Some Great Spring Gardening Tips 2014

Compliments of The helpful gardener

This year I need all the help that I can get to make the most amazing garden in the universe. I WANT to be called the Ninja Gardener heee.. 

Great Spring Gardening Tips 

Pruning For early blooming shrubs such as forsythia and viburnum,  prune them as soon as blooms have passed. Early  spring is also an ideal time to prune your roses. Deadheading Remove spent flowers from bulbs,  but leave the rest of the plant as is for the time being. Weeding Pull weeds from your beds and borders  before they have a chance to take hold and spread. Composting Tend to your compost if it has been neglected  over the winter. If you do not have a compost bin,  spring is a great time to start one. Tools Spring is a good time to prepare your tools  for the oncoming gardening season and to make  any necessary repairs or new purchases. You will  be happy you have done so when summer sets in. Plant Spring is a great time to add new  plants to your garden. Be sure, however, that  all threat of frost has past. Plant such things trees,  shrubs, hardy annuals, and summer blooming bulbs. Fertilize & Mulch Fertilize and mulch beds and borders.  Spring is also a good time to fertilize fruit trees.  If you applied heavy winter mulch for protection from  the cold, you will need to clear it away. Staking Stake plants that may be prone to wind damage  during the unpredictable spring weather. Lawn Care Spring is the best time to start a new lawn from  seed. For established lawns, you should start  mowing in the spring, but don’t initially cut the grass very short for the first few times. Of course, whether you start these  chores in early, mid, or late spring depends  on the climate where you live, taking in to  account such factors as when the threat of frost  has past or when the ground is thawed enough to  dig. I hope these tips will give you a good idea as to  where to focus your attention in your garden this spring. Enjoy!

Health benefits and medicinal properties of coconut oil (Pure organic extra virgin is a good choice)

I absolutely love love love coconut oil. I put it in everything and anything I can. I actually love to use it in oatmeal with some stevia, walnuts and cranberries. Yum. I am also using it when I make my homemade lotion bars. PuritansPride.com has it on sale this week buy 1 get 2. You might want to check it out.

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti fungal, antibacterial and soothing properties.

Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical countries especially India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Phillipines etc, which have a good production of coconut oil. The oil was also once popular in western countries such as United States and Canada; however, there was a strong propoganda in 1970s spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry against coconut oil. Coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content till the last decade (2000s) when people started questioning this propoganda. Let us get into some details of how coconut oil works for our body.

How is lauric acid used by our body?

The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled various benefits in both traditional and modern medicine.
Before we move on to the benefits of coconut oil in detail, let us understand its composition.

Composition of Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats (Don’t panic! First read to the last word. Your opinion may change), with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin coconut oil is no different from this. Let us have a bit detailed study of this..
Saturated fatty acids: Most of them are medium chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Lauric acid is the chief contributor, with more than forty percent of the share, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic acid.
Monounsaturated fatty acids: Oleic acid.
Poly-phenols: Coconut contains gallic acid, which is phenolic acid. These poly-phenols are supposed to be responsible for the fragrance and the taste of coconut oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these poly-phenols.
Certain derivatives of fatty acid like betaines, ethanolamide, ethoxylates, fatty esters, fatty polysorbates, monoglycerides and polyol esters.
Fatty chlorides, fatty alcohol sulphate and fatty alcohol ether sulphate, all of which are derivatives of fatty alcohols.
Vitamin-E and vitamin K and minerals such as Iron.

Health benefits of coconut oil

Let us now explore the benefits of coconut oil in detail:

Hair care:

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. It is effective in reducing the protein loss for damaged and undamaged hair.
Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. Most of the people in these countries apply coconut oil on their hair daily after bath. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. Research study indicates that coconut oil provides better protection to hair from damage caused by hygral fatigue.
Regular head massage with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, even if your scalp is dry. It also helps in keeping hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs.
It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties. 

Heart diseases

There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

Weight loss

Coconut oil is very useful in reducing weight. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who eat coconut oil daily as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.

Digestion

Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Immunity

Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

Healing and infections

When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues.
Infections: Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its anti fungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, etc. Coconut oil is also effective on fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.

Other

Coconut oil is strongly recommended for other benefits which are given below. Usage of coconut oils mildly helps for the following:
Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases as they substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing work load on the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.

Kidney: Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones.

Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.

Stress relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue.

Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.

Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium which are necessary for development of bones. Thus coconut oil is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.

