@moderators Please fix this or shall I post this again? People are of normal intelligence
and can make up their own mind. Thanks.
Another item I would recommend stocking and right now it is dirt cheap is Epsom Salts.
It has many uses and I personally used it to beat off a bacterial infection in my foot by soaking for several times a day for 2 days. It can be taken internally, as a poultice or a soak. Also, I use it in my garden. I first heard of Epsom salt many years ago when reading âThe Jungle is Neutralâ a story about British solderâs behind the lines in Malasia using it for infections and open sores.
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring salt. It was first discovered in the Epsom waters, located in England. Epsom salt consists of three main elements; magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. Due to its chemical composition, Epsom salt is also referred to as magnesium sulfate.
However, Epsom salt is not just a salt-like any other salt. Since the 17th century, this chemical composition has been used as a medicinal drug for many ailments. Epsom salt also finds application in many other ways, as is discussed in this article.
Uses of Epsom salt
The following are 25 most common uses of Epsom salt;
1.) Body Aches
When absorption of magnesium occurs into the skin, the magnesium component helps to relieve all body aches and pain. Epsom salt contains magnesium, hence, is used for the treatment of all body aches. It also reduces inflammations and relieves sprains.
2.) Stress Relief
The deficiency of magnesium in the body lowers the serotonin levels. When serotonin levels are lowered, they promote sadness and also affect a personâs appetite. Soaking in a bath, into which Epsom salt has been added, can boost the production of serotonin levels in the body. This salt, therefore, works as a stress relief.
3.) Healthier Feet
Epsom salt is used for relaxing the feet when a person is tired. Also, it serves as a medicinal drug for the treatment of feet infections, such as athleteâs feet.
4.) Relief from Constipation
When constipated, a person can make a solution of a teaspoon of Epsom salt in water. When this solution is drunk, the Epsom salt acts as a gentle laxative, relieving constipation.
Warning If you take it orally use a water flavoring as it tastes kinda nasty.
5.) Improving Blood Circulation
Epsom salt has also been proven to increase the elasticity of the arteries. When the elasticity of the arteries is increased, blood circulation is improved, lowering blood pressure in the process.
6.) Relief from Sunburn
Most people apply aloe vera on the skin after theyâve spent a long day out in the sun. However, Epsom salt can be used as an alternative to aloe vera. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it ideal for use in relieving sunburn.
7.) Removing Splinters
Some splinters tend to attach themselves stubbornly on the skin, making them quite difficult and painful to remove. Adding Epsom salt into a bath, then soaking in this bath helps in drawing of the splinter to the skin surface, where it can be easily removed.
8.) Exfoliating Properties
The magnesium sulfate salt has great exfoliating properties. It can, therefore, be used in a face wash. It effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities in the skin.
9.) Treatment of Acne
Not only does Epsom salt exfoliate the skin, but it also serves as an efficient face cleanser. Since this salt contains properties that can fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, it is used for the treatment of skin acne.
10.) Removal of Blackheads
When a solution of Epsom salt is mixed in iodine, the resultant mixture can be used to remove blackheads on the skin. The solution on the skin should be washed off with warm water and then patted dry.
11.) Healthier Hair
Styling products, such as hair sprays and other hair treatments, can build up on the hair after some time. This build-up can be removed by applying the hair with a solution of Epsom salt and lemon juice. Epsom salt can also be added to hair conditioner, so as to increase the volume of the hair.
12.) Hand Wash
Mixing Epsom salt with baby lotion makes an effective hand wash/cleanser. This cleanser can be placed by the sink and used for keeping the hands clean and soft.
13.) Sedative Bath
If you intend to have a relaxing bath, add a generous amount of Epsom salt to your hot bath. Soaking in this bath brings about a relaxation effect.
14.) Skin Mask
Epsom salt can be used as a skin mask for softer skin. The magnesium sulfate salt is mixed with honey, eggs, milk, lemon, and other exfoliating products, to make a skin mask for oily or dry skins.
