Herbal First Aid

The herbal first-aid fireside was fantastic for those who were able to attend. If not, here are some links to notes, information, and a slideshow from the fireside. Even though I was able to go, I am still happy to have the information because there was so much to take in for one night. 

Thanks, Bickhams, for setting up wonderful learning oportunities for us.

Here is a list of ailments and different herbs that can be used to fix them. Herbal-Handouts.pdf

This is a more comprehensive list of different herbs and how they can help us. Full_list_B&W_C.pdf

This is the power point prepared and presented by Laurence Smith, which outlined the fireside. FirstAidKit.ppt

Making glue out of pine tree sap and ash

Our family went on a camping trip earlier this summer and David made glue using pine tree sap and ash. Here is a little tutorial of how he did it. It's written by David; I stole it from his facebook. 

Step 1: To make pine sap glue the first thing I need to do is collect pine sap. First I tried tapping a tree with spiles. This was a failure on the pine trees because the sap wood is so thin. I had better results when I just hacked up about a 6" square on the side of a tree and nailed a bucket below it to catch the sap. But, this was still much too slow. I would have to wait a week or two to get any usable amount of sap.

The best way I found to collect sap was foraging. I just walked around the forest for 15 or 20 minutes peeling bits of sap off of damaged areas of trees. some trees have a lot. Some trees have none. But in not too long I had enough sap globules to fill a tuna can.

Step 2: I pulled a few pieces of charcoal out of the pit from last night's campfire and crushed them up into as fine a powder as I could make using my knife and a rock.

Step 3: Next I needed to strain out all of the wood, pine needles, etc... from the sap.

So, I started a fire. After the fire warmed up a bit I put the sap globs into a soup can with a bunch of holes in the bottom that I poked with a nail. I put the soup can inside of the tuna can. Then I set it on a log in the fire until it melted down into liquid. It catches fire pretty easily so I was ready to remove the cans and blow it out before all my sap burned up. I've heard that liquid tree sap makes great torch fuel.

Once your sap begins to turn to liquid get something to pick up the soup can with and hold it just above the tuna can. Use a stick to push the liquid sap through the holes in the soup can and into the tuna can.

This will leave fairly clean sap in the tuna can and most of the bits of bark and junk in the soup can.

Step 4: Once you've got your clean sap you can add in the crushed up charcoal. The amount of charcoal will vary based on the purity of the sap, and the hardness of the wood that was burned. It seems that about 3 parts sap and 1 part charcoal is a good starting point. You just have to play with the ratio from there.

Now that you've mixed the charcoal with the sap you have your glue. I gobbed some on both ends of a small stick to dry. To use is all I have to do is heat it up with a lighter or something and rub it on whatever I'm gluing.

I used the glue from the left side of the stick to make my walking stick. 

Uses for baking soda

This was forwarded by Larry Nielson for your general interest.  Looks like a good thing to have in your emergency storage.  Keep on preparing. Linda

Baking soda:

HEALTH USES . . .

1. Use it as an antacid.
2. Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.
3. Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and us...e it as toothpaste.
4. Use it as a face and body scrub.
5. Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.
6. Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.
7. Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking soda and water.
8. Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.
9. Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy irritations.
10. Take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.
11. Heartburn? Take a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one-half glass of water.
12. Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.
13. Relieve canker sore pain by using it as mouthwash.
14. Use it to relieve bee stings.
15. Use it to relieve wind-burns.
16. Apply it on jellyfish sting to draw out the venom.
17. Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your vaporizer.

IN THE HOME . . .

18. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.
19. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.
20. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.
21. Sprinkle it on your ashtrays to reduce bad odor and prevent smoldering.
22. Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.
23. Turn baking soda into modeling clay by combining it with one and 1/4 cups of water and one cup of cornstarch.
24. After feeding your baby, wipe his shirt with a moist cloth sprinkled with baking soda to remove the odor.
25. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.
26. Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.
27. Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.
28. Freshen the air by mixing baking soda with your favorite perfumed bath salts. Put the mixture in small sachet bags.
29. Restore stiff brushes by boiling them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.
30. Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants.
31. Scatter baking soda around flowerbeds to prevent rabbits from eating your veggies.
32. Sweeten your tomatoes by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around your tomato plants.
33. Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.
34. Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.

