Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/recipes/a/favorite-fall-recipes

Favorite Fall Recipes

We asked our Facebook Fans what their favorite fall foods were. Pumpkins, apples, and chili came out on top. Here are a few tasty fall recipes that include some of these fall favorites:

Pumpkin Soup
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 pounds ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 (29 ounce) cans pumpkin puree
1 (32 ounce) carton chicken broth
2/3 cup cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the butter until soft.

Combine the onion, garlic, ham, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, cream, thyme, pepper, and rosemary in a slow cooker set to Low; cook 8 to 10 hours.

White Turkey Chili
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
2 (4 ounce) cans canned green chile peppers, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ground cayenne pepper to taste
Ground white pepper to taste
3 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a large pot over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic and ground turkey and saute for 10 minutes, or until turkey is well browned. Add the chile peppers, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper to taste and white pepper to taste and saute for 5 more minutes.

Add two cans of the beans and the chicken broth to the pot. Take the third can of beans and puree them in a blender or food processor. Add this to the pot along with the cheese. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Baked Acorn Squash
1 acorn squash, halved and cleaned
3-4 small apples, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup raisins
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Butter

Combine apples, walnuts, raisins, honey, and cinnamon. Divide ingredients between squash halves. Dot with butter. Bake in a pan of water at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cover with foil an bake another 30 minutes.

Really Easy-to-Make Apple Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and finely diced

Prepare cake mix according to package directions for a 10 inch tube pan. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped apples. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Got a favorite fall recipe? Share it on our forums or email us!

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/natural_cures/a/peppermint_more_than_just_a_popular_flavor

Peppermint: More than just a popular flavor
peppermintRefreshing, and slightly sweet, peppermint is a favorite food additive, used in everything from candies and schnapps to toothpaste and cough drops. More than just a flavor enhancer, though, peppermint can be incredibly beneficial for your health. Peppermint acts as a regulator and has a relaxing or invigorating effect, depending on the circumstances under which it is used. Here are just a few of the everyday health benefits peppermint oil can offer you and your family:

* Rubbing peppermint oil on the temples can provide relief from migraine headaches.

* Chewing on peppermint candy can soothe a nagging cough or irritated throat. Menthol, a substance present in peppermint, is an effective decongestant.

* For a therapeutic bath, put some drops of the diluted peppermint oil into tepid water to relieve stomach problems, nasal congestion, headaches, or cramps.

* For insomnia or anxiety, drinking a cup of peppermint tea, or placing a tissue treated with a few drops each of peppermint oil and lavender oil, will provide a calming effect.

* Drinking peppermint tea or sucking on real peppermint candy can also relieve an upset stomach and/or gas.

* To soothe tired, sore, aching feet, try soaking in a tub of warm water containing few drops of peppermint oil. The essential oils can also help to heal dry, cracked skin.

Peppermint is generally easy to grow. In addition to a emitting a pleasant scent, growing peppermint leaves can provide a natural herbal insect repellent, helping to discourage ants, flies, and mosquitoes from lingering near your home and garden.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/recipes/a/game-day-top-10-picks-for-healthy-snacking

Game Day: Top 10 Picks For Healthy Snacking

buffalowingsFootball and food go hand in hand. But all that snacking can add up to unwanted pounds by the playoffs. What can you do this football season to satisfy those couch potato cravings without over consuming calories? Give these healthy appetizers a try.

1. Baked Buffalo Wings – Chicken wings don’t have to be a forbidden treat when they are baked in the oven. Mix 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon red pepper sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce in a resealable plastic bag. Add 2 pounds (about 24) chicken drummettes (with skin removed) and seal bag. Refrigerate a minimum of 15 minutes up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Place chicken in a foil-lined baking pan and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until crisp and done. Serve with low-fat or fat-free ranch dressing.

2. Crab Deviled Eggs – Try this unique variation of an old favorite. Cut 6 hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise, removing the yolks. Put half the yolks in a bowl and mix with ¼ cup shredded crab meat (or lean ham if you prefer), 2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper, 2 teaspoons finely chopped green onion, 2 tablespoons low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, a dash of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon parsley flakes, and black pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into the egg white halves.

