Survivalist Anthologies Volume 1

by George Shepherd

  LENTILS: When lentils are sprouted, they become sweeter with a delicate flavor. They need only 5 minutes of cooking compared to 30 minutes for dried lentils. You can also eat them raw. Lentil sprouts are ready to be eaten when the root is 1 inch long.

  MUNG BEANS: These are the easiest to sprout for beginners. Mung bean sprouts are common in Chinese restaurants and grocery stores. They have a delightful fresh, raw flavor. When the bright white root grows 1 to 2 inches long, they are ready to eat. Cook no more than 3 minutes.

  PEAS: Sprouting peas increase their sugar content, giving pea sprouts a sweet vegetable flavor. Wrinkled or smooth varieties work equally well. When the root is 2 inches long, they are ready to eat raw, or need only 5 minutes for cooking.

  SOYA BEANS: These are the most nutritious of all sprouts and are commonly used in China. The small soybean that is yellow in color is excellent for sprouting. Soya beans are considered fairly difficult for the inexperienced, because they are prone to fermentation, especially during the warm weather. To overcome this problem, rinse sprouts often and remove discolored and unsprouted seeds. They are ready to eat when the root is 2 inches long. Soya bean sprouts require approximately 10 minutes for cooking. These sprouts are higher in protein than any other bean.

  SPROUTED BREAD: This delicious cake-like bread has been enjoyed for thousands of years. Sprouting grains and baking at low temperatures allows the wheat to be less mucus-forming and more digestible. This is a better quality bread because it is closer to a living food. Sprouted bread can be bought at your local health food store.

  VARIOUS LEGUMES: Other legumes that can be sprouted successfully are lima, marrow, pinto, kidney, harlot, navy, adzuki and broad beans. You can also sprout black-eyed, cow gram, pigeon and red gram peas. Some of these may be difficult to find but are fast becoming more available.

  WHEAT: A light delicious flavor resembling fresh, picked corn. The sprouts should not be longer than an inch or less. Grain sprouts grow faster than legumes and refrigerating them does not seem to slow them down. Do not confuse wheat grass and wheat sprouts. As wheat sprouts become wheat grass, they take on completely different nutritional properties. Wheat sprouts cook within 8 minutes or less. Wheat can be bought in health food stores or you can purchase at your local feed and seed store. Ask them if they have, or can order 50 lbs. of hard red winter wheat, untreated. I just recently checked with our local feed store and a 50-pound bag is only $12.00.

  Most people do not attempt to grow sprouts because they think it is too complicated. The key is to keep them moist and rinse them a few times per day, and then simply stand back and watch.

  You are going to need a big jar with a perforated lid. You can use an elastic band with cheesecloth to replace the metal lid. A cheesecloth cover rinses easily. Remove any broken or damaged seeds before you begin to sprout. These seeds can rot and cause sprouts to have an unpleasant smell. Damaged seeds are much easier to remove at this stage than trying to maneuver through the delicate roots that are forming during the sprouting process. Keep in mind that sprouting increases the seed volume 6 to 8 times. Four tablespoons will be sufficient for a quart-sized container.

  Rinse seeds well and place inside the jar. Twice a day rinse the seeds delicately so as not to break the little shoots. Broken shoots will begin to rot or go moldy, causing an unpleasant odor. You may find a pungent smell to your sprouts. This is caused as a result of by-products being produced by the growing sprouts. Sprouts should be moist, but keeping them immersed in water will cause them to rot. Rinsing twice a day ensures that they will not dry out and die. As sprouts begin to develop, lightly shake to remove excess water.

  Sprouts do not have to grow in darkness as they would in soil. Some introduce sunlight during the latter period of sprouting, allowing the sprouts to produce chlorophyll and vitamin C. This will compromise vitamin B2 - a fair trade for chlorophyll. When sprouts have grown to size, they can be kept in a refrigerator, but will continue to grow. Never Run Out Of Food!

  Carrie grew up in the Pacific Northwest where the majority of the community, were farmers. Her parents and grandparents always had a large garden every year. They raised farm animals and preserved their own food. She learned her homestead skills from the generations before her and continues to pass these skills on to her children as well.