Dental care: Calcium is an important element present in teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in getting strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay.

HIV and cancer: It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown indications of the effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients (Reference).
Finally, coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.

Coconut oil and Alzheimer's disease: There are reports of  research conducted by Dr. Newport stating that coconut oil is useful for treating Alzheimer's disease. Apart from this there is no scientific evidence or traditional knowledge or coconut oil being used for treating Alzheimer's. It was also not known traditionally that coconut oil helps in the brain function.

Why is coconut oil solid?: Unlike most other oils, coconut oil has a high melting point - about 24 to 25 degress Celcius or 76-78 Farenheit. Therefore it is solid at room temperature and melts only when the temperatures go high. Hence, if you buy a bottle of coconut oil and find it solid, don't think that there is some problem with it. Coconut oil is like this only. And of course, don't keep it in your refrigerator.

How to use coconut oil?: If you are using coconut oil for topical purposes, especially hair care, just melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or warm water. You can also take some coconut oil out and put it in a small bowl and heat the bowl over a flame (do not use microwave). Then take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. If you want to use it for internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes. Remember, you need not switch to coconut oil completely, as you will miss the benefits of other oils and dairy products.

Can I use coconut oil for cooking?: Yes, in most of the tropical coastal regions, people use coconut oil for coooking.

I don't like the taste of coconut oil. What Should I do?: Try using coconut oil in some different recipe. That may help. If you get nauseated after eating coconut oil, don't force yourself. As it happens with any other food item, your body may be allergic to coconut oil and it is best not to consume it.

This article is written by Kiran Patil
Visit the website of Coconut Research Center to get a list of the scientific literature on coconut oil

Organic Facts.net

No Garden? Here Are 66 Things You Can Can Grow At Home In Containers

Container Gardens
By Rachel Cernansky - planetgreen.discovery.com
Growing your own food is exciting, not only because you get to see things grow from nothing into ready-to-eat fruits and veggies, but you also don’t have to worry about the pesticides they might contain, and you definitely cut down on the miles they—and you—have to travel.
As it turns out, with pretty minimal effort, anyone can be a gardener. My boyfriend and I are essentially first-timers this season and so far have the beginnings of strawberries peeking out, tomatoes are on their way, the basil’s about ready for a big batch of pesto, and once the last frost hits, the peppers, kale, spinach, chard, and mescalin will be on their way, too. All on a tiny little terrace (with the help of a little DIY carpentry).
If you’re up to the challenge—and it really isn’t much of one—growing your own food can be so rewarding. And so much cheaper! Just be sure to choose the right planter or container, learn how to maintain it properly, and go find yourself some seeds! (Or starter plants.)
Like this idea? Be sure to check out these 6 Crazy Concepts for Micro Gardens That Actually Work to get inspiration for designing your own garden in a small space.
Here’s a starter list of all the crazy things even urban gardeners, without space for a garden, can grow at home.

Tree fruits – including apples

1. Apples can be grown in a container; you can also grow them on the balcony or other small space using a technique called espaliering.
2. Kumquats
3. Avocados (plenty of extra tips online if you search)
4. Blackberries
5. Blueberries (sometimes helpful videos are available online)
6. Pomegranate
7. Cherries
8. Figs
9. Pears

Citrus fruits

Citrus trees in particular are said to be good for beginning gardeners and are easy to grow indoors, so don’t let inexperience or lack of outdoor space stop you from enjoying fresh-picked, hyper-local fruit.
10. Dwarf oranges
11. Grapefruit
12. Tangerines
13. Meyer lemons
14. Limes

Tropical fruits

Tropical fruits can also be surprisingly easy to grow indoors, even in non-tropical climates. Such as…
15. Bananas (look for container gardening tips online)
16. Pineapple
17. Papaya
18. Guavas (several varieties)

The real surprises

19. Hops—yes, as in the “spice” ingredient in beer. Turns out they’re easy to grow!
20. Aloe Vera
21. Strawberries
22. Tea (well, herbal tea)
23. Quinoa!

