Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today

While reading through your suggestions, I was wondering if you have had any success with indoor gardening. I don’t have much in the way of space outside. And the space I do have is in an area that anyone else could reach. Have you ever grown vegetables indoors with success? I’m extrememly interested in this if you have.

Otherwise, I have been stockpiling since the new millenium. I just rotate everything each month when I get groceries.

Another thing that I didn’t notice that was on the list of items to acquire is bathroom usage items. If the power goes out, that means that toilets won’t flush without dumping water into them. So instead of wasting good water that may be used for drinking or cooking, I have stocked up on ethylene (???) bags and 5 gal buckets....I even went as far as to buy a toilet seat to sit on top of the bucket. Then you’re just dealing with disposing of the bags.

I am not posting enough, if folks are keeping up with me, LOL.

Very funny, granny. It would take the rest of my life, my kid's lives and my grandkid's lives to keep up with you.

Thanks for the ping at #5437.

Go granny, go granny GO GRANNY GO!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2212332/posts

The Obama Youth
Townhall ^ | March 22, 2009 | Bryn T. Jones

Posted on 03/22/2009 6:12:50 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet

I read a disturbing story that showed advancement of the “well funded” civilian security force that candidate Barak Obama promised, and President Obama appears to deliver. The bill is passing under the guise of “volunteer” work, but would be mandatory. The bill stipulates that middle-school children would be required 50 hours per year, high schoolers 100 hours per year, and so on through college. The program included uniforms that the children will wear. I ask, why not ad a spiffy arm band with, perhaps the Obama emblem for good measure. This program will also enlist adults on up to seniors. They will go to camps, which are re-named campuses in order to be trained, or re-educated as the case may be.

OK Granny, Here goes... Willing to share: Seeds (for crafts ;^) Alcea (Hollyhock) Zone 3-10
	rosea ‘Chatter’s Double Mix’ Mixture of red, pink, yellow and white, densely petaled, tissue-like, double flowers on tall upright stems. 4’. Blooms throughout Summer. Perennial. FRmail DelaWhere with your SnailMail

Welcome to the thread! I hope you find good information here.

Are you able to create a greenhouse for your plants? There are several posts mentioning greenhouse construction and placement. Granny has done quite a bit of research on it.

I’m glad to see new readers/posters. It sounds like you are really prepared. Great suggestions.

Thank you for that welcome. It’s good to be here. Yes, I am in awe at Granny! I will have to research these indoor greenhouses.

I’m trying to stay prepared b/c I think we will be on our own for awhile should something catastrophic happen. No one to depend on but ourselves!

>>>I’m trying to stay prepared b/c I think we will be on our own for awhile should something catastrophic happen. No one to depend on but ourselves!
<<<

Excellent plan... (but I think it will be longer than a while.)

>>>I was wondering if you have had any success with indoor gardening.<<<

While I have not tried it, I have seen two very impressive indoor gardens. In one case they had a large double window in a spare bedroom on the South side of their home. They lined the ceiling, floor and walls with mylar reflective sheeting. The pots were covered with aluminum foil (bright side out). The objective is to have light bounce back and forth until it actually hits and is absorbed by the plants.

The other was set up the same way, except they had supplemental lighting since they only had a single window.

Both said that you want to keep your plants at least 6” from the walls so light can bounce around them. Both used shelves to maximize plant space.

Both were growing tomatoes, lettuce, oriental vegetables and herbs. One had a trellis along the back wall with cucumbers and had 6 plastic pails with potatoes, trays growing onions and garlic too.

Both said placement was important to be sure that they fully utilized the light that was available.

Both had very narrow walkways.

So, it can be done... Even on a smaller scale than that.

That looks good CottonBall! thank you.

Thanks again Granny! I’ve forwarded this info on to my family. :) Thank you all!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2212285/posts
Obama volunteers: “We’re not looking for a fight. That will come later, when we have an army.”

I’m inclined to agree with you. I hope that I am overstocked!