  Weeds for Natural Health

  by Robert Scott Bell

  In the old, artificial economy, industries were spawned to poison and eradicate weeds. Weeds were considered a nuisance in the days of our irrational and dysfunctional belief that a nice green lawn was worth any price, even intoxicating the planet and the people on it. As the old economy crumbles under the weightlessness of Ben Bernanke’s Federal Reserve Note quantitative easing, we once again come to realize, as our ancestors already knew, the things of real value were always right beneath our feet.

  Survival depends upon our ability to not only regain the knowledge of nutritional and medicinal plants and weeds, but to begin cultivating them now so that we are ready before disaster hits. I shall endeavor to spotlight a few that grow readily in North America, as well as expound on homeopathic adjuncts or counterparts for readiness. In the event that you cannot access or grow your own medicinal weeds, homeopathic medicine* is relatively inexpensive - and a comprehensive remedy kit can last 100 years or more!

  DIGESTION

  You can be sure that you will run out of Tums, Rolaids, Prevacid and Prilosec. While I would argue against their use even in the current economy - what happens when you are faced with digestive upset and other uncomfortable disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract?

  How about peppermint? This medicinal and edible herb has been used for thousands of years for its curative impact on the digestive system. Mint is a hearty perennial that grows in nearly any condition, and whose oils are also anti-fungal, regenerative and can be used to ward off insects as well. Here are some additional qualities, properties and nutritional content:

  Peppermint - mentha piperita - increases stomach acids aiding digestion. Indigestion, nausea, headache. Slightly anesthetizes mucous membranes. Peppermint oil can be used topically for bug bites, breathe in vapors for congestion. Leaves, flowering tops, oil. Phytochemicals - acetic acid, alpha-carotene, alpha-pinene, azulene, beta-carotene, beta-ionene, betaine, cafeic acid, carvacrol, carvone, chlorogenic acid, coumarin, eugenol, hesperetin, limonene, linalool, luteolin, menthol, 1,8-cineole, p-coumaric acid, pectin, rosmarinic acid, rutin tannin, thymol, vanillin. Nutrients - calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, E.

  Additional homeopathic medicines are essential to have on hand and can be even more specific in the treatment of gastrointestinal distress. At the top of the list I would include Antimonium crudum (Black Sulphide of Antimony), especially if accompanied by a coated tongue. If nausea and vomiting are present, homeopathic Ipecac is a life-saver. For any stomach pain, use Nux vomica (Poison Nut); however, if it is accompanied by exhaustion, reach for Arsenicum album (Arsenious Acid). If there is abdominal pain with gas, the remedy is Iris versicolor (Blue Flag). Should there be evidence of hypoglycemia, choose Lycopodium (Club Moss). If the flatulence is extreme, please consider (at least for the sake of those around you) Pulsatilla (Wind Flower), Baptisia (Wild Indigo) and Cinchona (Peruvian Bark).

  DETOXIFICATION

  The most common abuse of nature occurs in lawn care anytime someone uses an herbicide to get rid of one the most powerful detoxifying herbs readily available around nearly every home in North America. It’s the Dandelion! This herb is so hearty; you have to try to kill it. It is an excellent tonic for the liver and kidneys, can be eaten raw in a salad, juiced, extracted or made into a tea. Here is what else it does:

  Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale - Diuretic, cleanses the liver and blood increases bile production. Reduce serum cholesterol and uric acid. Improves kidneys, spleen, pancreas. Leaves eaten raw or steamed/boiled. Flowers, roots and tops can also be used. Phytochemicals -
Beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, cafeic acid, cryptoxanthin, lutein, mannitol, p-coumaric acid, saponin, stigmasterol. Nutrients - calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C.

  Detoxification is one of the most important categories of medicines needed in any survivalist’s medicine kit. If you can’t grow it (really?), then there are a number of excellent homeopathic medicines very easy to carry along wherever you go. The most versatile is Bryonia alba (Wild Hops) because of its broad action on the liver and its detoxification capacity. Although Nux vomica was previously mentioned in the digestion category, it is also a powerful liver polychrest (many uses), along with Chelidonium (Celandine). Homeopathic Dandelion (Taraxacum) also works well for the liver and kidneys simultaneously.