The non-surprises

24. Tomatoes
25. Summer squash
26. Other squashes, like acorn and pumpkin
27. Hot Peppers
28. Sweet peppers
29. Cucumbers

Melons

30. Small cantaloupe
31. Jenny Lind melon (an heirloom cantaloupe)
32. Golden Midget Watermelon

Herbs

Just about any herb grows well indoors—just be sure that if you’re going to do any container-sharing, you do your research first about which herbs co-habitate well together. (Some will hog water, for example, and leave the others dried out.)
33. Basil
34. Oregano
35. Parsley
36. Rosemary
37. Chives
38. Catnip
39. Thyme
40. Sage
41. Parsley

Leafy Greens

42. Kale
43. Mescalin greens
44. Spinach
45. Swiss chard
46. Lettuces (plenty of options there, from micro-greens to head or loose-leaf)
47. Mustard greens
48. Collard greens
49. Arugula

Root Vegetables

50. Carrots
51. Beets
52. Potatoes

Other healthy-sounding stuff

53. Sprouts
54. More sprouts: mung bean and lentil sprouts
55. Wheat grass
56. Kohlrabi
57. Turnips
58. Rutabagas
59. Celeriac
60. Parsnips
61. Jerusalem Artichoke
62. Sugar snap peas
63. Rhubarb (not ideal in a container, but it can work)
64. Mushrooms (again, more tips online if you look)
65. Pole Beans
66. And… asparagus, although some disagree that it does well in a container. Try it if you’re ok with a risk!
Bonus 67: You can grow your own loofah, too, but you’d need a garden rather than a container for that.

The Ultimate Emergency Medical Supply Checklist

Article Credits: The Survival Doctor

The Survival Doctor’s Ultimate Emergency Medical Supplies

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.
Many have asked me what I would have in a first-aid kit or bug-out bag in case disaster strikes. So I’ve come up with my top must-haves, along with extras it would be great to have. This goes beyond your average first-aid kit. It’s my ultimate emergency medical supplies list.
You’ll customize yours depending on specific illnesses, ages of family members, medical training, etc. While this is my ultimate list, that doesn’t mean it’s exhaustive. I’ve tried to keep the medical supplies to a minimum with the realization that easy transport is essential. And some things can be used for more than one purpose. All the better.

Print Me!

Click here for a printable checklist of these emergency medical supplies.

For an infographic and picture checklist, click the picture below to enlarge.

Unless otherwise mentioned, you should be able to find all these items without trouble. In fact, I’ve linked some to Amazon.com for examples.* (The links are for general information and in no way specific endorsements.)
I’d suggest having a first-aid kit in the car, at your work, and in your bug-out bag if you have one. Then, have a much larger emergency medical supplies kit at home.

The Essentials

Infection Preventers

Quick Tip

I like liquid bulk items for home storage but individual packs for the travel kits so they don’t leak.

Vinyl gloves. Emergencies outside a clinic are never sterile. The gloves are not only to cut down on getting germs in the wound but to keep the caregiver safe from potentially germ-carrying bodily fluids. Tips:

• Get a box of disposable gloves for the house and put a few pairs in each of your bags.
• Get the vinyl type to avoid latex allergies.
• Go for one-size-fits-all or the large size. If they’re too small, you can’t use them, but if they’re too large they’re kind of bulky but usable.
• The cheaper ones work well but may be more likely to tear. If than happens, just slip a second pair over the first.
• Keep the gloves in a resealable plastic bag. The bag could come in handy for irrigating a wound and multiple other uses.
• A pair of dishwasher gloves is a good substitute.

Alcohol (rubbing, or isopropyl). Good to clean wounds and wash hands. I’d keep a bottle around the house (the drinking kind will do in a pinch) and some individually packed pads in each of the kits.

Betadine pads. Good for cleaning around wounds. If need be, you can disinfect water with them by adding a pad per quart of water. The water can be used for drinking or irrigating a wound.

Antibiotic ointment. I like bacitracin. Triple-antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) is fine, but some people are allergic to it.

Bandages and Splints

SAM Splint

Adhesive bandages—otherwise known as Band-Aids. Have few regular size and a few large size in each bag.

Kerlix gauze rolls. They’re kind of like continuous rolls of gauze. You can cut one to size for a dressing, fold it over to make it thicker, wrap it around an extremity to make a pressure dressing, or wrap it around a splinted leg or arm. Take at least four rolls if they’ll fit.

Elastic bandages. I think the 3-inch or 4-inch width is the most versatile. One or two will do.

SAM Splints. Put a standard size in each kit. They’re versatile and light—for splinting sprains and fractures. Know in advance how to use one.

Bandage scissors.

Matches in a waterproof case or a lighter. To sterilize needles, safety pins, paper clips, etc.

