D.I.Y. SAFE sunscreen

Before going out into the sun, we do a few things around here.  First- no bathing.  Your skin has an oil base that provides a natural 6 spf.  When the average person bathes, they use a soap that strips the oils from the skin.  This eliminates your natural protective barrier.
Personally we haven't used soap in years, but use coconut oil to wash with.  This, if you have to shower- would make due.  Next, I use a hat on occasion- but NO sunglasses- at least not ones with the UV blocker.  Why?  Your body can't produce the proper amount of melanin to combat the suns exposure if it is blocked by those sunglasses with the "UV" protective lenses.   In other words- if your eyes can't see the danger, your body can't produce weapons for the war.
Keep hydrated, and of course, eat your greens.  Your body helps fight off too much sun best if it is nourished best.  Those who eat an alkaline based diet and those who consume the right kinds of fats- ie: omega-3 and omega-6 fats- do great in keeping the burn away.  In other words- if you eat real- get rid of the sugar and processed foods and take your body back to what it was meant to be- you will have a more real response to the sun.  Would you ever grill a doughnut? Not unless you want something charred and nasty. Kind of like cooking with the wrong oil in the kitchen- you won't have a high smoke point.

A few natural oils/carrier oils work well for creating the perfect mix.  In my research over the past 3 years, I have found the most consistent SPF rating came from carrot seed oil at around 38-40.  I have looked and looked, but so far the claim that red raspberry seed oil is the highest has not been sufficiently proven.  It is claimed to have a range of 28-50.  That spectrum is too broad for me to feel confident backing any further than the low end.
There is always the option of adding Zinc- but I have found it to become harder to find a true non-nano zinc.  Anything below 100nm or .99nm down is nano and is absorbable.  There are even manufacturers who promote their Zinc being non nano by having there be some non nano particle sizes in with the rest of which is nano.  Most of the time I find non-nano particle Zinc that files in the range of 110-130nm to qualify into the safe zone... but then you get the white color that some people are self conscious of. Of course we all need trace zinc in our system, but in sun screen, it is not necessary and it can be toxic.

Here is what I use for our sunscreen and it works well for us.

1/2 cup grapeseed oil (4spf)- I have also used almond oil in place
1/2 cup Shea (4 spf)
1/2 cup Coconut oil (4 spf)
1/3 cup aloe juice from aloe plant
2 T bees wax
1/4 cup green tea- or distilled water- your choice
If we are going to have long exposure to the sun or even be traveling to a higher location above sea level, I add 30 drops of carrot seed oil (38-40spf)

I use my large aloe plants to harvest the gel from.  If you do not have Aloe plants, I would possibly try the liquid aloe from the store in the pharmacy section.

In a double boiler, melt down the oils and wax.  Pour off into a separate glass container such as a glass bowl or jar.  Allow to cool.  If in a warmer climate, set in the fridge for 15 or more minutes to firm up but still allow for pliability.  You will know when it is ready because the color becomes much cloudier.  Begin a continuous steady thin stream of the aloe/green tea into the oils all the while mixing with an emulsifier or in your blender.  I have in the past used a whisk but getting the temperature of the oil and the time involved was tricky.  Be cautious not to over mix and the end result will be a white whipped cream.  I separate off into 4 oz Mason jars and store in the fridge but keep one in the travel bag.

DIY shower cleaner turned ant killer

There are two things I absolutely can not stand seeing in my house. #1 Flies  #2 Ants

2 weeks ago I noticed and an ant on my counter.  I figured it towed in on a recent wildcraft harvest.  I then began a very busy 2 weeks out of state and back several times so I was not really home a lot.  For the past three days I was seeing 3 or 4 ants a day.  I knew I was getting a problem.
Today I opened up the cupboard and found the beginnings of a nest.  Ants hate peppermint, and soap kills.

Conveniently, I have peppermint shower cleaner I made last week.

1/4 cup peppermint castile soap- I use Dr. Bronners
16 oz rubbing alcohol
combine in a 1 gallon jug and fill the rest with water- separate off into a spray bottle and spray after each shower to put off  the "deep clean" about 3-4x longer than normal regimen requires.

