• Each day, more than 40,000 harmful and/or lethal medical errors occur in the U.S., and preventable medical errors kill around 440,000 patients each year, making medical mistakes the third leading cause of death

• One in 25 patients end up acquiring an infection while in the hospital, and 75,000 people per year die as a result

• Since 1983, 132 newborns have been abducted from U.S. health care facilities, and hundreds of individuals have been caught posing as doctors when, in fact, they did not have a medical degree

• Misdiagnoses may occur in 10 percent of all cases, and 30 million prescriptions are improperly dispensed each year in U.S. pharmacies

• Two in 10,000 surgical patients come out of surgery with a surgical instrument left inside, and an estimated seven patients undergo surgery on the wrong body part each and every day

Hospitals are typically thought of as places where lives are saved, but statistics show they’re actually one of the most dangerous places you could possibly enter. Each day, more than 40,000 harmful and/or lethal medical errors occur, placing the patient in a worse situation than what they came in with.

According to a 2013 study, preventable medical errors kill around 440,000 patients each year — more than 10 times the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes. A 2016 study⁶ calculated the annual death toll to be around 250,000.

Medical Mistakes Are the Third Leading Cause of Death in the US

Either way, medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., and have been since at least 2000, when the late Dr. Barbara Starfield published her shocking conclusion that doctors kill 225,000 patients each year. Her findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Ironically, Starfield ended up a statistic herself.

She died suddenly in June 2011, a death her husband attributed to the adverse effects of the blood thinner Plavix taken in combination with aspirin. Her death certificate, however, makes no mention of this possibility. Indeed, one of the reasons why many are still surprised by these statistics is due to fundamental flaws in the tracking of medical errors, which has shielded the reality of the situation and kept it out of the public eye.

While there are codes that capture iatrogenic causes of death, published mortality statistics do not take them into account. They only look at the condition that led the individual to seek medical treatment in the first place. As a result, even if a doctor lists medical errors in the death certificate, they are not included in the CDC's mortality statistics, and without that data, medical mistakes remain a largely hidden problem.

Hospitals Are Hotbeds for Lethal Infections

Hospitals have become particularly notorious for spreading lethal infections. According to 2014 statistics by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 25 patients end up with a hospital-acquired infection, and 75,000 people per year die as a result.

Earlier research has suggested as many as 1 in 10 patients will contract a nosocomial infection, defined as an infection contracted within 48 hours of hospital admission, or within three days of discharge, or within 30 days of an operation. Medicare patients appear to be at greatest risk. According to the 2011 Health Grades Hospital Quality in America Study, 1 in 9 Medicare patients developed a hospital-acquired infection.

The video above features the Discovery Channel documentary, “Shocking Medical Mistakes: The Empowered Patient,” originally aired in 2016. In it, medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen investigates medical mistakes and missed diagnoses, including some of her own experiences as a patient, and what you can do to become an empowered patient and reduce your risk when a hospital stay is necessary.

25 Most Shocking Medical Mistakes

As mentioned in the video, medical mistakes occur every single day, and some are more serious than others. Cohen reveals 25 of the most shocking in the following countdown, and how you can protect yourself from becoming a statistic:

25. Baby security breach

Since 1983, 132 newborns have been abducted from U.S. health care facilities.

Safety tip: Make sure a parent or nurse is present with the child at all times while in the hospital.

24. Fake doctors, aka “prestige fraud”

Believe it or not, hundreds of individuals have been caught posing as doctors when, in fact, they did not have a medical degree.

Safety tip: Make sure your doctor is a licensed physician in your state. For help, see CertificationMatters.org.

23. Treating the wrong patient

This mistake typically happens when patients have similar names and the doctor or nurse fails to double-check all of the patient’s data before administering treatment.

Safety tip: Before every procedure, including drug administration, make sure the staff checks your full name, date of birth and the barcode on your wrist band, to ensure correct treatment.

22. Pharmacy mix-ups

According to the National Patient Safety Foundation, 30 million prescriptions are improperly dispensed each year in U.S. pharmacies.

Safety tip: Before you leave the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to confirm that the medication is the correct one, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the look of the pills, and that you’ve received the correct dosage. Also verify that the label has your name on it.

21. Botched plastic surgery

Any number of things can go wrong when you go under the knife, and death is a potential side effect even of plastic surgery.

Safety tip: Make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You may also want to check whether your surgeon has any malpractice suits filed against him or her. Most state medical boards provide this information free of charge.

You can find a list of state medical boards on the Federation of State Medical Boards website. Another source is the Administrators in Medicine, a nonprofit organization that compiles licensing and disciplinary information from each state’s medical board.

20. Incorrect drug dosages

One of the most frequent mistakes occur in pediatrics. A child given an adult dose of a medication can have life-threatening consequences. According to the Joint Commission, hospital personnel stock medication in the wrong places 4 percent of the time, which can lead to incorrect dosage or drug being administered if the nurse or doctor fails to carefully inspect the package before administration.

Safety tip: Ask for a daily list of medication and dosages that you are supposed to receive during your hospital stay, and double-check each medication before taking it or allowing it to be administered.

19. Toxic transplants

As noted by transplant surgeon Dr. Lloyd Ratner, any given organ donor could be a carrier of one of several thousands of pathogens. The case highlighted in the video is that of an 18-year-old kidney recipient who died of rabies. It turns out the organ donor had been bitten by an infected bat. All of the organ recipients contracted rabies from the infected organs and died. In the U.S., more than 100 organ recipients have died from toxic transplants.

Safety tip: If you become sicker after receiving a transplant, ask if other recipients are also getting ill. Early diagnosis and treatment may save your life.

18. Improper or careless discharge

A man having just undergone brain surgery is packed into a cab, which drops him off in an unfamiliar neighborhood on a rainy day wearing nothing but a hospital gown and socks. When he was too confused to remember his own address, two Samaritans eventually got him home safely.

Safety tip: If you’re scheduled for surgery, find out when you’re scheduled for discharge ahead of time and make sure someone you know is there to take you home.

17. Ambulance errors

Any number of errors can occur on the way to the hospital, but first the ambulance must actually get to you. Patients have died due to the ambulance being dispatched to an incorrect address.

Safety tip: When calling for an ambulance, if possible, slowly and clearly state and spell the street address.

16. Lost patients

This typically occurs in nursing home facilities, where dementia patients may wander off the premises. One in 5 nursing home patients is prone to wandering. In one case, an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s was found after a four-day-long manhunt, locked inside a storage closet on the premises. She died shortly thereafter from dehydration.

Safety tip: If you have a loved one who is prone to wander, get them a GPS bracelet so you can track their whereabouts.

15. Surgical “souvenirs”

Surgical sponges, steel clamps and surgical retractors are but a few of the items that have been left inside patients undergoing surgery. According to one estimate, 2 in 10,000 surgical patients come out of surgery with a “souvenir” left inside.

Safety tip: Before surgery, remind hospital staff to count the number of items used, to make sure all surgical items are accounted for before you’re stitched up. Should you experience unexpected fever, pain or swelling following your surgery, ask your doctor to double-check if equipment has accidentally been left inside you.

14. Babies accidentally switched after birth

As with patients receiving the wrong treatment, this mistake typically occurs if two mothers have the same or similar name.

Safety tip: When a nurse brings your baby, ask him or her to match the baby’s identification bracelet to yours.

13. Deadly air bubbles

A young man dies when a nurse fails to follow proper procedure for removal of a central line tube in his chest, allowing air to enter his bloodstream. In one hospital intensive care unit, improperly removed central lines caused 10 air embolisms in a single year.

Safety tip: If you have a central line, before removal, confirm the proper procedure is about to be followed. A copy of the nursing protocol for the removal of central lines can be found on ctsnet.org. Standard procedure protocols for central line removal in adults and pediatrics can also be found on health.ucsd.edu.

12. Misdiagnosis

Research suggests misdiagnoses may occur in 10 percent of all cases.

Safety tip: Trust your instincts. If you believe your doctor has missed something or misdiagnosed you, get a second opinion.

11. Receiving the wrong blood type during transfusion

During surgery, you will typically need a blood transfusion. The blood you receive — A, B or O, positive or negative — must match yours, as your body will interpret mismatched blood as a foreign invader. One of every 19,000 units of blood is incorrectly administered in the U.S.

Safety tip: Know your blood type and, if possible, verify that the blood bags you’re about to receive are a match. If you cannot see the bags ahead of time, ask hospital staff to verify they have your blood type correct prior to surgery.

10. Surgical equipment causing internal burns

A malfunction in the monitoring cable inserted through the heart during a routine bypass surgery causes the cable to heat up, cooking part of the patient’s heart, causing irreparable damage.

It sounds unbelievable, but it happened. The patient had to receive a full heart transplant. Lasers and flammable gases used in surgery can also cause unexpected burns. These kinds of errors are typically the result of multiple mistakes, not just one. Still, some 240 surgical fires are reported in American hospitals each year.

Safety tip: If undergoing surgery, ask what type of equipment will be used, and how you will be protected from lasers, cables and flammable gases.

9. Medical tube mix-ups

Feeding tubes and central line tubes look a lot alike, but knowing which is which is absolutely crucial when it comes time to administer nutrients or medication through the feeding tube. In the example shown in the video, medication meant for a young child’s stomach was administered into her vein, via the central line. The child died. Sixteen percent of doctors and nurses report being aware of tube mix-ups happening at their hospitals.

Safety tip: If you have more than one tube, ask medical staff to trace the tube back to its site of origin, each and every time a medication is administered to ensure the correct one is being used.

8. Switched biopsies

As many as 1 in 1,000 lab specimens is mislabeled. One 35-year-old woman got a double mastectomy due to her biopsy being switched with another woman’s. She got a second opinion, but the error was not caught because the second doctor simply based his findings on the original, mixed-up lab work.

Safety tip: If in doubt, ask to have the biopsy repeated and/or get a second (or third) opinion.

7. Receiving the wrong eggs in fertility treatment

Women undergoing fertility treatment face the unusual possibility of receiving the wrong woman’s eggs. In one case, eggs from two women with the same last name were accidentally switched. In this instance, the woman carried the baby to term, then adopted the baby boy out to his real parents.

Safety tip: Be very careful in your selection of a fertility clinic. Make sure the clinic is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

6. Operating on the wrong body part

In the U.S., an estimated seven patients undergo surgery on the wrong body part each and every day.

Safety tip: Before surgery, confirm the correct location of the surgery — both body part and side — with the nurse and surgeon. Also make sure the surgeon has clearly marked the correct site. Considering the frequency at which this mistake occurs, do not be shy about doing this.

5. Unsafe radiation

Incorrectly programmed and calibrated CT scans can deliver an unsafe dose of radiation. The video shows three patients whose CT scans resulted in the loss of hair in a ring around their head. It turns out the machine was incorrectly calibrated, delivering eight times the normal dose of radiation. These patients now also face the possibility of getting brain cancer at some point in the future.

Safety tip: Whenever possible, opt for an ultrasound or MRI instead of a CT scan, as they do not use ionizing radiation to produce the image.

4. Hospital-acquired infections

Not only will 1 in 25 hospital patients contract an infection, many of these infectious pathogens are now resistant to all antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse, especially in agriculture, has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Hospital-acquired infections kill 75,000 patients each year in the U.S. — a death toll that could be significantly reduced simply by following proper handwashing protocols. Doctors and nurses should wash their hands and/or change gloves between each patient. Patients should also wash their hands frequently.

Safety tip: Each time hospital staff enters your room, ask them to wash their hands and change gloves. Bacteria can spread from their hands to tables, bed rails, bedding, wound dressings, catheters and, of course, your skin if they touch you. You may then contract the bacteria if you touch a contaminated area.

3. Metal in the MRI room

An MRI machine is an exceptionally powerful magnet, which is why no metals are allowed to be brought into the room. In one case, a hospital worker walks into the MRI room carrying an oxygen tank while a young boy is getting scanned. The tank flies across the room, delivering a lethal blow to the boy’s head. While exceedingly rare, an investigation reveals it is not the sole case on record.

Safety tip: When getting an MRI, make sure there is no metal on, in or around you, anywhere in the room. Metal implants must be reported prior to getting an MRI.

2. Excessive emergency room wait times

Emergency rooms are normally busy places, and personnel must make hundreds if not thousands of potentially critical decisions each day. It can be easy to miss the signs of critical illness, especially if the condition is rare.

In one case, a five-hour wait resulted in a baby girl requiring amputation of both hands and legs, as personnel failed to realize the critical nature of her condition. It turns out her body was being ravaged by flesh-eating bacteria. According to the CDC, the average emergency room wait time is 49 minutes.

Safety tip: If you suspect you or a loved one is in critical condition and need immediate attention, call your family physician before or on the way to the hospital, and ask him or her to call the emergency room on your behalf. This way, the staff know you’re on your way and that it’s truly serious.