Bandage scissors

Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly (Vaseline), stored in a resealable plastic bag. You may need the Vaseline to make a seal on an occlusive dressing for a chest puncture wound that involves a lung. In addition, the soaked cotton balls make great fire starters.

Duct tape. Actually, any tape will do. This is just a good all-purpose one. You can tape anything from a bandage to a wound with it. And it’s waterproof. You can even use it for some makeshift spectacles. You might keep a roll of paper tape also, in case someone’s allergic to the other kinds.

Super glue. Good to put on small finger nicks, which could lead to big infections in a dirty environment. It also can help the duct tape stick better.

Other Emergency Medical Supplies to Keep at Home

1. An aloe vera plant. This comes in handy. A little ground up orally can be used for a laxative. Use the gel inside the leaves for burns and soothing the skin.
2. Honey, honey, honey, for eating and coughs. Keep some manuka honey, such as Medihoney, to treat infected skin wounds.
3. More of all the other things the post mentions. (You can only keep so much in a bag.)

Safety pins of various sizes to pin elastic bandages, make slings, stick a hole in a plastic bag or jug for pressure irrigation, or pick out small splinters (after sterilizing the pin).

Other Essential Supplies

Over-the-counter medications. Have liquid or chewable sources for the kids. Keep a few individual packets in each kit.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) or acetaminonphen (Tylenol) for pain and fever relief.
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies or a sleep aid.
• Ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid) or your favorite antacid for heartburn and acid reflux.
• Loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea.

One 14-gauge, 2-inch-long hollow needle in case someone has a tension pneumothorax and needs chest air-pressure release.

Warming blanket. Hypothermia can be a danger in injured people. This type is light and warms when it’s exposed to air.

Emergency airways—to keep the back of the tongue from obstructing the airway in an unconscious person. You need a children and adult size. You can learn how to use them in a CPR class.

Emergency airway kit

Of course, you’re going to need water for drinking. Store as much as you can—if possible, two gallons per person per day. For portability, carry a good, reliable water filter and bottle. Just be sure it’s the kind that filters bacteria, parasites, etc.

>> Learn the best ways to use these supplies in The Survival Doctor’s Guide to Wounds and The Survival Doctor’s Guide to Burns.

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If you still have room in your bag, add:

More Wound-Dressing Supplies

Israeli bandage

Nonstick sterile gauze, which helps keep the wound fluids from drying and sticking to the bandage. Keep a few in each kit.

Israeli bandage. This can be used as a pressure dressing or a tourniquet. It’s easy to learn how to use, but know how before you need it.

Vet wrap. This is a self-adherent wrap. It’s kind of like an elastic bandage that clings to itself. But it’s not readily reusable. The human medical brand is Coban, but vet wrap is cheaper, and otherwise, I don’t know that there’s a difference.

Sanitary napkins or more gauze. I like the 3-by-3- or 4-by-4-inch gauze. Again, I’d keep a pack in each of the bags or just get a big pack and store some in resealable plastic bags for the various first-aid kits. You can add a few sterile sponges to each kit also. They usually come individually wrapped. Sure, you can use sterile gauze even if you don’t need it to be sterile. It’s just more expensive.

Vet wrap

Tampons—good for nosebleeds or for any place they fit to stop the bleeding.

Hydrocortisone 1% cream for eczema, poison oak or ivy, or any other noninfectious skin irritation.

Aloe vera—the gel for the kits. It’s great first-aid for burns.

Lidocaine gel for numbing a wound.

Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) for skin moisturizing. It’s also about the only thing that gets tar off the skin or hair. And, as mentioned above, it helps seal chest puncture wounds.

Sterile gloves and dressings (as opposed to the less expensive nonsterile kind), which are most important when tending to burns or wounds that involve broken bones. (See my books.)

Medical Gadgets

Headlamp

Stethoscope, blood-pressure cuff

Pulse oximeter

Headlamp—not exactly “medical,” but it sure comes in handy. It’s amazing how a little extra light can help when you’re trying to do a medical procedure.

Stethoscope to listen to the heart and the lungs. Listen to some normal ones ahead of time.

Thermometer. A digital oral one is fine.

Blood-pressure cuff. This is bulky, and really, feeling a pulse with your fingers—its rate and whether it’s weak or strong—can tell you enough in the field. Although, the cuff can be used for a tourniquet or pressure dressing. For home, if you don’t use one much, consider an automatic one. The arm kinds tend to be more accurate than the wrist types. Check its accuracy ahead of time by letting a trained person check your blood pressure with a manual cuff, then the automatic one.

