If the one-gallon jugs of milk in the dairy case seem to be glowing, it may not be just from the fluorescent lights You won’t hear about this from the mainstream media, but the world’s food supply is becoming increasingly tainted by radiation emitted from the Fukushima disaster.

Recently, on the West Coast of the United States, radiation levels were found to be unsafe. Thankfully, the Environmental Deception Protection Agency has responded quickly: they’ve closed down 8 of their 18 radiation-testing facilities in California and upped the “safe amounts” of radiation that we can absorb. I’m sure we can all now breathe a deep sigh of relief.

Just in case you don’t find the EPA’s response to the crisis to be reassuring, there are some things you can do to protect your family from radiation in the food and water supply.

How Does Food Become Tainted by Radiation?

Produce can become tainted in two different ways. First, radioactive particles can settle on the plant while it’s growing. Secondly, when the soil becomes contaminated by “hot” rain, it can be taken up through the root system. Broadleaf vegetables like spinach, arugula, cabbage, lettuce and kale are more susceptible to contamination from fallout. If the soil is okay, then root vegetables like potatoes and carrots are safer than leafy vegetables.

Dairy products and meat become contaminated when the animals graze on radioactive grass or plants. Samples of milk taken across the United States have shown radiation at levels 2000 percent higher than previous EPA maximums. The reason that milk is so significant is that it is representative of the entire food supply. According to an article published on Natural News, “Cows consume grass and are exposed to the same elements as food crops and water supplies. In other words, when cows’ milk starts testing positive for high levels of radioactive elements, this is indicative of radioactive contamination of the entire food supply.”

When a person consumes radioactive food, the radioactive substances are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Different types of particles affect different tissues. For example, radioactive iodine attaches itself to the thyroid gland, and cesium is stored in the bone marrow.

The tissues affected by the radioactive materials are at increased risk for cancer as time passes. Children and pregnant women face the highest risks from radioactive food because of constant cellular growth and division.

According to the U.S.-based group of medical doctors Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), “There is no safe level of radionuclide exposure, whether from food, water or other sources, period,” said Jeff Patterson, DO, immediate past president of PSR, in late March.

Limit Your Exposure

Without a lot of very expensive equipment, there is not a lot you can do to test your food for radiation. There are a few steps you can take to limit your exposure, however.

Water

First, you need access to pure drinking water. Water that comes from an underground source, like a spring or a covered well, is likely to be safe. Water can also be filtered for radioactive particles. The most effective way to remove the particles from water is a double process. First, water should go through a“reverse osmosis” filter, and then, a deionization resin filter. This double process removes 95% or more of radioactive particles.

If levels of radiation are high, this double-filtered water should be used for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing dishes. This purified water would also be the water you would use to wash your produce.

Produce

Despite arguments to the contrary, you CAN wash radioactive particles off of produce. Clearly if the plant has taken in the radiation through the roots, it is irrevocably tainted. Fallout, however, can be dealt with.
Calcium Bentonite clay is a natural substance that actually absorbs radiation. According to the website, About Clay, “Calcium Bentonite Clay has a uniquely strong negative ionic charge. When activated with water it works like a strong magnet, adsorbing and absorbing anything with a positive ionic charge (i.e., toxins, pesticides, radiation). The clay captures these substances and removes them as it is eliminated or washed off.”

To wash produce with Bentonite Clay: Mix 1 part Calcium Bentonite Clay to 8 parts of purified water in a large non-metallic bowl. Toss your produce in this clay water, making certain the produce is completely covered, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse well with more purified water.

For additional protection, peel thin-skinned fruits like peaches and apples after washing them.

Growing Your Own Food

According to “Health Ranger” Mike Adams, even growing your own organic produce is no longer enough to guarantee food safety. “Your own gardens are just as susceptible to radiation fallout as commercial crop lands,” states Adams. “Only those who grow food in greenhouses will be largely protected from the fallout. Maybe it’s a good time to buy some sprouting seeds, too, because you can sprout seeds in your own kitchen and grow them free of radiation.”
Hydroponic and aquaponic systems, greenhouses, hoop houses and kitchen gardens watered with radiation-free water will provide the safest food. Sadly, free-range meats will soon be less safe than factory-farmed meats because of the potential for radiation exposure.

Country of Origin

Another step to avoiding radiation in your food is to note the origin of the food. Anything produced or harvested south of the equator is safer than foods that originate in the Northern hemisphere. Along the same lines, items procured from the Eastern half of the United States are safer than items from the West Coast (at this time). As the fallout increases, the entire Northern hemisphere may become irrevocably tainted for generations.