3. Cashew Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches – Combine 1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked chicken (or turkey), ½ cup finely chopped celery, ½ cup chopped cashews, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion. Add ¼ cup low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and ¼ cup light or fat-free sour cream and mix well. Make sandwiches, trimming crusts off bread. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles, squares, or rectangles.

4. Fruit with Coconut Dip – Fresh fruit with this delicious low-fat dip will be a hit. Combine one 8-ounce can of crushed unsweetened pineapple (undrained), ¾ cup skim milk, ½ cup fat-free sour cream, and 1 package instant coconut cream pudding mix in a blender; process for one minute or until smooth. Serve with fresh pineapple, grapes, strawberries, melon, or any other favorite fruits.

5. Ginger Meatballs – These meatballs will warm up football fans on a chilly game day. Combine 1 egg, ½ cup finely crushed gingersnaps (about 11 cookies), and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Crumble 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef over mixture; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place meatballs onto greased rack in shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Combine 1 cup ketchup, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger in skillet; add meatballs. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until heated, stirring gently. Alternatively, a crock-pot can be used for heating the meatballs and sauce, and it’s a great way to keep this appetizer warm for serving.

6. Create Your Own Salad – Set up your own salad bar with favorite salad toppings and let your football fans customize their own individual salads. Iceberg lettuce has almost no nutritional value, so go with spinach or a blend of the darker salad greens. Include an assortment of vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, radishes, snap peas, and broccoli. Fruits such as pineapple, raisins, strawberries, and apple slices will add sweetness. For a heartier salad, offer hard-boiled eggs and lean meats in lieu of fried or processed meats. Other toppings such as croutons, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits finish it off right, but use these in moderation to avoid excess calories. Top with low-fat or fat-free salad dressing. Salad toppings are endless – be creative! Your family and friends are sure to enjoy customizing their own salads. Maybe you’ll start a new game day tradition!

7. Baked Pita Chips – Greasy potato chips can quickly expand the waistline. Fortunately, there are healthier – and delicious – alternatives. Try cutting whole wheat pita bread into 8 wedges and separate the layers. Place the pita bread triangles in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes until crisp. Serve with salsa, hummus, or a low-fat spinach dip.

8. Bruschetta – Toast ½-inch thick slices of your favorite French or sourdough loaf, then top with a mixture of chopped tomatoes and basil seasoned with oregano and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil over top. Yum!

9. Italian Popcorn – Oil-popped butter popcorn is loaded with fat and calories. Air popping your own corn is the healthiest choice. Try this new flavor twist – drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over 9 cups popped popcorn, then sprinkle with 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to blend.

10. Veggie Wraps – Heat veggie burgers and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Wrap in flavored tortillas along with diced tomatoes, lettuce, chopped roasted peppers, and low-fat dressing. Slice tortillas into smaller portions and secure with toothpicks.

More Game Day Recipes Here.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/natural_cures/a/got-a-cut-reach-for-the-onions

Got a Cut? Reach for the Onions.
firstaidkitCuts and scrapes happen every day. While most don’t need a doctor’s attention, there are some very basic first aid remedies that should be applied so cuts don’t get infected.

If the cut is bleeding, use a clean cloth, and apply pressure. Then clean out the cut to avoid infection.

Here are a few alternative remedies to antibiotic creams you may want to try:

Garlic has been used for years when treating cuts. It contains antimicrobial agents that can protect you from infections. To use, mix three cloves with a cup of wine. Put the mixture in a blender. Then leave it there for three hours. Strain it. Apply the mixture to your cleaned wound. Perform twice a day.

No garlic? Onions have the same antimicrobial element called allicin. Cut the onion into halves, and crush one part using a blender. You can mix it with honey for best results. Apply it on the wound and leave on for about 20 minutes, then wash off. Apply the mixture three times a day.