Pulse oximeter. Clip this to your finger (no needles, no blood), and it tells you the oxygen saturation in your blood. You can use it when you suspect a panic attack, or heart or lung problems. Learn more here.

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Tea tree oil

If you have a smaller, separate leak-proof and waterproof bag, add:

Medihoney for the house. It treats infected wounds. Read my Wounds and Burns books for more specifics on how to use honey.

Clove oil—for toothaches.

Tea tree oil—for poison ivy and lice, scabies, and antifungal and antibiotic use.

Paracord Survival Bracelet. This is a strong cord with multiple uses. (The link goes to the store for Wounded Warriors, which is a great organization.)

>> Information overload? Learn at your leisure with the new The Survival Doctor ebooks.

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Those who have appropriate hands-on training, add:

Lactated Ringer’s solution

IV materials. You’ll need:

• A bag of IV fluids, like lactated Ringer’s solution.
• An IV kit.
• Several needles/catheters, butterfly-type infusion sets, or intraosseus infusion needles. Many paramedics would say the latter are the easiest in a nonhospital emergency setting.

Suture kits. Most wounds can be closed with duct tape. Others are best left open. For the rest, here are some options:

• You’ll need a suture holder.
• Small scissors would also be nice, especially if you’re going to be the one to take the sutures out.
• And you’ll need a suture with a needle connected; 3-0 or 4-0 nylon (Ethilon) should be strong enough to hold most wounds together.

Skin stapler

For local anesthesia (numbing) lidocaine solution, 1 or 2 percent, is what medical personnel use, but it’s prescription. You’ll need syringes and needles too. Lidocaine gel or ice packs and other options have variable results.

Skin staples. To me, skin stapling is easier than learning suturing. My book on wounds has a video link that shows how to do this.

Staple remover. A must if you’re planning on getting the staples out.

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What if I can’t get antibiotics?

Many infections, such as sore throats and gastrointestinal infections, are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don’t help. For other infections, there are alternatives if prescription meds aren’t available, There are alternative treatments for skin infections, pinworms, lice, scabies, fungal infections, yeast infections and numerous others.

Antibiotics

Talk to your doctor. He or she might give you a prescription for at least one round of treatment to add to your emergency medical supplies. Antibiotics must be stored in a cool, dry place. Temperature extremes can alter their potency.

Azithromycin (Z-Pak) is an erythromycin-type antibiotic that can treat strep throat, ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, and skin infections. Of course, there’s always chance the bacteria is resistant or the infection is a virus. Azithromycin also treats the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia.

Amoxicillin is a great drug if you’re not allergic to penicillin, but many bacteria, such as staph, have become resistant to it. Cephalexin is a good alternative.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is good for a bacterial gastrointestinal infection, but only take it if the infection is severe or won’t go away. Ciprofloxacin is also good for prostatitis and urinary-tract infections such as cystitis. It treats gonorrhea too. It may cause abnormalities in anyone whose bones are still growing (typically 18 years old and under). Don’t use if pregnant.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) treats the intestinal parasite giardia and the sexually transmitted parasite trichomonas. Makes you deathly sick if mixed with alcohol.

Septra and Bactrim are sulfa drugs good for urinary-tract infections. The antibiotic both of these contain is one of the only oral antibiotics that treats community-acquired staph aureus (MRSA). Not to use if pregnant.

Mupirocin (Bactroban) is a prescription ointment or cream that actively kills bacteria, even MRSA. (The over-the-counter antibacterials help prevent infections but don’t actively kill bacteria.)

Ivermectin kills many intestinal-worm infections, including pinworms. It also kills scabies and body, pubic, and head lice. Don’t take if pregnant or breastfeeding or under six years old.

Please read the package inserts on any medicine before taking it, and note the dosages, side effects, interactions, warnings, etc. The guidelines I’ve presented here are only partial.

Have you tried any of these products? Do you have comments or reviews—or emergency medical supplies to add to the list? Please share here.

*Disclosure: The links to Amazon.com are affiliate links, meaning someone who works with TheSurvivalDoctor.com gets a commission if you buy through the link—whether you buy that specific product or something else.