1. Waking up during surgery (anesthesia awareness)

Last but not least, a nightmare come true: You wake up during surgery and feel every poke, prod and cut, but cannot move or make a sound.

“Anesthesia awareness,” the technical term for waking up during surgery, happens when you receive an inadequate dose of anesthesia, allowing your brain to remain aware while paralyzing your muscles. Here, the statistics are discouraging: 1 in 1,000 patients reportedly suffer anesthesia awareness. Fortunately, most of these do not feel pain.

Safety tip: If you need surgery, ask your surgeon if you really need anesthesia or if a local anesthetic would be sufficient.

Safeguarding Your Care While Hospitalized

Once you’re hospitalized, you’re immediately at risk for medical errors, so one of the best safeguards is to have someone there with you. Dr. Andrew Saul has written an entire book on the issue of safeguarding your health while hospitalized. Frequently, you’re going to be relatively debilitated, especially post-op when you’re under the influence of anesthesia, and you won’t have the opportunity to see the types of processes that are going on. This is particularly important for pediatric patients and the elderly.

It’s important to have a personal advocate present to ask questions and take notes. For every medication given in the hospital, ask questions such as: “What is this medication? What is it for? What’s the dose?” Most people, doctors and nurses included, are more apt to go through that extra step of due diligence to make sure they’re getting it right if they know they’ll be questioned about it.

Courtesy: Dr. Mercola

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The Big Three have collectively engaged in a medical conspiracy for the better part of 70 years to influence legislative bodies on both the state and federal levels to create regulations that promote the use of drug medicine while simultaneously creating restrictive, controlling mechanisms (licensing, government approval, etc) designed to limit and stifle the availability of non-drug, alternative modalities. The conspiracy to limit and eliminate competition from non-drug therapies began with the Flexner Report of 1910.

Abraham Flexner was engaged by John D. Rockefeller to run around the country and 'evaluate' the effectiveness of therapies taught in medical schools and other institutions of the healing arts. Rockefeller wanted to dominate control over petroleum, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals (which are derived from 'coal tars' or crude oil). He arranged for his company, Standard Oil of New Jersey to obtain a controlling interest in a huge German drug cartel called I. G. Farben. He pulled in his stronger competitors like Andrew Carnegie and JP Morgan as partners, while making other, less powerful players, stockholders in Standard Oil. Those who would not come into the fold "were crushed" according to a Rockefeller biographer (W. Hoffman, David: Report on a Rockefeller {New York: Lyle Stuart, Inc., 1971}page 24.)

The report Flexner submitted to The Carnegie Foundation was titled “Medical Education in the United States and Canada”. Page 22 of the report said: “The privileges of the medical school can no longer be open to casual strollers from the highway. It is necessary to install a doorkeeper who will, by critical scrutiny, ascertain the fitness of the applicant, a necessity suggested, in the first place, but consideration for the candidate, whose time and talents will serve him better in some other vocation, if he be unfit for this, and in the second, by consideration for a public entitled to protection from those whom the very boldness of modern medical strategy equips with instruments that, tremendously effective for good when rightly used, are all the more terrible for harm if ignorantly or incompetently employed”.

All too often, politicians are prepared to enact laws that rob citizens of yet another constitutional freedom under the banner of “public protection”. Needless to say, Congress swallowed the recommendations of this report hook, line, and sinker. It was decided that the American Medical Association (AMA), would be the “doorkeeper”. The AMA was now empowered to certify or de-certify any medical school in the country on the grounds of whether that school met the AMA’s standards of “approved” medicine.

The AMA came into existence in 1847. It is a private organization of allopathic physicians that serves the interests of its members, especially when it comes to influencing favorable legislation. It functions in every sense of the word as a union, although its members wear white collars instead of blue. Giving the AMA the power over the certification of medical schools is the equivalent of giving the Teamsters Union the exclusive right to decide on the laws of interstate commerce and transportation. Is it any wonder that the total number of medical schools in the United States went from 160 in 1906 (before the Flexner Report) to 85 in 1920 and further down to 69 schools in 1944? A little like putting the fox in charge of the hen house, no?

Not surprisingly, Flexner found that any discipline that didn’t use drugs to help cure the patient was tantamount to quackery and charlatanism. Medical schools that offered courses in bioelectric medicine, homeopathy, or Eastern Medicine, for example, were told to either drop these courses from their curriculum or lose their accreditation and underwriting support. A few schools resisted for a time, but eventually most schools cooperated (or were closed down). A similar scenario was played out in Canada. It was attempted in England against Homeopathy, but it failed due to the personal intervention of the Royal Family, who had received much relief and healing at the hands of Homeopathic healers in the 19th century. By the way, the AMA was found guilty of conspiracy against chiropractors in 1987 by a federal judge and fined a couple of million dollars. Here in America, a relentless campaign of misinformation, fraud, deception, and suppression of alternative therapies and healers has been in place for the better part of this century in order to keep highly effective alternative therapies from reaching any significant plateau of public awareness. Control is exerted through “news items” and propaganda from pro-establishment organizations like The American Medical Association, The American Cancer Society, The Diabetes Foundation, etc.; local medical boards; and government agencies like the FDA, The National Institute of Health (NIH), and The National Cancer Institute (NCI), The National Academy of Science, etc. with the full cooperation of main-stream media of course.

Over the past decades, hundreds of caring, concerned, and conscientious alternative healers have been jailed and abused like common criminals for the “crime” of curing people of life-threatening diseases in an “unapproved” manner by heavy-handed government agents who swoop down on clinics with drawn guns, flax jackets, and Gestapo manners. All the while, these same agents and agencies posture themselves before TV cameras and the public under the ludicrous pretense of being servants of the people and protectors of the common good.

The medico-drug cartel was summed up by J.W Hodge, M.D., of Niagara Falls, N.Y., in these words:

At long last, however, the public's consciousness seems to have finally reached a critical mass and is now beginning to seriously question the efficacy and appropriateness of using orthodox therapies and allopathic medicine in general. Thank God. It's been too long overdue.

Understanding the Nature of Ill Health and Disease

The entire approach and foundation of Orthodox Medicine is based on Luis Pasteur’s Germ Theory, a flawed concept. A disease condition is viewed by the orthodoxy as an isolated event, confined to the area in which it manifests itself (e.g., an ear infection, eye infection, gum infection, lung cancer, skin cancer, etc. ). Under this theory, for unknown reasons, microbes or tumors indiscriminately grow in the patient and must be cut (surgery), burned (radiation), or poisoned (drugs) out of the body. In the orthodox model, the solution is sought through mechanical and chemical means. Seeking to understand WHY the infection or disease condition appeared in the first place is not seriously explored. The quick fix with a prescription for drugs to smother the symptoms is the typical orthodox ‘answer’.

A contemporary of Pasteur, Antoine Bechamp, had a different opinion as to why disease conditions ‘took hold’. Bechamp felt that the ENVIRONMENT, or the ECOLOGY of the blood, played the critical role in deciding whether disease conditions would manifest or not.

Alternative medicine explores the stressors (environmental, biological, chemical, psychological, and emotional) in a patient’s life that cause a weakening of a particular energy field, which in turn allows the manifestation of a disease condition in a weakened area. In order to maintain a state of health, all energy systems within the body need to exist in a state of balance or equilibrium. Imbalance leads to conditions of discomfort (dis-ease), which eventually spirals into ill health if not corrected. The Chinese and Indians (Ayurvedic medicine) had worked all of this out thousands of years ago.

Orthodox or Allopathic Medicine utilizes poisonous substances (drugs) in non-lethal dosages in order to suppress symptoms in an affected area. This approach neither addresses the cause of the disease condition nor is it responsible for healing the patient. Rather, the use of drugs often will temporarily mask the outer manifestations of the malady, while at the same time, drive the disease deeper into the body...only to reappear at a later date, as a more serious, and chronic health threat. One of the many flaws of the orthodox approach is that it focuses on the disease condition itself, rather than the patient. The term wholistic (or holistic) originally sprang up to distinguish those physicians whose diagnostic gestalt considers all of the physical, emotional, and spiritual energies interacting with the patient.

Do not assume that the only difference between allopathic and alternative medicine, however, is an honest difference of opinion in the philosophies and views on the origin of disease states. Hardly!. There is, in truth, a concerted, organized agenda -concocted, planned, and contrived by the international pharmaceutical companies and organized medicine to suppress any and every alternative, non-drug therapy that WORKS. Why?

Because they want people to keep on coming back for more treatments and more drugs.

A cured patient is a lost source of income. A sick patient who is marginally “improved” is a manageable patient.

Managing patients means routine office visits and renewing drug prescriptions. Therefore, a manageable patient is a continuing source of income; a cash cow, if you will. Multiply that by a few hundred million people and you get an idea of why this deceit is being put upon you. The profits from the so-called “health-care” industry are staggering!

The thrust of the orthodox pharmaceutical agenda is to provide temporary relief, while never addressing the cause of the disease condition. This agenda ensures regular visits to the doctor’s office and requires the patient to routinely return to the pharmacy to refill his prescriptions. This is what the game is all about, folks, plain and simple. Deny it or Deal with it,...Stick with it or Get Out of it! ... your choice.

Natural Healing

The patient’s immune system and the immune system alone are responsible for healing and recovery from ill health. The use of drugs and vaccines represents an assault on the immune system. In some cases, the use of a particular drug might be a wise choice to speed healing and recovery for the patient, but the use of natural, orthomolecular therapies and substances (substances normally found in Nature) that can more effectively address the cause of the disease should be considered first because natural substances work in harmony with Nature. They aid and stimulate the body to truly cure itself, without the terrible millstone of drug side effects.

The human body is predisposed to heal itself and to exist as a healthy, thriving organism. We inhibit that process by ingesting unhealthy foods, fouling our inner environment with toxins, and relying upon poisonous substances to treat disease conditions.

Unlike ‘miracle drugs’ and other ‘drug breakthroughs’, you will never see or hear anything from mainstream media about most of the therapies described here. The Big Three see to that, but you can still glean this information from the alternative health press, books, websites, and at health expos. Some of these alternative therapies require high-tech equipment and specialized knowledge, but many, many others can be done at home without third party intervention or supervision. It’s amazing, but true, that many of the most effective healing therapies (even for grave, life-threatening disease conditions) are simple things that you can do for yourself at home. You simply have to educate yourself and take responsibility for your own health.

The following is a brief overview of some alternative therapies that have demonstrated themselves to be effective and readily obtainable, usually at a low to modest cost. This list is far from complete. As time permits, the description and scope of these and other therapies will be added to and expanded upon.

Oxidative Therapies

MMS1, MMS2, & CDS Water

Mix equal parts (drops) of 28% Sodium Chlorite solution and 50% Citric Acid solution and you get "activated" MMS (Miracle Mineral Solution, a name coined by Jim Humble), an incredibly effective and powerful germicidal solution and curative therapy. A very simple, but powerful, oxidizing molecule called Chlorine Dioxide gas is released when MMS is activated. The chlorine atom is able to pull out FIVE electrons from the outer orbit of the membranes of ALL pathogenic organisms. This causes the immediate death of the organism, but has NO adverse effect on normal bodily tissue.

Oxygen therapies encompass more than the application of regular oxygen (O2), although regular oxygen can speed and assist healing, especially when used in higher-than-normal concentrations and under pressure, such as used in Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been traditionally used for rapid detoxification in acute situations, but it has also been shown to be extremely efficacious for new stroke victims. It has been found that almost all of the usual conditions (paralysis, slurred/ no speech, etc.) associated with a stroke can be minimized or eliminated entirely by subjecting the patient to a hyperbaric oxygen treatment within the first 36 hours of a stroke. The quicker the patient can be treated from the onset of the stroke, the better the results. Even cases started a few days or even weeks after a stroke have shown remarkable results. HBOT has also proven helpful in cases involving other forms of brain damage as well.

Singlet Oxygen Therapies

Oxygen atoms can be configured into certain quasi-stable arrangements that will allow a single oxygen atom to be released. This atom is called a singlet oxygen (O1). For therapeutic purposes, single atoms of oxygen can be released from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which breaks down to water (H2O) and a singlet oxygen (O1), and also from ozone (O3), which reduces to oxygen (O2) and a singlet oxygen. When a singlet oxygen atom is released within the body, it is highly reactive and will oxidize (reduce or break down) the molecular structure of undesirable and harmful organisms (bacteria, foreign proteins, etc.) and diseased tissue (e.g., cancer cells). This high-energy form of oxygen (O1) possesses a greatly enhanced healing capacity than that exhibited by regular oxygen (O2).

