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All We Want for Christmas is a Backyard Bat House (Not Kidding!)

November 24, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

You might have seen these strange looking boxes on Pinterest or Facebook and wondered what kind of strange bird used such a flat house? Then you looked closer and realized they were bat houses. As in HOUSES for BATS!

Perhaps you never thought about a bat house as a Christmas gift, but perhaps you should!

Don’t freak out! Bats are nothing like they are portrayed in the movies. They aren’t dangerous, they won’t get caught in your hair, and they are super good for you and your family. Seriously, they are. Keep reading.

Why Bats Are SO Important

Most people are not aware that bats eat upwards of 1,000 insects each night (depending on the species, of course, some eat much more). This means fewer mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and other biting insects.

This means that, not only can we use fewer insecticides or insect repellants, bats can help to prevent the diseases that these biting insects can pass along. Fewer bugs and less disease, wow. That sounds like a bargain, doesn’t it?

Bats are also, depending on the ecosystem, important for the pollination of plants. In fact, some plants are entirely dependent on bats to either pollinate their flowers or spread their seeds. Some plants that depend on bats would be dates, figs, mangoes, and bananas.

Still other bats eat the insects that tend to damage crops. That means by letting bats do our work for us, we can use fewer pesticides on our food. Everyone would agree that this is a good thing!

Bats are also considered to be “indicator species”. This means that changes in bat populations can predict changes in aspects of biodiversity.

By the way, let’s not forget about bat poop, which is called guano. This is super beneficial for plants. You can find bat guano for sale in almost every nursery in the world. Bat guano contains tons of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphates, which plants love.

Last but not least, did you know that a compound extracted from bat saliva has been turned into an anticoagulant drug that is used on those who have suffered a stroke?

There are so many good things that bats can offer us!

OK, now you are saying “That’s fine, but why don’t they just find a nice cave or a tree trunk to sleep in?” Good question.

Why Bat Houses Are Important

Unfortunately, many natural bat habitats have been destroyed or access has been closed off. By putting up a few bat houses around your property, you can offer bats a safe place to sleep during the day and a nice place to raise their young. This also gives bats a better place to live that they will prefer to your attic! In turn, bats will keep your yard free from most insects and provide you with free fertilizer!

Contrary to popular belief, bats don’t carry rabies since they don’t come into contact with other mammals. They also won’t fly into your hair (unless you put your head directly under the box) and they won’t bother your kids or pets.

You can find tons of information about how to build your own bat house and where to place it, online. Or, if you aren’t the handy type, you can buy them premade.

Check out a short video of bats living inside a bat house, check out this short video

We hope you will consider putting up a bat house (or two) in your backyard.

You Can Rely on These Top 10 All Natural Antibiotics This Winter!

October 9, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

Antibiotics are, and have been, a lifesaving medicine for millions. Unfortunately, the overuse or incomplete use of antibiotics has now created bacteria that are resistant to all known types of antibiotics.

This means that, once again, unless we develop new antibiotics, bacteria will reign supreme and people will die from simple infections.

You can avoid these dangers by only using antibiotics when you truly need them and by consuming all of the medication your doctor gives you.

You can also avoid these dangers by using nature’s antibiotics whenever possible.

Of course we aren’t suggesting that these are better than or even equal to prescription antibiotics, but many times these natural foods, spices, and oils will do the job.

Want to know more? Keep reading and find out which are the top 10 antibiotics given to us by Mother Nature.

Garlic

This is perhaps the most common and most used all natural antibiotic. Simple, everyday cloves of garlic contain antifungal, antiviral, and antibiotic compounds. Garlic needs to be crushed or cut in order to release these compounds, however. So be sure to add plenty of garlic to whatever you are cooking to keep yourself healthy, even if it won’t get you voted Most Kissable!

Echinacea

Native Americans have used this flowering plant for eons. It can treat bacterial infections, wounds, and keeps the immune system working properly. You can use Echinacea creams to treat many skin problems and stop infections. You can also take supplements to fight off internal bacterial or viral infections or to simply keep your immune system working at its best, drink a cup or two of Echinacea tea each day during the flu season. Please note that those who have immune disorders should avoid this supplement.

Honey

This is a sweet remedy that has been used for hundreds of years! Honey contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Before bandages or antibiotics, honey was often applied to skin wounds to prevent infections, as well as being used as a face wash to prevent breakouts. Always use raw, organic honey for best results.

