nine
Click to enlarge
Acquire the necessary supplies to use your food storage items. If you purchased whole grain berries, you need to buy and learn to use a grain mill. For emergency preparedness, I recommend a manual (hand crank) grain mill in case of power loss. A water filter, fire starter, medical kit, lanterns and warm blankets are also key. See link for grain mill, water filter and other supplies under Resources, below.
10
Step Ten
Click to enlarge
Purchase 75 lbs. of legumes and beans per adult. Buy kidney beans, lentils, pinto, navy beans, split peas and other varieties as per your taste.
11
Step Eleven
Add 75 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and fish per adult to your deep freeze. Purchase a side of beef if possible, to save money. Also stock up on pemmican, beef jerky and dehydrated and canned meats.
12
Step Twelve
Click to enlarge
Build up your store-able dairy products to about 150 pounds per adult of powdered milk, dehydrated butter & cheese and buttermilk powder. Store the equivalent of 25 dozen eggs in powdered form for each person, as well as 24 cans of evaporated and condensed milks.
13
Step Thirteen
Click to enlarge
Procure 100 pounds of sweeteners (honey, molasses, cane sugar, raw sugar, maple sugar, maple syrup) for each adult in the house.
14
Step Fourteen
Click to enlarge
Store cooking catalysts, to the tune of 60 lbs. oils and fats (olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, etc.) and 5 pounds salt with 2 pounds leavenings (yeast, baking powder, sourdough starter) to round out your food storage for long term survival.
15
Step Fifteen
Click to enlarge
Include goodies such as dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, coffee, drink mixes and other treats in quantity for your family to enjoy. If things are so rough that you are relying totally on your home food storage, a candy bar or cup of tea may bring comfort.
Overall Tips & Warnings

* Read and make a plan before you head off to Costco to start you food storage for emergencies. See the book recommendations under Resources, below, for a excellent list to help you begin the process.
* This article will get you started, but doing more reading is crucial for success.
* Keep food in a cool, dry location away from moisture and pests.
* Store what you eat, Eat what you store.
* Use it or lose it.
* Never store food in non-food-grade containers.

Granny notes:

I have bought storage food from Walton Feed.com in Idaho, and been 100% pleased with the product and service.

My suggestion when choosing storage food, is to check the site for links to the LDS Church [Mormons], for they know all there is to know about storing foods.

Go to Walton Feed and check their info pages and links, and take time to read the link on the top portion of the food catalog that says something like “Read my contents”, it tell you which beans, rice, grains contain the most food values and which minerals will be in them.

Flours, beans, grains from Walton’s when bought in the bags, will come from different AMERICAN Mills....it is fresh and the oatmeal is so fresh that you will want to eat it out of the bag.

For me, in Arizona, when I buy over 200 pounds shipping weight, the price of the food including shipping, will be less than what I pay in Kingman and it will be fresh and good.

I am throwing out too much food that is the normal off the shelf/grocery store products, it stinks and goes rancid and the cans bulge.

And no it is not that old, in the past, I could keep it for a longer period of time.
granny