Hydrogen Peroxide

A bottle of 3½ % Hydrogen Peroxide is available in any pharmacy for under a dollar and can be used daily to keep the mouth and gums germ-free (always use full strength and try to retain it in the mouth as long as possible). It should also be conscientiously applied to disinfect any type of oral infection, cut, sore, or wound that one may encounter. For external use, the drug store variety of hydrogen peroxide is OK, but it does have some low levels of contaminants in it. For internal use, it’s wiser to use Food-grade hydrogen peroxide. You can make your own 3½ % hydrogen peroxide by diluting 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide by a ratio of 10:1 with distilled water. However, that should not stop you from using pharmacy-grade hydrogen peroxide externally- if you are in normal health. People trying to recover from serious diseases such as AIDS or cancer need to be more concerned about ingesting contaminants. 35% Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide is available at many farm supply outlets and by mail order. Since it’s more concentrated, 35% hydrogen peroxide can produce spectacular results when intelligently applied. Hydrogen peroxide can also be applied either internally as injections (directly into a cancerous tumor, for example) or intravenously into the bloodstream. If properly diluted, hydrogen peroxide can also be ingested.

Medical Cartel Sponsored ‘Studies’
Of course, you have to know what you’re doing. At higher concentrations, H2O2 is powerful and can burn tissue, but look to the alternative health press for information from practitioners who are actually using this therapy. Don’t expect an honest assessment from the allopathic crowd. Like most cheap, unpatentable natural solutions, the pharmaceutical/organized medicine cartel will try to frighten you off from using these therapies with scare stories of exaggerated dangers, omission of relevant data, and insertion of misleading statements.

For example, they will point to rat studies that show increased stomach cancers from ingesting H2O2. By promoting this ‘study’, the cartel wants you to draw the conclusion that you will get stomach cancer from ingesting hydrogen peroxide without actually saying it. No additional details, such as the concentration of the peroxide administered, frequency of dosage, quantity given vis-à-vis body weight, etc., are provided about the ‘study’ in these press reports, only the bottom line conclusion:

Of course, most knowledgeable researchers know that rat studies don’t equate to people studies. Rat studies, in fact, have an extremely limited range of applicability for purposes of human extrapolation. In addition, most studies are funded by pharmaceuticals or government agencies and they have an agenda that has nothing to do with sincere scientific inquiry. Ralph Moss and Linus Pauling are two individuals who come to mind who looked at different cartel-sponsored ‘studies’ and clearly demonstrated that the Big Boys can and will skew a ‘study’ in any direction they wish it to go. Scientific honesty among cartel-sponsored investigative groups is a myth. All medical schools, teaching universities, and government health organizations such as the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute, National Academy of Science, etc., etc., are all under the cartel’s propaganda umbrella.

Ozone

Ozone (O3) is composed of three atoms of oxygen lightly bound together. One of those atoms can easily break away and form regular oxygen (O2) and a singlet oxygen atom (O1). Through oxidation, the singlet oxygen atom is capable of producing amazing healing results. Ozone can be produced with a hot or "cold" spark, with ultraviolet light, or with a method invented by Nikola Tesla called cold plasma ozone production. The cold plasma method produces much larger quantities of ozone and is the preferred means of production for therapeutic purposes. Larger, cold plasma ozone machines can only be legally purchased outside of the United States, but there are underground 'suitcase' size units being manufactured clandestinely in the U.S. Smaller cold plasma ozone generators, however, are legally available in the U.S. as water purifiers.

All cold plasma ozone generators can easily produce high-quality Ozonated Water, which can be ingested as often as desired. The effects of drinking ozonated water on a regular basis can be very healthful. People with serious disease conditions will notice more pronounced effects in a shorter space of time than those who are in good health, but the benefits of ozonated water are realized by all who use it, whether you have a serious health concern or not. The ozone from the ozonated water passes into the bloodstream via the stomach/small intestines and provides the benefits of ozone without the need for expensive equipment. Some people notice a very slight sensation of lightheadedness the first time they drink ozone water. It’s temporary and usually only happens the first time- if at all. The reaction is due to slightly more oxygen reaching the brain than normal. Ingested daily, ozone water will progressively send ozone into deeper tissues of the body, oxidizing non-organic drug residues and hidden, dormant pathogens. You might be surprised to learn that the virus that gave you chicken pox as a child or herpes as a young adult is still hidden deep within the body, such as in the nerve ganglion at the base of the spine. Your immune system developed antibodies, which normally hold these residual bugs in check, but that doesn’t mean that the bugs are gone, as any person who suffers recurrent bouts of herpes will attest. But if you hit them long enough and hard enough with ozone (or certain other alternative therapies), they will be gone for good.

Another useful product that can be applied topically is called Ozonated Olive Oil. It is made by bubbling ozone through olive oil for a considerable period of time (weeks) until the olive oil eventually becomes saturated with the ozone molecules and becomes much thicker. Afterwards, the product can be applied as a balm to infected areas and will often greatly promote and/or speed healing.

Methods of Ozone Application
Medically, ozone can be applied in different ways. One of the oldest methods, used in Germany for over 60 years, is called Autohemotherapy. This technique involves removing about a pint of blood, ozonating it, and returning it intravenously to the patient. It works, but it’s rather limited in the amount of ozone applied.

Another method has the patient hooked up to a dialysis-type machine with blood coming out one arm, going through the machine for ozonation, and returned via tubes hooked up to the other arm. You get a lot more ozone into the body with this technique, but the pumping mechanisms used to push the blood around can damage the membranes of the red blood cells somewhat.

A third technique is called Ozone Injection. As its name implies, the ozone is carefully and slowly injected into the patient. Ozone, remember, is composed of oxygen atoms. Oxygen dissolves into the blood; it does not form bubbles in the bloodstream like air, which is composed of oxygen and 80% nitrogen. Many ozone specialist prefer this latter method, but each of these ozone techniques have their advocates.

Alkaline pH Therapy

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Often, the criticism of vintage ads focuses on their inherent sexism, racism, or other displays of social prejudices, which we find laughable today, despite their continued presence. But what about ads that steered consumers into dangerous territory, espousing outmoded scientific evidence or misleading half-truths to convince people that appallingly toxic products, or even deadly ones, were actually good for them?

While some faulty campaigns were merely the victims of evolving scientific knowledge, many blatantly ignored facts in their race for the dollar, using so-called experts to promote products terrible for public health, like cigarettes. Revered professionals like doctors and scientists routinely told us precisely the wrong things to do, as they are likely still doing today.

We may take comfort in feeling we’re far beyond the bad old days of deceptive advertising, but our current obesity epidemic suggests exactly the opposite: We’ve simply traded effects like lung cancer and emphysema for diabetes and heart disease.

So here’s a look back at 10 colossally painful advertisements, which make you wonder: What modern “health” products – vitamin water, granola bars, acai berry supplements – might look a little more evil in the future?

1. Junk Food, Now Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals

Disguising empty calories with healthful nutritional values has been a trope of the processed food world ever since vitamins were first discovered in the 1910s. This 1942 poster for “Vitamin Donuts” may be a little hard to swallow today, but Ovaltine’s reputation as a health drink is still being disputed, a powerful testament to simple brand positioning. But let’s be real, we’re talking about powdered chocolate milk made by Nestlé, the company who brought us such healthy foods as Butterfinger candy bars and Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

The Ovaltine ad from 1947 still boggles the mind with its display of so many nutritional perks packed into two glasses of powdered milk, and seems eerily similar to the many supposed benefits contained in drinks like Vitamin Water or Gatorade. In reality, even the benefits of ordinary vitamin supplements are now being questioned, despite the fact that around half of American adults take them regularly.

2. Let Them Eat Lead

The most heartbreaking part of this 1923 brochure is its emphasis on kids having fun with the whole “Lead Family” of products, whose presence in everything from their nursery walls to their windup toys made young children particularly susceptible to its dangers. Combined with lead paint’s seductively sweet flavor, putting kids in environments literally covered with the stuff was a recipe for disaster.

In fact, the effects of lead poisoning (brain damage, seizures, hypertension, etc.) were known long before the Consumer Product Safety Commission finally banned them in 1977; the industry had simply refused to acknowledge them. An article by Jack Lewis published in the EPA Journal in 1985 covers lead’s history as an additive and poison, and how we’ve consistently downplayed its adverse effects. Lewis writes:

“The Romans were aware that lead could cause serious health problems, even madness and death. However, they were so fond of its diverse uses that they minimized the hazards it posed. Romans of yesteryear, like Americans of today, equated limited exposure to lead with limited risk.”

3. 7-Up is for Babies

Not only were sugary soft-drinks great for adults, but sodas like 7-Up used to help babies grow up strong and fit, or so these ads from 1955 and 1953 would have you believe. That’s pretty disturbing, considering that childhood obesity, linked arm-in-arm with massive soda intake, is shortening our youngest generation’s lifespan. The high amount of refined sugar in soda has also been shown to be particularly harmful for children.

Today it seems crazy to show a baby drinking a soda, as the tide finally turns against the sugary drinks: School districts across the nation have removed soda machines from their schools and New York City’s Board of Health has proposed a ban on over-sized sodas. However, many adults today opt to serve kids “healthy” fruit juice, which may be just as bad, despite its deceptive nutritional marketing.

4. Cigarettes: Just What the Doctor Ordered

Camel’s campaign featuring doctor endorsements is probably the most familiar instance of false advertising, seen here in an ad from 1948. Yet almost every cigarette company twisted science to support its products, including Chesterfield’s 1953 ads, which rephrased expert findings to show that smoking had “no adverse effect.” Long after 1950, when Morton Levin published his definitive study linking smoking to lung cancer, experts continued to imply that there were other factors causing cancer and lung disease.

Though the industry has been seriously weakened over the past 20 years, primarily by government regulation, Big Tobacco is still issuing misleading health information in an attempt to reap a profit.

5. Feminine Hygiene: The Original Home Wrecker

Long before Lysol was reinvented as the caustic household cleaner we know today, the same substance was basically promoted for use as a feminine hygiene product. These Lysol ads from 1948 tout the internal use of poisonous Lysol as a marriage saver. To sum up the message: if you weren’t so dirty down there, he would love you more.

In a time when speaking about sex was even more frowned upon than today, a whole spectrum of sexual products, including vibrators and contraceptives, was marketed with campaigns focusing on their dubious health benefits for women.

6. Plastics, Plastics, Everywhere

Suffocating babies in Cellophane! A bunch of infants tied up in clear cellophane packaging is pretty frightening to modern viewers, but at the time, these ads were just plain cute. When these Du Pont Cellophane ads came out in 1954, things like plastic grocery bags weren’t a ubiquitous part of American culture. Only after plastic bags became widespread during the 1970s did their strangulating qualities become frighteningly clear.

7. Dieting? Try Sugar

In a time before the current widespread obesity epidemic, sugar companies wanted shoppers to believe that a sweet treat would somehow inspire you to eat less. These ads from 1969 coach readers to “have a soft drink before your main meal” or “snack on some candy an hour before lunch.” Their strange logic isn’t even backed by a company name, though the campaign does include a helpful mailing address for “Sugar Information.” Talk about creepy.

Now refined sugar is presented as the dieter’s enemy, and is thought to make you want to eat more rather than less.

8. Shock Your Way to Physical Perfection

In 1922, “Violet Rays” were said to cure pretty much anything that ailed you. This Vi-Rex device plugged into a light socket so users could give themselves home shock-treatments, which would supposedly make you “vital, compelling, and magnetic.” Various recalls and lawsuits erupted throughout the U.S., forcing the FDA to finally prohibit their manufacture. The last batch of Violet Ray products was seized in 1951.

Just Google “light therapy” to find a range of new infrared devices whose claims to prevent everything from aging to anxiety sound pretty darn familiar.

9. DDT For You and Me

This ad for “Penn Salt Chemicals” from 1947 shows a range of dangerous applications for now-illegal DDT, from agricultural sprays to household pesticides. Particularly disturbing is the image of a mother and infant, above the caption stating that DDT “helps make healthier, more comfortable homes.” Not quite.

While effective in eliminating dangerous mosquitoes that carry malaria, DDT also has a variety of hazardous effects: Especially among young children, the chemical has been shown to damage the nervous, immune, endocrine, and neurological systems, not to mention its devastating influence on the natural environment. The spread of DDT across mid-century America is mirrored today by the success of Monsanto (one of the companies that originally manufactured DDT) in placing its genetically modified products on store shelves before researchers have a full understanding of their larger ecological impacts.

The Solution: Developing a Modern Bullshit Detector

If history tells us anything, it’s that we cannot wait for a “Banned” stamp to tell us what’s killing us. By the time the 7-Up babies of the 1950s grew up, the damage was already done. The solution isn’t more regulation—which is often just a game of catch-up played by bureaucrats and lobbyists—it’s a fundamental shift in how we consume “truth.”