Turmeric

Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, turmeric is a super anti-inflammatory with antibiotic compounds that not only destroy bacteria, but encourage the body to use its own natural defenses to heal itself. You can consume fresh turmeric via food or tea, take supplements, or mix turmeric powder with honey and milk for a super antibiotic potion!

Oil of Oregano

A chemical compound in oregano oil, called carvacrol, is such a powerful antibiotic that it has been known to work in cases where antibiotic resistant bacteria refused to budge! You can mix a few drops of this healing oil in water to bathe wounds, help stop skin problems, treat foot or toenail infections, and much more! For cough or flu symptoms, add a few drops to a pot of boiling water and breathe in the healing steam.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaves have good antimicrobial benefits, as well as a natural anti-inflammatory action. You can consume this one via supplements, or make your own tincture for external use by filling a jar with fresh olive tree leaves and covering them with vodka. Leave in a dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, then strain out the leaves. This makes a terrific wash to cleanse wounds or cuts.

Goldenseal

This is another herb that has been used by the Native People of America for centuries. It works well for both internal and external bacterial infections and activates the white blood cells of the body so they can fight infections naturally. This is very powerful medicine, however, and should only be taken for 3 or 4 weeks at a time. You can take supplements or make a tea from fresh leaves and flowers. Be careful if you harvest this plant wild, however, as it is on the endangered list due to over harvesting. Consider growing your own!

Ginger

You might already know that ginger is a natural way to stop nausea and vomiting, but did you know that it can also help to stop food borne bacteria, such as salmonella? Drinking ginger tea after each meal ensures not only proper digestion, but will kill any unwanted bacteria and pathogens in your food.

Neem

Sometimes called Indian Lilac, neem is another powerful plant that fights bacteria without the bacteria building up a resistance to it. Neem oil is the perfect answer for oral problems such as gingivitis and bad breath. You can also use the leaves or powder to take care of most skin problems.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

These tiny but powerful seeds are terrific for their antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral compounds. Grapefruit seed extracts have been shown to be effective in fighting more than 800 types of bacteria and viruses. You might want to consider taking these supplements during the cold and flu season this winter!

It was the father of medicine, Hippocrates, who once said “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”. He was absolutely correct! Mother Nature has already provided us with almost everything we need to live a healthy, natural life; if only we would take advantage of it.

Top 10 Essential Oils You Should Never Be Without!

September 20, 2016 by Tammy Robinson Leave a Comment

By now, you must have heard all the talk and excitement about essential oils and what they can do for you.

You can actually eliminate toxic household cleaning products, sleeping pills; even the need for the morning cup of Joe can all be replaced simply by using essential oils.

These distilled plant, fruit, or flower extracts are super concentrated, and therefore, super powerful. Keep in mind that you should never consume them unless you get approval from your doctor. Essential oils are for external use only!

But is there anything more heavenly than the scent of roses in the bath? The intoxicating smell of cedar on your man’s collar? Or the soothing calm that lavender brings?

Want to know more? We are going to let you in on what is known as the Top 10 essential oils that no one should be without.

Eucalyptus Oil

If you want a natural relief from colds, flu, coughs, and other respiratory issues, this is a must have. Not only does eucalyptus oil immediately clear up congestion, it is antibacterial, anti-viral, as well as anti-fungal. This means that while you are adding a few drops to your shower, pot of hot water, or vaporizer, you will clear up your sinuses and clean the air as well! Add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and you have a safe sanitizer for the bathroom and kitchen counters. Remember, eucalyptus oil is powerful stuff, so do not allow children under 10 to use this oil.

Lavender

By far, the most popular essential oil on the planet! If you could only afford to buy one oil, this should be the one. Lavender has been used for thousands of years for everything from headache relief to a cure for insomnia, to healing insect bites, skin rashes, minor burns and even as a deodorant! Lavender is one of the most soothing scents around, so if you are looking for natural stress or anxiety relief, try taking a few good whiffs right out of the bottle!

Tea Tree Oil

This has been called “medicine in a bottle” and for a good reason! Tea tree oil, much like Eucalyptus oil, can be used to treat all kinds of ailments, including acne, cold sores, insect bites, and eczema, athlete ’s foot, and toenail fungus. Adding a few drops to your regular shampoo makes it an instant dandruff killer and adding some to a plain spray bottle of water makes it a terrific way to clean and sanitize around the home! By the way, fleas hate this stuff, so put a few drops on Fluffy or Fido’s bedding to keep them away!