  WOUND CARE

  Although there are many possibilities to choose from in the category of wound care, one of the most maligned and most versatile is Comfrey. Also known as bone-set and knit-bone, it may be one of the most important herbs you can grow for survival, especially in promoting recovery from severe wounds, including bone breaks. Comfrey is a hearty plant coming from the borage family and grows perennially Comfrey is often used as a vegetable, a tea, a healing herb, as feeds for critters, a compost activator, and a soil conditioner. It is slightly toxic, so I do not recommend it for ingestion unless it is converted to homeopathic medicine, although you can learn to use it safely in either form. Here are some more detailed properties/qualities/nutrients:

  Comfrey - Symphytum officinale - Topical wound care, skin conditions as a poultice. Bites and stings, bedsores, burns, skin ulcers, bleeding hemorrhoids, sunburn, nosebleeds, psoriasis. Not recommended for internal use, can cause liver damage. Use leaves, roots. Phytochemicals - Allantoin, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, sitosterol, stigmasterol. Nutrients - calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C.

  I covered many homeopathic remedies for wound care in my article on gunshot wounds previously. They include Arnica (Leopard’s Bane) for bruising and other tissue trauma, Ledum (Marsh-Tea) for puncture wounds, Hypericum (St. John’s-wort) for nerve damage and injury, and Hepar sulphurius calcareum (Calcium Sulphide) for infection.

  GENERAL TONIC

  Whether in civilization or working the land in survivalist fashion, there is always a need for general tonifying herbs. Tonics act on many areas of the body simultaneously to improve function and metabolism. Nettle can grow almost anywhere as long as they have sufficient moisture. Wearing gloves is crucial when harvesting nettle, as the tiny hairs produce a temporary but irritating sting if contacted. Nettle is an excellent herb to help you manage allergies – especially since you will not be able to go to the drugstore for Claritin or Allegra.

  Nettle - Urtica dioica - General tonic, pain reliever, diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory. Allergies, kidney disorders, anemia. Flowers, leaves, roots. Take care harvesting it. Phytochemicals - Acetic acid, betaine, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, lecithin, lycopene, p-coumaric acid, scopoletin. Nutrients - calcium, copper, fatty acids, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus. potassium, selenium, sulfur, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, C, E.

  In homeopathy, there are a number of remedies that have a tonic action on the body including Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) and Arsenicum album, which has a powerful action on the adrenal glands.

  IMMUNE SUPPORT/INFECTION

  The Purple coneflower grows wild and easily throughout North America and may be one the most important herbal immune adjuncts that the natural world has to offer. It is simple to grind into an herb, make an extract or brew as a tea.

  Echinacea - Fights inflammation, bacterial and viral infection, stimulates some white blood cells, boosts immune system and lymphatic drainage. Allergies, flu, colds. Use leaves, roots. Phytochemicals - alpha-pinene, apigenin, arabinogalactan, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, betaine, borneol, caffeic acid, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, cichoric acid, cynarin, echinacoside, ferulic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, stigmasterol, vanillin, verbascoside. Nutrients - calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C.

  ***Those allergic to ragweeds should use with caution. Stimulates the immune system so those with autoimmune disorders should not use for prolonged periods.

  Additional homeopathic medicines for your consideration include Phosphorus, which is essential for adult fever and Belladonna for kid’s fevers.

  NERVOUS SYSTEM HEALTH

  One of the greatest benefits of a societal reset is the collapse of synthetic pharmaceutical alteration of brain chemistry by modern psychiatry. It’s time to return to the brain tonics of old, especially Skullcap. The Native-Americans even used skullcap as a mild sedative.

  Skullcap - Scutellaria laterfolia - Aids sleep, circulation, relieves muscle cramps, spasms, pain. Aids anxiety, nervous disorders, headache, cardiovascular health. Use leaves, roots. Phytochemicals - beta-carotene, lignin, tannins. Nutrients - calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C. ***not for children under 6.