15.) Treatment of Cold and Flu
The symptoms of cold and Flu include the tightening of muscles and body aches. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt helps to relieve these aches associated with Flu. Furthermore, it relaxes the muscles, fighting off the infections in the process.
16.) The antidote for Poison Ivy
Poison ivy infections are always accompanied by a lot of irritation and swelling of the victimâs skin. In order to relieve the swelling and irritation, rub cotton cloth, soaked in an Epsom salt solution, on the affected area.
17.) Bites from Bugs
When bugs bite the skin, they may cause itching and inflammation of the affected area. Mix a 1:1 ratio solution of Epsom salt and warm water, then spray this solution on the affected skin area. The Epsom salt solution brings about relief from the bite.
18.) Washing Household Cutlery
Magnesium sulfate crystals have quite an abrasive texture. Due to this texture, Epsom salt is used to wash household pots and pans, onto which foods tend to stick. Epsom salt cleans these utensils gently, without causing any damage to the pots and pans.
19.) Cleaning Grouts and Tiles
Bathroom and kitchen stains can be effectively cleaned using Epsom salt. Also, when Epsom salt is mixed with dish cleaning detergents, it can be used to effectively clean tiles and grouts.
20.) Cleaning the Washing Machine
When not regularly cleaned, detergents and other cleansers tend to build up in washing machines after some time. In order to remove any accumulated build-up in the washing machine, add a cup of Epsom salt to vinegar, then mix this in a solution of hot water. This hot water solution is then soaked in the washing machine for an hour.
21.) Garden Use
In the garden, some Epson salt can be sprinkled in the garden. The salt helps to eliminate harmful garden pests, as well as act as a fertilizer to the plants.
22.) Houseplants
Sometimes, houseplants turn yellow. Sprinkling Epsom salt on these houseplants boosts their magnesium and sulfate levels. It, therefore, helps to rejuvenate their original lush and green color.
23.) Promoting Sleep
Sleep is promoted by enough levels of magnesium in the body. Epsom salt in a bath boosts the production of neurotransmitters, which induce sleep.
24.) Recovery from Exercise
Too much, or intensive physical activity and exercise causes soreness of muscles and cramps. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt helps to relieve the muscle soreness. This is because magnesium in the salt triggers the breakdown of glucose and lactic acid, which cause muscle cramps.
25.) Treatment of Arthritis
People suffering from arthritis have a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salt baths, therefore, boost the magnesium levels of arthritis patients. This helps to relieve the pain and swelling symptoms associated with arthritis.
Conclusion
Epsom salt has incredible uses, both medical and non-medical. This is why Epsom salt is a must-have for each household. After all, it is easily available in stores, at very cheap prices. When you have had a long day at work, or even at home, prepare that relaxing Epsom salt bath. Its preparations only take 15 minutes, but its benefits last for an eternity.
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Another common household item you should be stocking is âBaking Sodaâ.
You can buy a 12 pound bag for $16.00 at Wallymart. You can break it down into 1# bags and vacuum seal for long term.
Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD, Nutrition â By Ryan Raman, MS, RD and Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD â Updated on February 7, 2023
[
NUTRITION
](Healthline Nutrition â Healthy Eating in Real Life)Evidence Based
22 Benefits and Uses of Baking Soda
Baking soda has many uses in addition to helping baked goods rise. It can provide health benefits and may also relieve certain health conditions, including canker sores.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, is a popular baking ingredient. It gives foods like bread, cakes, muffins, and cookies a light, fluffy texture.
Thatâs because it has leavening properties, meaning that it reacts with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, and causes dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide (1).
Still, baking soda has a variety of household uses aside from cooking.
Here are 22 health benefits and uses of baking soda.
1â16. Household uses
Baking soda is a handy all-purpose item due to its wide variety of uses, from cleaning countertops to supporting oral care. Hereâs a comprehensive list of household uses.
1. Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, as it reaches the corners of your mouth and crevices of your teeth, gums, and tongue that you might miss during brushing.
Many people use baking soda as a replacement for mouthwash. Some studies show that it may help freshen your breath and even exert antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (2Trusted Source).