Be alert to the meager amount of news coming from Japan: the damaged reactors are NOT under control and further disastrous output could occur at any point in time. Be aware that the media and the world’s governments are NOT looking out for our best interests. The lives of hundreds of thousands of future cancer victims could be saved if the agencies in charge of food testing, environmental disasters and public safety were issuing truthful warnings and disseminating accurate information.

Instead the party line has been to “avoid panic” through false benevolence, patronizing public statements, sleight-of-hand safety level changes, and other outright LIES. Much-needed food safety testing is not being done, or, if it is, the information is not being released to the public. Without access to the necessary equipment to test foods for ourselves, we must locate own solutions and resources.

I urge you to do your own research in order to protect yourself and your family. Don’t trust the mass media or government officials regarding this issue. They are complicit in the most deadly deceit ever perpetrated on the American people.

Sources

This article was contributed by Daisy Luther

Silver has been used medicinally and preventatively for centuries. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and Pliny the Elder, a Roman scholar, both wrote of the use of silver to treat wounds and prevent disease. Water, milk and vinegar were stored in silver containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination since ancient times.

As recently as the 1900s, people placed silver coins in milk to keep it from spoiling. It is even used in the water supply at the International Space Station as a disinfectant. Burn wards use bandages soaked in a silver solution to prevent infection when treating 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

Today, colloidal silver, a suspension of particles of silver ion in distilled water, is available from most health food stores. It can be used externally as a spray, to disinfect and aid in the healing of wounds or rashes. Taken internally it can be used as a general immune system booster or in higher doses, as a natural antibiotic. It has been shown to aid in healing everything from the common cold to cancer.

The product that you purchase at health food stores is expensive and may not always be available. Like all products that we purchase, in the event of a long-term emergency or societal collapse, our access could be cut off or limited. Secondly, the FDA is actively trying to discredit colloidal silver (because how can the pharmaceutical companies make money on an element, which cannot be patented?). Learning to make your own colloidal silver is simple and doesn’t require a great outlay of money.

Colloidal silver is created through an electro-magnetic process that pulls microscopic particles from a larger piece of silver into a liquid, usually water. You must always use distilled water when making colloidal silver or your end product will be contaminated. You can purchase an easy-to-use generator from Amazon for $50-$350.

You can also make your own silver generator fairly easily.

You will need:

- 8-12 oz glass jar

- Ultrafine silver wire (.999)

- 3 9v batteries

- 3 9v battery terminal clip snap-ons

-  2 small alligator clips

Instructions:

1. Connect 3 battery clips in series (positive to negative, connecting red wires to black). On the 2 unconnected wire ends, attach alligator clips. You can either solder this together or use electrical tape after twisting the wires together.

2. Put batteries on the clips. (Don’t touch the clips once the batteries are connected or they will short out.) Wash the jar then fill it with distilled water.

3. Run the silver wires parallel into the water, ideally about 3/4″ apart. Don’t let them touch each other when the batteries are connected. Attach the alligator clip leads to the silver wires.

4. Once the wires are connected to power, watch for a white cloud to begin forming between them. First, bubbles will form on the wires and 5-10 minutes later, particles will be seen emitting from one of them. Run the generator for 10 minutes past this point to make it approximately 5-7 ppm.

5. When the process is complete, pour the liquid through an unbleached coffee filter into an amber glass container. Your liquid should be either clear or a very light yellow. Running the process too long will create a dark or cloudy liquid which is less effective. Shelf life of DC-generated colloidal silver is approximately 14-30 days. Shake well before using.

For information on using colloidal silver, click HERE and HERE.

This article is for informational purposes only. Ensure you follow the directions correctly as health issues can occur when the wrong type of water is used (such as tap water), not making the right dose and using too much. Argyria is a rare blue/grey discoloration of the skin caused by over consumption of very poor quality colloidal silver. 

There is a reason why our ancestors relied so heavily upon essential kitchen items for their day-to-day survival, and it wasn’t because they wanted to make the best baked goods in the county. The “make due or do without” philosophy transferred into their food sources as well. The answer as to why our ancestors stocked these items is versatility.