Apply lavender essential oil to the cut. The oil usually doesn’t create any additional pain and may help alleviate the pain from the wound. Lavender speeds healing and kills germs.

Place raw honey on the cut, and then cover it with a bandage. Raw honey has been used for over 2,000 years to prevent and heal infections. (Raw honey is available in most grocery stores.)

Get white vinegar from your kitchen counter, and mix it with a pint of water. Soak the affected area to remove scabs. The solution will kill all bacteria already present in the cut. Vinegar may sting, so be very careful.

Aloe can be used with almost all types of skin problems, including cuts. If you have an aloe vera plant, break off a leaf, and apply its juice on the affected part. Repeat after a few hours.

If the cut is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or was caused by stepping on something rusty, a doctor’s attention should be sought. (A tetanus shot may be on order.) As with any natural remedy, be sure to keep allergies in mind.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/natural_cures/a/got-a-headache-try-this-herbal-relief

Got a Headache? Try this herbal relief.

malewithheadacheThere’s nothing like a painful headache to stop summer fun in its tracks. Summer headaches can be caused by too much sun, hot and humid weather, dehydration or overtaxing the body. In these troubled financial times, people have been turning to herbal medicine to find answers for their physical and emotional woes.

One herb that has a reputation for helping headaches is feverfew. Feverfew is best used when you chew a fresh leaf or two straight from the plant. It can also be taken in a capsule format that contains freeze-dried feverfew. Many believe that the fresh leaves work better due to the bitter taste of the leaf that is left on your tongue.

The Chinese believe that headaches, especially headaches in the forehead region, are directly related to the liver. Bitter plants and foods may help diminish a headache by charging the liver. Over stimulation can defeat the purpose, however, so a little at a time is best for a simple headache reprieve. Consider nourishing the liver with dandelion, burdock, chamomile, mugwort, yarrow, and other bitter plants in small quantities over a period of days or weeks. This may lessen the frequency and duration of headaches and migraines.

When headaches are caused by dehydration, simply drink plenty of water, get hydrated and feel the relief!

Got a migraine?
Try making a migraine relief oil blend with essential oils of peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Apply the essential oil blend in a halo around the scalp - on the back of neck, behind the ears, temples and forehead where the hair ends. Leave for a while and it should help the pain go away.

-— Written by Suzanne Jordan
www.goodnaturedearthling.com

*Note: If you are on medicines or have allergies, please consult with a doctor before trying these herbs. The information and tips suggested here are for general information and not as specific medical advice. Professional medical assistance should be sought with ongoing, chronic conditions. Please use at your own discretion, and when in doubt, consult your physician.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/recipes/a/grandmas_cooking_howtos

Grandma’s Cooking How-to’s

how_2s

Here are some basic “how-to’s” that will help you with holiday recipes - and more!

How to boil pasta - Boil water in a large saucepan. Add salt after the water comes to a rolling boil. Sometimes it is helpful to add some oil to the water (as in the lasagna recipe) to prevent the pasta noodles from adhering to one another. Boil pasta until it is al dente. Drain well in a colander. In most cases, you will want to rinse the pasta with cold water. This washes away the starch. This also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Exceptions to rinsing with cold water are noted in the individual recipes.

How to make bechamel sauce - This sauce is essential for many pasta and vegetable recipes. It is made with the following ratio:
1 cup milk : 2 tbsp butter : 2 tbsp flour

I have substituted olive oil for the butter with good results. Heat the milk and bring it to the verge of a boil. Meanwhile melt butter or heat olive oil in a separate pan and add the flour making a paste. Add the hot milk gradually to the flour mixture. Add salt and black pepper to taste and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir constantly until nicely thickened. It should have the consistency of pudding.