Peppermint

If you have ever had a cup of peppermint tea or sucked on a peppermint candy to relieve stomach pain or indigestion, then you know how peppermint works! Peppermint is a natural soother, so adding a few drops to a bucket of water makes one of the most relaxing foot soaks ever! You can also use it in the bath or, when adding it to a carrier oil such as coconut oil, it makes a great cough and cold balm when rubbed on the chest.

Clove

This common spice has been used for centuries to relieve minor pains and stop itching. Clove oil is great for mouth pain or toothaches, prickly heat rash, cuts or minor wounds, to stop the itch and sting of insect bites or stings, and so much more. Clove oil is super powerful, so you should probably dilute it in a carrier oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil, before you use it. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to consider another oil as clove is very strong.

Chamomile

You probably have some chamomile tea in your kitchen right now. This super soothing herb has been used since at least Roman times and while a cup of tea before bed will make you sleepy, you can also use this gentle oil externally. Most people have no problem using this oil full strength to stop the pain from boils, acne, cuts, and bruises, super dry skin, eczema, even dermatitis. Put a few drops in a diffuser and watch your kids drift off to sleep naturally. Caution: if you are allergic to ragweed, this oil is not for you!

Grapefruit

Just thinking about this scent makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? If you are feeling a little blue, try taking a few sniffs of this oil every 5 to 10 minutes. It has a super uplifting, energizing property to it! Grapefruit oil is also good to use topically for acne, swollen lymph nodes, cellulite, tension headaches, even as a deodorant. Put a few drops on any cloth and make your own refreshing deodorizer for closets, shoes, lockers, and cars.

Oregano

This is a powerful oil that has anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial compounds. This is a great oil to use around the house to clean and sanitize, as well as using it topically to stop fungal infections, tendonitis, cysts, warts, shingles, Candida, athlete’s foot, and more. This works best when diluted in a good quality carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil.

Lemon

There is almost nothing this basic oil cannot do! Just a few drops added to some olive oil and you have the worlds best furniture polish for pennies! Add some to your laundry detergent, dish detergent, or floor cleaner for some super smelling, extra clean home! Put a drop or two of lemon oil with some salt and baking soda for a scrub that will make your cutting board and sink look like new and smell good too! Make your own antibacterial hand sanitizer by mixing it with some aloe vera gel. The list for this oil goes on and on!

Frankincense

This super perfumed oil has been grown and harvested since before Christ. It is currently being investigated as a possible means of stopping cancer from spreading, but while those studies continue, you can add it to your favorite liquid soap to stop acne in days. Frankincense will cleanse and purify the skin, while easing stress with its heady scent. Adding a few drops to a handkerchief and inhaling it will help clear stuffed noses. It’s even been reported to help those with allergies and asthma.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should always check with their doctor before using any essential oils. Children under 5 should also avoid these oils as they can be very powerful. If you have any doubts or concerns, please speak with your doctor before using.

Beautiful, healing, aromatic essential oils – A little bit of something for everyone! Who knew?

Bitter Almonds and Cancer: Here is the Bitter Truth of It.

July 14, 2016 by Tammy Robinson 14 Comments

Have you seen this meme on your favorite social media site lately? It implies that the US government outlawed bitter almonds, and the tree, because they know that the almonds are a good source of B17, which is “known” to kill cancer.

What do you think of this? Do you think this is true? Does this sound like a huge pile of woo? We are going to look at the link between bitter almonds, B17, and cancer, so we can find out what the bitter truth is.

First, What Exactly Are Bitter Almonds?

There are two types of almond trees in the world, bitter and sweet. Sweet almonds, often simply referred to as just “almonds”, are the kind you find in your food, candy, and everyday nut jars. These are grown in many places in the US, and are a favorite snack for many people.

However, bitter almonds are pretty much what the name implies. They have a bitter aftertaste , but otherwise look like almonds. These almonds, however, are extremely high in cyanide. Yes, you read that correctly, cyanide. In fact, just 7 or 8 almonds can kill a child, and a handful of 20 or so can kill an adult. These are no joke.

So Why Did the US Ban Them?

They didn’t. Bitter almond trees are beautiful and are used as ornamental trees in many locations, especially in and around California. Bitter almond products are what cannot be sold in the US, unless they have gone through an extensive refining process which removes the cyanide. The FDA has also banned any product containing bitter almonds that claim to be “cancer cures”.