IN COOKING . . .

35. Use it as a substitute for baking powder by mixing with it with cream of tartar or vinegar.
36. Wash fruits and vegetables with it.
37. When boiling a chicken, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. Feathers will come off easier, and the flesh will be clean and white.
38. Soak dried beans to a baking soda solution to make them more digestible.
39. Remove the distinctive taste of wild game by soaking it in a baking soda solution.
40. Make a sports drink by mixing it with boiled water, salt, and Kool-Aid.
41. Remove the fishy smell from your fillets by soaking the raw fish in a baking soda solution for an hour inside the fridge.
42. Make fluffier omelets by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda for every three eggs used.
43. Reduce the acid content of your tomato-based recipes by sprinkling them with a pinch of baking soda.

FOR CLEANING . . .

44. Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.
45. Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs
46. Spray it on walls, mirrors, and counter tops.
47. Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier.
48. Remove grease from pots and pans.
49. Dry clean carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling baking soda over the fabric and gently brushing it. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then vacuum.
50. Boost your laundry detergent’s cleaning power by sprinkling a handful on dirty clothes.
51. Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and chrome.
52. Remove scratches and crayon marks from vinyl floors and walls.
53. Clean your shoes with it.
54. Clean garbage cans with it.
55. Use it to wash diapers.
56. Clean the fridge with it.
57. Soak brushes and combs in a baking soda solution.
58. Mix it with water to wash food and drink containers.
59. Put three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water, then use the mixture to wash marble-topped furniture.
60. Absorb it with a damp sponge, then clean Formica counter tops with the sponge.
61. Use it to get rid of stale odors from cooling containers and thermos bottles.
62. Run your coffee maker with a baking soda solution, then rinse.
63. Combine with hot water to clean baby bottles.
64. Sprinkle it on barbecue grills, then rinse it off.
65. Scatter it on your greasy garage floor, scrub the floor, and rinse.
66. Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution for 10 minutes before washing.
67. Clean your ashtrays with a baking soda solution.
68. Keep your drains clean by putting four tablespoons of baking soda in them each week. Flush it down with hot water.
69. Clean your shower curtains by soaking them in baking soda and water.
70. Put it on a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.
71. Use it to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from a toaster. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp rug, then use the rug to clean the toaster.
72. Use it to clean your retainers and dentures.
73. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and used it to scrub enameled cast iron and stainless steel.
74. Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water, and use it to clean the inside part of an oven.
75. Use it to unclog gas stoves.

The most amazing thing about baking soda is that it’s very cheap. You can do all these things for a very small cost. Baking soda is truly a miracle product, whether it’s used for baking or not.

Hope everyone has a great week.
 

Free Class!

Hi There!

We are very excited to offer this amazing opportunity to learn this essential survival skill!

We've hope to see you there!

Cheryl and Greg and Kyle

FREE PreparedNest and Food 2 Store Class August 17th

"Survival Snaring:  Enhancing Your Food Supply"

Saturday, August 17^th at 10:30 am and Field Class at 1:30 pm

Taught by: Dan Davis of  Teton Trap Company

Location:  Food 2 Store Class Room and Field Class at 4925 W. Franklin Road (SW corner of Blackcat and Franklin) Meridian

Survival Snaring:  Enhancing Your Food Supply

Two part class: Class at 10:30 am will be held at Food 2 Store and the field training and snare making will be held at 1:30 pm at the SW corner of Blackcat and Franklin  Meridian, 4925 W. Franklin Rd. Meridian. 

Class Syllabus from Dan:

The morning class:

1. Why I teach this class

2. How to have confidence in a survival situation.

3. How to avoid being the man with the gun.

4. Why snares are so important.

5. The basics of how snares work.

6. Short video presentation

7. Taking care of your catch.(how to make it last without refrigeration)

8. Idaho state law concerning trapping.

9. The importance of good ethics even in a survival situation

Hands on, in the field, afternoon class:

1. How to properly construct snares.

2. How to make snares in a survival situation with materials you have around your house or garage.

3. How to identify animals and their movements.

4. How to set snares for different sizes and types of animals.

5. I will be available for any questions or hands on training needed

Class Purpose:  During the Great Depression, it is estimated that 7 million people died from malnutrition.  Most people that survived had a good knowledge of gardening, hunting, and trapping.  Most people today have lost that knowledge.  This class teaches how to live off the land using snares for obtaining a food source.