While one study found that baking soda mouthwash didnât significantly lower oral bacteria levels, it increased the pH levels of saliva, which is important for inhibiting bacterial growth (3Trusted SourceTrusted Source).
To make your own baking soda mouthwash, add 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of baking soda to half a glass (120 mL) of warm water, then swish as usual.
2. Teeth whitener
Baking soda is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth.
Many studies have found that toothpaste containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
This is likely because baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can break the bonds of molecules that stain your teeth. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which may help fight harmful bacteria (2Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
3. Deodorant
Surprisingly, human sweat is odorless.
Sweat only gains odor after itâs broken down by bacteria in your armpits. These bacteria convert your sweat into acidic waste products, which give sweat its smell (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
Baking soda is often used as a natural deodorant to eliminate sweatâs smell by making its odors less acidic, though thereâs limited research on whether this strategy works.
Try patting baking soda onto your armpits or mixing it with a bit of coconut oil, shea butter, or cornstarch to create homemade deodorant.
4. Fridge odor neutralizer
Have you ever opened your fridge and come across a surprisingly foul odor?
Chances are that some foods in your fridge have overstayed their welcome and started spoiling. This smell may stick around long after you empty and clean your fridge.
Baking soda may help freshen a smelly fridge by neutralizing bad odors. Interestingly, it eliminates odor particles rather than just masking their smell (10Trusted Source).
To try this trick, fill a cup with baking soda and place it in the back of your fridge.
5. Air freshener
Not all commercial air fresheners eliminate bad odors. Instead, some simply release fragrance molecules that mask other smells.
In addition, fewer than 10% of air fresheners provide an ingredient list. This is problematic if youâre sensitive to chemicals that may be found in air fresheners (11).
Baking soda is a safe alternative to commercial air fresheners, as itâs free of industrial chemicals and neutralizes odor particles (12Trusted Source).
To create air freshener with baking soda, you need:
- a small jar
- 1/3 cup (74 grams) of baking soda
- 10â15 drops of your favorite essential oils
- a piece of cloth or paper
- a string or ribbon
Add the baking soda and essential oils to the jar. Cover it with the cloth or paper, then secure it in place with the string and put it in your living room, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. When the scent starts to fade, give the jar a shake.
6. Whitening agent for laundry
Baking soda is an inexpensive way to whiten and clean your laundry.
Thatâs because itâs an alkali â a soluble salt â that can help remove dirt and stains. According to older research, an alkali like baking soda works by interacting with acids in stains when dissolved in water (13).
To try it out, add 1/2 cup (110 grams) of baking soda to your regular amount of laundry detergent. It also helps soften the water, so you may need less detergent than usual.
7. Kitchen cleaner
The versatility of baking soda makes it a great kitchen cleaner. When mixed with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, it may also help control the growth of harmful microorganisms, including mold or bacteria (14).
To use baking soda in your kitchen, make a paste by mixing baking soda with an equal amount of lemon juice and a bit of water. Apply the paste to the desired surface with a sponge or cloth and scrub thoroughly.
Here are a few kitchen appliances, items, and surfaces that you can clean with baking soda:
- ovens
- stained coffee cups
- stained marble
- grease stains
- kitchen tiles
- clogged drains
- tarnished silver
- microwaves
- countertops
8. Garbage odor eliminator
Full trash bags often have a putrid odor because they contain decaying waste. If itâs particularly foul, this smell can spread to your kitchen and other areas of your home.
Fortunately, baking soda can help eliminate garbage smells by neutralizing acidic odor molecules.
In fact, research notes that spreading baking soda at the bottom of waste bins may reduce garbage odor by 70% (12Trusted Source).
9. Carpet stain remover
A combination of baking soda and vinegar can remove the most stubborn carpet stains.
Mixing baking soda and vinegar creates a compound called carbonic acid, which is a common ingredient in cleaning products. This reaction creates a lot of fizzing, which may help break down tough stains (15).