The following are a list of essential items that are very deserving of a space on your emergency food shelves:

1. Baking Soda - This is my favorite item to stock up on because it has so many darn uses!

• Because the active ingredient (sodium bicarbonate) is an alkaline, it is a natural antacid.
• Dental care
• Electrolyte powder
• Emergency antiseptic
• Natural cleaner
• Cleans off rust
• Can be used in treating scalding, to prevent blistering and scarring. Cover the scalded area with a liberal layer of sodium bicarbonate and water paste and seek medical assistance.
• Can be applied to skin irritations that occur from poison oak, poison ivy and sumac.

Please note: Due to the salt content, anyone on a sodium-restricted diet or those with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease should not take sodium bicarbonate in large quantities as it can elevate blood pressure, aggravate heart disease and lead to edema, or swelling of the legs and feet due to fluid retention.

2. Baking Powder - Baking soda is actually the primary component in baking powder, so it’s no surprise that pretty much anything you can do with baking soda, you can do with baking powder. Some additional uses include, but are not limited to:

• Eliminates odors
• Natural cleaning agent
• Draws out insect stings and jelly fish venom.
• Keeps ants away from the house.

3. Salt - Salt is another of my favorite kitchen essentials to stock up on. It is a multipurpose, low cost prep that will be highly desirable if a long term disaster were to come around. Salt will be a big bartering item! Stock up on different types of salt: sea salt, table salt, pickling salt, curing salt – they will all have their uses in a long term disaster. Sea salt is not only healthy for your body, but it also provides antiseptic and bactericidal qualities. Read more here.

• Dental care
• Food preservation
• Medicinal
• Tanning hides
• Supplemental feeding for livestock (Salt licks)

4. Yeast

Where would we be without the discovery of yeast? Yeasts are naturally present and live symbiotically on food sources such as grains, vegetables and fruits. Click here to learn 3 ways to grow your own baking yeast.

Baking Yeast

• Making alcohol
• Nutritional supplement
• Assists diabetics in controlling their blood sugar level.
• Helps control high cholesterol levels.
• Is a natural flea control for pets.

5. Vinegar

Vinegar has been around for thousands of years and is so diverse that it would be worthwhile to have a good supply stocked up. The good news is the shelf life is long-term! To learn how to make your own apple cider vinegar, click here.

• Soothes sunburns
• Eliminated bad breath
• Natural facial  toner
• Can be used as a fabric softener
• Is a natural hair cleaner/conditioner
• Cleaning product for the home
• Possess medicinal properties

 6. Corn Starch

Did you know that corn starch offers some health benefits? Crazy, I know. Corn starch has 488 calories per cup and 117 grams of carbohydrates. I realize this is not an ideal main entree, but if added to dishes it could be a great way of providing additional calories and carbohydrates for added energy. There are also some additional uses to consider with this product:

• Great for use as a dry shampoo
• Burn treatment
• Treatment for insect bites
• Deodorant
• Gets grease out of fabric
• Cleans windows
• Thickener for soups, sauces and gravies

7. Powdered Milk

Have you ever wondered how powdered milk is made? Basically, it is made by evaporating milk to dryness. One of the reasons that powdered milk is so popular amongst the preppers and survivalists is it can be stored for long term use. Further, due to it’s low moisture level, it does not need to be refrigerated, thus making it a perfect emergency pantry item!

• Milk
• Cheese
• Sour cream
• Whipped topping
• Substitute for milk
• Facial wash

1 person out of 10 will need an appendectomy during their lifetime. Although most appendicitis cases occur during the teenage to young adult years, young children and adults have been known to have appendicitis. Appendicitis usually occurs when a firm piece of stool blocks the pea-size opening of the appendix, allowing bacteria to flourish inside. Knowing the symptoms to look out for can help you get the medical care you need before the symptoms exacerbate.

Some symptoms include:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms.
• The pain stays in one portion of the abdomen. Pain on the right side could be an appendicitis.
• An oral temperature above 102 F (38.8 C) develops.
• Repeated vomiting occurs.
• Blood is being passed in stools (red, dark red or black).
• Persistent vomiting for 24 hours (cannot keep anything down) or blood is vomited.
• There is a swollen or bloated abdomen.
• Dizziness develops.
• Your child pushes your hand away or screams when their belly is touched.
• You notice extreme irritability in infants or weakness in older children.
• You child develops new or severe problems or becomes dehydrated.

If these one or more of these symptoms occur, fear the worst and seek medical attention immediately. The only way to cure appendicitis, if it is in the late stages, is to remove the appendix with surgery. However, it has been suggested that if detected on time, it can be cured naturally, using home remedies.