http://www.ehow.com/how_2130484_survive-total-economic-collapse.html

How to Survive Total Economic Collapse
by WriterGig

Gold

Gold
Introduction
Is total economic collapse just around the corner? As the U.S. dollar weakens and the price of goods such as oil, grain and gold rise, many fear for the economic stability of the country. So how does one survive total economic collapse? The U.S. dollar is weak and it may be too late to save the finances of this debt-driven economy. However, it’s not too late to learn some basic survivalist skills. Following are some tips and resources. Here’s how to survive a total economic collapse.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Surviving Economic Collapse
Steps
1
Step One
Click to enlarge
Educate yourself. Read everything you can on how to survive a total economic collapse. See the Resources section, below. Start with “Financial Reckoning Day: Surviving the Soft Depression of the 21st Century” and “Empire of Debt: The Rise of an Epic Financial Crisis”, both by William Bonner, for a historical perspective and very well-written analysis of the current situation. Also read “Crash Proof: How to Profit From the Coming Economic Collapse” by Peter D. Schiff and John Downes, and “The Great Bust Ahead: The Greatest Depression in American History” by Daniel A. Arnold.
2
Step Two
Click to enlarge
Make a plan for how to survive a total economic collapse. List your debts and assets. How quickly can you pay down your debt, while still purchasing necessary supplies? Your goals should include no debt and the procurement and storage of valuable assets. Your preparation timetable should be as short as possible.
3
Step Three
Click to enlarge
Pay off debt and avoid new debt by paying with cash instead of credit cards. Concentrate on paying off high-interest debt, loans with adjustable rates and unsecured debts first. Sell expensive vehicles that have loans to pay off what you owe, and buy cheaper replacements using cash. In order to survive a total economic collapse, you need to have assets, not liabilities.
4
Step Four
Click to enlarge
Change liquid savings into silver and gold. If the dollar collapses, having precious metals will preserve your money and it can be used as currency or exchanged for a currency with value, such as Swiss francs. As the dollar continues to lose value, silver dollars preserve their value or go up in value, thus protecting your assets in the event of a economic recession, allowing you to financially survive a recession or depression.
5
Step Five
Click to enlarge
Re-evaluate your stocks and mutual funds. In order to financially survive a total economic collapse, your investments must be secure. Consider putting some of your stocks into gold (GLD) or opening a precious metals IRA with Sterling Trust Company. Research stocks that will survive a total economic collapse through the Daily Reckoning Day website.
6
Step Six
Click to enlarge
Purchase goods and valuables such as guns for hunting and personal protection, and basic food supplies such as whole grains and legumes, which are easy to store. Invest in water purification bottles and tablets, and keep some bottled water on hand to meet immediate needs in the event of a shortage. All of these will make it more possible to survive a total economic collapse.
7
Step Seven
Click to enlarge
Prepare a First Aid Kit, sewing kit and other practical necessities of daily life to aid in survival of a total economic collapse. These are good things to have on hand anyway, for regular daily life as well as unforeseen emergencies.
8
Step Eight
Get to know your neighbors and build a community wherever you are. In the event of total economic collapse, life will become very local and survival will depend on working together with others, beginning with families.
9
Step Nine
Click to enlarge
Grow some of your own food and raise animals for meat. Chickens and rabbits are small and easy to tend. Chickens provide eggs as well as meat and are excellent sources of protein and fat, both critical for survival. In economic downturns such as a recession or depression, being able to produce food is a important skill to have.
10
Step Ten
Click to enlarge
Learn how to barter, and stock items to trade. Think about necessities (wool blankets, soap, boots, duct tape, ammunition) as well as luxuries (chocolate, tobacco, alcohol).
Tips & Warnings

* Learn how to store foods through Mormon resources.
* Investigate the best ways to store assets such as silver.
* Secure all guns and ammunition safely.
* Talk with your family members to get everyone in the mindset of preparing for an economic collapse or depression.
* Don’t lose your food due to improper storage. Ensure everything is stored and sealed correctly.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4574629_save-up-dollars-month.html