Hereâs how you can eliminate carpet stains with just baking soda and vinegar:
- Cover the carpet stain with a thin layer of baking soda.
- Fill an empty spray bottle with a 1-to-1 mixture of vinegar and water and spray it over the stained area.
- Wait up to 1 hour or until the surface dries.
- Scrub the baking soda loose with a brush and vacuum the residue.
- The stain should now be completely removed. If thereâs some baking soda residue left on the carpet, wipe it up with a damp towel.
10. Multipurpose bathroom cleaner
Like kitchens, bathrooms can be difficult to clean. They have a variety of surfaces that you use frequently and thus need to clean often.
While numerous commercial bathroom cleaners exist, many people prefer more natural, cost-effective cleaning options. Baking soda comes in handy because it whitens and disinfects many bathroom surfaces, though itâs less effective than commercial cleaners (14).
Here are a few surfaces you can clean with baking soda:
- bathroom tiles
- toilets
- showers
- bathtubs
- bathroom sinks
Make a paste using baking soda and a bit of water. Using a sponge or a cloth, rub the mixture thoroughly onto the surface you wish to clean, then wipe down the surface 15â20 minutes later with a damp cloth.
11. Pesticide remover for fruit and veggies
Many people are concerned about pesticide residue on foods. Pesticides are used to protect crops from insects, germs, rodents, and weeds, but many have harmful effects on human health.
Peeling fruit is the best way to remove pesticides. However, it also means you donât get the important nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, found in the skins of many fruits.
Interestingly, recent research indicates that a baking soda wash is the most effective way to remove pesticides from fruits and veggies without peeling them.
One study found that soaking apples in a solution of baking soda and water for 12â15 minutes removed nearly all of the pesticide residue (16Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that this method doesnât remove pesticides that have penetrated the fruitâs or veggieâs skin. Plus, more research is needed to see whether this works for other types of produce.
12. Silverware polisher
Baking soda is a handy alternative to commercial silver polishers. Youâll just need a few extra ingredients:
- an aluminum baking pan or a baking dish lined with aluminum foil
- 1 cup (240 mL) of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of baking soda
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar
Add the baking soda to the aluminum baking pan and slowly pour in the vinegar. Next, pour in the boiling water, then place the silver in the baking pan.
The tarnish should begin to disappear almost immediately. You can remove most silverware from the pan within 30 seconds, but heavily tarnished silverware may need to sit in the mixture for up to 1 minute.
In this mixture, silver undergoes a chemical reaction with the aluminum pan and baking soda. It transfers the tarnish from the silverware onto the aluminum pan and may create pale, yellow residue at the bottom of the pan (17).
13. Scorched pot cleaner
Itâs easy to inadvertently scorch the bottom of a pot while cooking.
These can be a nightmare to clean, but you can save a scorched pot easily with baking soda and water.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the bottom of the pot, and add enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring the mixture to a boil and empty the pan as usual.
If stains or burnt food particles remain, grab a scouring pad, add a small amount of washing liquid, and gently remove them.
14. Oil and grease fire extinguisher
Interestingly, some fire extinguishers contain baking soda.
These types, which are known as dry chemical fire extinguishers, are used to extinguish oil, grease, and electrical fires. Baking soda reacts with the heat to produce carbon dioxide, which smothers the fire.
As such, you can use baking soda to extinguish small oil and grease fires (18).
However, donât expect baking soda to extinguish larger house fires. These fires draw in more oxygen and easily neutralize the effects of baking soda.
15. Homemade weed killer
Weeds often have deep roots, making them hard to eradicate without using chemical weed killers.
Notably, baking soda makes a cheaper, safer alternative. Thatâs because baking soda is high in sodium, which creates a harsh environment for weeds.
Sprinkle a few handfuls of baking soda over weeds in areas like the cracks of your sidewalk or driveway. However, avoid using baking soda to kill weeds in your flowerbeds and gardens, as it may harm your other plants as well.
16. Shoe deodorizer
Baking soda is a great remedy for freshening up smelly shoes. Thatâs because it may counteract foul-smelling odors.