Wow! I’m going to have to get to work on this one. Of course, adjustments will be made, but it sounds exciting that it can work.

Thanks for the info!

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_cramp.htm

Muscle Cramps

Causes

A mineral deficiency of calcium and/or magnesium is probably the most frequent cause of night leg cramping.

Cramps are often caused by a lack of potassium, resulting in an electrytic imbalance. Strenuous exercise with sweating and diarrhea or other bowel disease may cause loss of potassium and other important minerals. It is very important to replace them with supplements. Some people get leg cramps at night for no apparent reason. This is called restless legs syndrome.

Another cause may be a deficiency in hesperidin, one of the bioflavonoids (sometimes called vitamin P), naturally occurring nutrients usually found in association with vitamin C. These bioflavonoids, including Hesperidin, Citrin, Rutin, Flavones, Flavonals, Calechin and Quercetin, were found to be essential in correcting the night leg cramps.

Wine induces stomach cramps in some people. To ease the cramps or perhaps eliminate them altogether, take some olive oil before imbibing. Try some oil on bread, or on a salad.

Milk and other dairy products can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, gas and discomfort in some women. If you are eating dairy products to get calcium, try switching to yogurt, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, tofu, collard and other greens, turnips, rhubarb and almonds.

Gastroenteritis, caused by a virus that has entered the digestive tract or contaminated food or water, causes inflammation, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe cases can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink fluids and balance your electrolytes (take Pedialyte for young children and the elderly, and sports drinks for everybody else.)

Diarrhea caused by intestinal parasites is the third leading cause of illness. If you have a number of the following symptoms: gas, diarrhea, chronic constipation, bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, nail biting, mood swings, insomnia, dry skin, brittle hair, hair loss, weight gain, bad breath, and muscle cramping, you should be tested for parasites.
Tips

* To stop leg/foot cramping, firmly press in on the upper lip. This is the meridian which is connected to the legs and feet.
* Take a hot shower before going to bed, letting the water run down the part of your leg that gets cramps. Or, if you get cramps in the night, take a shower then. Get the water as hot as you can stand it, as this will help relax the muscles.
* If you are in bed when you get a leg cramp, stretch your leg straight out and bend the toes back toward your head. Hold in this position for 30 seconds, relax, and repeat until the cramp is gone.This will stretch out your calf muscle. You may also do this standing up - push your heel onto the floor and bend your toes upward. This forces the calf muscle to lengthen.
* If you get leg cramps frequently at night, start a stretching regimen before bed. Try pressing your toes against a wall to stretch out the calf muscles; hold for 30 seconds, relax, repeat several times.
* Cramping often comes while you are exercising. follow these tips:
o Keep hydrated. As you sweat, you lose important electrolytes, which are needed to prevent cramps.
o Warm up for 10-15 minutes before exercising. This will stretch out the muscles you will be using.
o If you exercise and get cramps after eating, you have probably begun your exercise too soon after eating. As you digest, your body diverts blood from your muscles and cramping can result.
o Take magnesium, potassium and calcium supplements daily, especially before exercising.

Remedies
Folk

Apple cider vinegar Drink a mixture of two teaspoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Apple cider vinegar is high in potassium.

Aspirin (or ibuprofen) taken at the earliest signs of menstrual cramps will help relieve them. Aspirin helps stop the production of prostaglandins, part of the process that causes cramps.

Calcium A calcium deficiency causes muscle cramps or involuntary movement of muscles. If you are prone to leg cramps at night, take a calcium supplement (calcium lactate is preferred), a warm cup of milk, or chew on some Tums an hour before going to bed. However, we do not recommend taking Tums on a regular basis due to its interference with your normal digestive process. We suggest that if you get frequent leg cramps you take a calcium supplement daily. Taking magnesium with the calcium will aid in the absorption of the calcium and prevent calcification of various organs and soft tissues. 200-300 mg of calcium before bedtime is recommended.