Stop Trusting the “Expert” Shield

We have to stop falling for the white lab coat. In 1948, it was a doctor recommending Camels; today, it’s a “wellness influencer” or a paid researcher touting a proprietary “superfood” study funded by the very company selling the supplement. Rule one: Follow the money. If a health claim feels too miraculous to be true, look at who paid for the clinical trial. Real science rarely comes with a sleek marketing department and a pre-order link.

The “Grandmother” Litmus Test

Marketing thrives on complexity. They use terms like “bio-available,” “electrolyte-infused,” and “antioxidant-rich” to distract us from the fact that we’re often just buying flavored sugar water or processed sludge. A simple way to cut through the noise? If the ingredient list looks like a chemistry final and the product didn’t exist 100 years ago, treat it with the same suspicion you’d reserve for a 1920s radioactive “vitality” tonic.

Demand Transparency, Not Just Labels

We need to move beyond reading the front of the box. The “Front-of-Package” (FOP) labeling system is currently a battleground where companies fight to hide high sugar content behind “natural” descriptors.

• Support Radical Disclosure: Align with movements that demand clear, “Traffic Light” labeling (Red, Yellow, Green) for fats and sugars, which has already seen success in countries like Chile and the UK, reducing sugary drink consumption by upwards of 25% in some regions.

• Boycott the Obfuscators: If a company spends millions lobbying against GMO labeling or sugar taxes, they are telling you exactly how much they value your health.

Reclaiming the “Lived Experience”

Ultimately, we have to stop outsourcing our common sense to the advertising industry. We’ve been conditioned to think we need a product to fix a problem that the industry created in the first place. Before you buy the next “miracle” infrared wand or the “vitamin-fortified” snack bar, ask yourself: Is this actually making me healthier, or am I just the latest target in a century-old race for the dollar?

The “Lead Family” isn’t gone; they’ve just rebranded. The only way to stay safe is to stop buying the pitch.

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But the first things to get past are your own doubts and fears. It can be hard to step out of the box of orthodox, conventional, mainstream, allopathic Western Medicine, especially when faced with a serious illness like cancer. However, the prospect of facing surgery, radiation or chemo is no more difficult or appealing, as each comes with its own set of toxic and even lethal side effects (and extremely low survival rates.)

Below is a summary of a variety of natural cancer cures. Many are proven with a solid record of efficacy, while others are remedies which are promising enough to consider.

Numerous Natural Cancer Cures with Solid Evidence of Efficacy

Humanity has a very good idea of how to handle cancer for a long time – it’s just the top natural cancer cures have been suppressed because there was no money in them; they couldn’t be patented by Big Pharma, and they threatened the Big Pharma monopoly, which is carefully guarded by the likes of the CDC and FDA — and is worth $245 - $250 billion a year.

#1: Frequency Machines

The brilliant discoveries of Royal Raymond Rife were suppressed by the FDA and AMA, but luckily Rife Frequency Therapy has survived. It uses radio frequencies to kill germs. There is always a frequency at which a germ will vibrate until its structure is destroyed, just as the opera singer can shatter a wine glass with her voice. Most bacteria, viruses and other pathogens have very weak outer cell walls; when the right frequency is aimed at them, they dissolve. There are also a range of zappers, blood purifiers and devices based on this principle, either made by or named after Bob Beck and Hulda Clark.

#2: Laetrile / Amygdalin / Vitamin B17

Natural Cancer Cure Laetrile (Amygdalin, Vitamin B17) Works Better than Chemotherapy, laetrile has the prized ability to target cancerous cells while leaving healthy ones intact. In this way, it is far superior to chemotherapy which is an indiscriminate killer. I am still amazed by the fact that the solutions to cancer are to be found in Nature right in front of our noses, if we just care to broaden our perspective. Here’s exactly how laetrile works:

“Laetrile is made of 4 parts, two of which are glucose, the third of which is benzaldehyde and the fourth of which is cyanide. The mere mention of the word “cyanide” tends to send people into mild shock since it is a well know poison. However, the cyanide and benzaldehyde in laetrile are not free molecules, and come naturally bound within other molecular formations. In fact there are many foods including vitamin B12 that contain cyanide, but they are safe since the cyanide remains locked up as part of another molecule.

Now here’s the brilliant part: cancer cells contain an enzyme that healthy cells do not, beta-glucosidase, called the “unlocking enzyme”. This enzyme causes the release of both the benzaldehyde and the cyanide, thus destroying the cancer cell, but cannot occur in a healthy cell, since it doesn’t contain this unlocking enzyme. Additionally, there is an enzyme in healthy cells, rhodanese, which catches free cyanide molecules and renders them harmless by combining them with sulfur. By binding the cyanide to sulfuric rhodanese, it is converted to a cyanate, which is a neutral substance. Cancer cells don’t contain enough sulfur to do this!”

Another important aspect to laetrile are the 2 glucose parts. Recall that cancer cells do not gain energy aerobically (through oxygen) but rather anaerobically (by fermenting sugar); in fact, cancer cells consume around 15 times more sugar than normal healthy cells. This means they steal the energy from the food you eat, but you can use this fact against them. Cancer cells are way more attracted to sugar molecules, so when you pair a cancer-killing molecule with the sugar molecule, the cancer cell will consume both and end up dying. It’s a kind of Trojan Horse killing method and is the exact same principle by which the other natural cancer cures work, such as ones with baking soda.

#3: DCA

DCA (short for Sodium Dichloroacetate) became widely known after cardiologist Dr. Evangelos D. Michelakis, working at the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta, Canada, found in 2007 that it led to regression in lung, breast, and brain cancers – sometimes causing the tumor mass to shrink by 70% in just 3 weeks! One of the hallmarks of cancer is that the cancer cells have overridden the command to commit suicide (apoptosis). DCA corrects this by turning on the mitochondria of cancerous cells, which directs them to commit apoptosis.

DCA is an ordinary molecule with extraordinary abilities. It is non-toxic, odorless and colorless. DCA is a small, simple compound that cannot be patented – and so, since it is not a drug and does not require a prescription, it threatens the profits of Big Pharma, who don’t want you to know about it. It only affects cancerous cells and leaves healthy cells intact.

#4: Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate or NaHCO3) has been used in a variety of ways to heal cancer. The Italian medic Dr. Tullio Simoncini believes cancer is a fungus and has had great success in treating patients with IV (intravenous) baking soda. Others have paired baking soda with a sweetener such as maple syrup, in a Trojan horse like way. Since cancer cells consume 15 times more sugar than normal cells, they are attracted to and gobble up the maple syrup, which is bound to the baking soda. Then the baking soda (a very alkaline substance) forces a rapid shift in the pH of the cancer cells, killing them. The cancer cells can’t withstand such alkalinity.

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#5: The Gerson Therapy

Dr. Max Gerson was a brilliant German doctor who took in weak cancer patients after Western Medicine was done with them and said “You’ve tried all our treatments. There’s nothing more we can do for you.” Gerson then managed to heal an amazing percentage of them. In his day, skin TB was the scariest thing, not cancer. Gerson cured 446 out of 450 skin TB patients, which is a greater-than-99% cure rate!

The Gerson Therapy is predicated on the fact that the 2 main causes of cancer are deficiency and toxicity. The Gerson Therapy is basically 3 things:

1. Salt and Water Management (restrict sodium, increase potassium)

2. Toxin Removal (performs coffee enemas, restrict animal protein)

3. Energy (ATP) Production (add iodine, perform hyperalimentation [best nutrition in largest possible quantity])

The Gerson cancer protocol basically consists of 13 vegetable juices (8 oz each) per day, 1 vegetable soup, herbal teas and coffee enemas. There are no animal products, no alcohol, no caffeine, no salt, no white sugar (a little honey is OK), no grains (except a little rye), no legumes, no berries, no pineapple and no mushrooms allowed. The tumors do not grow on the sugar in the vegetable juice, because the enzymes keep them in check.

Gerson’s work has continued on under the watchful eye of his daughter Charlotte, who has fine-tuned the protocol. They discovered that cancer tumors grow on sodium, animal protein and fat (the one exception is flax oil which is the only oil that does not grow tumors but helps supply patients with essential fatty acids). Charlotte claims that salt/sodium is a type of poison (since it’s an enzyme inhibitor), and unnecessary for human nutrition needs, and therefore not part of the Gerson cancer protocol. In 1957 Danish scientist Professor Jens Christian Skou of Aarhus University discovered there is a sodium-potassium pump in the cell (for which he later received the Nobel Prize in 1997). Sodium resides outside of the cell (saltwater), whereas potassium is inside of cell (freshwater). Cancer patients need to eat lots of foods with high potassium/sodium ratios (e.g. banana, guava, fig, nectarine, peach) to rebalance the sodium overload. Just as there is a big lack of potassium and overuse of sodium in modern diets, there is likewise a lack of magnesium and overuse of calcium. The Gerson approach is very scientific in deliberately increasing the potassium and magnesium levels of its patients to starve the cancer of fuel. The results have been very impressive.

#6: The Budwig Diet

Another German doctor (Dr. Johanna Budwig) came up with a clever cancer cure based on combining 2 relatively common foods. In 1951, she found that the blood of seriously ill cancer patients was deficient in some essential substances (e.g. phosphatides and lipoproteins) which a healthy person’s blood always contained. She discovered a way to easily replace these substances using just 2 common foods, flax oil and cottage cheese. When mixed together, amazing results can be achieved, such as the disappearance of anemia and weakness, and the healing of diabetes and cancer.

The Budwig Diet works because it recognizes that the human body is electric, and that we acquire cancer when we let our inner voltage get too low:

“In Germany in 1952, [Dr. Budwig] was the [German] central government’s senior expert for fats and pharmaceutical drugs … considered one of the world’s leading authorities on fats and oils. Her research has shown the tremendous effects that commercially processed fats and oils have in destroying cell membranes and lowering the voltage in the cells of our bodies, which then result in chronic and terminal disease … The cells of our body fire electrically. They have a nucleus in the center of the cell which is positively charged, and the cell membrane, which is the outer lining of the cell, is negatively charged … when unsaturated fats have been chemically treated, their unsaturated qualities are destroyed and the field of electrons removed. This commercial processing of fats destroys the field of electrons that the cell membranes (60-75 trillion cells) in our bodies must have to fire properly (i.e. function properly). The fats’ ability to associate with protein and thereby to achieve water solubility in the fluids of the living body—all this is destroyed.”

It’s all about polarity. When the polarity is missing (due to the lack of electron-rich highly unsaturated fat), your body can’t make new cells properly. This can be reversed by providing flax oil and cottage cheese which together revive the stagnated growth process. This naturally causes any tumors present to dissolve.

#7: The Hoxsey Cure

Harry Hoxsey reportedly had a flamboyant personality, and he was certainly not the first (nor the last) natural cancer healer to go up against the Big Pharma-Western Medicine establishment, including the AMA and its guard-dog the FDA. After the AMA/FDA forced him out the US, he set up a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. Hoxsey cured many people of cancer with a concotion based on roots and bark that had worked for his family (of veteranians) to cure their horses of cancer. Ty Bollinger writes that the Hoxsey formula contained:

“A solution of cascara (Rhamnus purshiana) and potassium iodide served as a base for the following herbs, added according to individual cancer cases:

• Burdock root (Arctium lappa)

• Barberry or berberis root (Berberis vulgaris)

• Buckthorn bark (Rhamnus frangula)

• Stillingia root (Stillingia sylvatica)

• Prickly ash bark (Zanthoxylum americanum)

• Poke root (Phytolacca americana)

Hoxsey’s understanding of cancer was that it is a systemic disease created from metabolic imbalances that needed to be restored. His tonics were meant to help create homeostasis (internal stability), kill cancer cells, and remove the toxins created from killing cancer cells. This perspective is in line with almost all natural cancer treatments and practitioners.”

Interestingly, both Hoxsey and Dr. Gerson emphasized the importance of iodine in their natural cancer protocols.

#8: Graviola (Soursop) and Paw Paw

There are also certain fruits which have been known to kill cancer, including graviola (also known as soursop) and paw paw:

We [the ICRF] recommend graviola on the basis of several scientific articles, several testimonials, and several comments by practitioners (mostly from Brazil), however, Paw Paw is actually stronger than graviola at treating cancer. Paw Paw is the more potent of the two because of its more sophisticated and larger molecular structures. Graviola is sometimes called “Brazilian Paw Paw,” which can cause some confusion … Graviola only has single ring compounds, while the Paw Paw’s acetogenins have several double ring compounds (e.g. bullatacin) which makes Paw Paw much more powerful.”