  Additional options in the homeopathic realm include Gelsemium (Yellow Jasmine) which is excellent in times of extreme duress, stress and fear. When stressed in the presence of toxins, use Nux vomica as well.

  CONNECTIVE TISSUE STRENGTH

  Disorders of the connective tissue include arthritis, cardiovascular and neurological disease. Keeping your connective tissue strong is also a critical way to prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body. No herb contains as much of the mineral Silicon (the key deficiency in such disorders) than Horsetail. Please note that when growing Horsetails, they should never be allowed to dry out.

  Horsetail - Equisetum arvense - diuretic, anti-inflammatory,.promotes healthy skin, bone, hair and nails. Historically used for arthritis, gout, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disorders, bronchial and lung problems. Topically used in a poultice to curb bleeding and assist healing of wounds. Use stems.

  Phytochemicals - beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, campesterol, equisetonin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, isoquercitrin, isoquercitroside, kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, tannic acid, vanillic acid. Nutrients - calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins, B1, B2, B3, C.

  *Whenever I refer to a homeopathic medicine/remedy in this article, people are inclined to ask for what potency I recommend. The critical factor is the right remedy, not the right potency, so whatever is available – use it! My preferences follow: 10x, 12x, 15x, 6c, 12c, 6x, 30x or 30c.

  Additional Resources:

  1) If you feel intimidated by Latin-named homeopathic medicines, pre-formulated complexes are available with indications for conditions already labeled, including a full “Peace of Mind” Emergency Preparation Kit. They are available from King Bio (kingbio.com) at 1-800-543-3245.

  2) “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” – Phyllis and James Balch, MD

  3) http://www.ehow.com/

  Robert Scott Bell is a homeopathic practitioner with a passion for health and healing unmatched by anybody in media. Each week Robert Scott Bell hosts the fastest two hours of healing information on radio, dealing with everyday health issues from the perspective of alternative/holistic health care. Empowering his listeners with healing principles that can aid in physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, economic, and yes even political healing! The concept of nullification is a cornerstone of Robert’s radio show where he reveals ways in which you can restore health without government interference. Learn more at http://www.robertscottbell.com/.

  Saving Money Around the Homestead

  by Jim Cobb

  No doubt about it, just about everyone is hurting financially today. There’s definitely a whole lot more of us “have-nots” than “haves” out there. Whether you already have a full-blown homestead, are saving towards one, or
are just interested in saving a buck or two, here are a few tips to help you along:

  Learn some basic DIY skills like carpentry, plumbing, and vehicle repair. You don’t necessarily need to become a journeyman plumber or a master mechanic, but you should at least be able to replace a faucet, change a car battery or affect basic repairs. Pick up a few home repair books and give it a shot. Many projects don’t require fancy tools or equipment, but the corollary to this is; don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you’re not comfortable tackling a given repair, let a professional handle it. You could end up doing more harm than good, costing you more money to get the job done right. If you do hire a professional, pay attention while they are working and hopefully you’ll learn a thing or two that will come in handy in the future.

  Coupons are a great way to keep a few extra dollars in your wallet. Yes, it is a little time-consuming to clip and sort them, but it’s definitely worth it. While our family is far from being “coupon royalty” like those folks you see profiled on TV from time to time, we still probably average $20-$30 in savings with every trip to the grocery store. Many stores also offer loyalty cards of some sort that allow you to save even more money. For example; what I’ve seen local grocery stores do is put an item on sale for, say, 4/$2.00, but with the loyalty card the price is further reduced to 4/$1.50.

  Stacking refers to the practice of buying something at a discounted price with your loyalty card or an in-store coupon, then using a manufacturer’s coupon on top of that. This is a means to save huge amounts of money. For example, a grocery store normally sells cans of Chef Boyardee pasta for $1.20 each. In this week’s ad, they have an in-store coupon reducing the price to $0.85 a can. I then have a manufacturer coupon saving me $1.00 if I buy four cans. Now I’m only paying $0.60 per can, saving me half the normal price. Often times, manufacturer’s coupons don’t have an expiration date, so they’re well worth saving for future use. If you have a grocery store in your area that will double coupons, all the better!