Pour 2 tablespoons (9 grams) of baking soda into 2 cheesecloths or thin pieces of fabric. Secure the cloths with a rubber band or string and place one in each shoe.
Remove the baking soda bags when you want to wear your shoes.
17â22. Health benefits
In addition to the many the household uses listed above, baking soda may offer several health benefits.
17. May help treat heartburn
Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is a painful, burning sensation in the upper region of your stomach that can spread into your throat (19Trusted Source).
Itâs caused when acid flows out of your stomach and up into your esophagus, which is the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth.
Although acid reflux has many causes, it often occurs after you eat large meals, drink carbonated beverages, or eat greasy or spicy foods (20Trusted SourceTrusted Source).
Baking soda can help treat heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. To try it, dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda in a glass of cold water and drink the mixture slowly.
However, there are downsides to this treatment to keep in mind (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source):
- Thereâs some debate as to whether everyone with heartburn symptoms has high levels of stomach acid.
- Baking soda is very high in sodium, with 630 mg per 1/2 teaspoon (2.3 grams), which is important to be aware of if you have to limit your sodium intake.
- Continued use may lead to metabolic alkalosis â a condition in which your blood becomes overly alkaline â and heart problems.
18. May soothe canker sores
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form inside your mouth. Unlike cold sores, canker sores donât form on your lips and arenât contagious.
Though more evidence is needed, some older studies suggest that baking soda mouthwash soothes pain caused by canker sores (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted SourceTrusted Source).
You can make baking soda mouthwash using the recipe in the previous chapter. Rinse your mouth with this mixture once a day until the canker sore heals.
19. May improve exercise performance
Baking soda is a popular supplement among athletes, who also call it sodium bicarbonate.
Some studies show that baking soda helps you perform longer at your peak, especially during anaerobic exercises or high intensity training and sprinting (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).
During high intensity exercise, your muscle cells start producing lactic acid, which is responsible for the burning feeling you get while working out. Lactic acid also lowers the pH inside of your cells, potentially causing your muscles to tire (29Trusted Source).
Baking soda may help delay fatigue due to its high pH, letting you perform at max intensity for longer (30Trusted Source).
For example, one study found that cyclists who took baking soda exercised for an average of 4.5 minutes longer than those who didnât take baking soda (31Trusted Source).
According to one review, this supplement may be effective when used in doses around 0.13 grams per pound (0.3 grams per kg) of body weight (32Trusted Source).
Another study recommends a dose of 135 mg of baking soda per pound of body weight (297 mg per kg) 1â2 hours before exercising (33Trusted Source).
20. May relieve itchy skin and sunburns
A baking soda bath is often recommended to soothe itchy skin after bug bites or bee stings (34, 35Trusted SourceTrusted Source).
Additionally, baking soda may help soothe skin thatâs itching from sunburns. Some people claim that itâs more effective when combined with other ingredients like cornstarch and oatmeal (36).
To make a baking soda bath, add 1â2 cups (220â440 grams) of baking soda to a lukewarm bath. Make sure the affected area is soaked thoroughly.
For specific areas, create a paste with baking soda and a bit of water, then apply a thick layer to the affected area.
21. May slow the progression of chronic kidney disease
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) slowly lose their kidney function.
Your kidneys are vital because they help remove excess waste and water from your blood while balancing important minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium (37Trusted Source).
Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that taking sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) supplements improves kidney function and helps slow the progression of CKD (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted SourceTrusted Source, 40Trusted Source).
Still, itâs best to talk with your doctor before ingesting baking soda if you have kidney problems.
22. May improve certain cancer treatments
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (41Trusted Source).
Itâs often treated with chemotherapy, which is a chemical cocktail that slows or stops the growth of cancer cells, which usually grow and divide at a rapid rate (42Trusted Source).
Some research shows that baking soda may help chemotherapy medicines work more effectively by making the environment for tumors less acidic (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source).
However, because the current evidence is limited to animal and test-tube studies, human research is needed. If youâre undergoing cancer treatment, consult your doctor before complementing your chemotherapy treatment with baking soda.