These fruits work by decreasing or eliminating the production of ATP (the main energy fuel of a cell). This in turn lowers the voltage of the cell. For normal cells, there is plenty of ATP, thus lowering the level of ATP has no real effect. However, with cancer cells, due to the fact they create energy by fermentation, ATP is far more critical. When the ATP level of the cancer cell falls to a critical level, the cell falls apart.

These Central and South American fruits kill cancer in a different way to other protocols, and thus should never be combined with them.

Just as with the Essiac Tea treatment above, the ICRF rates the graviola/paw paw treatment as only being effective on newly diagnosed cancer patients who do not have fast-growing cancer.

#9: Essiac Tea

Former Canadian cancer nurse Rene Caisse successfully treated the terminally ill for over 50 years with her remarkable plant-based formula. It removes toxic accumulation in the lymphs, bone marrow, bladder and alimentary canal, clears the respiratory channel, purifies the blood, protects the body against radiation, relieves pain, increases appetite and boosts energy levels – as well as curing cancer. Her formula came to be known as “Essiac” tea (which is her last name Caisse spelt backwards). The basic components of Essiac are sheep sorrel and burdock root which are known to kill cancer cells.

Essiac Tea is a long-proven method of curing cancer. It dates back to the 1920s and earlier. There are several brands on the market, however what is most important are the quality and freshness of the herbs (and how well they are processed so as to keep their nutrients intact), not the exact secret recipe or secret formula with certain proportions.

The ICRF rates the Essiac Tea treatment as only being effective on newly diagnosed cancer patients who do not have fast-growing cancer.

#10: IP6

IP6 is short for inositol hexaphosphate. It’s a natural carbohydrate molecule present in most plant and animal cells. Your body makes IP6 from inositol, and you can also intake it from grains, legumes and meat. It regulates numerous intracellular functions, such as signal transduction, cell growth and differentiation, platelet function and cholesterol metabolism. Its anticarcinogenic properties are based on its ability to stimulate the immune system, act as a powerful antioxidant and its capacity to stop angiogenesis (one of the 6 hallmarks of cancer)

#11: Cannabis

One of the most controversial natural cancer treatments to spring to public consciousness has been the cannabis plant. It has gone from being shunned to embraced in many US states due to its potent medical properties. Cannabis has been shown to help with a variety of ailments including cancer. There are many medical studies now proving the cancer-fighting ability of THC. For one example out of many, look at the 2010 Spanish study which found that THC reduced “tumor growth, tumor number, and the amount/severity of lung metastases” in mice. Rick Simpson (Run From the Cure) famously made cannabis oil with THC, however the non-THC varieties which are high in CBD also have anti-cancer properties.

Cannabinoids (the phytochemicals or plant chemicals found in the cannabis plant) can cross the blood-brain barrier, and therefore show great promise as a brain cancer cure. Cannabis arrests the growth of cancer in these 4 key ways (all of which directly combat the hallmarks of cancer):

• antiproliferative (prevents cancer cells from reproducing)

• apoptotic (induces cancer cells to self-destruct)

• antiangiogenic (prevents formation of new blood vessels needed by tumor to grow)

• antimetastatic (prevents cancer from spreading to other organs)

#12: Cesium Chloride

Cesium chloride is another natural cancer treatment which is both simple and astounding. To understand how it works, you need to remember that cancer cell function in a very different way to healthy cells. Healthy cells use oxygen to burn glucose (oxidation), whereas cancer cells use fermentation to burn the glucose. Dr. Otto Warburg won the 1931 Nobel Prize for discovering that cancer is anaerobic, not aerobic. Oxygen (O2), and ozone for that matter (O3), are the archenemies of cancer. It can’t stand them. So, as the cancer cells ferment the glucose, they produce the byproduct lactic acid, which begins to flood the surrounding cells. This naturally lowers the pH of the cells, taking them from a healthy alkaline state (around 7.3) to an acidic state (around 5.7). The newly created acidity also destroys the ability of DNA and RNA to control cell division, so the cancerous cells begin to multiply without limit.

A vicious cycle of cachexia can begin in some cancer patients. The body sends the excess lactic acid is sent to the liver to detoxify it; the liver converts the lactic acid into glucose then sends it back into the rest of the body; and the cancerous cells are likely to pick it up again since they consume 15 more times glucose than normal cells.

Cesium chloride works by smashing this entire situation and cycle. Specifically, it works in 4 key ways:

1. Cesium is a very alkaline substance, so it dramatically increases the alkalinity of the body, boosting the pH back above 7 into an alkaline state where cancerous are less likely to thrive;

2. Cesium starves the cancer cells by limiting the body’s uptake of glucose. They end up starving to death;

3. Cesium halts the process of fermentation, the means by which cancer cells metabolize glucose;

4. Cesium neutralizes the lactic acid, thus breaking the cachexic cycle and preventing the liver form inadvertently feeding the cancer with more glucose.

#13: DMSO and MSM

DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane, or just “organic sulfur”) are 2 different but related natural sulfur substances. In the interests of brevity, I have grouped them together here. DMSO, a non-toxic natural byproduct of the wood industry, has an amazing affinity to target cancer cells. It has been combined successfully with MSM, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cesium chloride. MSM is an sulfur compound which occurs naturally in food. It offers an amazing range of benefits, such relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy muscles, tendons, ligaments, hair, skin and nails. MSM improves your body’s ability to make its own antioxidants, especially the master antioxidant glutathione. It is impossible to overdose on either DMSO or MSM since the body automatically flushes out excess after 12 hours.

MSM tackles cancer in the following 3 ways:

1. It transports oxygen deep into the cells (remember, oxygen is to cancer like garlic to a vampire);

2. It kills microbes in the bloodstream;

3. It helps get rid of lactic acid from the bloodstream to prevent cachexia (as discussed above with the natural cancer treatment cesium chloride).

CancerTutor.com notes:

“DMSO and MSM, when used together, have been shown to cause cancer cells in vitro to revert back to being normal cells. The only way this can happen is if they kill the microbe(s) inside of the cancer cell and/or completely reverse the anaerobic metabolism.

However, the only treatment designed to take advantage of this discovery is still an experimental treatment. It is not experimental due to toxicity, it is perfectly safe to use, it is only experimental in the sense that no one knows yet how to convert what was discovered in the lab into an actual cancer treatment.

It is also not known whether MSM actually helps the DMSO revert cancer cells into normal cells. DMSO, by itself, has been shown to revert many types of cancer cells into normal cells.”

#14: Modified Citrus Pectin

You may associate pectin with apples and as the binding agent within jams. It turns out that pectin is also found within citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons and limes. Modified citrus pectin refers to the pectin (a type of fiber) taken from citrus and made more digestible (by changing its temperature and pH, and shortening its soluble fibers). It becomes one of the simpler natural cancer treatments by virtue of the way it can stick to a certain kind of protein (galectin-3) which is associated with cancer growth. The website TheTruthAboutCancer.com explains:

“Researchers have long known that galectins, and in particular galectin-3, cause cells to clump together because of their sticky consistency. Over the last decade, however, studies have shown that these proteins, found especially in epithelial and immune cells, are also associated with cancer growth and metastasis.

A study conducted at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit suggested that the presence of galectin-3 contributed to “cancer aggressiveness, metastasis, cell growth, adhesion, differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, invasion, cell-matrix interaction, and dissemination of cancer cells through blood flow and extravasation [i.e. the beginning stages of cancer tumor spread].” Their findings also suggested that galectin-3 plays a role in cancer cell longevity.”

In addition:

“A previous study at the University of Alberta in Canada found that higher levels of galectins in the bloodstream equated with more frequent rates of cancer cell proliferation for breast and prostate cancer cells as well as for melanoma.”

The modified citrus pectin sticks to the cancer cell’s galectin-3, thus preventing angiogenesis (the cancer cells forming new blood vessels to grow more or larger tumors). Modified citrus pectin is also an excellent chelator, meaning it can binding with toxic metals in the body (such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium etc.) and safely remove them without affecting the levels of essential metals in the body such as iron and zinc. Heavy metals (mercury, lead, etc.) are immunosuppressants and can lead to genetic mutations and cancer. Chelation itself via the substance EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) has been used as a successful complimentary or adjunctive natural cancer treatment. EDTA safely removes heavy metals from the body, just like modified citrus pectin, zeolite and certain kinds of clay.

#15: UV Light Protocol

The very simple and cheap UV light protocol works in a similar way to the radio frequency/zapping protocols of Royal Rife, Bob Beck, Hulda Clark and others listed in part 2. The UV light kills microbes using ultraviolet light (instead of a frequency or electrical current). According to the ICRF, you can use the UV light protocol for a variety of different ailments and conditions, including serious ones such as influenza, viral pneumonia, staph infections and ebola. Once the light strikes the cancerous cells, it begins to cause a die-off. Many of the dead cancer cells end up in the bloodstream, and may lead to an intense healing reaction. The ICRF lists 8 warnings to heed when using this treatment.

#16: Antineoplastons (Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski)

The story of medical doctor and PhD biochemist, Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, is incredible. He discovered the genetic mechanism that can cure most human cancers: antineoplastons. Burzynski set up a clinic in Houston, Texas, where he has been harassed by the FDA and AMA ever since its inception. He defined antineoplastons as naturally occurring peptides and amino acid derivatives that inhibit the growth of malignant cells while leaving normal cells unaffected, which is a trait of all effective natural cancer cures. The antineoplastons correct the cancer cells by reprogramming them.

In the movie made about his cancer remedy (The Burzynski Movie), we learn about Burzynski’s medical records of various cancer survivors who chose his treatment instead of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation – and were completely cured. Even though the FDA’s own clinical trials show this treatment, with no side-effects, outperformed conventional cancer treatments on all counts, the FDA still strongly opposed it.

#17: Salvestrols

Salvestrols are the wonder nutrients found in fruit and vegetables that hold potential as yet another effective natural cancer cure. They are only found in organic plants since other plants sprayed with pesticides don’t produce them. Salvestrols belong to a subcategory called phytoalexins, substances produced by plants to protect themselves against bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects and ultraviolet light. Salvestrols interact with CYP1B1 (the gene and protein enzyme which becomes over-expressed in cancer cells) to become cancer-killing agents. Like many other proven natural cancer cures above, especially laetrile or B17, salvestrols are a targeted and selective cancer killer.

Natural Cancer Treatments: Great Alternative Doctors and Cancer Healers

There are many healers and doctors, alive and dead, who have successfully healed many people of cancer using natural cancer treatments. Some of these doctors have their own protocols, whereas some use a combination of the natural cures listed here. There are too many to mention here, but here are 4 such people. Dr. Francisco Contreras heals thousands of cancer patients in his hospital Oasis of Hope in Mexico, and after battling the AMA and FDA he was able to open his current branch in Irvine, California. The late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez offered nutritional protocols for patients with cancer and other degenerative diseases through his Foundation, which still promotes his work today. Gonzalez studied the cancer treatment of the late Dr. William Kelley, who treated pancreatic cancer with enzymes with an amazingly high cure rate. The late Bill Henderson developed his own cancer cure which built on the Budwig diet, and specified the cancer patient follow a very strict diet which would lead to maximum alkalinity within the cells. He outlined the protocol in his book Cancer-Free.

Natural Cancer Treatments: Other Honorable Mentions

There are way too many natural cancer treatments to explain in detail, so we will finish up by highlighting a few. Walter Wainright has researched how fermented soy (e.g. tempeh, natto, miso) can reverse carcinogenic cells to normal cells. Soy contains phytoestrogens which can prevent breast, ovarian and prostate cancers; soy proteins mimic the powerful antioxidant enzyme SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase), the body’s first line of defense against cancer-inducing free radicals. Recently it was found that prostate cancer could be prevented by combining ursolic acid (a waxy natural chemical found in apple peelings and rosemary), curcumin (turmeric) and resveratrol (the longevity molecule found in peanuts, pistachios, grapes, berries, cinnamon and cacao). These 3 ingredients work together to block the cancer cells accessing glutamine, which cancer cells need to break down nutrients and get energy. Vitamin D is another very important nutrient which is often overlooked but which some studies have revealed can slash your cancer risk by 77%. It’s important not to get too much sun, but just as important not to get too little and become scared of the sun either.

Cancer cures are more flashy and attention-grabbing than the simple things you can do every day to protect yourself against cancer, such as avoiding carcinogens like fluoride, mercury, aluminum, tobacco and glyphosate. Eating an organic, whole-foods based diet is obviously very important, however we can single out some foods above the others for their outstanding cancer-killing properties. Turmeric is at the top of this list. Other foods and herbs such as ashwagandha, aloe vera, carrot, wormwood and sheep sorrel are also noteworthy.

List of natural cancer treatments

• For colorectal cancers, it’s legumes and leafy vegetables. Beans, chickpeas, lentils, and split peas are brimming with anti-cancer compounds called phytates.