Preventing and Curing Through Natural Means

Getting more fiber in your diet can be a natural way to prevent an appendicitis from occurring. Since fiber absorbs water, a high-fiber diet causes the stool to become larger, softer, and less likely to break apart. This prevents stray particles from blocking the appendix and helps the stool to move faster through the digestive tract.

 According to the home remedy website ILoveIndia.com to naturally cure an appendicitis:

• The best home remedy for appendicitis would be a mix of 100 ml cucumber juice, 100 ml beet juice and 300 ml carrot juice. Intake this juice regularly, two times a day.
• Buttermilk helps in curing chronic appendicitis. A liter of buttermilk should be consumed, on an everyday basis, for about a fortnight.
• In a liter of cold water, add 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds and let it boil. Now, strain the water and have it while it’s still warm, but not too hot. This would prove effective to cure appendicitis naturally.
• Appendicitis can also be cured by having green grams. 1 tsp. of sprouted green grams, twice or thrice a day; will prove to be worthwhile in treating appendicitis.
• Include coriander juice, radish juice and spinach juice in your regular diet. They will help treat appendices problem.
  For people who suffer from fever, along with appendicitis, decoction of the basil leaves will prove beneficial. Steep the leaves in boiling water and let them stand for 5 minutes. Strain it and your decoction is ready.
• Ginger helps in those appendicitis cases where the patient also has the tendency to vomit. Add a pinch of rock salt to 1 tsp. of ginger juice and drink it. Alternatively, you can store raw cut pieces of ginger, with some rock salt, in a bottle and have it with your meals.
• Ginger and turmeric act as a good combination for treating appendicitis. They can be taken in a raw or powdered form. It reduces the pain and swollenness resulting from appendicitis.

To Conclude

When it comes to abdominal pain in children you want to take it seriously. Aside from bouts of constipation, children should not have severe pain in this region of the body. Not having the skills or  medical training to properly assess the child’s illness can make a parent feel absolutely helpless. That being said, make a commitment to develop some emergency medical skills or purchase some reference materials to turn to when your child needs to rely on you the most. After all, we are prepping today to care for tomorrow’s problems. And, we can all agree that we never know what tomorrow may bring.

This article is for informational purposes only.

The main ingredient that makes cat litter absorb so well is bentonite clay. This natural material usually forms from the weathering of volcanic ash, most often in the presence of water. According to Wikipedia, bentonite can also be used as a desiccant due to its adsorption properties. Bentonite desiccants have been successfully used to protect pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and diagnostic products from moisture degradation and extend shelf life. In fact, in the most common package environments, Bentonite Desiccants offer a higher adsorption capacity than silica gel desiccants. Bentonite complies with the FDA for contact with food and drugs

When purchasing cat litter to be used for preparedness matters, ensure that you choose the non-clumping, unscented clay litter where the active ingredient is bentonite to help you acheive the best results.

Read these tips on ways to incorporate cat litter into your preps to help protect, reduce odors, stains, and help your garden grow.

1. Use it in your vehicles – Having a bag of cat litter in your emergency vehicles can help the car gain traction if it happens to get stuck in the snow. Sprinkle a small amount on the ground before you get out of your car for foot traction in icy conditions. Further, sprinkling it around icy high frequented areas can also make sidewalks, steps and driveways more safe. This would be a great natural alternative to salt during the winter. 
2. Use it in your sanitation kit – This absorbent material assists in absorbing liquids and smells when using a portable toilet.
3. Reduces mold and it’s smell – Cat litter may be used to absorb small amounts of water that leak into a basement after a heavy rain or to help remove musty odors. It can also be used in your storage closet, tent or any other area of the home to prevent the musty smell of mold. Store clothing, linens, books, papers, camping equipment etc. with 1/2 – 1 cup of kitty litter tied up in a sock or pantyhose to prevent mustiness and mold.
4.  Evict moles and rodents - Moles and rodents loathe the smell of kitty litter. Pour some into the entrance of one of their tunnels and watch the exodus! This would be a great item to have to protect your long-term food storage from rodent infestations.
5. Controls algae in ponds- For fish pond owners, this method works wonderfully to get rid of algae in ponds. Use about one pound of cat litter for 2000 gallons of circulating pond water. It is said that the water may turn muddy at first but it will clear up in 24 hours. Again, ensure that you have purchased unscented kitty litter where the active ingredient is bentonite. 
6. Eliminates odors – Put cat box filler into ashtrays, smelly shoes, at the bottom of trash cans, etc to reduce odors.
7. Reduces oil spots – To lessen staining from fresh oil or grease spots on driveways, sprinkle on clean cat box filler, wait a few minutes, and sweep off. Dispose in the same manner you would dispose of used oil. You may have to apply a second sprinkling. Use a soft brick to grind the cat box filler into the oil. You don’t have to bear down too hard, just maintain a steady circular motion to achieve the best results. When the filler is reduced to a fine powder and remains light in color, you will have removed all but the final residue that clings to the voids in the surface. This light-colored residue will lighten further the longer it is exposed to the sun. Be sure to dispose of oil-soaked cat box filler as local laws require for disposal of used oil.
8.  Great in the garden – Mix an equal part of soil and clean cat box filler, proceed to plant your flowers, shrubs or vegetables. Your soil will remain moist providing for better root development. The litter will retain the humidity at root level. It can be used safely on any type of plant.