Health/Medicinal Uses for essential eucalyptus oil

 

Obtained from OrganicFacts.Net

Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The health benefits of eucalyptus oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinct taste and odor.
Though eucalyptus essential oil has most of the properties of a typical volatile oil, it is not very popular as an aromatherapy oil as it was little known before a few centuries. However, the numerous health benefits of eucalyptus oil have attracted the attention of the entire world to explore its usage in aromatherapy as well as conventional medicine.
Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves of the tall evergreen eucalyptus tree. The tree, which has the botanical name Eucalyptus Globulus is also known as fever tree, blue gum tree or stringy bark tree. Eucalyptus is native to Australia and has spread in the past few centuries to other parts of the world including India, Europe and South Africa. Though many countries produce eucalyptus oil in small quantities, the prime source of eucalyptus oil for the world is Australia. Due to the medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil and the compound eucalyptol present in it, it is used in a variety of over the counter drugs including rubs, inhalers, liniments, rash creams, and mouthwashes.

Health benefits of eucalyptus oil

The health benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:

Respiratory problems: Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating a number of respiratory problems including cold, cough, running nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant in nature which makes it a good ingredient for many medicines for treating respiratory problems. A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat.

Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.

Muscle pain: During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil is massage in circular motion on affected areas.

Mental exhaustion: An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally people suffering from any disorder are down. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.

Dental care: Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaques, gingivitis and other dental infections due to its germicidal properties.

Skin care: Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.

Diabetes: Eucalyptus oil when taken internally controls blood sugar.

Fever: It is also used for treating fever and reducing the body temperature. Therefore it is also called fever oil.

Intestinal germs: Eucalyptus oil is a vermifuge and hence is used to remove germs in the intestine.
Other benefits of eucalyptus oil include the following:

Room freshener: The antiseptic and deodorant nature of eucalyptus oil makes it a perfect room freshener for hospitals and sickbed atmosphere. It also kills bacteria and germs in the air and hence keeps the room environment clean.

Soaps: Eucalyptus oil has applications in soaps, detergents and household cleaners as well.

Mouth wash: As mentioned above, the oil is a prime ingredient in many mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Sauna: Many people add eucalyptus oil to baths, spas and saunas due to its refreshing and antiseptic effect.
Usage of eucalyptus oil in aromatherapy is increasing gradually as it also blends well with many other essential oils including thyme essential oil, rosemary essential oil, marjoram essential oil, lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, frankincense essential oil, etc.
One should take care while using eucalyptus oil. If taken in large quantities, eucalyptus oil is toxic. It may also interfere with homeopathic treatments.

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Health/Medicinal Benefits of essential lemon oil

Health Benefits of Lemon Oil 

Organic Facts

The health benefits of lemon oil can be attributed to its stimulating, calming, carminative, anti-infection, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, sleep inducing, and anti-fungal properties. These benefits of lemon oil include its ability to treat stress disorders, fever, infections, asthma, over weight, insomnia, skin disorders, hair disorders, stomach problems and tiredness.


Lemon is one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world and is used for culinary purposes as it is a good source of vitamin and helps in digestion. It also provides a good taste and aroma to food. Further lemon juice is one of the most popular drinks in the world as it is very healthy, tasty, and low cost.

Health benefits of lemon oil include the following:

Stress: Lemon oil is calming in nature and therefore helps in removing mental fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, anxiety, nervousness and nervous tension. It has to ability to refresh the mind by creating a positive mind-frame and removing negative emotions. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing concentration and alertness. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees.

Insomnia: Usage of lemon oil ensures good sleep and helps those suffering from insomnia.

Immune system: Lemon oil has high vitamin content and therefore it helps in increasing
the immunity of the body. It further stimulated White Blood Cells and thus increases your ability to fight diseases. Lemon oil also improves the circulation in the body.
Fever: Lemon oil is effective against infectious diseases such as fever, malaria and typhoid.

Stomach ailments: Since lemon oil is carminative, it is used in treating various stomach problems including indigestion, acidity, stomach upsets, cramps, etc.

Weight loss: Lemon juice is very helpful in reducing weight.
Asthma: It is believed that lemon is also useful for treating asthma.

Hair care: Lemon oil is also effective as a hair tonic. Many people use lemon oil to get strong, healthy and silky, shinning hair. Lemon oil is also used for removing dandruff from head.