• Spices are also attributed with anti-cancer properties. Turmeric, for example, is an important ingredient in Indian curries and Okinawan tea.

• If you’re a pre-menopausal woman who’s worried about breast cancer, a daily serving of beans or lentils can cut the risk by two-thirds. Adding legumes or wholegrains like bulgur wheat and brown rice to your meals will raise your protection to more than 90 percent.

• Mushrooms are rich in amino acids that supercharge the immune system. According to Australian researchers, they can protect against viral infections and breast cancer in women.

• Citrus fruits have a phytonutrient called hesperidin. In addition to healing and shielding your DNA against carcinogens, citrus zest also lower the risk of skin and breast cancers.

• The entire allium family share anti-cancer properties. Like turmeric, red onion has quercetin, a phytonutrient that reduces the growth of bower cancer polyps. Garlic exhibits similar suppressive properties.

• Cruciferous vegetables can minimize the risk of colon cancer for weeks after consumption. Brussels sprouts, especially, is an anti-cancer superweapon. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are almost as good.

• Soya bean and flaxseed have phytoestrogens. Different from oestrogens, phytoestrogens do the work of two by reducing the risk of breast tumors and menopausal hot-flush.

• Then there is the ever-popular antioxidant-rich apple. Eating one a day (peel and pulp and all) actually keeps various cancers away by reactivating an anti-tumor gene called maspin.”

Natural Cancer Treatments: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, cancer is something you need not fear any longer. Yes, it’s a serious disease, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. There are so many natural and effective options you can explore if you or your loved ones get cancer. Like it or not, cancer has or will become a major reality in the lives of close to two-fifths of Americans. Education is essential. Remember, cancer can be beaten – and it can be done without subjecting yourself to AMA “cures” which are just as deadly as the disease itself.

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And the weird part is how normalized it is to perfume underwear. kek!

What it does to your skin

Almost nobody is “allergic to detergent.” What you get is something simpler and more annoying: irritation.

Detergent residue can mess with your skin barrier and your skin microbiome. Just like your gut microbiome, it’s basically your first line of defense between the outside world and you. Add sweat, heat, tight clothes, and synthetic fabrics, and suddenly you get itch, dryness, random redness, or that low-grade burn that makes you want to crawl out of your own shirt.

Dermatology advice is boring for a reason. Go fragrance-free, ditch softeners, stop overdosing detergent, and rinse properly. You do that and the “mystery skin problems” often calm down.

Now yes, true allergy can happen too. A big culprit in the “why is my skin exploding” world is preservatives like methylisothiazolinone, which shows up across household products and has a long history in contact allergy discussions.

The concerning part people miss: your air

The “fresh laundry smell” does not live only on fabric. It gets into the air.

Researchers have measured volatile organic compounds coming out of dryer vents when fragranced detergents and dryer sheets are used. So if you want the simplest summary: You can be breathing your laundry additives, not just wearing them.

If your house feels stuffy, your sinuses are angry, or you get headaches around “cleaning day,” it’s not crazy to look at the fragrance cloud first.

Hormones: a serious issue

I’m not going to tell you your T-shirt is directly lowering your testosterone, but endocrine disruptors are real, and the science is mainstream and widely accepted.

The honest angle is this: We live in a chemical soup. If you want to lower your overall exposure load, fragranced products are the easiest place to start. Fragrance blends can hide behind “trade secrets,” and some harmful phthalates are historically associated with fragrance use in personal care contexts.

So no, I’m not claiming laundry detergent is single-handedly wrecking your hormones. I am saying: wearing perfume chemicals on your skin daily is a weird and harmful habit, and opting out is easy and especially cheap.

What to do instead

You don’t need to turn into some eco-hipster. You just need less toxins, less fragrance, and the same cleaning power.

Here’s a setup that will improve things:

1) Switch to fragrance-free, dye-free detergent
This is the highest ROI move. If you do only one thing, do this.

2) Use less detergent than the label says
Labels are not written by your skin. They are written to make you rebuy faster.

3) Add an extra rinse
If you’re sensitive, this is basically “stop leaving chemicals in the fabric.”

4) Drop fabric softener and dryer sheets
These are basically fragrance delivery systems. Also, they show up in the dryer-emissions research conversation for a reason.

But there is even a better solution. If you want a cleaner, low-irritation wash without the perfume layer, use things that do work that your ancestors have used for generations:

Real soap wash (old-school and effective)

This is the closest to what people actually did before modern detergents.

What you use:

• Soap flakes (pure soap, no perfume) or unscented Castile soap

• Washing soda (sodium carbonate) as the “booster” and water softener

• Optional: oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) for whites, towels, gym clothes

Recipe (one normal load)

• 1 to 2 tbsp soap flakes (or ~1 tbsp liquid Castile soap)

• 1 to 2 tbsp washing soda

• Oxygen bleach: 1 tbsp for whites/towels, or soak for nasty odor loads

That’s it, fren! Clean clothes, less residue, less perfume, better health.

What else makes it a perfect wash

This is the stuff that matters more than people think:

1. Temperature - cold water is fine for light loads. But for towels, bedding, gym clothes, anything funky, use warmer water if your fabric can take it.

2. Pre-treat your laundry - for stains, do not rely on the main wash.

• Rub with a bar of pure soap or a drop of Castile

• Let it sit 10 minutes

• Then wash

3. Rinse properly - if you’re sensitive, the “perfect wash” is simply the wash you actually rinse out. Extra rinse is underrated.

4. Skip softener - fabric softener is basically a coating. If you want softness, do one of these instead: Vinegar in the rinse (small amount, like 1–2 tbsp)
Just don’t combine vinegar in the same phase as oxygen bleach. Use vinegar only in the rinse cycle.

5. Clean the machine - if the washer smells, your clothes will smell. Run a hot empty cycle sometimes (with washing soda).

Takeaway

I started looking into alternatives, and my skin got so much better after switching to washing soda and soap flakes.

So if your skin is irritated, if your indoor air feels heavy, or if you’re trying to lower your chemical load without turning into a hermit, start with laundry (and avoiding seed oils—wink wink).

It’s daily, it’s direct contact, and it’s one of the easiest things to fix.

If this kind of “practical, unpopular truth” content is your thing, check out my article below. And if you want to be part of my research, consider becoming a paid subscriber—it helps me in the long run. Peace.

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Today, I want to share some thoughts on urban homesteading. A question I hear often is: How can someone start homesteading without land, especially if they live in the city?

I always like to remind people that you don’t need acres of land to be a homesteader. Homesteading is more about a mindset than owning property or raising animals.

Many people picture homesteading as living on a large rural plot, growing your own food, raising livestock, and being completely off-grid. While that’s one way to do it, the idea that you must live in the countryside to call yourself a homesteader isn’t true.

Forget that limiting thought. Homesteading is about self-reliance, learning practical skills, and reducing dependence on outside systems. It’s also about connecting with your community, sharing knowledge, and building resilience—not just surviving alone. The best part? You can practice these principles anywhere, even in the heart of a city.

So, can you really homestead in an urban setting? Absolutely. Whether you’re in a small apartment, a condo, or a townhouse, there are plenty of ways to bring homesteading into your life. You don’t have to move to the countryside to live a self-sufficient lifestyle.

In this post, I’ll explore how to make urban homesteading work, including growing your own food in limited spaces, caring for small animals, creating homemade products, and integrating other homesteading practices into your everyday life. Living sustainably and independently is possible—even in the city—and it starts with the right mindset.

Growing Food in Small Spaces

One of the most rewarding parts of homesteading is growing your own food. There’s something special about stepping outside (or even into your kitchen) and picking fresh herbs, greens, or a ripe tomato that you grew yourself. But what if you live in the city and don’t have much room for a garden?

The key is learning to make the most of every bit of space you do have. Balconies, windowsills, doorsteps, and even countertops can be turned into little garden spots. I once lived in a multi-unit building where a neighbor filled their porch with grow bags and even tucked them around the outside of the building because nobody minded—it was like their own mini urban farm.

If you’re in a small apartment, container gardening is your best friend. Herbs like basil, parsley, and mint grow well in small pots, while leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce are quick, space-friendly crops. You can even grow compact vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and beans in containers and still get a great harvest. Hanging baskets and wall planters are also perfect for squeezing in more plants.

What is vertical gardening?

Vertical gardening is a smart way to expand beyond traditional pots and planters. By going “up” instead of “out,” you can dramatically increase your growing space. Trellises are perfect for crops like cucumbers, peas, and beans, while vertical planters let you stack pots on top of each other to maximize your yield. Even a sunny windowsill can host a vertical herb garden. And if you love strawberries (like I do), they’re a fantastic choice for vertical gardens since they spread beautifully and can be transplanted between pots.

Community gardens

If you’re fortunate enough to live near a community garden, that opens up even more opportunities. Renting a plot allows you to grow a wider range of fruits, vegetables, and flowers than you might be able to fit at home. Plus, it’s a chance to meet others who share your passion for growing food, exchange tips, and become part of a supportive network.

Whether you’re growing in pots on a balcony or tending a shared garden space, the joy of harvesting your own food is the same—it’s deeply satisfying and a big step toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Preserving Your Harvest

How do you preserve your garden produce?

Once you start growing food, you’ll quickly realize that preserving it is just as important as growing it. Fresh produce is wonderful, but preserving it for later use ensures that you have a year-round food supply. You don’t’ want your hard work to go to waste. There are various methods you can use to preserve food, and they can all be done in a small apartment or urban setting.

What is canning?

Canning is a great option for urban homesteaders. This technique allows you to preserve fruits, vegetables, meats, and even stocks. While canning requires some equipment—jars, lids, a canner, and sometimes a pressure cooker—it’s still feasible to do in an urban environment. Search the thrift stores for supplies. Usually the secondhand stores are filled with canning supplies and sometimes you can even find canners for a steal.

The beauty of canning is that it’s a long-lasting form of preservation, and once you’ve mastered the basics, you can store your preserves for months or even years. You can can a wide range of foods, such as jams, sauces, pickles, and even meats, providing a nutritious and cost-effective alternative to store-bought items.

What is fermentation?

If you don’t have a lot of storage space or prefer simpler preservation techniques, fermentation is an excellent choice. Fermenting vegetables and fruits is an age-old technique that not only preserves food but also enhances its nutritional value. You can make fermented pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and even fermented beverages like kombucha and kefir.

Kefir is one of my favorite fermented foods because it is fermented milk, so it is like a yogurt but full of more beneficial bacteria and gut-building goodness. For fermentation in general, all you need is a clean jar, salt, water, and the right conditions, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Many urban homesteaders enjoy the benefits of fermentation because it’s a simple and effective way to preserve food, while also supporting gut health and creating a sustainable lifestyle.

For a more immediate preservation option, freezing your food is another great method, especially if you have a freezer. Freezing fresh produce, meats, or prepared meals allows you to stockpile food for later use. You can freeze just about anything, from vegetables to soups and casseroles, ensuring that you always have homemade food on hand. Properly sealing your frozen food with vacuum-sealed bags will also help reduce freezer burn and extend the shelf life. Just keep in mind that if the power goes out, you need to have a plan so the food in your freezer doesn’t spoil. I would suggest canning food from your freezer or freeze-drying it and having a rotating plan for that.

Raising Animals in the City

When people think about homesteading, they often picture wide-open fields with barns full of animals. But believe it or not, you can raise livestock even in an urban setting—it just requires a little creativity and a focus on smaller, low-maintenance animals that thrive in limited spaces.

Chickens in the City

Chickens are probably the most common choice for urban homesteaders, and for good reason. Many cities actually allow residents to keep a small flock (usually between two and six hens) as long as local rules are followed. Chickens don’t need much: a safe, sturdy coop, access to food and water, and a perch for roosting at night. In return, you’ll get fresh eggs almost every day.

If you’ve got a backyard, fitting in a chicken coop is easier than you might think. Even in smaller areas like patios, terraces, or balconies, you could house two hens if local regulations allow. Two chickens are plenty for daily eggs and companionship, without overwhelming your space. For colder climates, simply wrapping their coop with tarps is often enough to keep them safe through the winter—chickens don’t need heat lamps if they’re given the chance to acclimate naturally. And if space is really tight, quail can be a great alternative. They’re smaller than chickens, easier to manage, and still provide fresh eggs.

Urban Beekeeping

Another surprisingly city-friendly option is beekeeping. It’s becoming more popular in urban environments, especially on rooftops and near community gardens. Cities are often excellent for bees, since they can forage from countless flowers, trees, and backyard gardens.

Starting with bees requires a bit of upfront investment—hives, protective clothing, and basic tools—but the payoff is worth it. Not only can you harvest honey, beeswax, and pollen, but you’ll also be supporting your local ecosystem by boosting pollination. Even a balcony, rooftop, or small yard can be the perfect spot for a hive, as long as you provide a safe, sheltered space for the bees.