1. Stained Tupperware
Tupperware often stains after we put something with a lot of color—usually a tomato-based sauce—in the container. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, a great way to get rid of the stain is to take a wet cloth and scrub it away with baking soda. (Like white vinegar, baking soda plays prominently in many homemade cleaning solutions.) Another way to rid the color is to fill the Tupperware with water and drop in denture cleaning tablets, wait twenty or so minutes, and rinse out.

2. A Smelly Coffee Maker
Normally, an old coffee maker that starts to get a funky, burnt coffee smell would be reason to put it in the “give away” box and get a new one. But just because a drip coffee maker starts to emit something other than coffee aromas doesn’t mean it needs a replacement. Coffee-acid buildup is normal and can lead to a burnt bean smell that isn’t very pleasant. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, an easy to way to get rid of it is to pour white vinegar where the water normally goes and run the machine through its normal brewing process with a filter in. Repeat, but this time let the vinegar sit in the chamber for about a half an hour. Run the cycle and then run it twice through with fresh water. It should smell fresh and clean.

3. The Ants Are Attacking!
Ants usually invade the home when it’s rainy outside, though they can strike at any time they’re attracted to something sweet. Although there are numerous chemical solutions to get rid of them, many are toxic and shouldn’t be used around small children or pets. The Reader’s Digest book suggests an easy solution: grits. They expand in the ants’ stomachs and kill them. You can also try dried spearmint or peppermint near the spot where they’re coming in your house.

4. White Rings on the Table
I don’t own any wood furniture that hasn’t seen its share of wear and tear, but I know there are some people out there who strive for the shiny wood upon which no cold or hot container shall rest. But sometimes we forget the coasters (especially during parties) and that can ruin a clean grain. If this happens, make a paste of salad oil and salt and rub it into the ring that remains on the table. Let it sit for about an hour then wipe off with a cloth. Petroleum jelly, left on for a day, can also work. Another home remedy is a hot, dry iron and a cotton cloth. Fold the cloth over the stains, put the hot iron over the spot, move it around, and after about thirty seconds, the stains should be gone.

5. Dirty Drain or Small Clog
Without a garbage disposal, drains can get funky pretty fast. Even with a disposal, drains need a cleaning from the gunk that builds up. Try this: pour about 1/4 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover with an upside down cup while it fizzes. Leave for about twenty minutes and flush out with four or so cups of boiling hot water. Your drain will be clean and gunk-free. If the drain is still moving slowly and has a serious clog, instead of a harsh chemical try using your bathroom plunger to loosen up the clog—works every time!

6. Mildewed Houseplants
During humid weather or due to overwatering, houseplants—like outdoor roses, vegetables, and other plants—can develop powdery mildew, which presents as white dust on leaves. For a simple solution, make a paste of one teaspoon baking soda mixed with several drops of vegetable oil dissolved in about two cups of water. Spray or paint it on the leaves.

7. Out of Baking Powder
There’s nothing more frustrating than being in the throws of a recipe and realizing you’re out of a certain ingredient. Some things you can substitute, but others, like baking powder, you can’t. The chemistry in baked goods just doesn’t work out right. But, if you happen to have baking soda, cornstarch, and cream of tartar, you can make your own baking powder. Mix one tablespoon baking soda, one teaspoon cornstarch, and one and a half tablespoons cream of tartar together. Voila!