How to deglaze - You usually want to deglaze a pan after you have roasted, sauteed, or braised something in it. The general method is to pour off any excess fat or oil. Pour in 1/4 cup of your deglazing liquid. This can be as simple as water or it can be white wine, chicken broth, a combination, or whatever your imagination dictates. Turn the heat to high and scrape the brown bits that cling to the pan. Add more liquid (about 1 cup in all) as you stir and scrap. Adjust seasoning as required. You can then serve this as an “au jus” sauce or add it to a stew or another sauce. You can also thicken it as described below and serve it as a brown gravy.

How to reduce sauce - In many ways reducing is a cousin to deglazing. If you followed the directions for deglazing and continued to reduce the liquid over high heat until it is a creamy sauce thick enough to coat the spoon, you have reduced your sauce. Typical liquids to reduce are wine, stock, cider, or cream. You do not have to start with a pan with brown crusty bits. For example, you might want to saute some onions and then add wine for reduction. This would make a lovely sauce to serve over meat, fish, fowl, or vegetable.

How to thicken sauce - The simplest way to thicken sauce is to slowly sprinkle Wondra quick-mixing flour in it as you are stirring. This flour is especially made for sauces and gravy so it dissolves more easily avoiding lumps. However, it is possible that lumps will form using this method. Be patient and keep stirring. The lumps will eventually dissolve. Add enough quick-mixing flour to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can make a paste using regular flour (or cornstarch) and cold water. You will have to play with the ratio of flour (or cornstarch) to water to achieve the desired thickness. Add this paste to the sauce you want to thicken. This method is truly lump free.

How to measure grain to liquid - There are a few useful ratios that always work for long grain rice, Arborio rice (for risotto), and polenta.

* For long grain rice, use 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid.
* For Arborio, use 1 cup of rice to 3 1/2 to 4 cups of liquid.
* For polenta, use 1 cup of polenta to 3 1/2 cups of liquid.

From the kitchen of Blanche Bianco.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/home_garden/gardening?d=2009-10-25

Gardening by the Moon from the Farmers’ Almanac

Farmers’ Almanac Best Days for October 25, 2009

Bake, Cut Firewood, Cut Hair to Increase Growth, Mow to Increase Growth, Castrate Farm Animals, Wean, Potty Train, Wax Floors

The Farmers Almanac Gardening by the Moon Calendar is determined by our age-old formula and applies generally to regions where the climate is favorable.

Get all 12 months of our exclusive Gardening by the Moon Calendar inside the Farmers’ Almanac (available in our online store). This calendar lists favorable and not so favorable dates for various gardening and farming chores.

October 2009
25th-27th. Plant Tomatoes, Peas, Beans, And Other Aboveground Crops, Indoors In The North, Outdoors In Lower South. 28th-29th. Poor Planting Days. Kill Poison Ivy, Weeds, Clear Land, But Do No Planting. 30th-31st. Good Days For Planting Aboveground Crops, Extra Good For Vine Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable.

November 2009
1st-2nd. Neither Plant Nor Sow On These Barren Days. 3rd-4th. Plant Root Crops, Where Climate Permits. 5th-6th. Any Seed Planted Now Will Tend To Rot. 7th-8th. Best Planting Days For Fall Potatoes, Turnips, Onions, Carrots, Beets, And Other Root Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable. Also Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens. 9th-13th. Poor Period For Planting. Kill Plant Pests, Clear Fence Rows/land. 14th-15th. Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops. Fine For Sowing Grains, Hay, And Forage Crops. Plant Flowers. 16th-18th. Good For Planting Cabbage, Celery, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Collards, And Other Leafy Vegetables In Southern Florida, Texas, And California. Start Seedbeds. 19th-20th. Poor Planting Days. 21st-23rd. Good Days For Planting Peas, Squash, Corn, Tomatoes, And Other Aboveground Crops In Southern Florida, Texas, And California. 24th-25th. Kill Plant Pests On These Barren Days. 26th-27th. Good Days For Planting Aboveground Crops. Extra Good For Vine Crops, Where Climate Allows. 28th-29th. Neither Plant Nor Sow On These Barren Days. 30th. Fine For Planting Beans, Peppers, Cucumbers, Melons, And Other Aboveground Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable.