After just a few sprays- every single ant and all of the eggs were saturated and there was no movement.  This multi-use spray works on many things- I even use it on outdoor tables to keep the bugs away.

Liquid Chlorophyll - how to make your own

Between making my own liquid chlorophyll out of alfalfa, and making liquid seamoss- well, I have no need for taking some sort of supplement.  Liquid chlorophyll has 72 vitamins and minerals out of 102 the body needs.  Liquid seamoss has 92 of said vitamins and minerals, but no Iron.  Between the 2 liquids you are totally covered.
Since I no longer have faith in what our waters are contaminated with- the use of seamoss has become almost nonexistent in our home.  

Why liquid chlorophyll?

• Purification- Contains vitamins and minerals such as K, C, Folic acid, iron, calcium and protein etc- it rebuilds and replenishes our red cells which in turn, boosts our immune system.  It stops bacterial growth in wounds and even yeasts and fungi in the intestinal tract.
• Deodorizes- eliminates odors in the mouth and throat by getting your digestion on track
• Anti-carcinogenic- Chlorophyll inhibits carcinogenisis-  all those meals on the BBQ and sitting in traffic harbors those carcinogens called procarcinogens that damage DNA- well, liquid chlorophyll blocks the body from metabolizing it.  Researchers from Ohio State University concluded  "At...cancer rates relevant to humans, chlorophyll was strongly protective"
• Preventative- Stops teeth decaying and infections of the gums...and proven to prevent certain cancers
• Cleanses- it counteracts all toxins and even drug deposits
• Chelation of heavy metals- It has the ability to bind to awful heavy metals- even mercury- and rid it from the body
• Renewal- Ameliorate liver function as well as activating enzymes to stimulate production of vitamins A, E and K
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant- counteracts soar throats, gingivitis, ulcers, skin inflammations and arthritis etc
• Detoxify- This is one of the best detox regimes you can get on.  (I use it with Diatomaceous Earth) 
• Antiseptic and wound healing- it assists our body's tissue by strengthening it to fight off the germs it does not want
• Speedy delivery of Magnesium

How I make liquid chlorophyll:

Always wildcraft when the sun is as its lowest point.  Either first thing in the am or last thing before bed.  When the sun beats down on the leaves, the minerals and vitamins find their way down into the roots- Make sure you are harvesting organic alfalfa- zero treatments on the land and no down hill toxic slide run-off.

Harvest and wash well then pluck the leaves off of the stem and discard stem into compost bucket.

Add enough water to cover 3/4 of the volume of alfalfa you have in your blender and blend away

Filter through a strainer into a separate vessel

I make 1/2 gallon at a time to store in the fridge.  It has an extremely mild and agreeable flavor- actually, it is so mild we usually add some lemon juice or cucumber slices to flavor it a bit more.

My son loves it with kombucha and a little honey

 

Alfalfa

The good- the great- and- the questioned

The fields of alfalfa you see are not for cows and horses alone.  The part of spring that begins to bleed into summer, right before the tractors go to cut down first alfalfa harvest is when the picking is best for human consumption.  You can take alfalfa in any form at any time of the year, but after the winter thaw and those lengthy roots (up to 25' deep!) bring up the best minerals- that makes for prime picking.
Of course alfalfa sprouts are always in high demand in my home, but the field we have is top priority right now.  You will want to harvest the ones that have not developed the purple flower or seeds- all energy is directed to that- you want to harvest when everything wonderful is potent and in the leaves.

Rich in protein, vitamins A, C and K *not so awesome if you are on blood thinners*- and B-related choline-
Minerals/trace minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, biotin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, betacarotene, copper and iron...all depending on your soil.
Depending on what time of year, and which cutting you are on out of 3, the protein levels usually balance on 3%.  The leaves contain 8 of the essential amino acids.
Phytonutrients are high in the plant as well-