8. A Damaged Window Screen
A ripped window screen is annoying because chances are, the tear will slowly get bigger and lets bugs in. An easy fix is painting over the spot with clear fingernail polish. Make sure to do both sides (if you can) and use several layers to coat it. Small tears are best because they aren’t as noticeable, so try to catch them early!

by, Brie Cadman, DivineCaroline Contributor

Soap nuts or soap berries are the dried fruit of the Sapindus tree that contains a natural soap ingredient called saponin. Researching this dried fruit further, it actually has a multitude of other uses including some anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Soap nuts can be used whole,or made into liquid form to clean the body and hair, can be used on pets and is also an a gentle but effective mosquito repellant that can even be used on children and pets. The best part is they can be reused several times and then composted.  They also work as a natural fabric softener which is great for line drying and are gentle enough to use with septic and gray water systems. 

Other uses include:

• Hand soap
• Dishwasher soap
• Window cleaner
• All purpose cleaner
• Shampoo
• Pest and mosquito repelant
• Carpet cleaner
• Pet shampoo
• Lice remover
• Jewelry cleaner

A liquid can easily be made from the soap berries and poured into ice cube trays and frozen for future uses. Melt them as needed, or just toss some in with your laundry. If you are making other soap nut cleaners, melt as many as needed for the solution. If you make a large batch of this liquid, it can be preserved for future uses.

To preserve the liquid:

(Courtesy of www.superiorsoapnuts.com)

You will need resealable and sterilized quart jars and soap nut shells.

Place the equivalent of 7-10 soap nuts in each jar. (It’s better to use smaller soap nut pieces). Fill with boiling water but leave a 1/2 inch space at the top. Place the lid on securely.

PRESSURE COOKER: Place the jars in the canner, and process according to manufacturer’s instructions for 15 minutes at 10 lbs of pressure.
Use only canning jars if you use this method.

WATER BATH: Place the filled jars in a large pot of boiling water. Make sure to cover the jar completely. Bring to a rolling boil and set the timer for 30 minutes. Remove jar from boiling water and let cool.

OVEN METHOD: Preheat the oven to 250F. Place 7-10 soap nuts in a clean glass quart jar with a resealable lid. Fill with boiling water but leave 1/2 inch at the top. Place lid on securely. Watch until it starts to bubble and then time it for 30 minutes.Turn off oven and let cool a little. Remove from oven.

Once the soap nut liquid is made, essential oils can be added to make the formula more powerful or water can be added to dilute the formula for other uses. To learn more about soap nut uses, click here.

In dried fruit form, soap nuts can last for years as long as it is stored properly and kept away from humid conditions.  Soap nuts can be stored along wtih your other preparedness items in a five gallon bucket with a lid.  While the color of the dried fruit tends to deepen with age, the active ingredients are still at your disposal.

Many off-gridders prefer the soap nuts that are broken as they release the cleaning agent more easily. The suppliers do not always list the soap nut pieces on their web site, but if you contact them they often times will sell the “broken” soap nuts at a largely discounted price, especially if you are buying in bulk.

Soap nuts can be purchased at Lehman’s, a marketplace geared for those striving to be more self reliant or at other online stores. An alternative to this is to go full prepper and buy your own soap nut tree. 

With these little guys tucked away in the preparedness closet, there should be minimal concerns with sanitation issues during a SHTF emergency. Happy cleaning!

Portions of this article were adapted from BuySoapNuts.com

As we continue exploring natural alternatives to cleaning teeth, we must mention these top ten beneficial foods for teeth found on Wikipedia:

1. Tea – Infused herbal teas a way to promote good dental health. Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant compounds that reduce plaque and help reduce cavities and gum disease. Tea may help reduce bad breath as well. Tooth enamel is strengthened because green tea contains fluoride which promotes healthy teeth. Further, rinses can be made by preparing an herbal infused tea in the usual way, or by simply stirring herb powder into water. Hold the rinse in the mouth for a few seconds or up to several minutes, gargle, and spit out.
2. Dairy Products – Milk and yogurt are good for teeth because they contain low acidity, which means that wearing of teeth is less. They are also low in decay-inducing sugar. Milk is a good source of calcium, the main component of teeth and bones.
3. Cheese – Cheese contains natural cavity-fighting agents as well as contains vitamins to strength the teeth and enamel. The calcium and phosphate, which helps balance pH in the mouth, preserves (and rebuilds) tooth enamel, produces saliva, and kills bacteria that cause cavities and disease.
4. Fruits – Some of our favorite fruits and vegetables are natural abrasives and eating them scrubs your teeth in a natural and harmless way. Fruits such as apples, strawberries and kiwis contain Vitamin C. This vitamin is considered the element that holds cells together. If this vitamin is neglected, gum cells can break down, making gums tender and susceptible to disease.
5. Vegetables - Vitamin A, found in pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, brocolli and cucumbers may also help clean gums because of the increased chewing it takes to break it down. Onions contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. Tests show that onions kill various types of bacteria, especially when eaten raw. Celery protects teeth by producing saliva which neutralizes acid that causes demineralization and cavities. It also massages the teeth and gums.
6. Fresh herbs – Chewing on herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint helps decrease odors caused by a buildup of bacteria. Dried herbs do not do as good of  a job as fresh herbs do, however, dried herbs can be used in mouth rinses.
7. Seeds – Especially sesame seeds reduce plaque and help build tooth enamel. They are also very high in calcium.
8. Animal Protein Sources - Beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs contain phosphorus which, with calcium, is one of the two most vital minerals of teeth and bone.
9. Water – Water cleans the mouth and produces saliva that deposits essential minerals into the teeth. It keeps gums hydrated and washes away particles from the teeth.

In a SHTF or long-term emergency scenario, tooth paste may be less accessible and we will need to fall upon more traditional means to clean our teeth.

Although certain foods can have a cleaning affect on your teeth, there are other natural alternatives that you can turn to keep your teeth and gums clean. Below are six alternatives to toothpaste that can be used to not only promote healthy teeth and gums, but most of these alternatives have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that assist in preventing dental issues such as gingivitis, canker sores and gum disease.

Chew sticks - Traditional peoples the world over use natural tooth brushes made from healing plants. These primitive twig “brushes” actually work quite well, and provide a natural-bristle, disposable brush with healing herbs already incorporated right in the plant. People would chew on the tip of a twig to make it spread out into several small strands. They would then use it in the same way that a toothbrush is used. If this is the only option to brush your teeth, look for twigs that contain oils to help stimulate blood circulation, tannins that tighten and cleanse gum tissue and other materials, such as vitamin C, which maintain healthy gums. Bay, eucalyptus, oak, fir, and juniper and twigs of the neem tree are good choices to make primitive toothbrushes with.  

Salts - Salt is a multipurpose prep that every prepper should have a good supply of. In the case of dental health, it is a mild cleanser that can be used multiple times daily or as a mouthwash to help with bad breath or used as a disinfectant rinse. Salt has a natural healing property to it, as well as removes plaque, tartar and bad breath.

Cleaning teeth – Mix one part salt to two parts baking soda after pulverizing the salt in a blender or rolling it on a kitchen board with a tumbler before mixing. It whitens teeth, helps remove plaque and it is healthy for the gums. Another recipe for cleaning teeth is one teaspoon each of ground sage, baking soda, and table salt.

Washing mouth – Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda as a mouth wash that sweetens the breath.

Baking soda - Baking soda is a classic amongst natural teeth cleaning methods, and is harmless. It is very effective in removing stains and killing plaque-causing bacteria, and it also reduces acids which harm your tooth enamel. Hippocrates recommended a mixture of salt, alum, and vinegar as a mouthwash for preventative measures.

Essential oils -  Incorporating essential oils into your dental preparedness supplies can function as natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agents, as well as natural cleansers for a well-rounded mouth health. Essential oils such as peppermint and spearmint can be mixed with water to make dental rinses too.

Three popular essential oils amongst preppers are:

• Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural pain killer and antibacterial. Mix 2 to 3 drops of pure clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture and place the cotton ball beside the tooth.
• Cinnamon oil -  Cinnamon naturally contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and can help fight harmful mouth bacterias. Cinnamon bark oil has been known to effectively destroy 21 different types of bacteria. Rinsing with diluted cinnamon oil after you brush your teeth, or using a toothpaste made from cinnamon oil  may help you kill harmful bacteria and prevent cavities. It’s warming properties will also stimulate the blood circulation in gums. Note: Using cinnamon oil can cause some irritation and inflammation, therefore if you plan to use cinnamon oil, always dilute it first. If you suffer from any inflammation in your mouth, discontinue using cinnamon oil and the symptoms should disappear within 24 hours.
•  4 thieves oil – A combination of  clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary, this oil possesses both antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. A few drops of this oil can be used to prevent and treat gum disease, drops can be applied orally to maintain healthy teeth and reduce cavities, to clean teeth and be used as an effective mouth wash, or applied to gums and teeth for pain relief from toothaches.