The bottom line
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient whose uses extend far beyond cooking.
This household staple shines when it comes to neutralizing odors and cleaning, as it helps remove tough stains, eliminate foul odors, and clean difficult areas like the oven, microwave, and tile grout.
In addition, baking soda has a variety of health benefits. For example, it may alleviate heartburn, boost exercise performance, and even whiten your teeth.
Whatâs more, baking soda is inexpensive and widely available. It never hurts to have a container on hand.
Just one thing
Try this today: Storing baking soda properly after use is crucial for maximizing its shelf life. Be sure to transfer it to an airtight container, seal it properly, and store it in a cool, dry place.
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The Naturopath who has been helping me with a variety of issues over the past few years, including significantly reducing my lower back pain from two herniated disks that I had been dealing with for decades and saving my gallbladder that doctors insisted needed to be removed, recomended to me awhile ago that adults should take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per day to help prevent illness. Kids can take lower doses depending on body weight. You can mix it with water or other beverages.
I had been doing this for 6 months or so without really noticing any difference though I did not suffer any serious colds during that time. Then due to work and family travel I went over a month and a half without taking any. Ended up getting an annoying case of strep throat that 2 rounds of antibiotics could not get rid of. Did a 3 day regimen of extra baking soda and the strep cleared up and so far has not returned.
Strep can have serious side effects especially in children so definitely go the antibiotics route but maybe along with some baking soda might not be a bad idea.
I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Consult a physician before undertaking any forms of treatment.
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Thanks for sharing. I have been suffering with a pinched sciatic nerve on my left lower side that my Chiro pushed out and now is afraid to push back in after I gave her he!!, Now I donât trust her.
After reading several articles on Epsom Salt, I took a sit-down bath with a strong Epsom Salt solution for 20 mins. in hot water and the pain is mostly gone, it has been plaguing
me most of the day.
Maybe we should look to our cupboards more. 
25.) Treatment of Arthritis
People suffering from arthritis have a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salt baths, therefore, boost the magnesium levels of arthritis patients. This helps to relieve the pain and swelling symptoms associated with arthritis.
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I have been coming across a lot of different studies talking about the importance of magnesium and how many people do not get enough of it in their diets. Along with relief of muscle and joint issues it is also important for sleep and cognitive functions.
The person who fixed my back did some incredibly painful manipulation of the muscles in my legs that released the tension in my back. I actually thought she was using one of those TENS units that sends electricity through your muscles but she wasnât. unfortunately her waiting list keeps growing. She now has a 7 month wait to get an appointment:(
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These are some of the very few YT Preppers I watch and trust. 
The Prepared Homestead - YouTube
Just a few of the many our there. If you have some out there you trust please post a list.
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For those of you who just donât know or are afraid to think for themselves.
https://youtu.be/7SCRbaB7ODg?si=8QmI3rQTp3kXISaN
Get 800+ Prescription Medications/ âJase Dailyâ Medical Prepping Service
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Sometimes you can get your doctor to prescribe antibiotics and other medications if your are going on a trip to a place where illnesses are common and medical care is hard to find.
There are also places now that offer antibiotics and other medicines specifically to have on hand for emergencies. They are a bit pricey since insurance doesnât cover this but worth it to have on hand for supply disruptions.
Be careful to only use reputable sources if ordering online. There are some sources out there that arenât providing the real thing or the drugs they do provide arenât being produced in controlled environments and may have contaminants in them.
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Absolutely. I have been ordering from Thomas Labs for many years, I have used the meds on myself, my Wife, my Mother, and my Brother. The above vid is the latest actual Doctor to order from for your needs.
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Thanks for posting havenât had time to watch it all yet. Another member here recomended Jase Case and I ordered one of their kits awhile ago. Pricey but a pretty comprehensive set sent from a pharmacy in the State you live in.
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Glad youâre taking this all seriously for you and your family.
As we have said many times in many situations " we are truly our own first responders"
And again.