How to Save Up to 500 Dollars a Month
by jmessina10

How to Save Up to 500 Dollars a Month
Introduction
In these tough economic times everyone can use some extra money each month to make ends meet. Below I have outlined some tips that may put up to an extra $500 a month back into your pocket.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Steps
1
Step One
You can have less tax taken out of your pay check by reducing the number of dependents you claim through out the year. This will depend if you have been receiving tax refunds every year when filing income taxes. If you have, then you can afford to reduce the number of dependents thereby receiving more money on each pay check. Just contact your HR department at work and let them know what you want to do.
2
Step Two
If you are not already on a budget plan for your local utilities, contact a customer service representative and find out how much you can save on your monthly bills. This can add up to $100 or more each month.
3
Step Three
Review your local phone bill to see what services you are paying for. Cancel any services you may not even use like call waiting, caller id, regional & long distance calling (don’t need this if you use a cell phone for long distance calling). If you have DSL through your local phone company, ask them if you can get a cheaper service. They usually offer a slower speed.
4
Step Four
Cable and Internet Service- Review your cable bill and see what premium and movie channels you can do without. How many times do you watch the same movies on the movie channels? Internet service through your local cable company can also be reduced. Most cable companies will offer a slower internet service for less money. This is not advertised because they don’t want anyone to know about it.
5
Step Five
Cell phones- If you have two or more cell phones in your family make sure you are on a family plan. Also review your total usage for the month to see if you can purchase a cheaper plan.
6
Step Six
Home Heating- Make sure you are using a programmable thermostat to save on unnecessary heating of your home.
7
Step Seven
Grocery Shopping- Always stock up on things, you use, when they are on sale. This will save you money in the long run. Always look for sales and money saving coupons on the internet or in your local papers.
8
Step Eight
Apply these same principles to any other bills you pay each month. You will be surprise how a simple phone call, to negotiate payment terms, will go. Most companies will work with you so that you can reduce your monthly payments.

http://standeyo.com/NEWS/08_Food_Water/081104.tainted.milk.html

Tainting of Milk Is Open Secret in China

November 3, 2008
By Gordon Fairclough
Wall Street Journal

ZHANGZHUANG, China — Before melamine-laced milk killed and sickened Chinese babies and led to recalls around the world, the routine spiking of milk with illicit substances was an open secret in China’s dairy regions, according to the accounts of farmers and others with knowledge of the industry.

Farmers here in Hebei province say in interviews that “protein powder” of often-uncertain origin has been employed for years as a cheap way to help the milk of undernourished cows fool dairy companies’ quality checks. When the big companies caught on, some additive makers switched to toxic melamine — which mimics protein in lab tests and can cause severe kidney damage — to evade detection.

snipped....

Guan Huizhen, the sales manager at Hebei Guangtong Chemical Factory in a city near Zhangzhuang, says people have increasingly come looking for the factory’s melamine scrap in recent years. “I never care why my customers buy it,” Mr. Guan says.

Dozens of companies producing “protein powder” still advertise online, but many of the links have been shut down since the melamine scandal became public in early September.

One man who bought milk from farmers in northern Shaanxi province and sold it to dairy companies, Jiang Weisuo, went public last year with his fears about unauthorized substances, including antibiotics, being added to competitors’ milk. He says he complained to regulators and dairy makers in 2005 and 2006. “They all said they would look into it, but there was never any result,” he says. He then complained to state-run China Central Television, and his complaints spurred a report complete with footage of workers dumping additives into barrels of milk. Officials at the Shaanxi Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau confirmed Mr. Jiang’s initial complaint, but an investigator said he failed to find evidence of wrongdoing.

continued.

http://sec.online.wsj.com/article/SB122567367498791713.html

A Step-By-Step Guide To The Hot Stone Massage
Like all massage techniques, hot stone massage is a method for relieving soreness and relaxing tension in the muscles of the body. The hot stones applied to the body penetrate deeply and the stones used by the therapist make it easier to apply the therapeutic effects of manipulation. Hot stone massage therapy has become popular only within the last five to ten years and has recently become all the rage in spas and therapeutic centers. It is, however, a very old technique.

The hot stone massage is connected to ancient Mayan practices, but it is in India that we find its true beginnings. According to peacefulmind.com, the hot stone massage dates back 5000 years to the Ayurveda, a very old Indian healing tradition. This envisaged an energy called prana, or the “breath of life.” Yogis worked with this energy through breathing techniques, exercise, and massage with the aim of healing and increasing longevity. You will still hear therapists use Indian terms such as chakras, the seven energy centers of the body somewhat akin to acupuncture nodes. The yogis also used “tools” from the earth, such as herbs, crystals, flowers and stones. The stones have survived in hot stone massage, as well as the herbs and flowers used in the massage oils.