If you are faced with swollen gums, nightly gum packs made from herbs or herbal infused oils rolled in gauze can be tucked into the corners of the mouth. In auyervedic medicine, a combination of turmeric, aloe, willow bark, vitamin E, and powdered alum can help relieve pain and swelling. If this regimen is regularly used and followed with a healthy diet and vitamin supplements, it can reduce symptoms significantly.

Hydrogen peroxide 3% - This product assists in healing canker sores, helps kill off bacteria living in the mouth, and fights gingivitis. There is conflicting information about the abrasiveness of hydrogen peroxcide on teeth, so to be on the safe side, dilute this product with water if you decide to use it in your mouth.

A mouth rinse can be made by mixing equal parts of water and a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. This mouth rinse should be swished (not swallowed) around the entire mouth for 15-30 seconds. Using the diluted mouthwash and then following it with your normal brushing regimen will thoroughly clean the mouth and teeth, as well as kill off harmful bacteria. Don’t limit using hydrogen peroxide to inside your mouth, you can even clean your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide after use to kill off any remaining bacteria that may still be left on the toothbrush.

Water - This is the most basic a person can get with cleaning their teeth. Brushing your teeth with water may not have any healing properties, but it will at least get any residual food off of your teeth. And anything is better than nothing at all.

To conclude, without our normal dental items being readily available to us during a long-term emergency, we may have to fall upon more natural approaches to dental health. Having supplies and possessing knowledge on natural alternatives to maintain healthy teeth and gums will prevent and may control any current issues from exacerbating.

Infused oils provide therapeutic benefits to the body through absorption of the skin and through inhalation of the lungs. Using the right type of oil to carry the medicinal and therapeutic properties to the skin is key. Carrier oils are typically plant-based and do not contain a concentrated aroma or evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile. Oils that are unrefined, cold pressed and/or organic oils are the best types of oils to purchase. This ensures that all the nutrients and benefits are still present in the oil. Below is a list of suggested plant-based oils that can be used for making infused oils.

• Almond oil – Good for all skin types, alleviates dry skin, soothes inflammation, relieves itching from skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis), relieves and soothes sunburns.
• Avocado oil – Contains essential vitamins A, D and E, moisturizes and soothes sensitive skin, assists in soothing scaly skin and scalps, has anti-bacterial properties, helps to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.
• Coconut oil – Moisturizes dry skin and dry hair, soothes irritated skin and has a longer shelf life than most plant-based oils.
• Grape seed oil – Strengthens tissue cells, preserves natural moisture in skin, absorbs quickly.
• Olive oil – Moisturizes dry skin and relieves itching, helps the synthesis of substances like collagen and elastin
• Sunflower oil – Deeply conditions weathers, aged or damaged skin.
• Wheat germ oil – Treats dry and aging skin, assists in cell regeneration, aids muscle and lymph function, relieves dermatitis symptoms, prevents and reduces scarring.

Store the oils in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage. If, over time they have a rancid smell, throw the oil away.

Infused oils are easier to make than you think. In fact, you do not need any formal training to make infused oil. Do some research beforehand to find the herbs best function for your overall health. Click here to view 30 of the most popular herbs to consider.

Equipment:

1. Air tight container that has been cleaned and preferably sterilized.
2. Fresh or dried herbs
3. Plant-derived oil

Instructions:

1. Gather the herbs or flowers you wish to infuse. Ensure the herbs are clean and dry to the touch. Dried herbs can also be used, however, many herbalists feel using dried material will render an inferior product.
2. Chop or tear the herbs or flowers in order to release the oils more quickly (leaves, flowers or roots). When using fresh herbs, you will need enough to fill your jar. When using dried herbs, fill jar 1/3 full.
3. Label the jar with both the contents and the date.
4. Add plant-derived oil.  Be sure to fill the jar completely with oil, covering the top of the herbs or flowers, then seal tightly. Ensure there are no air bubbles.
5. Set your jar on a shelf, window sill or counter that is NOT in direct sunlight. Once a day, gently turn the jar upside down for a few seconds, then return it to a right side up position. Repeat this process for a minimum of 2-6 weeks to get the appropriate infusion. Note: Different herbs have different infusion times, so be patient. 
6. Strain your oil using a cheesecloth or by adding a paper coffee filter to the mesh type strainer. Be sure to transfer only to clean and moisture free containers. Infused oils that you are going to use in food preparation should be stored in the refrigerator.