Preparedness: Stocking Stuffers

Solstice is coming and with it the dilemma of what to stuff stockings with. I hate buying flimsy, crappy toys that will fall apart or useless junk that will just become trash in a few weeks. My kids LOVE survival stuff so I've put together a list of possible stocking stuffers. Many of these items have been requested by my kids at one time or another.

Para Cord Survival Bracelet
These come in a variety and colors and sizes. Each inch of bracelet roughly equals 1 foot of para cord.

Even funner are the Para Cord Bracelet/Compass Combo.
You lose a bit of the cord but the compass could be handy, especially on a daily basis with my kids going out into the woods which meander all around.

Full tang hunting knife with fire starter
The reviews on this particular knife and some of the others recommend wrapping your own para cord on the handle.

Survival Snare Kit
Has instructions on using snares and 2 different sized snares. I most likely would buy one then create my own kits based off this one as they are about $17 with shipping.

Fishing Survival Kit
Possibly another kit I would buy 1 of then create copies of. It gets expensive buying for 5 kids!

Leatherman Multitool (there are many styles and price ranges available)

or

11 function credit card tool

Pro-Knot Card Sets by John Sherry. They have 3 to choose from: 

Ka-Bar Hobo Utensil Set - my 15 year old is in love with this thing!

Will you be stuffing prepping/survival items into your kids' stockings this year? What sort of survival/prepping goodies will you give them?

Preparedness: Treating Tuberculosis

In this part of my preparedness series, I will talk about different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that wouldn't be easily treated during a long term crisis. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of tuberculosis should be assessed and treated by a medical provider when necessary.

What is it?

Also known as “TB” or the consumption, tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs but  it can also travel through the bloodstream and the lymph nodes to other parts of the body. It is a contagious air-borne disease that is easily spread by casual contact. It is easily spread through coughing, sneezing, spitting, discharging mucus and kissing.

Why should it be feared?

In the 19th century, 25% of the deaths in Europe were caused by tuberculosis. To this day, 3 million people die from tuberculosis every year, mainly in developing countries. 

The bacteria usually remain dormant in the body. 90% of those infected with the bacteria produce tuberculosis antibodies but will show no signs of infection and cannot spread the disease. 

The disease is often difficult to treat and strains are now showing up that are resistant to antibiotics. About 1% of new cases in New York City are caused by bacteria that are resistant to 1 antibiotic and 7% of the recurrent cases are resistant to 2 or more antibiotics. Those who are infected with the resistant bacteria has only a 50% chance of survival.

Complications can cause lungs to collapse, fluid to form between the lungs and the lung membrane, complete obstruction of the airway passages and more. It can also turn into military disease and tubercular meningitis.

What should be done?

During normal times, antibiotics should be taken. Pyrazinamide and streptomycin are the main antibiotics used. If no antibiotics are available, be prepared to use a heavy arsenal of herbal antibiotics to try to combat the disease.

Any phlegm coughed up should be buried or burned to destroy the bacteria and keep it from spreading. Do the same with stools and urine. Wash all clothing, bedding and linens in hot water with bleach. 

Those attending the patient should wear a N95 respirator mask.

What are the stages?

Incubation Period: 3 - 6 weeks, though it can lie dormant for years

Symptoms of Active Tuberculosis: 3 weeks

75% of those infected with active tuberculosis will show signs of pulmonary tuberculosis:

Cough lasting longer than 3 weeks

Chest pain

Cough produces bloody mucus

Fever

Night sweats

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Pallor

The other 25% of those infected with active tuberculosis will show signs of extrapulmonary tuberculosis which is not contagious but often will co-exist with pulmonary tuberculosis. Those with extrapulmonary tuberculosis are often already immunosuppressed people and children. Locations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis include:

Central nervous system in meningitis

The pleura (the membrane that wraps around the lungs)

The lymphatic system in scrofula of the neck

The genitourinary system

Bones and joints in Pott’s disease of the spine

What are my options?

Tuberculosis has been successfully treated in other countries using herbal medicines. Treatment must be continuous and taken for at least 6 months and best taken for at least 1 year. This is because tuberculosis bacteria die slowly.

Step 1: Boost the immune system

Begin taking herbs to boost the immune system. Those who come in contact with the patient should also take these herbs to boost their own immune system.

Echinacea (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)

A strong dose is recommended: 1 drop of tincture for every pound of body weight taken 4 times a day for 10 days.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Elderberry is an immunomodulator. Take 1 dropperful every 2 hours for 7 - 10 days.

Take large doses of vitamin C. Rose hips, Elderberries, Pine needles, tomatoes, citrus fruits all have large doses of vitamin C. 

Step 2: Fresh Air

It is important to get fresh air daily and the patient should practice deep breathing. 

Daily exposure to sunlight is important too, exposing the eyes without glasses or contacts for at least 15 minutes daily. 