December 2009
1st. Fine For Planting Beans, Peppers, Cucumbers, Melons, And Other Aboveground Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable. 2nd-3rd. Seeds Planted Now Tend To Rot In Ground. 4th-5th. Most Favorable Days For Planting Beets, Onions, Turnips, And Other Root Crops, Where Climate Allows. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens. 6th-10th. A Most Barren Period. Kill Plant Pests And Do General Farm Work. 11th-13th. Good Days For Planting Root Crops, Fine For Sowing Grains, Hay, And Forage Crops. Plant Flowers. 14th-15th. Plant Carrots, Beets, Onions, Turnips, Irish Potatoes, And Other Root Crops In The South. Lettuce, Cabbage, Collards, And Other Leafy Vegetables Will Do Well. Start Seedbeds. 16th-18th. Do No Planting. 19th-20th. Plant Sweet Corn, Beans, Peppers, And Other Aboveground Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable. 21st-22nd. Good Days For Killing Weeds, Briars, And Other Plant Pests, Poor For Planting. 23rd-24th. Plant Peppers, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, And Other Aboveground Crops In Southern Florida, California, And Texas. Extra Good For Cucumbers, Peas, Cantaloupes, And Other Vine Crops.

http://www.homegrownherbals.com/herbal-remedies-for-asthma-relief/

Herbal Remedies For Asthma

Millions of adults and children suffer from asthma, which is a respiratory condition that causes the lungs and throat to constrict and makes it hard to breathe. Although there are many asthma medications available, there are also herbal remedies which can help with reducing attacks and help to strengthen the lungs and immune system. Herbal remedies do provide a natural solution, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, caution should be exercised when combining herbal solutions with any medications or prescriptions. There is always the possibility of an adverse reaction. Herbs are also not usually effective for severe asthma attacks, but are more for preventative and relief purposes.

Herbal remedies for asthma relief can help to eliminate or relieve asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing by helping to open constricted bronchial passages. Here are some of the more common herbs that are use to help with asthma:

Mullein works as a muscle relaxant and helps to decrease irritation caused by coughing. This herb, along with elecampane- are used in most all herbal formulas for the relief of asthma.

Comfrey helps to repair tissues and decrease inflammations and can help with a variety of respiratory and asthma conditions.

St. John’s Wort is an herb that helps with anti anxiety as well as decreasing stress. It can be very helpful to those who suffer from asthma attacks that are stress related by helping to decrease stress triggers.

Bloodroot can help to break up mucus and is also an expectorant. If used in large amounts it can be poisonous so extreme caution must be exercised when using bloodroot.

Saw Palmetto is another herb that can relax muscles and help to break up mucus that is built up in the respiratory system.

Cayenne can help with overall circulatory and respiratory functions. It is used quite often in combination with other expectorant herbs to help clear up the respiratory passages following an asthma attack.

Garlic acts as both an expectorant and natural antibiotic. It can also increase overall health and body condition.

Peppermint can be added to boiling water. The asthma patient then breathes in the vapors from the steam. The herb helps to relax and soothe airways and breaks up mucus.

Herbal remedies for asthma can provide some much needed relief. However, they are usually not a substitute for prescribed medications. Care must be taken if they are used in combination with medications. There are knowledgeable holistic physicians who can help you decide which herbal remedies may be the most effective for you and your condition.

http://www.homegrownherbals.com/native-herbal-remedies/

Native Herbal Remedies

In olden times, before the pharmaceutical industry took birth, developed and flourished, how did man cure his illnesses? He turned to nature. By experimentation and experience, he discovered several natural substances possessing medicinal properties useful in getting rid of many common and prevalent ailments. Herbal remedies thus occupied an important role for the restoration of people’s health. In fact, Native Americans have been using such herbal remedies for several types of body aches, pains as wholesome as illnesses.