Heated stone massage is still a relatively new massage therapy, and many may be a little wary of what is entailed in this massage technique. Even if you have tried it, you may wonder whether the massage was done properly. This article will give a brief, step-by-step explanation of what to expect when you book an appointment for a hot stone massage.
Step One
The stones themselves are volcanic basalt often sourced from beaches in Mexico or Chile. When you walk into your therapist’s massage room, he or she will already have heated between 48 and 56 stones of varying sizes to between 130 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit in a specially designed water heater. It is important that the temperature of these stones be at this level, so that they will be neither too cold nor too hot. If the water is too cold, harmful bacteria may form; too hot, and the client will complain loudly. In most cases, you will see that the therapist has already placed eight flat stones in pairs on the massage table that will neatly align with your spine when you lie down. A linen cloth or towel will be placed between you and the stones. There will also be a range of many massage oils available. Grapeseed, lavender, olive, and rose oils are favorites.

Step Two
After you lie down with the table stones bracketing your spine, the therapist will massage your face with a light coating of oil and place a small massage stone on each cheek, one under your lip, and another on your forehead. The forehead stone marks the “third eye”, betraying the therapy’s Indian origins.

Step Three
Oil is massaged into your legs one at a time, then the therapist, using a suitably sized massage stone, will rub each side of your leg. The amount of pressure applied will depend on you.
The harder the pressure, the more deeply the muscles are affected. When the therapist is finished with your legs, he or she will place a small stone between each of your toes.

Step Four
The arms will be oiled and massaged using medium stones. When each arm is completed, the therapist will put a warm massage stone in your palm.

Step Five
After the arms are completed, the therapist will take back the palm stones, remove the stones from your face and from between the toes, and ask you to turn over. While you do this, she will also remove the eight spinal stones. At this point, oil is massaged into your back and the therapist will also begin to massage with long strokes using a hot stone, paying particular attention to acupressure points. He or she will then place a hot stone on each shoulder, one on each scapular area, and one on the sacrum or lower back. She will also put another medium rounded stone in each of your palms.

Step Six
After finishing your back, the therapist will uncover your legs and place massage stones just under the buttocks, on the back of the knees, and on the calves. This hot stone therapy will draw out any remaining tenseness in the legs.

Step Seven
The neck and shoulders will be massaged now, and finally the scalp.

Step Eight
Now all the stones are removed and the therapist will go over the back and leg area with a nerve stroke using just the tips of the fingers.
Some therapists are more closely involved with Indian prana and the seven chakras, or energy centers, of the body, and they use the gemstone associated with each center in their therapy. There are several gemstones for each chakra, but the most common are:

Garnet for the red chakra located at the base of the spine, which gives vitality to the body.

Carnelian for the orange chakra located in the navel area, and associated with procreation, sexuality, and creativity.

Citrine topaz for the yellow chakra located at the solar plexus, which vitalizes the sympathetic nervous system.

Rose quartz or jade for the pink and green chakra located at the center of the chest, which is connected to love and devotion.

Aquamarine for the light blue chakra located at the throat and associated with speech and communication.

Lapis for the blue chakra located at the center of the forehead, the third eye, which vitalizes the brain and nervous system.

Amethyst for the violet of clear chakra located at the crown of the head, which vitalizes the brain and is connected to spirituality.

There is no doubt that you will feel completely relaxed after a hot stone massage, but what are the advantages over any other type of massage therapy available? Firstly, it is the heat of the larger stones placed around the body that helps to increase blood flow to the area being worked on.
It also relaxes the muscles. Increased circulation combined with heat accelerates the healing process. In addition, the warmth generated in the body by the stones enhances mental tranquility.

The use of a hot stone in the actual massage also has advantages. It is much easier for the therapist to adjust the pressure of the massage stroke using a stone instead of just his or her hands. It also enables her to pinpoint more accurately spots that need that little bit of extra work. Last, but not least, it is a massage method which is much less stressful to the joints of the therapist’s hands.