Medicinal uses-

• Kidney, bladder and prostate disorders
• Helps relieve poor digestion
• Anti-diabetic activity- helps those who can not utilize insulin properly
• Aids in all arthritis pain 
• Treatment of dyspepsia
• Anti-asthmatic
• Helps ease nausea
• Ease of Gout
• Helps eliminate bad breath
• Blood purifier
• Helps with addiction- especially in alcoholics
• Control fevers 
• Improves jaundice
• Diuretic- treatment for dropsy and bladder inflammation
• Helps soften hardened arteries- acting as a "grow your own" treatment for high blood pressure
• Helps remineralize teeth
• Assists in mothers who are nursing
• Fantastic for making your own liquid chlorophyll/chlorophyll concentrate 

Phytochemicals are found in the plant. Shown to contribute to the prevention cancer- it has an amino acid called canavanine- proven to join carcinogens within the colon.  It is also an assistant in preventing cardiovascular disease by lowering blood cholesterol all while protecting the nervous system from degrading.  Co-working with the calcium in the plant, this has been found beneficial in delaying osteoporosis and alleviating menopausal symptoms.

Alfalfa contains coumestans.  There have been lab studies done on phytoestrogen, designed primarily around menopause and symptom relief.
From my research, and from others, there have not been any randomized, controlled human study trials in the use and health condition pertaining to human consumption.

In large consumption, any type of estrogen will interrupt your system.  Some of the studies I have fully researched on endocrine disruptors are- xenoestrogen, Bisphenol A- or BPA and phytoestrogen in Soy. Any consumption of BPA or Soy in any volume is nasty for you.  Yes, Soy.  Some people still don't know how toxic, damaging and deadly Soy is.  You may be one of those who say "I feel fine" or "I eat it and nothing bad has happened to me" but you are changing the genetic structure your body and squashing your children's chances of becoming parents themselves- let alone grandparents- among countless other dangers and cancers you are exposing yourself to.  Factor in that soy is in everything.  So it is not when you only consume the occasional tofu miso soup-  It is used in almost everything processed- from "food" that comes from a window or a box to pizza sauce and salad dressing.

Those animals that only consume alfalfa have shown to have lower fertility rates- but nothing like those who are fed G.E. (Genetically Engineered) foods.  The statistics skyrocket when G.E. foods are introduced into the mix. In all truth, it is rare that an animal is placed in a field where no other greens grow- there is always some sort of grass, clover, flower etc.  In simple deduction, I feel that if an animal is pasture raised the statistics don't hold well for reproduction failure- if the animal is pen fed, then I can see how this is valid as the owner of said animal has complete control over what they feed the animal..  I will have to do more research to be definitive and to figure out exactly how much lower by percentage.

Measured servings are key.
Consumed over 6-12 months with proper doses- it has been proven to aid substantially beneficial.

How I consume Alfalfa:

If I am adding fresh leaves I either cook them down with dandelion leaves, beet greens, chard, kale or any hardy green- usually in a bath of vinegar and garlic etc. or I use it in a stir fry
If I am using it dried- I take a handful of each alfalfa, red raspberry leaf (1st year cutting) and of course nettle.  I steep in about a half gallon of hot water then filter out into a separate cup and drink a few times a day.


I found a website with a link at the bottom to show nutritional content-

Measurement is 1 cup.

Calorie Information Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Calories 7.6 (31.8 kJ) 0%   From Carbohydrate 2.5 (10.5 kJ)   From Fat 1.9 (8.0 kJ)   From Protein 3.2 (13.4 kJ)   From Alcohol 0.0 (0.0 kJ) Carbohydrates Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Total Carbohydrate 0.7 g 0% Dietary Fiber 0.6 g 3% Starch 0.0 g Sugars 0.1 g Fats & Fatty Acids Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Total Fat 0.2 g 0% Saturated Fat 0.0 g 0% Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g Total trans fatty acids ~ Total trans-monoenoic fatty acids ~ Total trans-polyenoic fatty acids ~ Total Omega-3 fatty acids 57.8 mg Total Omega-6 fatty acids 77.2 mg Learn more about these fatty acids and their equivalent names