Instructor Bio:  Dan Davis started trapping in 1976 at the age of nine.  He attended both Snow College and Utah State University to study Animal Damage Management.  He worked for the Utah Fish and Game Department for two years, then for the United States Department of Agriculture in their Animal Damage Control  Department. He worked for the ADC in both New Mexico and Idaho.  He has done private nuisance animal control for many years.  Eight years ago, he started his own trap and trapping supply manufacturing company, Teton Trap Company in St. Anthony, Idaho.  He has spent many years teaching kids and adults to trap through 4-H and through assisting the establishment of the Trappers Education Program sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Game.

IMPORTANT:   PLEASE RSVP ASAP!  Due to Demand we may schedule an additional class that same day.

Dan will be bringing a lot of individual snares and snare kits with him.  If there is anything in particular you would like to have him bring when he comes go to the Teton Trap Company website http://www.tetontrapco.com/index.html select what you want and call him immediately so he can have it for you. 

Save on shipping and get special PreparedNest Pricing when you buy at the class.  

Teton Trap Company Special Pricing on Survival Snares Kits for this event:

Survival Snares 54 pc kit

54 PC kit (Includes: 14 1/16" snares, 12 5/64" snares, 12 3/32" snares, 12 1/8" snares, one instructional DVD, one instructional book, one box of baking soda and one pair of cotton gloves.). This kit has everything you need to catch 50 animals. Great for your bug out bag ( trap for food and survive).

This kit is specially designed to give you a one years supply of the snares you would need in a survival situation.

Regular Price:  $89.99

Special Event Price:  $77.00

Small game snare kit: 

12 small game snares

1 DVD

This kit includes: 1 DVD Basic snaring techniques for survival (52 min long), 1 dozen small game snares, good to catch animals from rabbits to bobcat size. 

Regular price 26.00 

Special Event Price:  $20.50

Medium/small snare kit:

12 med small snares

1 DVD

This kit includes: 1 DVD basic instruction for survival snares (52 min long), 1 dozen small med snares; good for large rabbits to beaver.

Regular price is $27.50  

Special Event Price:  $22.00

Medium/Large snare kit:

12 med large snares

1 DVD

The kit includes: 1 DVD basic snare techniques for survival snaring (52 min long), 1 dozen med large snares, the most versatile of the snares, good for large rabbits to small pigs and deer. 

Regular price $27.50 

Special Event Price:  $22.00

Big game snare kit:

12 large big game snares

1 DVD

The kit includes: 1 DVD basic snaring techniques for survival. (52 min long), 1 dozen big game snares; good for large game animals; such as wolves, large pigs, bears, and so forth. 

Regular price $34.00 

Special Event Price:  $28.00

Food 2 Store 

3055 E. Fairview Avenue, Suite 130 

Meridian, Idaho 83642

208-475-1300

Regular Store hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday–Saturday

Near the SW Corner of Eagle Road and Fairview Avenue. Just East of Seagull Book.

Seating is limited. To reserve your spot please respond to this email or call Cheryl and Greg at 208-546-9119 or Kyle at 475-1300.

See you there!

Good advice

Click on the image to maximize it.

Herb workshop

There is going to be an herb workshop in Boise on Saturday, July 13, 2013.  The speaker is Patrick Jones, well renowned author and lecturer on the subject, and  he focuses mainly on the local herbs that are readily available in our area. 

Here is the website address where you can find out more:      http://homegrownherbalist.net/

Lana Kaup attended his workshop in Idaho Falls about 6 weeks ago.  She has reported that he is very knowledgeable and a good teacher.  Not that it is real important, but he is active L.D.S.  It costs $75 per person, and is well worth it.   He doesn't just teach you how to identify the herbs,  but he gives you the information you need to be able to process and use the herbs.  Please pass the word and invite all those you think might be interested.  If you have any questions you can call Lana at 208-602-9387

Don't miss this fireside

PREPAREDNESS FIRESIDE THIS COMING FRIDAY

What can we do when that medical emergency strikes!