Hot stone massage therapy, with or without prana and chakras, offers something extra not available with other massage methods. The warmth supplied by the heated stones helps release all of your tensions and literally gives you a deep down warm feeling in general. Now that you know how a hot stone massage is done, don’t hesitate; the hot stones are waiting.

Are You A Stress Case?
Jobs, bosses, colleagues, family, money, and time...stress creeps into life from all angles. Do you ever wonder if you are a stress case? Do you know the symptoms of stress? Take this stress quiz to discover how you might react to various stress-related scenarios and learn ways to reduce stress.

http://www.lifescript.com/Life/Timeout/Chill/A_Step-By-Step_Guide_To_The_Hot_Stone_Massage.aspx?p=1

[links are live at url]

http://g.webring.com/hub?ring=hobbyhydroponics

Web sites of individuals who grow vegetables in Hydroponics as a hobby. You will find a variety of hydroponic related sites and information here, not just veges!
example: homemade hydroponics with free system plans - I have free hydroponic system plans and would love to help anybody out . Just visit my site!

Ring sites Showing 1 - 11 of 11

susan714 profile private message susan714 Text susan714 Email susan714

Hydroponics
Hydroponics for the Home Gardener, Hydroponic Basics, Hydroponics systems, Gardening, Supplies and more, Homemade Hydroponics System and information, Garden Hydroponics Kit.

DIY Hydroponics
My first hydroponic system and pictures of its changes and modifications

New York Hydroponics
This website tracks my first year of growing hydroponic tomatoes and peppers in Upstate New York. It includes the design and build of the bato bucket and trough system. I expect to add a microcontroller to help me mix nutrients soon.

Your first choice for hydroponics information
This information site covers all aspects of Hydroponics Gardening. Catering for all ability and knowledge levels from the newbie up to the expert, we aim to provide free and friendly advice. Our experienced horticulturalists are always on hand to answer your questions about all things hydroponic. A free newsletter is available to all subscribers.

Welcome to Alameda County Hydroponics
Welcome to Alameda County Hydroponics

Create your own Hydroponic Systems
Pictures of many systems including a pipe system and greenhouse structure growing 50 tomatoes in 20x7 feet.

Hydroponic Garden the Journey
A blog I’m doing as I set up My indoor/patio garden to grow food over at least the next season.

Reality Sculptors Hydroponics
Chronicle of our experiments using NFT and “ebb and flow” methods of hydroponics. Also has construction details and photos of our geodesic dome greenhouse.

hydroponics 1 review(s)
This site has been developed for those individuals who want to grow hydroponic vegetables as a hobby and learn how to build their own systems at reasonable costs.

Paul’s Hydroponic and NFT Growing Page
Practical information about growing plants Hydroponically including introductions on the various methods available with photo’s of my home made hydroponic systems.

homemade hydroponics with free system plans
I have free hydroponic system plans and would love to help anybody out . Just visit my site!

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3990

Making jam/jelly? Make your own pectin.
Tart Apple Pectin

4 pounds sliced green apples with peels and cores
1/4 cup of lemon juice
8 cups of water

Simmer, over medium heat, until apples break down completely. Press apples through a sieve or food mill to remove cores and peels. Return liquid to a heavy kettle to cook briskly, stirring until the volume is reduced by half. Pour mixture into a jelly bag or cheesecloth lined colander and allow to drip without squeezing. Use immediately, can or freeze.