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I used to have a lot of dreams when I was a kid about not having things I really needed when I really needed them. Lead me to always try to make sure I wasnât walking out the door without everything I needed. So I never have been a pack light kinda person even when I was long distance backpacking and needed to pack as light as possible.
As the years have gone by the list of things I have both realized I needed and recognized I might need at some point in future has just kept growing:)
Mostly my habit of being prepared has allowed me to help other people who werenât.
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Who is going to run the coal fired plants in a SHTF scenario? Who is going to run the trains to bring the coal to the plant? Who is going to mine the coal? Any coal that is at the generating plants will be scavenged for cooking and other heating essentials. Any coal on stalled trains will equally be scavenged for the same purposes. No one will be going to work. Everyone will be quite preoccupied with mere surviving.
There is a book written by a husband and wife who have lived off the grid for a couple of decades in which they describe their successes and failures. He has tried windmills and rejected them in favor of solar power. Eventually, however, at the end of the road we will be back to burning wood, cow chips and other assorted fourth world combustibles.
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Very true. In a SHTF scenario, centralized power generation, whether itâs coal, natural gas, nuclear, power purchased from a grid, or even the big wind and solar farms run by public utilities, will stop providing individuals with power. Prepping, in my view, involves figuring out how you and your family can weather such an event.
There are lots of folks who start with animosity against solar and will not accept the fact that solar provides perhaps the least expensive means of ensuring that you will have electric power during an extended SHTF event. I live at the edge of the grid, and some of my neighbors have always been 100% off grid. They use a combination of solar, small wind turbines (although Iâve seen less interest in turbines as people grow tired of the noise) and a bank of batteries in a shed or the garage.
In a SHTF event, there will be a lot of people who die because of their political blinders and belief that all you need to do is stockpile guns, ammo and MREs.
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Off grid solar makes a lot of sense for providing most or all of your own power if you can afford the big upfront investment. It is also great for an emergency backup system that you donât have to worry about storing and replenishing fuel for.
We canât afford to turn our solar system into an off grid system at the moment though we did design it so that we could do that when battery technology improves and prices come down. I was saving for a small solar generator capable of running our freezer but that money just got sucked into some unexpected vehicle repairs:(
Fortunately we can do everything we really need to without power. It will be more effort and less comfort but we live in an area that does not get too hot and we have a forest full of fuel for heat.
My son will miss his hour or so of screen time every day but he also really likes board games and books. We have a closet full of games and shelves of books. We also have solar rechargeable lights for the evenings and small solar battery chargers to keep our flashlights and headlamps going so we wonât have to live in the dark.
The one issue with all power sources is that they are susceptible to damage from solar flares or EMPs so if you are counting on them for survival you may want to look int shielding options and/or spare parts for repairs.
What Iâve discovered about solar, particularly grid tie systems, is that when the grid power goes down, your solar panels donât generate power for your usage. The solutions are: (1) whole house battery system (very expensive and a lot of work if you deploy lead-acid batteries) or (2) small battery system of say, just one or two battery cells (cheap, but of limited utility). Those two battery cells wonât be enough to power your entire house, but it tricks the solar panel system into disconnecting from the grid during power failures and allows you to use your solar panels at least during daylight hours. Then, as you can afford it, additional cells can be added.
Ask your solar installer about it, but, be forewarned, he has an economic incentive to sell the whole house solution.
On my list of âto dosâ is to take a course(s) in solar technologies as itâs not exactly self sufficient to call the solar guy whenever I have a problem. The courses I have been circling are these offered by Solar Energy International located in Paonia, Colorado (just west of nowhere):
Become a Solar Installer - Solar Energy International (SEI): Solar Training for Clean Energy Careers
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Thanks for that tip! Iâll have to look into that. I was thinking of coming up with a way to rewire a couple of the panels through a battery to get some power for the freezer if the grid went down for awhile. But if I can somehow trick the whole system into working during the day so we can occasionally run the freezer, well pump, electric oven and hot water heater we would be living in luxury with the grid down!
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Some thoughts on canned foods. Questions? Please ask. 
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