Rabbits for Small Spaces

Rabbits are another great option for urban homesteaders. They’re quiet, don’t take up much room, and are fairly low-maintenance. They can be kept in hutches, cages, or small pens in backyards, garages, or even on a balcony if properly cared for.

Rabbits eat a diet of hay, pellets, and fresh greens, and in exchange, they provide high-quality manure that’s excellent for gardens. Many people also raise rabbits for meat, since they reproduce quickly and offer a lot of yield in relation to their size. And if you’ve got a small yard, letting rabbits graze can help cut down on grass while producing natural fertilizer.

Raising animals in the city may not look the same as it does on a traditional farm, but with the right approach, it’s completely possible. Chickens, bees, and rabbits are all excellent options for small spaces, giving you food, resources, and a stronger connection to your homesteading journey—even in an urban setting.

Mending Clothes

Another key skill of any homesteader is the ability to mend and repair clothing. When you’re living a more self-sufficient life, you learn to take care of your possessions rather than throwing them away. This is not only practical but also a great way to save money. Mending clothes can be done with just a few basic tools: a needle, thread, fabric patches, and scissors. Learning how to patch torn clothing, sew on buttons, and even hem pants can save you a lot of money in the long run. I think consumer mentality of buy, buy, buy and throw anything away that has wear can be a bit silly. Obviously some items will run through their life, but we have become so accustom of just buying new things every season for every style.

Rather than throwing away items that have small issues, you can mend them, breathe new life into your clothes, and avoid contributing to the wastefulness of fast fashion. By mending clothes, you’re also developing a deeper connection with your belongings. It’s a skill that will serve you well, especially if you’re looking to become more resourceful and independent.

Synthetic vs. natural fibers

I sew occasionally, but I do basic mends to my clothing when there are holes or buttons missing. I’m currently in the process of replacing my clothing with natural fibers. So not purchasing anything that is synthetic like polyester or nylon anymore but instead opting for 100% cotton, wool, or linen. When you go down the rabbit hole, you discover what you wear affects your hormones, like everything else. Natural fibers are beneficial for us though. This is something everyone can do.

Composting in the Kitchen

Composting is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to live more sustainably in the city. It cuts down on waste, recycles your kitchen scraps, and creates nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Even if you don’t have the space for a big backyard compost pile, you can still compost right in your kitchen or on a balcony.

Two of the most popular options for small-space composting are worm bins and bokashi buckets.

Worm Bins

A worm bin is a compact container filled with composting worms—red wigglers are the most common choice. These little workers break down food scraps quickly and efficiently, turning them into a dark, crumbly compost that’s excellent for potted plants and small gardens. Worm bins are surprisingly low-maintenance and can easily fit under a sink, in a closet, or on a balcony.

Bokashi Buckets

If worms aren’t your thing, bokashi composting is another great option. Instead of relying on worms, this method uses a fermentation process. Food scraps are added to an airtight bucket along with bokashi bran (which contains beneficial microbes). It’s fast, odor-free, and ideal for apartment living.

Both methods give you the ability to turn everyday food waste into a valuable resource. Instead of throwing scraps into the trash, you’re creating a cycle where nothing goes to waste—your plants get healthier soil, and you reduce what ends up in the landfill.

A Few Last Words

Urban homesteading is not only possible but it is incredibly rewarding. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can embrace a more self-sufficient lifestyle, no matter where you live. Don’t forget that engaging with your community is another form of homesteading so attending those farmer’s markets or joining homesteading groups with other individuals seeking the same kind of hobbies and lifestyle as you. You will grow and learn together.

From growing your own food in small spaces to raising animals and practicing sustainable habits like composting, urban homesteading offers a way to reconnect with your environment and community and live a fulfilling, independent life.

It’s all about taking control of your resources and finding solutions that work for your space, your schedule, and your values. You may not think you have time to do this, but you do. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or harvesting honey from your rooftop, homesteading in the city can be as rewarding as it is empowering. So, start small, and see how much you can grow—both in your space and in your skills.

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Let’s dive into how you can save money on groceries without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

Why Are Groceries So Expensive Right Now?

If you’ve stepped foot in a grocery store recently, you’ve probably noticed the prices feel out of control. Between inflation, supply chain drama, and changes in farming and production, 2025 has brought some of the highest food costs we’ve seen in a long time.

A big part of this is caused by extreme weather, rising fuel costs, global market chaos—you name it. And truthfully, sometimes it feels like the government uses these “crises” to push an agenda, and we end up paying the price.

Take the bird flu story, for example. Millions of birds were culled almost overnight. Of course, that drove egg prices way up. And now with the immigration shifts, some are saying we could see fruit prices soar if there’s a shortage of field workers—especially in places like California.

Consumer habits are changing, too. More people are trying to buy organic or locally sourced foods. I’ve seen that firsthand. Raw milk around me used to be $5 for a half gallon—now it’s up to $7.50 or even $14 for goat milk depending on who you’re buying from. That’s supply and demand right there.

But here’s the thing—I trust local economies to correct themselves way faster than whatever mess the national system is in. The closer you are to your food, the better off you’ll be.

So yes, food is expensive. But there are ways to fight back.

Start With a Plan

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is walking into the store without a plan. Grocery stores are designed to get you to overspend. Everything from the layout to the flashy displays is set up to mess with your brain.

At my local Walmart, right at the checkout, there’s a wall of snacks—hand pies, candy, ready-to-eat meals—conveniently placed right at kid-level. You can guess how that goes if you’ve got kids with you.

Here’s my tip: Plan your meals before you shop. Doesn’t matter if you go weekly or bi-weekly—just know what you’re going in for. That food you “just grabbed” ends up lost in the fridge, rotting before you remember you bought it. Meal planning saves your wallet and your sanity.

How to Shop Smart Without Cutting Corners

Watch the flyers. They might seem old-school, but grocery flyers are your friend. I still check mine every time they land in the mailbox. If chicken’s on sale, guess what? That’s what’s for dinner this week. Use the flyers to plan your meals and your food storage strategy.

Buy in bulk—strategically. Staples like rice, beans, flour—those make sense to buy in bulk. Perishables? Only if you’ve got a way to store or preserve them. We’ll talk food preservation in a bit.

Shop seasonal and local. Farmers’ markets, co-ops, and CSA boxes can save you serious money—plus the food is fresher. I buy heirloom produce in bulk at the end of the season because local farmers are just trying to clear out. That’s when I can tomatoes, make salsa, juice, and prep sauces for winter.

Compare unit prices. Grocery stores are sneaky with packaging. Always check the price per ounce or pound on the shelf tag. And if something is marked wrong, they have to honor it—so check your receipts!

Stick to the staples. Oats, potatoes, lentils, eggs, and meat go a long way. Buying real ingredients instead of boxed junk is not only cheaper—it’s better for you. A bag of Doritos costs more per ounce than a dozen eggs. It’s wild.

The Power of Food Preservation

Now, let’s talk about something that can seriously slash your grocery bill long-term: food preservation. If you’ve never thought about canning, fermenting, or freezing in bulk, 2025 is the year to start.

Seriously, once you start preserving food, there is no going back because you will see how simple it is, how much money it saves you, and how it helps you build a food storage. Let’s run through some of the food preservation methods that can help you clean up your grocery bill.

How do you preserve food?

Canning vegetables, sauces, and even meats can cut your grocery costs dramatically. When you buy produce at peak season—either from your grocery store or a local farmer—or maybe you have your own garden you’re paying rock-bottom prices.

Preserve it, and you’ve got months of cheap food. Like I mentioned for the farmers around me, when the season is ending and they are still swimming in produce, they will give you an even better deal than peak season. You can get quality produce for dirt cheap. Water bath canning is great for jams and tomatoes, while pressure canning works for meats and soups.

Freezing is a wonderful method of food storage because of how simple it is. If you are buying meat in bulk, portion it out and freeze it. Make soups, broths, and stews ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals. A deep freezer can be a game-changer when it comes to preserving food for the long haul.

Dehydrating is great for herbs, fruits, and even jerky. Instead of paying premium prices for dried fruit snacks, you can dehydrate apples, bananas, or even citrus peels for teas. Dehydrated soup mixes can be stored for emergencies or quick dinners.

Fermenting in your own kitchen is a great way to save money. Quality fermented foods can come with a steep price tag at the store when you can make them at home for cheap.

Sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and pickled vegetables last for months and actually improve in flavor over time. Fermentation is an ancient technique that not only preserves food but also boosts gut health. So if you are into fermented foods, take the time to make them at home. Get the fermentation weights or whatever gear you need for your ferments. It’s so much nicer because of the flavor you get to control.

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Cut Out the Middleman

Here’s the truth: every time your food passes through another hand—whether it’s processing, packaging, shipping, or stocking—you’re paying more. That’s just how the system works. The grocery store isn’t just charging you for the food, they’re charging you for the convenience of not having to make it yourself. But here’s the thing: once you realize how easy some of this stuff is to make at home, you’ll never look at those price tags the same way again.

Let’s break it down:

Bake your own bread. Flour is still relatively affordable, and with just a little time and patience, you can be making loaves that taste better than anything you’ll get at the store. Sourdough is basically free once your starter is going—just flour and water, that’s it. I started with one jar and now it’s just part of the routine. And you can flavor it, shape it, and make it fit your style. Way more satisfying than buying overpriced loaves full of preservatives.

Make your own snacks. This is a big one. Store-bought snacks are highway robbery and most of them are filled with junk. I started making popcorn on the stove with just kernels and olive oil—it’s crunchy, filling, and pennies compared to the pre-packaged stuff. I top it with butter and dip it in my homemade ranch dressing and it hits the spot every time. You can also make sourdough crackers, energy bites, fruit leathers, and granola bars at home for way cheaper. Plus, no seed oils or fake flavors.

DIY dairy at home. If you’ve got access to milk—cow or goat—you’re golden. I make my own yogurt in the Instant Pot (yes, it has a yogurt button), and it’s stupid easy. You can also make butter just by whipping heavy cream until it separates, and boom—you’ve got butter and buttermilk. Kefir and cheese are also doable at home with a few starter cultures. Store-bought versions of these are expensive and often filled with additives, but when you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it.

Grow your own herbs. Those little plastic clamshells of basil or parsley at the store are overpriced and don’t last long. Instead, get a few pots and grow your own herbs right in your kitchen window. Basil, cilantro, oregano, thyme—whatever you use the most. Fresh, right at your fingertips, and once you start snipping your own herbs instead of tossing out wilted bunches from the fridge, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for them in the first place.

Small Homestead Moves = Big Grocery Savings

Now look, I get it—not everybody has a big plot of land, a barn, or the ability to go full-on homesteader. But here’s the good news: you don’t need all that. Even the smallest steps toward self-sufficiency can make a real dent in your grocery bill and give you a little peace of mind while you’re at it.

Backyard chickens for eggs. The best time to get chicks is in early spring, when they have a better chance of survival. You’ll need a brooder with a heat lamp, quality feed, and secure housing. By the time they mature in 4-6 months, they’ll provide you with a steady egg supply, reducing grocery costs significantly. We have been seeing egg prices skyrocket lately, especially for quality eggs, so you can circumnavigate that by having your own chickens.

Grow what you can, where you can. You don’t need a farm to grow real food. If you’ve got a porch, balcony, or sunny window, you can grow something. Container gardening is great for tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and herbs. Raised beds give you more space if you’ve got the yard for it. Vertical garden setups are awesome for small spaces. You’d be shocked at how much food you can grow in just a couple of planters when you pay attention and care for your crops. And when it comes time to harvest, that’s food you didn’t have to buy—and it’s fresher than anything on a store shelf.

Foraging and bartering. Learn what grows naturally in your area. Wild greens, nuts, and berries can supplement your diet for free. Bartering with neighbors can also save money—you provide eggs, they provide fruit or homegrown honey. I use to trade milk for strawberries with my neighbor and that was awesome. It builds community, too, which we’re honestly missing in today’s world. I forage for mushrooms and berries in the spring and summer, and it is also so soothing for mental health to get out and go forage.

Raise small livestock if you can. Rabbits and quail are perfect for folks with limited space. They’re quiet, clean, and don’t need a ton of room. Rabbits especially are super efficient meat producers—people overlook them, but they’re one of the best options for backyard meat. Quail start laying eggs in just 6–8 weeks and need way less space than chickens. If you’re serious about cutting down your grocery bill and becoming less dependent on the system, these little animals can go a long way.

Saving money on groceries in 2025 is about more than just clipping coupons—it’s about being intentional, learning new skills, and taking back control of what you eat.

You’ve got to choose your hard: Struggling with overpriced, low-quality food from the store, or putting in a little work now to help yourself and your family down the road.