Laetrile, B17, and Cancer

Vitamin B17 is a naturally occurring substance found in the pits or seeds of some fruits, including apple seeds and apricot pits, as well as bitter almond. The registered patent for B17 uses the trade name Laetrile. It was founded in 1830 by a pair of French chemists and tried out as an anticancer agent in Germany as far back as 1892. It was found to be ineffective and extremely toxic. ( Which is a nice way of saying people died from the treatment). In the early 1950’s, a doctor, Ernst Krebs and his son, Ernst Jr., began to try a new “purified” form of laetrile to treat cancer patients. It didn’t work. Over the years, Laetrile has been touted by many snake oil salespeople as a “cure” for cancer, but there has never been one study, or even one person, who has showed scientific proof that laetrile has done anything but clean out their bank accounts.

In the early 1970’s, a man from Kansas, who had been diagnosed with a polyp in his colon, decided against surgery and instead had his doctor burn off the polyp. He then consumed vitamins and Laetrile. This seed salesman from Kansas then became convinced that Laetrile had “cured” his cancer, even though the polyp had been successfully removed by his doctor. This is what began the real “Laetrile” movement. This gentleman, named Glen Rutherford, petitioned the court saying that laetrile should be sold to terminal cancer patients and bypass FDA rulings.

The Aftermath

Because the court denied Mr. Rutherfords request, people began believing that the government was “holding out” on a cancer cure. There were several cases of people dying after receiving laetrile in Mexico.

Josef Hofbauer – This 9 year old had Hodgkin’s disease. With chemotherapy, this type of cancer has a 95% 5 year survival rate. His parents rejected all treatments and gave their son laetrile. He died two years afterwards.
Chad Green – He was only 2 and had been diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent traditional chemotherapy and the disease went into remission very quickly, however, his parents heard about laetrile and decided to discontinue chemotherapy. Chad quickly developed signs of cyanide poisoning and doctors petitioned the courts to remove Chad from his parents’ care. They fled to Mexico to continue treatment, where Chad died within a few months due to cyanide poisoning.
Steve McQueen– This famous actor had lung cancer and was told by doctors in America that there was nothing they could do for him at the time (1980) also went to Mexico for coffee enemas and laetrile treatments for three months. He claimed he was “cured” but developed metastasis and had developed a cancerous tumor on his liver, abdomen, and neck within months. McQueen again returned to Mexico to have the tumors removed, despite doctors in the US telling him that the cyanide he had taken had weakened his heart and that he would not survive an operation. He died on the operating table.

The Bottom Line

After Steve McQueens death, laetrile quietly went away. Until social media sites and young people, who missed all the hoopla in the 70’s and 80’s, brought it back to life and gave it a conspiracy theory twist.

The development of many types of cancer is a multi-staged process involving cell mutation, our DNA, and the mutation of genes, along with the malfunction of the body’s natural repair system, and the immune’s system either inability to correct the problem or to recognize the problem in the first place.

This means that chances are that there will not be a single food, drug, or process that will stop or cure cancer. There are many different types of cancer, not only the body part that is affected. You can bet that it will be science that finally figures out a cure.

Oh, and the old “there is no money in a cure”, simply isn’t true. Scientists, their families, friends, billionaires, and important political figures in this world still die from cancer. Don’t you think that if you knew the cure for cancer, even if you were paid to suppress it, you would at least give it to your mother? Father? Children? Spouse? And if there was a cure, as many conspiracy theorists claim, wouldn’t insurance companies want to know about it? Why would they continue to pay millions of dollars for treatments if a natural cure could be found online with simple research?

Companies would make tons of money from a cure or treatment, make no doubt about it. Imagine if you were a scientist working for Big Pharma. You would win the Nobel Prize for certain, your name and the company name would go down in history, and you would have a patent that would net you BILLIONS for YEARS!

Hiding a cure would be next to impossible and would cost far more than what is being spent on cancer research and treatments now. So don’t believe the hype. Bitter almond/marijuana/some natural plant is not a cure for cancer and is not being kept secret by Big Pharma.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Weed (You Won’t Believe #4!)

July 6, 2016 by Tammy Robinson 1 Comment

If you are one of the millions of American’s who regularly indulge in a little Mexican agriculture, then we probably don’t need to tell you the many benefits of toking up. However, there are still millions of American’s who really don’t have a clue about the “Devil’s Lettuce”, AKA, marijuana.

There is perhaps no plant on this earth (with the exception of poppies) that has been more condemned than marijuana. This is a plant that governments all over the world have tried to control, outlaw, and criminalize, but to no avail. Why? Because you can’t keep a good thing hidden forever.