4-6 tablespoons of homemade pectin for every cup of prepared juice gives a good gel.
__________________

EDIT:

I had to do some searching on this one. I guess apple pectin was a pretty common ingredient a few generations ago when store bought wasn’t available. Anywhooooo. Thanks, Nell. Good stuff. Here’s a link with some similar information but a bit longer:

http://www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com...ger/pectin.htm

if you juice, you can use the whole pulp that is left over
__________________

I run the pulp through a sieve to take out the seeds and peels,whats left is applesauce,or,if you have real talent,apple butter,I haven’t tried apple butter yet,but I will.
I feed the left over to the pig,it doesn’t seem to mind the cyanide compounds in the seeds

that pomace is largely the cell wall fibers and the material that holds those cell walls together are polysacharides such as protopectin. apples, according to wikipedia, are about 1% pectins by mass, and the pomace, being [b]much[/i] lower in water, and other water solutes than the whole fruit, is richer in pectin by volume, and is probably worth saving if one is a juicing fan and not otherwise inclined to use it.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3671

capsaicin for natural pain relief
capsaicin is found in hot peppers. it is there to balance the pain of the heat by being an anti imflammant. it is also found in watermelon lol don’t ask me why. ever notice that after eating a big bowl of 3 alarm chili that you feel relaxed and pain free? it works and works well. good for people with chronic pain. grow them, dry them, powder them, store them, use them! or can them.
__________________
...gonna take a walk outside today...

You may want to check on that. From Wikipedia:

“Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is an irritant for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called capsaicinoids and are produced as a secondary metabolite by chili peppers, probably as deterrents against herbivores. Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, crystalline to waxy compound.”

It is also the active ingredient in many personal defense sprays.

The reason peppers make you feel good is they cause the brain to release Endorphins. They are a natural opiode (morphine) that the body produces in times of pain. Since your body actually believes it’s on fire, the brain releases endorphins to block the pain. I’ve heard that folks can actually have an “out of body” experience after eating Bhut Jolokia peppers or Habanero extract (which can cause physical harm) because of the amount of endorphins they cause the body to release. It’s sort of a natural high.

Many of the kitchens that I have worked in were staffed mostly by our southern neighbors, who often rely on homeopathic meds. The habenero is a popular migraine remedy. BUT, before you go off and try this, you must understand that many Mexican kids have been raised eating Jalepenos like candy.
A gentleman I worked with (very whitebread) suffered from migraines. I told him about the habenero solution. So he goes and buys some dried habenero powder.
Well, the next time he felt a migraine coming on, he tries some of this stuff. He said it didn’t do squat for his migraine, but his mouth was in so much pain, he didn’t really care.

Jalepenos and Habeneros are VERY high in vitamin C, though.

Try this recipe - you can grill the veggies, rather than roast them, if you prefer.

* 4 or 5 big Roma tomatoes, seeded
* 1 small red onion
* 2 to 5 cloves garlic
* 1 poblano chile (hot), 2 or 3 medium jalapeño chiles (hotter), or 2 or 3 habenero chiles (hottest)
* Small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
* 1 shot (1-1/4 ounces) of a nice peppery tequila (like Hornitos)
* Juice of one lime

Peel and quarter the onion, split and seed the chiles, and separate the garlic cloves.

Toss the tomatoes, onion, chiles with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place tomatoes, onion, chiles, and garlic on a roasting pan and roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.

Remove to food processor and add fresh cilantro. Allow the heat from the vegetables to cook the cilantro. Pulse to desired consistency.

Refrigerate before serving to allow the flavors to mingle. Just before serving, finish by stirring in the tequila and lime juice.
__________________

Pain Free Without Numbness: Substance Combination With Chili Peppers

ScienceDaily (May 19, 2008) — A dentist’s injection typically causes numbness for several hours. This experience could soon be history. Now, Clifford Woolf, professor at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA, and his colleagues have developed a combination of two agents which is able to specifically block pain without producing numbness or motor paralysis. The substance is composed of a normally inactive derivative of the local anesthetic lidocaine, called QX314, and capsaicin, the pain-producing substance in chili peppers.
Capsaicin works by opening channels present only in pain fibers to allow the QX314 only into these cells, where it blocks their function, Woolf explained in the keynote lecture “Using Pain to Block Pain” at the international conference “Development and function of somatosensation and pain” of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Germany. “This is the first example of using the body’s own cellular channels as a drug delivery system, targeting treatment only at pain fibers,” he pointed out.
__________________
“A person is not finished when they are defeated.
A person is finished when they quit.”

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.