Chamomile tea A study showed that drinking five cups of this tea each day for two weeks reduced the pain of menstrual cramps. The tea increased the level of glycine in the urine. Glycine is an amino acid that helps relieve muscle spasms and relax the uterus.

CoQ10 may aid in relieving muscle cramps.

Magnesium will help the smooth muscles that surround your arteries to relax, and your body uses it to process calcium. Try taking 400 mg of magnesium before bed. A calcium/magnesium supplement, taken one hour before bedtime, is recommended.

Mustard For years coaches have given mustard to their athletes with leg cramps. Cramps are sometimes caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work. Mustard has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Take a spoonful or two of mustard.

Pickle juice As with mustard coaches have given pickle juice to their athletes with leg cramps. Cramps are sometimes caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that stimulates your muscles to work. Pickle juice has acetic acid, which helps the body make more acetylcholine. Take a few ounces of pickle juice.

Quinine/tonic water Drinking four to eight ounces of tonic water (make sure it has quinine in it!) an hour before going to bed is a very effective remedy for most people. If it is too tart for you, add some lemon for flavoring. You should notice a difference within a few days, otherwise discontinue. OTC quinine was banned by the FDA because of health risks, but there is enough quinine in tonic water to help most people. See the Hyland’s homeopathic remedy below for another similar option.
Homeopathic

Leg Cramps with Quinine by Hyland’s. Take as directed. This remedy contains: Cinchona Off. 3X HPUS, Viscum Alb. 3x HPUS, Gnaphalium 3X HPUS, Rhus Tox. 6X HPUS, Aconitum Nap. 6X HPUS, Ledum Pa. 6X HPUS, Magnesia Phos. 6X HPUS.

Mag Phos, by Hyland’s. Take 4 pellets under the tongue at bedtime.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_sinus.htm

Sinus Problems
Tips

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine recently reported on research done at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, that found that people who hum exhale 15 times more nitric oxide from their nasal passages than non-hummers. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax, thereby reducing swelling in the nose and improving the flow of blood. The increase in air flow due to the humming also helps to ventilate the sinuses, which may decrease the susceptibility to infection.

Massaging your sinuses by pressing your thumbs firmly on both sides of your nose, holding for 15 to 30 seconds, releasing, then repeating, will temporarily relieve sinusitis because it brings a fresh supply of blood to the area.
Remedies
Folk

Cayenne pepper Take several capsules of cayenne during or after each meal for several days. The sinus infection should clear up. If it starts again, keep on a maintenance dose of 460 mg three times a day. Another cayenne remedy is to put one teaspoon of cayenne into a cup of hot water and drink three cups a day.

Eucalyptus Boil ½ cup of water and add a few drops of oil of eucalyptus. Pour the mixture into a bowl, lean over it while covering your head with a large towel, and inhale the steam for 10 minutes, keeping your eyes tightly shut. Eucalyptus oil is widely used for various breathing problems.

* Put a few drops on a handkerchief and sniff periodically.

Salt Dissolve one tablespoon of salt in two cups of water. Use a nasal inhaler.

Salt/baking soda To relieve stuffed up sinuses due to allergies, try making this nasal flush: mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water; fill an ear syringe and squirt the mixture up your nose. Another variation uses one teaspoon of uniodized salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a pint of water. Place the mixture in a nasal inhaler.

Thyme has been used for generations for respiratory infections because of its strong antiseptic properties. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of thyme in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a cup three times a day. Thyme is a drying herb for the body.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_nasal.htm

Nasal Spray

Over-the-counter (OTC) nose sprays can become addictive or cause “rebound” nasal congestion. To eliminate these problems, make your own saline nasal spray by mixing eight ounces of warm (boiled first) water with one-half teaspoon of salt. Pour into an empty OTC nasal spray bottle (you may have to remove the nozzle with pliers) and shake. This spray is good for relieving a stuffy nose caused by colds or allergies and for moistening dry nasal passages. It is also much cheaper than medicated OTC sprays.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_nosec.htm