Several indigenous tribes native to the Americas had their own special herbal remedies for their various ailments. They revered the herbs available locally in their individual areas of residence as a gift of nature and, treating them with great respect, used them as medicines. Besides that, they used the plant parts and products to meet their life’s social and cultural requirements. Plants and herbs were therefore an integral part of the Native American life and culture.

Herbal remedies momentarily Today, modern day medical scientists have been rediscovering the herbal remedies of Native Americans. Numberless Americans are also switching their loyalties from chemical formulations, widely available in various forms and types of packing as prescription and non – prescription drugs, remedies and cures, to the age – elderly and life span – tested Native American herbal remedies. This alternative medicine has become quite popular for the simple reason that herbal remedies are natural products and that they are usually non – toxic as well whereas free from producing any side effects.

Here is a small list, by no means exhaustive, of common native North American Herbal Remedies and some of the illnesses / health disorders / problems, for the relief of which they are used:

Rabbit tobacco: asthma, colds, cough, flu, pneumonia;

Bloodroot: bronchitis, sore throat, some cancers including cancer of the uterus;

Oak: kidney disorders, menstrual problems, sprains and sores;

Wild Cherry: colds and coughs, tuberculosis, abdomen cramps, wounds;

Wild Yam root: menstrual cramps, childbirth, hormonal imbalance, poor libido;

Passionflower: insomnia, hyperactivity, tension, strength pain, ( As a poultice ): injuries, wounds; ( its root ): boils, earache;

Sage: cuts, bruises, toppled stomach, irregular menstruation, colds, tuberculosis, childbirth;

Juniper: urinary infections, gum disease, dandruff, indigestion, gonorrhea, diarrhea, high blood pressure;

Willow: pains, fevers, headache, toothache, sores in the jaws, belly problems, diarrhea;

Purple Coneflower: insect bites, stings, snakebites, gonorrhea, bowel problems, toothache, sore throat, burns.

Perhaps you do not need to learn the actual methods and procedures Native Americans adopted for preparations of the herbal decoctions, concoctions and medicines. By using modern methods, scientists have extracted the essential ingredients from the medicinal plants that Native Americans once used. You can get these ingredients from specialty or online stores typically in easy to consume pill or liquid form. We can also attribute the menthol, mint and lemon extracts that we find in cough drops to the Native American herbal remedies.

If you are suffering from some fever, arthritis, impotence or other sexual disorders, prostate problems, sore eyes or any of the other numerous problems or illnesses, you can undoubtedly find a suitable Native American herbal remedies.

http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/articles/powerhealing_leogalland.shtml

Intestinal Parasites, Bacterial Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut
Excerpts from POWER HEALING (Random House, 1998) By Leo Galland, M.D.

The human intestine maintains within its inner cavity a complex, crowded environment of food remnants and microbial organisms (called “the intestinal flora”) from which the body derives nourishment and against which the body must be protected. The relationship between the human host and her army of microbes is described by the Greek word, symbiosis, which means “living together”. When symbiosis benefits both parties, it is called mutualism. When symbiosis becomes harmful, it is called dysbiosis. The first line of protection against dysbiosis and intestinal toxicity is strict control of intestinal permeability, the ability of the gut to allow some substances to pass through its walls while denying access to others. The healthy gut selectively absorbs nutrients and seals out those components of the normal internal milieu which are most likely to cause harm, except for a small sampling which it uses to educate and strengthen its mechanisms of immunity and detoxification.

Bacteria form the largest segment of the intestinal flora. The number of bacteria in the large bowel (about a hundred trillion) exceeds the number of cells in the human body. Intestinal bacteria perform some useful functions, so that our relationship with them is normally one of mutual benefit. They synthesize half a dozen vitamins, supplementing those which are obtained from food. They convert dietary fibre—that part of food which humans cannot digest—into small fatty acids which nourish the cells of the large intestine. They degrade dietary toxins like methyl mercury making them less harmful to the body. They crowd out pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, decreasing the risk of food poisoning. They stimulate the development of a vigorous immune response. Four-fifths of the body’s immune system is located in the lining of the small intestine.

Continues, good article...........