Keep the patient warm and do not allow them to become chilled. 

Step 3: Eat nourishing foods

Avoid eating sugary foods, preservatives, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and any medications that may contain immune suppressing substances. 

Add foods and herbs to the diet that include both vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B6, C, E, Beta Carotene, Selenium, Amino Acids, Lysine and Zinc. 

The following vegetables and herbs should be eaten in large quantities: 

Beets, carrots, garlic and  medicinal mushrooms such as Reishii (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shitake (Lentinus edodes) which can both be found in the wild. 

Seaweeds, dark leafy greens, miso soup, dandelion greens, Nettles (as food and in infusions), sweet potatoes, broccoli, prunes and lentils.

Step 4: Antispasmodic Herbs 

These herbs will be useful for soothing the cough and providing some relief. They are also healing for the lungs.

Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) 

Marshmallow should be incorporated into the regimen for treating tuberculosis.  As a mucilaginous herb, Marshmallow will help to absorb toxins and carry them out through the stools. Cold infusions of marshmallow root are very soothing to the lungs and airways. Hollyhock root (Alcea spp.) and Okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus) are both related and can be used interchangeably if Marshmallow is not available.

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Dosage is 5 drops tincture.

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Wild Cherry Elixir or cough syrup is soothing to the lungs and will help with coughing spasms. Take 1 teaspoonful as needed.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Daily infusions of Mullein leaf can soothe irritated lungs and aid in healing. Strain infusion as some people find the hairs irritating to the throat.

Elecampane (Inula helenium)

Honeyed Elecampane roots can be sucked on to relieve coughing (see recipes). Take 10 drops tincture as needed.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey is a great healer. Drink infusions of Comfrey leaf daily and rub Comfrey root oil or salve onto the chest to help with spasmodic coughing and to help heal lungs.

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

Horehound succus can be taken to relieve coughs. Horehound is an antispasmodic and specific for coughs. Take 1 teaspoonful as needed. 

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme soothes irritated throat, has antibacterial properties and can help calm spasmodic coughs. Drink 1 cup of tea 3 times a day.

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)

New England Aster is used for treating asthmatic conditions and is sedating. Take 1 dropperful as needed. May be combined with Elecampane as they work well together for conditions of the lungs.

Onion (Allium cepa)
Onions have been used to cure patients of tuberculosis. Eat onions several times a day. For coughs, make a succus of chopped up onions and honey and take 1 teaspoonful as needed.

Step 5: Other Herbal Treatment

The following are various herbal treatments that are recommended to be used for treating tuberculosis. Use what you have available in your region. They will need to be taken daily for the next 6 months - year.

Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa)
James Green recommends combining twigs of Forsythia with Honeysuckle flowers (Lonicera japonica) in a 1:2 ratio in a tea or hot lemonade, up to 3 cups per day.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
China has used Honeysuckle for centuries to treat all sorts of respiratory problems, including tuberculosis. Use a tincture of the flowers, 2 droppersful 3 times a day, or a handful of fresh flowers in a cup of boiling water, drank 3 times a day. If not flowering, use twigs and dried leaves to make a bitter tea which can be flavored with other herbs and sweetened with honey. 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Another herb used by China for treating tuberculosis, the roots are sweet and often accepted by children for the sweet, familiar taste. Drink a cup of tea 2 times per day. Avoid licorice if patient has high blood pressure.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
A powerful antibiotic, garlic should be eaten with every meal. Cloves can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled. Eat several cloves each day. This is another herb used by the Chinese to treat tuberculosis and studies have shown that taking garlic while taking the antibiotics for tuberculosis actually enhance the action of them, making them more effective. 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

1 dropperful 3 times daily. If available, fresh ginger can be boiled for 10 minutes then allowed to steep for 1 hour. Strain the liquid and add honey to sweeten.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
This herb has also been found effective for treating tuberculosis. If you grow your own tree (in a container part for more temperate areas), you can make a tea form the fresh or dried leaves to drink 3 times a day. Otherwise, you can use 1 - 2 drops of essential oil in a cup of water or herb tea. Do NOT use more than 2 drops as it is very potent.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
The silica content in the bones is reduced by tuberculosis. Silica is needed to develop resistance to disease so it is important to restore the silica levels in the bones. Take 1 dropperful of tincture 3 times daily while being treated for tuberculosis.

Berberine Rich Herbs
Berberine inhibits bacterial diarrhea caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Herbs such as Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Oregon Grape Root (Berberis aquifolium), Goldenthread (Coptis chinensis) and Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) should be taken daily. Dosage should be 1 - 2 droppersful 2 times daily.