Congested Nose
Causes

A Swedish study, published in the Environmental Science and Technology Review, found that chemicals from computer screens can cause allergic reactions, such as itching, nasal congestion, and headaches. The chemical compound that can trigger these problems is triphenyl phosphate, a flame retardant widely used in the plastic of video monitors and computers. If you use computers in a confined space, make sure you have adequate ventilation.
Remedies
Folk

Apple cider vinegar One unique folk remedy for nose congestion is to do the following: put two inches of apple cider vinegar in a pan and heat until it begins to steam. Inhale the vapor. If the vapor is too strong, add a bit of water. The nasal passages should remain clear for 12-24 hours. Repeat as needed. By removing the congestion, the inflammation in the nose’s mucous membranes will decrease and make breathing easier. The cold germs will also be killed. Drink a teaspoon of vinegar with a glass of water at meals to facilitate healing.

Cayenne pepper Both red and black pepper dilate blood vessels in the nose and stimulate secretions, which helps drain the sinuses. You can sprinkle it on your food, or put a quarter teaspoon in a glass of water. This will dilate the blood vessels and increase circulation. For really bad cases, and if you are bold, sniff a very small amount up your nose. This will sting a bit, but will have dramatic results. This remedy is especially good for chronic sinus infections.

Essential oils Place a drop or two of either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and hold near the nose while breathing deeply. This should increase the airflow. We do not recommend putting any of the oil actually in the nose as it may cause swelling.

Grapefruit seed extract This extract is a powerful all-around anti-microbial and antiseptic. Try a nasal rinse by putting a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup of warm water and inhaling it; repeat two or three times, especially before bed and when you get up in the morning. The grapefruit seed extract will help kill off the bacteria.

Salt water steam Here is another remedy that works well when you are stuffed up and your nose runs. In a large bowl or sink add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt. Let the salt dissolve, then immerse your face in the water for five to ten seconds; repeat 3-4 times. Keep your eyes and mouth closed, but try to breathe in the mixture.

http://health911.com/remedies/rem_nail.htm

Nail Infections
Causes

Infections of the toenails and fingernails are caused by a fungus, trichophyton rubrum, and are often quite difficult to treat. In the same way one gets athlete’s foot, nail fungus is usually picked up when you are around damp conditions in public areas, such as locker rooms, pools, and spas. It can be spread by common use of manicure tools, and can spread to other toenails and fingernails. People are more susceptible to fungal infections if they have a weakened immune system, diabetes, or a history of athlete’s foot. We suggest boosting your immune system and using one of the following remedies.
Traditional Treatment

Several drugs, namely Griseofulvin (general side effects: nausea, headaches, insomnia, confusion) and Ketoconazole (side effects: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and liver damage), have been used successfully to treat nail fungus in the past. More recently newer drugs, such as Sporoanox (same general side effects, plus allergic reaction, chest pains, liver damage) and Lamisil (same general side effects, plus possible allergic reaction, changes in vision, liver damage) have been used, with the latter as the medication of choice. Again, however, there are side effects and treatment is quite expensive.
Prevention Tips

This type of fungus can spread to other toes, so it is important to treat it immediately. Since it is hard to get rid of, be patient, as a cure may be weeks or months away.

Trim your nail back and apply tea tree oil with a Q-tip or soft toothbrush twice a day. We also suggest using DMSO, a solvent. DMSO acts as a carrier and will aid in getting the tea tree oil to the fungus.

Go to our Athlete’s Foot section for some additional prevention tips.
Remedies
Folk

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Soak the affected nails for 15 minutes a day in a basin containing 2 quarts of warm water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. The ACV restores the proper pH balance to the skin, making it more resistant to fungal infections. The lavender has antimicrobial properties. Dry the area thoroughly using a towel followed by a hair dryer set to warm. Follow up with tea tree oil, as suggested below. You can also make a mixture of equal parts of tea tree oil and lavender and dab this on the nail.

Grapefruit seed extract This extract is a powerful all-around antimicrobial product and is an excellent disinfectant. Make a solution of 100 drops in two ounces of water and apply to the affected areas with a cotton ball two or three times a day.