[Remember to consult your own doctor about any odd treatments that you read about, and consider using.......granny]

http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/articles/aboutaloe.shtml

Aloe Vera - It’s time to take a closer look
Country Remedies, Nature’s Cure All, Aloe by Maggie Howe
Country Living, July 1996, p34

Users of Aloe Vera widely report that its healing benefits, though easily experienced, are not easily explained. Many contend that Aloe is an all-purpose “miracle” plant.

Maryanne Ibarra, for instance, a registered nurse and naturopath in San Diego, California, began merchandising her own line of Aloe Vera products, Aloe Complete, after working in the health-food industry for 27 years. “Never have I heard so many positive things about any one herb or nutritional supplement as I have about drinking aloe vera juice - its your basic friendly food,” declares Ms. Ibarra.
“For the most part,” she says, “Clients feel that drinking the juice gives them sustained energy, not simply an adrenaline rush.”

Although scientific proof of and research into all of aloe’s claims remain in their early stages, evidence of aloe vera’s healing qualities is mounting. Patients assert that drinking aloe juice has helped them to heal themselves of Crohn’s disease (an extensive and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract), arthritis, constipation, Epstein-Barr, and digestive dysfunctions.

Recent uses of aloe vera in the medical profession include the medical branches of optometry (there are aloe eye drops), dentistry (aloe toothpaste helps inhibit the growth of plaque), dermatology (aloe ranks high as an anti-inflammatory agent), gastroenterology, and perhaps the most recent and exciting area: the study of immuno-depressive disorders, wherein medical science is utilizing aloe vera for the treatment of the immune system when it is no longer functioning at its optimum capacity.

Gene Hale, managing director of the International Aloe Science Council in Irving, Texas, a nonprofit professional organization devoted to aloe research, has been drinking aloe juice for 16 years, He says that drinking aloe vera has given him increased energy and notes that he hasn’t had a cold in seven years. His organization maintains a working relationship with the Food and Drug Administration and keeps tabs on the latest approval status of the medicinal effects of aloe. (to date the FDA has only approved aloe for research purposes.)

Regardless of scientific claims, manufacturers of aloe cite record-breaking sales. And some cosmetic companies are known to use minimal amounts of aloe derivatives in their products simply because “aloe sells.”

Dr John C. Pittman, founder and medical director of the Carolina Center for Bio-Oxidative Medicine in Raleigh, N.C., became intrigued with the power of aloe vera when he was working in a hospital emergency room. One morning a patient came in with burns on her hands, the result of a cooking accident. The hospital at the time was conducting a study of aloe vera, so Dr. Pittman asked the burn victim if he could dress her right hand with the traditional treatment of the antibiotic cream Silvadene while dressing the left with a purified form of liquid aloe vera concentrate. She agreed. That evening the patient returned to the hospital and demanded that he put whatever he had out on her left hand on her right. She told Dr. Pittman that her right hand was still throbbing with pain, while her left hand had no pain whatsoever. To his surprise, while redressing the wounds he found the redness, swelling, and pain were greatly reduced on the aloe-treated hand but not on the one that he had treated with Silvadene.

Dr. Pittman helps his patients design individual and family wellness programs that combine the best of both allopathic and complementary medicines. “in 1994,” says Pittman, “the state of North Carolina opened the door to the legal practice of holistic health care by a medical physician when it added a statute to its laws giving physicians the right to explore all types of treatment in order to best serve their patients. That made my center possible.” Now Dr. Pittman prescribes aloe vera juice for patients who suffer from immuno-depressive conditions like the Epstein-Barr virus, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, and systemic candidiasis.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Dr. Pittman found that most immuno-depressive conditions have one common symptom: a high incidence of digestive dysfunction and poor digestion. “Food allergies - especially to dairy - are a major source of digestive dysfunction,” remarks Dr. Pittman.