Poke root (Phytolacca americana, P. decandra)

This herb is a low dose botanical and needs to be respected but it is a powerful herbal treatment for lymph and glandular problems as well as an extreme immune booster. It is also an antibacterial and magnifies the effects of Echinacea which should also be taken when treating tuberculosis. Do NOT increase this dosage as serious side effects can take place including dizziness, seeing floaters, spaciness, vomiting, prostration, convulsions and death. When taken appropriately it is safe and highly effective. Take 1 - 3 drops of tincture per DAY up to 3 months. If symptoms of overdosing appear at any time, back off from the dose.

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Cleavers is another herb that cleanses the lymph. Take 1 dropperful of tincture 2 times a day or 2 cups of tea each day.

Sources

Back To Eden by Jethro Kloss pgs. 344, 371, 544 - 547

The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, Ph.D. pgs. 431 - 434

http://www.herbco.com/t-herbs-infection.aspx 

http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/treatment-for-tuberculosis.html 

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/OHC/ohctb.pdf 

http://nursing-resource.com/tuberculosis/ 

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/tuberculosis-000165.htm 

http://www.herballegacy.com/Tuberculosis.html 

Preparedness: Treating Polio

In this part of my preparedness series, I will talk about different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that wouldn't be easily treated during a long term crisis. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of polio should be assessed and treated by a medical provider.

What is it?

It is a virus which only infects humans. It is more common during summer months in temperate climates. The virus lives in the intestinal tract and the mucus of the nose and throat. 

It should be noted that there is some dispute that polio is caused by a virus and the possibility of polio actually being symptoms of DDT poisoning. For more information, see sources at the end of this chapter.

Why should it be feared?

It is highly contagious. Anyone residing in close proximity of the infected person will most likely contract the virus. It is generally spread through handling the infected person’s stools. There has been some research showing flies may also contribute to the spread of the virus.

Up to 95% of the people who are infected will have no symptoms but will still spread the virus to others.About 2 - 5% of children and 15 - 30% of adults infected with the poliovirus will die from the infection.

Polio can cause paralysis, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), high blood pressure, fluid in the lungs, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. 

What should be done?

During normal times, there is no treatment for the polio virus. Supportive care is used to control fever or pain. Fluids are offered to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated and the patient should rest until the fever is gone. For every 3 days of fever, 2 extra days should be spent resting.

For severe cases, medications are given to reduce pain and improve strength. Antibiotics are given for treating secondary bacterial infections, if they should arise. Antibiotics will not do any good for the actual poliovirus. Breathing assistance with a ventilator may be necessary as well.

What are the stages and symptoms?

Incubation Period: 4 - 35 days

While the incubation period runs between 4 and 35 days, symptoms usually start 7 - 14 days after becoming infected with the poliovirus.

Those infected with the virus are contagious 7 - 10 days before and after symptoms are seen and can spread the virus for weeks in their stools.

Symptoms

Up to 95% of the people infected with the virus will have no symptoms. There are 3 types of polio:

I. Minor polio, referred to as abortive poliomyelitis. Minor symptoms last 2 - 3 days with complete recovery and no paralysis or other serious symptoms will occur. 4 - 8% of the people who are infected will develop minor symptoms which include:

Fever

Sore throat

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Nausea

Vomiting

1. Flu-like symptoms
   
   
   
   

2. Aseptic meningitis
Early symptoms can be similar to minor polio symptoms. Then aseptic meningitis symptoms can develop but will improve within 2 - 10 days with complete recovery. It is estimated 5 - 10% of infected people will develop this type of symptoms. Aseptic meningitis symptoms include: 

Stiffness of the back or legs or back/leg pain

Stiffness in neck or neck pain

Increased or abnormal sensations

Fatigue

Muscle spasms

3. Paralytic poliomyelitis
Less than 1% of those infected with poliovirus will result in paralysis. Those falling in this category will begin with other minor illness symptoms plus:

Fever

Muscle aches

Loss of reflexes

After several days, the symptoms will improve. 5 - 10 days later, the fever returns and paralysis begins and progresses for 2 - 3 days. Usually, once the temperature returns to normal, the paralysis goes away. The risk of paralysis increases with age. Children 5 and under often have paralysis in 1 leg. Adults often have paralysis in both arms and legs. Most people with paralytic symptoms recover completely and muscle function returns to some degree. If paralysis hasn’t resolved after 6 months, it is usually permanent. Other paralytic poliomyelitis symptoms include:

Painful muscle cramps

Muscle Twitching

Bladder muscles may be disabled, causing uncontrolled urination

Breathing may be affected

Headache

There are several types of paralytic poliomyelitis:

Spinal polio 

Most common, affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and may cause paralysis of the muscles that control breathing and the arms and legs. If neurons are completely destroyed, there will be no recovery from paralysis.

Bulbar polio

Sever type, affects the cranial nerves which control the ability to see, hear, smell, taste and swallow. May also affect the movement of muscles in the face, heart, intestines and lungs. Affects ability to breathe, speak and swallow and can be fatal without respiratory support.