Skin care: Lemon oil is a great tonic for the increasing the luster of dull dry skin. It is astringent and detoxifying in nature, and it rejuvenates dull skin. Its antiseptic properties help in treating pimples and various skin disorders. Lemon is also recommended for oily skin.
Other benefits of lemon include the following:

Cleaners: Lemon is a good cleaner; therefore it is used for cleansing the body, metal surfaces, etc. It is also a disinfectant and hence it is used for cleaning surfaces such as butcher’s knife and block that can get contaminated easily.

Soaps and cosmetics: Lemon juice and lemon essential oil is used in soaps, face wash and many personal care and skin care cosmetics due to its antiseptic nature.

Perfumes: Lemon oil has a distinct refreshing aroma which makes it a good ingredient for perfumes. Many scented candles contain lemon oil. It is also uused in potpourris.

Beverages: Lemon oil is used in various artificial drinks concentrates to give them the taste of lemon juice.
Lemon oil blends well with many other essential oils including lavender essential oil, rose oil, neroli essential oil, sandalwood oil, geranium essential oil, ylang ylang essential oil, tea tree essential oil, etc.

The medicinal (health) benefits of orange oil

(Natural News) A favorite oil used in Aromatherapy is Orange essential oil. It has a fresh, sweet, citrus smell and is a valuable treatment oil for many ailments. The oil is extracted from the fruit of the Orange plant (Citrus sinensis) by cold-press method and it is best to only use organic, cold-pressed oils to avoid chemical toxicity.

Sweet and Bitter Orange essential oils offer a magnitude of health benefits and therapeutic properties. Some of these include:

• Anti-depressant
  Well-known for its uplifting properties, orange essential oil is soothing to the mind and helps to relieve stress. It is refreshing and relaxing and commonly used for the treatment of anxiety.
• Anti-inflammatory
  It provides relief from both internal and external inflammation caused by infections. It is helpful in treating swollen tissue by stimulating blood circulation.
• Anti-septic
  It inhibits microbial growth and can help ease a sore throat if used in a gargle. It also helps to heal mouth ulcers when used in a mouth wash.
• Improves Digestion
  It is known to promote digestion, ease constipation and increase the absorption of vitamin C. Use as a massage oil in the abdominal area.
• Anti-Cancer
  D-limonene is a super-nutrient that occurs in Orange Essential Oil. It has been studied extensively for its ability to prevent cellular mutations and combat cancer tumor growth.
• Encourages Detoxification
  Sweet Orange essential oil encourages detoxification by acting as a diuretic. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, the bladder and kidneys. Increased urination assists in the elimination of toxins like uric acid, bile and excess salts and helps relieve fluid retention. Detox and cleansing properties help breakdown and eliminate cellulite.
• Skin Treatment
  Orange essential oil is shown to promote the production of collagen as well as increase the blood flow to the skin. It is helpful at soothing dry, irritated skin as well as acne-prone skin. It is excellent for rubbing on calluses on the feet.

How To Use Orange Essential Oil

Essential oils are absorbed into the body via the nose and the pores of skin and hair follicles. From there they enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. The beauty of aromatherapy is that you benefit from the inhalation and topical application of the essential oils.

• Use as a massage oil on affected areas of the body.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to a body wash.
• Use as a room freshener: put a few drops of oil with water in a spritz bottle.
• To relive a sore throat: Add a drop of bitter orange essential oil to warm salt water and gargle.

Other Orange Essential Oil Uses

Orange Essential Oil also has a number of industrial and household uses.
It is used to add orange flavor to various food products such as beverages, desserts, biscuits, chocolates, sweets and bakery items. Industrially, it is used in soaps, body lotions, face creams, room sprays/air fresheners and deodorants.

The D-limonene in Sweet Orange essential oil is an extremely effective insect repellent. Wipe or spray it wherever pests come into your house: cracks, around windows and doors. It can also be safely used in your pantry to repel moths, worms and ants instead of using poisonous substances.

Warnings and Precautions :

Orange Essential Oil shows photo-toxicity, do not apply before going out in the sun.
If ingested in excess quantity, it can result in vomiting and nausea. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

References

1.www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-o...

2. Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-67.

3. www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils-news/natural-hea...

4. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01046929

5. http://www.encognitive.com/node/2579

About the author

Katherine Oosthuis is completing a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. She researches and writes for a health and nutrition website Detox For Life . Her passion is to make research available to those who are looking to improve their well-being and revolutionize their health through better nutrition and alternative medicines.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029155_orange_essential_oils.html#ixzz2PSCfnuNP