Poor digestion happens when foods are not being broken down properly and are not being used to help the body regenerate itself. The intestines then become inflamed as the intestinal lining reacts by swelling. Increased intestinal permeability develops as partially digested food particles are released into the bloodstream. Alternative health practitioners call this “leaky gut syndrome”. Once in circulation, the body reacts to these particles as though they were foreign and alerts the immune system to attack them by building up antibodies. After a lengthy fight the immune system enters into a chronic hyper immune state. “The immune system becomes so overworked,” says Dr. Pittman “that it is similar to draining a battery.”

This hyperimmune state can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and connective tissue disorders. “In addition to a worn-out immune system,” comments Dr. Pittman, “food remnants provide fuel for the overgrowth of fermentative fungal organisms such as candida albicans and various types of parasites. Candida in turn can worsen food allergies, create hypoglycemia and digestive disturbances, and cause bloating, flatulence, skin rashes, and extreme fatigue, all of which can further damage the immune system. Drinking aloe vera juice helps to seal the intestinal wall much in the same way aloe gel seals a wound or soothes a burn when applied to the skin.

“Aloe effectively heals the lining of the intestines,” says Dr. Pittman. “It fixes the damaged membranes, intestinal swelling decreases, and the cells of the intestinal wall are tightened, which basically corrects intestinal weakness. The continual flow of protein to the blood is also stopped.” In addition to prescribing aloe to his patients with leaky guy syndrome, Dr. Pittman suggests a modified juice fast from three to 10 days. This puts the GI tract to a well needed rest.

“Unfortunately, most people do not realize that they even have leaky gut syndrome,” says Dr. Pittman, “until one day they have organ system failure and just collapse.” He suggests that patients take notice of their health and pay particular attention to any long-term or recurring infections that could indicate immune system failure. Dr. Pittman also recommends that his patients have a comprehensive stool study done. This enables him to know all of the aspects of the patients’ digestion and whether they could be suffering from bacterial, yeast, or parasitic infections.

Genova aka Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab offers testing procedures. Intestinal Permeability Test gives more information about Leaky Gut Syndrome.

[About 20 years ago, I had a bunch of teeth pulled and 2 had to be cut out, so the dentist was very sorry, that i would have all that extra pain.

At the time Reba, a wonderful secretary of mine, was always at me to use aloe vera, she thought it was truly God’s gift.

She took me to the dentist and then home and fixed a blender full of pineapple juice with about 2 cups of aloe juice/pulp that she scraped out of the leaves.

The pineapple juice hid the aloe vera very well.

With Reba’s juice and herbal allergy/sinus pills and a day in bed, I was healed the next day when I went back for the check up.

The Dentist was amazed and wanted to know what I did, for no one else had ever gone out with gums cut up and healed in a day.

By the end of the week, I was eating popcorn, LOL, carefully but able to eat it.

Shame Reba did not keep me on the aloe vera, if she had, I might not be in the shape that I am today.

granny]

Peramivir IV

Audience: Infectious disease healthcare professionals, hospital risk managers

FDA notified healthcare professionals that, in response to a request from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the investigational antiviral drug peramivir intravenous in certain adult and pediatric patients with confirmed or suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza infection who are admitted to a hospital. IV peramivir is authorized only for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients for whom therapy with an IV drug is clinically appropriate, based on one or more of the following: 1] the patient is not responding to either oral or inhaled antiviral therapy, 2] when drug delivery by a route other than an intravenous route is not expected to be dependable or feasible, or 3] for adults only, when the clinician judges IV therapy is appropriate due to other circumstances.

Given there are limited safety data on peramivir, mandatory reporting requirements are important to defining the safety profile of this unapproved drug. As part of the conditions of the EUA, health care providers (or designee) must report adverse events and all medication errors associated with peramivir to FDA’s MedWatch program within 7 calendar days from the onset of the adverse event. Additionally, healthcare providers (or designee) must conduct follow-up requested by FDA or CDC related to peramivir adverse event or medication error reports submitted to FDA.

Read the complete MedWatch 2009 Safety summary, including links to the Information for Healthcare Professionals and FDA News Release, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm187814.htm

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