Protein & Amino Acids Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Protein 1.3 g 3% Vitamins Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Vitamin A 51.1 IU 1% Vitamin C 2.7 mg 5% Vitamin D ~ ~ Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) 0.0 mg 0% Vitamin K 10.1 mcg 13% Thiamin 0.0 mg 2% Riboflavin 0.0 mg 2% Niacin 0.2 mg 1% Vitamin B6 0.0 mg 1% Folate 11.9 mcg 3% Vitamin B12 0.0 mcg 0% Pantothenic Acid 0.2 mg 2% Choline 4.8 mg Betaine 0.1 mg Minerals Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Calcium 10.6 mg 1% Iron 0.3 mg 2% Magnesium 8.9 mg 2% Phosphorus 23.1 mg 2% Potassium 26.1 mg 1% Sodium 2.0 mg 0% Zinc 0.3 mg 2% Copper 0.1 mg 3% Manganese 0.1 mg 3% Selenium 0.2 mcg 0% Fluoride ~ Sterols Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Cholesterol 0.0 mg 0% Phytosterols ~ Other Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV Alcohol 0.0 g Water 30.6 g Ash 0.1 g Caffeine 0.0 mg Theobromine 0.0 mg

Below is the link to take you to see more nutritional facts and see further data and charts.http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2302/2

*Officially* a bee keeper

Yup- it is official.... I am a bee keeper.

My son fascinated with watching the bees groom themselves...

My son terrified that when they are done grooming- they fly

 The bees began building a comb around the queens containment

I keep trying to add the video of the process...but something is giving me an error indication.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)  is classified as an acid salt.  When you combine a carbonic and sodium hydroxide...or an acid and a base...it reacts with other chemicals as a mild alkali.  And if exposed to heats in excess of 300F  it becomes sodium carbonate-or- washing soda.  Which is of course a more stable substance of water and carbon dioxide.
Colorado holds the largest natural deposit for baking soda in North America and seems to be trying to acquire an audience.
There are other ways of obtaining sodium bicarbonate- one of which is being manufactured chemically using the Solvay process which requires ammonia and carbon dioxide or natural natural trona.  The deposit in Green River, Wyoming has enough soda ash and sodium bicarbonate to supply the world for a thousand years.

I use baking soda for a lot of things around my house.  From face wash to internal regimen- then out to the chicken coop and into the laundry.

All baking soda is not created equally

• Pharmaceutical grade
• Food grade 
• Feed grade

Pharmaceutical grade-

When buying pharmaceutical grade baking soda you are getting something that was obtained with Good Manufacturing Practices- or GMP.  This guarantees it is pure, safe and trusted.  In order to be called pharmaceutical grade, the ingredients must be beyond 99% purity.  This is what I use in internal regimen and my face wash.  If you have not yet read up on any of the university studies on the healing properties of sodium bicarbonate- please do.  It heals.  It can act as a reset button for your body if your ph is out of balance and even soothe the nasty side effects of medications.  Tons of amazing things happen when you use it internally.

Food grade-

FDA rules allow for fillers to be put in.... like Sodium Benzoate, propyline glycol, chemical dyes etc...and of course, the FDA does not make the manufacturers list these secondary particles if they are not added when making the final product.  The raw material can contain 90% or less and have allergen fillers like corn starch and lactose.

"Industrial" grade is what you find in the pool stores and is less pure and not as fine.  It is also used when it comes to stripping cars of their paint without damaging fiberglass bodies- I never did research this "side" grade.  Going by logic- I have reason to believe it has nasty fillers and therefore can't be consumed by anything.

Feed grade-

I have in the past used the feed grade for my laundry soap and for cleaning out animal pens.  As for washing, the mild alkalinity works to lift out the fatty acids in dirt and grease into a form of soap that can be dissolved and washed away rather easily.

I have found that some of which I had once purchased, like FMC, is actually manufactured in their laboratories.  Basically by taking soda ash and then running it through a reverse process by using a centrifuge and introducing temperatures and liquids under pressure to allow sodium bicarbonate crystals to separate which allows for collection.

Feed grade is different.  Livestock is fed baking soda to help stabilize rumen ph by reducing acid conditions.  Especially dairy cows.  I personally use it with my birds- especially in the spring time.  It becomes a salt semi-replacement allowing for a dryer litter and cleaner conditions when everything is wet and nasty out. It usually runs about <80% and can be used in organic farming.