How do we handle those situations that arise

and

we cannot get to the doctor immediately.

When

Our next preparedness fireside is this Friday, July 12^th in the Relief Society room of the Montana building.

Our presenters are Marc Castor and Ed Hendershot. Ed is trained as an EMT.

I am sure that it will be interesting and informative.  Everyone is welcome

Remember:  this Friday at 7pm

Food Storage Sale through May 31st

Food Storage | Group Specials | Emergency Kits | Water Storage and Filtration | Contact Us May Food Storage Sale Prices and promotions are good through May 31, 2013 and while supplies last. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Freeze Dried Fruit and Vegetable Favorites Combo $145.74 $99.99 Enjoy real strawberries, bananas, peaches, peas, tomatoes, and corn right out of the can Fruit is excellent in smoothies, desserts, pancakes, muffins, and cereal; vegetables are ideal as side dishes or as an ingredient for making your favorite meals Traditional 1200 One Year Food Supply $1,108.90 $899.99 This supply provides the versatility of cooking your own meals by including baking and cooking essentials Includes the basics of food storage plus dehydrated and freeze dried fruits, vegetables, milk, garden seeds, and more for one person for one year Instant Vanilla Pudding #10 Can - 68 oz $14.95 $13.99 6+ $13.29 MyChoice™ - 18 oz $5.75 $4.99 6+ $4.79 Just add cold water and mix for delicious and creamy vanilla pudding Make your favorite desserts including trifle, pudding, cakes, and pies anytime Lentils - 86 oz $10.95 $9.49 6+ $9.09 Legumes are excellent in soups, stews, salads, dips, or as a meat substitute Ideal for long-term storage; excellent source of protein and fiber Creamy Pasta and Beef with Sauce - 48 oz $29.95 $24.99 6+ $23.79 Flavorful pasta dish with a rich, creamy sauce and freeze-dried beef Convenient, just-add-water dinner entrée that is ready in minutes; provides fourteen 3/4-cup servings Whole Egg Powder #10 Can - 40 oz $21.95 $15.99 6+ $15.19 MyChoice™ - 10 oz $6.95 $5.99 6+ $5.69 Ideal for use in baking, cooking, or as an ingredient in dry mixes A versatile food storage supply essential Freeze Dried Cheddar Cheese #10 Can - 39 oz $40.95 $34.99 6+ $33.49 MyChoice™ - 10 oz $12.95 $10.99 6+ $10.49 Real shredded cheddar cheese that rehydrates quickly and melts nicely Great in chili, Mexican dishes, casseroles, etc; use in place of freshly grated cheese Hashbrown Potatoes - 31 oz $9.95 $8.49 6+ $8.09 Simply rehydrate and fry to make crispy hash browns as a side dish or use for making funeral potato casserole, quiche, or any other shredded potato recipe Use now or years from now, versatile, easy to rotate yet packaged for long term storage MRE One Month Food Supply $576.00 $339.99 Meals-Ready-to-Eat are ideal for emergency preparedness or camping because they are flavorful, satisfying, no-fuss meals Provides one person three entrées per day along with delicious side dishes, snacks, desserts, drinks, and more for one month Banana Slices #10 Can - 32 oz $9.95 $8.99 6+ $8.49 MyChoice™ - 7 oz $4.20 $3.49 6+ $3.39 Popular in trail mix, these banana slices are perfect for home storage because of their sweet flavor, bright color, and convenience Packaged for long-term storage so they will be ready to eat anytime Group Special! Freeze Dried Mini Meatballs, Cooked 20 oz $44.95 6 + $23.00 Seasoned to perfection, these miniature meatballs are made with beef, chicken, soy, and a variety of spices that provide a succulent flavor Reconstitutes quickly for use in pasta, sandwiches, pizza, soups, and more; versatile size Feel free to forward this message to family and friends!