Despite the fact that NEVER, in the history of the world, has anyone ever died from an overdose, been injured or gotten a disease from excessive consumption of this plant, it remains a controversial subject, especially by those who have never indulged.

Cannabis is one of the most healing plants on our good earth. Dozens of studies have found that it can do everything from lower blood pressure to suppress cancer.

For those of you who want scientific proof that cannabis is a good thing, we are going to spell it out for you. For those who love their evening blunts and want to know what else cannabis can do for you – we are going to list the top 10 scientifically known health benefits.

Suppresses Cancer

Let’s start off with the big C; cancer. Everyone is looking for ways to avoid it, prevent it, and cure it. While there haven’t been enough studies to show that marijuana can “cure” cancer, there are studies which have found that cannabis can inhibit the growth of tumors in lab animals. Other studies, done in vitro, show it kill cancer cells in a petri dish, but then again, so does just about any substance.

Helps Relieve PMS

While men may not fully understand this, women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome will be buying new bongs or papers once they hear this; studies show that cannabis can ease the cramps, pain, headaches, and mood swings that PMS brings each month. Using marijuana to ease the discomfort most women experience during their period goes back to Queen Victoria. It’s been used for centuries to help with the pain of child birth, migraines, and more.

Eases Tourette’s Syndrome

Many people enjoy a good laugh at the expense of those who suffer from Tourette’s, but this neurological condition is no joke. This disease causes uncontrollable facial tics, grimaces, shouting, snorting, and grunting noises, which makes public appearances anything but comfortable. The Hanover Medical College in Germany found that Tourett’s subjects who consumed a cannabinol extract had a significant reduction in their symptoms within minutes. Just one dose lasted for several hours when compared to the placebo group.

Possible Alzheimer’s Prevention

One study, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, found that regular consumption of marijuana could prevent the onset of many neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. The main culprits when it comes to these type of brain diseases are oxidative stress, intro-cellualr dysfunction and chronic inflammation of the brain. THC and cannabinoids reduce inflammation in the brain, protect cells from oxidative damage, and encourage the health of brain cells on several levels. There is a definite need for more studies, but since there is no harm in consuming even large amounts of marijuana, it can’t hurt and appears that it will help.

Stops Seizures

This is perhaps one of the most commonly known medical uses for marijuana. Cannabis definitely has a relaxing effect on the brain and body. The antispasmodic properties of this plant have been proven, not only in studies, but in real life scenarios, all over social media sites, as well as the internet.

Crohn’s Disease and IBS

The very basis of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and Crohn’s disease is a relentless inflammation of the colon and stomach, along with uncontrollable spasms. As with Alzheimer’s disease, cannabis brings the hammer down on inflammation and is a natural antispasmodic. While pot may not cure these debilitating diseases, they can make life almost normal again. One study found a full 45 percent of those suffering from Crohn’s disease had complete remission after just 8 weeks of smoking 2 blunts a day.

Migraine Relief

While migraines have been around for centuries, the cause has eluded scientists for just as long. Since medical marijuana was legalized in California, doctors have stated that they have successfully treated almost half a million cases that conventional medicines were unable to treat. That, friends, is the power of this one tiny plant!

ADHD and ADD

Ritalin might just be on the way out if a few more studies can back up a study done at USC, which found that marijuana eased the symptoms of ADD and ADHD far better than Ritalin, without the harmful side effects. If your child suffers from ADHD, speak to your doctor about medical marijuana as a safer alternative.

Relief from MS Symptoms

Again, this isn’t a cure, but 11 studies to date have shown that many people have found relief from the symptoms of multiple sclerosis via cannabis. Subjects reported less pain, relief from muscle stiffness, and fewer spasms after smoking marijuana. Talk show host Montel Williams has been very outspoken about his love for marijuana and how it helped him live an almost normal life after being diagnosed with MS.

Stops Glaucoma

Along with seizures, this is perhaps one of the most documented uses for medical marijuana. Glaucoma causes extreme pressure in the eye, which can lead to blindness if not treated promptly. Cannabis relieves the pressure instantly, which can literally save your eyesight. Studies‘ regarding this go back as far as the 1970’s and has been highly documented. There has not been a single study or case where marijuana failed to help a patient suffering from glaucoma.

Keep in mind that while marijuana might not be a “cure all”, it certainly doesn’t hurt anyone or anything. This plant needs to be removed immediately from the Schedule 1 drug list so it can be properly studied, researched and its benefits available to everyone.