Bulbospinal polio

A combination of bulbar and spinal paralytic polio and can lead to the paralysis of arms and legs and also affect breathing, swallowing and heart function.

Post-Polio Syndrome

Some people who have recovered from polio will contract Post-polio syndrome 10 - 40 years after the initial illness. Signs and symptoms include:

General fatigue and exhaustion after minimal activity

Breathing or swallowing problems

Muscle and joint pain

Sleep apnea and other sleep related breathing disorders

Decreased tolerance to cold temperatures

Muscle weakness in arms and legs that may or may not have been originally affected

What are my options?

Prevention is the best medicine. Cleanliness is best to avoid contracting the disease. Avoid sugar and increase calcium in the diet. Quarantine anyone suspected to be infected. 

Step 1: Kenny packs.

Named after a nurse from Australia who practiced this treatment with her patients. She applied hot water packs to the patients on parts or all of their bodies. Have the patient take hot baths or apply hot water bottles to the body and wrap in wool blankets.

Step 2: Boost the immune system

Vitamin C supplements or herbs high in vitamin C such as pine needle tea (Pinus spp.) and rose hips (Rosa spp.) tea and/or tincture, elderberries, citrus, strawberries, basil, cilantro, thyme, parsley, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, mulberries, passionfruit, tomatoes should be given. 

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) given hourly (tincture form, 1 dropperful) or alternated hourly with Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) tincture, 1 dropperful, through duration of illness.

Avoid sugars, alcohol (tinctures are ok), and processed foods. Feed patient wholesome food, dark, leafy vegetables, nourishing bone broths, etc. 

Step 3: Herbal Treatments

Antispasmodic Herbs

If patient is having muscle spasms, abdominal cramping or muscle cramps, use any of these herbs you have available:

Tincture or tea, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea as needed unless otherwise noted.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) 

Tincture can be applied directly to the area and rubbed on like a liniment or taken internally.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Tincture or tea, taken internally. Essential oil can be applied to cramped area, it should be diluted, 1 - 2 drops in 1 teaspoon carrier oil (whatever you have available).

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Tincture, tea or syrup, taken internally, 1 dropperful, 1 cup of tea, 1 teaspoons syrup as needed.

Cannabis (Cannabis indica, C. sativa)

Infused animal fat or coconut oil, applied locally to muscle spasms or used as massage oil.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) 

Useful for heart conditions, heart palpitations and other problems of the heart. Use if heart problems are suspected. Tincture, 1 dropperful as needed.

Nervines

These herbs will help soothe nerves that are being attacked by the virus while helping to calm the patient.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Tincture taken internally, 10 - 15 drops 3 times a day. Infused oil used during massage.

Milky Oats / Oatstraw (Avena sativa)

Infusions of Oats (both tops and straw) are very soothing to the nervous system. A bag of oatmeal in the hot baths will also help in soothing the body.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Tincture, 1 dropperful every 2-4 hours or tea, 1 cup 4 times a day.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) 

Useful for heart conditions, heart palpitations and other problems of the heart. Use if heart problems are suspected. Tincture, 1 dropperful as needed.

Sedative Herbs

Herbal sedatives are helpful for treating patients’ anxiety towards paralysis and muscle weakness. Keeping the patient calm is important.

Tincture or tea, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea 3 times per day unless otherwise noted. Can be taken every 15 - 20 minutes for first hour.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) 

Useful for heart conditions, heart palpitations and other problems of the heart. Use if heart problems are suspected.

Antiviral Herbs

These herbs are antivirals and may help reduce the virus in the body. These can be combined or used singly. Use what you have available.

Tincture or tea, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea 3 times per day unless otherwise noted.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is often used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Use if heart problems are suspected.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Tincture, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea 3 times per day.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Studies in China show promise for Japanese Knotweed inhibiting poliovirus. Tincture of roots/rhizomes, 1 - 2 droppersful 3 times a day.

Step 4: Massage and Physical Therapy

This treatment should be reserved for the recovery stage, after the fever lowers. Passive and strengthening exercises, sitting balance and standing balance training all should be incorporated. 

Light massage can be helpful during and after the onset of symptoms. Make a massage oil out of any available oil infused with equal parts of Skullcap (Sculletaria laterflora), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) oil.

Sources

Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent’s Guide. How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits and Alternatives by Aviva Jill Romm pgs. 

Healing Lyme Disease Naturally by Wolf D. Storl, A Necessary Comment Regarding Polio pgs. 80 - 82

http://www.physiotherapy-treatment.com/polio-treatment.html

http://naturalencyclopedia.com/Polio 

http://www.tolaymat.com/Diet-English/Illnesses/Polio-E.html 

http://polio.emedtv.com/polio/treatment-for-polio.html 

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/coxsackie.htm