Iodine is an old standby for killing bacteria, viruses and fungi. Paint the area with iodine, but since iodine can stain clothing and bedding, keep the toe covered with a loose bandage. Some people are allergic to iodine, so if you get a reaction, switch to another remedy. We recommend IOSOL or Lugol’s brands of iodine. Iodine can affect the thyroid, both in a positive or negative way, so since you will need to use iodine over an extended period of time we suggest you use it under the supervision of your physician. As with some of the other remedies mentioned in this section, you can use DMSO to enhance the performance.

* SSKI (soluble solution of potassium iodide) can also be used. This product has a different electron makeup than iodine, so is a different product altogether. Don’t confuse them! Again, you can use DMSO to make this remedy more effective. As with iodine, SSKI use can affect your thyroid, and some people are allergic to the iodine component.

Oregano oil This oil is probably the best anti-fungal. However, it is strong and may irritate your skin. If irritation occurs, dilute the oil in several drops of olive oil or aloe. Use a Q-Tip or toothbrush to get the oil under the nail. One way to make oregano oil more effective is to apply a natural solvent, DMSO after you have applied the oil. This will help the oil penetrate thru the skin and nail faster. As with other remedies, progress is going to be slow, so be patient!

Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the native Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree contains antiseptic and anti-fungal compounds that are a very effective skin disinfectant. Apply the oil on the affected area two or three times a day until the new nail has completely grown out. This can mean about 6 months for fingernails and up to 12 months for toenails. Make sure the product label says it is 100% pure tea tree oil. As with oregano oil mentioned above, the use of DMSO will make this remedy more effective.

Vick´s VapoRub Apply to the affected area every other day for 2-3 weeks. Although this may sound like a strange use for the product we used to rub on our chest, it contains eucalyptus oil and thymol (derived from thyme oil), both known as powerful anti-fungals.

Have you ever grown vegetables indoors with success? I’m extremely interested in this if you have.<<<

Welcome to the thread, we are glad you found it.

It is good that you are prepared, for what and when is not as important, for life always gives us emergencies that we need to be prepared for.

My idea of indoor growing, is a solar greenhouse attached to the home, covering a door into it and with windows into the greenhouse, for you can draw off the solar passive heat and add to the warmth of the house.

If you want to grow in pots, in the home, then use a good potting mixture and a sunny window and go for it.

My family calls me a junk collector, I call them flower pots, they will be if I can put a hole in it.

I have grown cherry tomatoes indoors, and had 6’ plants in a gallon pot.

Peppers, Swiss Chard, lettuce, oriental greens, onions, spinach and Luffa.

All but the Luffa produced and the Luffa was so lovely, that I would grow it again.

The peppers and tomatoes get a firm shake every day to pollinate them, cukes, squash and luffa will need to have the pollen put in the right place.

a 6 inch feather works for pollinating them, so does a paint brush.

Think of it as a loving project and it works.

I am not sure how beans would work, but would be willing to attempt the Yard long bean, as it did well in the greenhouse and will keep producing from the same bloom spike, if you pinch off the end of the bean and don’t pull the flower stem off.

That bean trick I discovered, as I used to have strong finger nails and was pinching the beans off, instead of pulling as most folks do.Did you read the part about burying the root of a regular store onion, with about a quarter inch of onion on it and that it will grow new onions? Yes, it is true, we have several on this thread doing it, regular and green onions work.

I have for years grown onion sets, or seeds just for the green leaves to pinch off and use in food.

So take a look at your windows, hanging plants and floor setters will work.

You can also use grow lights, but I have never done so.

My best growing is a room with a window to the east and to the north, that are only a foot or two from the corner, they were large and caused a 8 x 8’ growing area to do well.

Greens do well in dishpans, the larger plants want at least a gallon pot or larger.

I used Pro-Mix or the bagged potting mix from Walmart, as I did not have compost to use and my soil is a dead soil.