Start small. Build as you go. And trust me—once you take back control, there’s no going back.

—Thanks to Gubba Homestead

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My dad always had a garden when I was a kid, and now I understand more about what drew him to it. This personal experience, along with numerous studies on the benefits of time spent outdoors, made me curious to explore the many mental health benefits of gardening.

This article delves into those benefits. We'll explore the science behind gardening's positive effects, including the concept of horticultural therapy and the psychology of gardening. We'll also look at gardening mental health statistics, which provide compelling evidence of its positive impact on mental wellbeing. Whether you're a new, seasoned, or senior gardener, the act of growing can boost your mental health on an ongoing basis.

Understanding Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural Therapy (HT) is an ancient practice but a relatively new profession. It has been defined as the use of plants and plant-based activities for the purpose of human healing and rehabilitation. The “roots” of horticultural therapy were established in the early 19th century by Dr. Benjamin Rush—a physician considered the first psychiatrist and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Dr. Rush observed and documented the positive effects of working with plants on patients at his Philadelphia clinic, which led to the integration of horticultural therapy as a treatment for individuals with mental illness.

Also known as therapeutic horticulture or social horticulture, horticultural therapy uses plants and gardening activities to enhance physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. It's a holistic approach that engages individuals with nature to foster healing and promote positive outcomes.

This practice is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in mental health treatment. Professionals use horticultural therapy in diverse settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. The therapy supports individuals with a wide range of needs and challenges. Its benefits are profound—it encourages physical activity, boosts cognitive skills, and improves emotional wellbeing. Many participants report feeling more relaxed and focused both during and after therapy sessions.

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Understanding Nature Therapy

Nature therapy involves activities that connect us with the natural world. Gardening can play a significant part in this therapeutic practice that’s linked to reduced stress levels and improved mood. Studies show that exposure to nature can lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and lower levels are beneficial for mental health. So, engaging with nature leads to a calmer and more balanced state. The concept of biophilia also plays a role here. It suggests an innate human desire to connect with nature; this connection enhances our sense of wellbeing and happiness. Nature therapy emphasizes the restorative power of natural settings. Spending time surrounded by plants and greenery can enhance focus and creativity. It’s a powerful antidote to modern life’s digital stressors, and can give us a sense of agency in the face of crises like climate change. Incorporating nature therapy into daily routines can be simple. Even a brief walk through a garden or sitting in a park yields benefits.

Gardening for Mental Health: Studies and Statistics

There are many studies and statistics that reveal significant insights into the mental health benefits of gardening. Research consistently shows those who garden regularly experience better mental health. The impact of gardening on emotional wellbeing is evident. In 2021, the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society released research revealing those who garden daily have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all. Surveying more than 6,000 people, the research demonstrates a significant link between more frequent gardening and improvements in wellbeing, perceived stress, and physical activity.

The Rutgers University Department of Plant Biology website agrees, “An increasingly large body of research attests to the unique values of horticulture as a therapeutic modality for people with physical, mental, emotional, and social disabilities, as plants are non-discriminating and non-threatening, and anyone can be successful utilizing this medium.” A HealthCentral article quotes Hannah Brents, LICSW, of Safe Talk Therapy in Boston. “Putting your hands in the soil releases feel good chemicals in the brain and grounds the nervous system,” she explains.

Gardening can change how well you pay full attention to a single activity. If you struggle with staying focused on tasks, conversations, or topics in your daily life, gardening can help you learn to concentrate on what’s right in front of you without getting distracted. Studies show that outdoor activities can reduce similar symptoms of ADHD.

A 2023 University of Colorado study found that “Study participants…saw their stress and anxiety levels decrease, with those who came into the study most stressed and anxious seeing the greatest reduction in mental health issues.” Plus, the study “confirmed that even novice gardeners can reap measurable health benefits of the pastime in their first season.” Indoor gardening can also provide year-round benefits. A 2015 study found that “interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults.”

There are many other universities, community agencies, and other research entities who continue to study and publish data on the tangible effects of gardening. Not only does it improve day-to-day mood, but it also contributes to long-term mental and overall health. As the demand for natural therapies grows, these studies and statistics gain importance. They underscore the therapeutic potential of gardening in diverse settings.

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The Psychology of Gardening

What is it about gardening that so deeply benefits the mind? At its core, tending to a garden connects us directly with nature, tapping into a fundamental human instinct to nurture life. Caring for plants offers a quiet sense of achievement and meaning—watching something grow because of your effort is inherently rewarding.

The physical act of digging, planting, and pruning provides a sensory-rich experience. Touching the soil, feeling the textures of leaves, and smelling fresh earth can ground us in the present moment. This sensory immersion often brings calm, helping to ease anxiety and lower stress levels naturally.

Gardening also introduces structure into our lives. Watering plants, following seasonal cycles, and performing regular maintenance create a routine that’s especially beneficial for those facing emotional or psychological challenges. Predictable, small tasks bring stability, a steady rhythm in a world that often feels chaotic.

At the same time, working with nature teaches flexibility and acceptance. We can't control the rain, the wind, or the pests that show up unexpectedly. These small lessons in letting go build resilience and patience.

Finally, garden spaces are a canvas for creativity. Choosing colors, layouts, and plant combinations lets us express ourselves in a deeply personal way. That creative freedom can feel restorative and energizing, bringing balance to both mind and spirit.

Key Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health

Spending time in the garden does more than beautify your surroundings—it can also transform your state of mind. Gardening is a natural way to lift your mood and ease stress. The simple, repetitive nature of tasks like planting, weeding, or watering has a calming rhythm to it. There's something deeply grounding about digging your hands into the soil, inhaling the scent of herbs or blossoms, and soaking in the colors around you. These sensory experiences help you reconnect with the present moment and bring a sense of peace.

But the mental health benefits of gardening reach even further:

• Improves mood. Gardening can make you feel more peaceful and content. Focusing your attention on the immediate tasks and details of gardening can reduce negative thoughts and feelings and can make you feel better in the moment. Just spending time around plants eases stress for many people.

• Encourages movement – It’s a gentle but effective form of physical activity that supports overall health.

• Builds community – Gardening in a community setting, whether it’s working together in a shared garden or simply exchanging tips with neighbors, fosters connection and teamwork. Collaborating with others toward shared goals not only strengthens social bonds but also builds a sense of belonging and support, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.

• Boosts self-esteem. Self-esteem is how much you value and feel positively about yourself. Helping a plant grow is a big feat. When you see your work pay off with healthy plants, your sense of pride gets a boost.

What’s great about gardening is that it’s for everyone—young or old, experienced or just starting out. It can be as simple as a few pots on a windowsill or as elaborate as a backyard oasis. However you approach it, gardening offers lasting support for mental wellness in a world that rarely slows down.

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Lifting Your Mood and Easing Stress Through Gardening

There’s something almost magical about how being outside and working with the earth can shift your mood. When you dig into the soil, you’re not just planting seeds—you’re also coming into contact with natural microbes that have been shown to support brain chemistry. One of them, Mycobacterium vaccae, may help boost serotonin, a chemical in the brain that plays a big role in how happy and calm we feel.

Add in the benefits of sunlight, and it’s easy to see why gardening can be such a mood booster. Soaking up natural light helps your body produce vitamin D, which is linked to emotional well-being. Sunlight also helps regulate your sleep cycle, making it easier to manage stress day-to-day.

The repetitive nature of gardening tasks—like pulling weeds or gently watering plants—has a calming rhythm to it. These quiet moments create space to unplug from daily worries and just be.

Gardening and Brain Health: A Natural Way to Stay Sharp

Gardening isn’t just good for the body and soul. It’s also a workout for the brain. The act of planning garden layouts, remembering plant needs, and solving unexpected problems (like surprise pests or unpredictable weather) keeps the mind engaged and active. Over time, these small but consistent mental challenges can help strengthen memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

For older adults especially, tending a garden may do more than pass the time. It could help slow down age-related cognitive decline. Research suggests that people who garden regularly may face a lower risk of developing dementia. The ongoing mental stimulation gardening provides is thought to play a role in preserving brain health and promoting longevity.

From remembering planting schedules to adapting to changing seasons, gardening is full of opportunities to think, learn, and grow—mentally and emotionally. It’s a peaceful yet purposeful way to keep your brain sharp while enjoying the outdoors.

Physical Health and Exercise

Gardening is more than just a peaceful pastime—it’s also a great way to keep your body moving. Simple tasks like planting, digging, pruning, or even carrying watering cans engage different muscle groups and promote flexibility. These natural movements gently build strength, improve balance, and boost your endurance over time.

Because it’s low-impact and adaptable, gardening is a form of physical activity that works for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re stretching to reach a branch or squatting to pull weeds, you're supporting your body in ways that enhance mobility and overall health.

It also offers a cardiovascular benefit—especially when you're out there regularly and breaking a light sweat. Plus, growing your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs gives you more control over your food choices. You get the added bonus of fresh, nutrient-rich produce, which can support gut health, energy levels, and overall wellness.

In short, gardening is a sustainable way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and take care of both your body and mind—one plant at a time.

Cultivating Connection: How Gardening Builds Community

In today’s fast-paced and often isolating world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Gardening, especially when done alongside others, can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. Whether you're tending a plot in a community garden, joining a local gardening club, or simply swapping seeds and advice with a neighbor, these shared experiences create meaningful opportunities for connection.

Working side by side with others toward a common goal—whether it's growing food, beautifying a shared space, or learning new skills—naturally encourages conversation, cooperation, and camaraderie. Over time, those casual chats while pulling weeds or planting seedlings often grow into genuine friendships.

Beyond personal relationships, gardening also helps strengthen the fabric of a community. It fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, where everyone contributes and benefits. Community gardens often become hubs of activity and inclusion, where people from all walks of life can come together, learn from one another, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

These social connections have a real impact on mental health. Feeling seen, supported, and valued by others helps reduce stress and feelings of isolation, while increasing emotional resilience. And when we build these networks in the soil of shared purpose, the benefits can bloom far beyond the garden gate.

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Starting Your Garden for Mental Wellness: A Simple Guide

If you’re thinking about starting a garden to support your mental health, you don’t need a green thumb or a huge plot of land—just the willingness to begin. Gardening is a practice that can meet you wherever you are, whether you have a big backyard, a small balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill. The key is to start small, stay curious, and let the process unfold naturally.

Step 1: Find Your Space
Look around and identify an area where plants can thrive. This might be a corner of your yard, a few pots on your porch, or a set of planters on a windowsill. The most important factor is access to light—most plants need several hours of sunlight a day, so choose a spot that stays bright for a good portion of the day.

Step 2: Choose the Right Plants
Pick plants that suit your environment and lifestyle. If you’re working with limited space or sunlight, herbs like basil, mint, or parsley do well indoors. If you have more room outdoors, you might try vegetables like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, or beans. Native plants and low-maintenance flowers can also be a great choice, especially if you’re new to gardening.

Step 3: Gather Your Tools
You don’t need much to get started. A few basic tools will make your work easier:

• A hand trowel for digging

• Gardening gloves to protect your hands

• Pots, planters, or raised beds

• Quality potting soil and compost

• A watering can or hose

Step 4: Make a Simple Plan
Sketch out what you’d like to grow and where it will go. Think about plant heights, spacing, and how much light each one needs. This step doesn’t need to be perfect—just a loose guide to help you feel organized.

Step 5: Start Planting
Follow the instructions on your seed packets or plant labels. Dig, place your seeds or seedlings, and gently pat the soil around them. Water carefully, and take a moment to enjoy the act—this is where the healing begins.

Step 6: Tend Your Garden Regularly
Consistency is key. Make watering and weeding part of your weekly routine. Check in with your plants, notice changes, and celebrate new growth. These small acts of care are also small acts of self-care.

Step 7: Harvest and Enjoy
When the time comes, gather your herbs, vegetables, or flowers and enjoy what you’ve grown. Whether it’s adding fresh basil to your meal or placing a flower in a vase, this is the reward of your attention and effort.

Step 8: Grow with Your Garden
As your confidence builds, try adding new plants or experimenting with different gardening methods. Maybe you join a local garden club or start composting at home. Let your garden evolve alongside you.

Final Thought:
Gardening isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. With each seed you plant, you’re also planting intention, patience, and care for yourself. So take it one step at a time, and let nature do what it does best: help things grow—including you.

Conclusion

Gardening is far more than a hobby—it’s a powerful form of therapy that nurtures both body and mind. Whether you’re planting a single herb on your windowsill or tending to a vibrant backyard plot, the simple act of caring for plants brings countless mental health benefits. It helps reduce stress, improves mood, and offers a deep sense of presence and purpose.

From personal stories of healing to scientific studies on horticultural therapy, the evidence is clear: gardening fosters emotional resilience, boosts cognitive function, and encourages physical movement. And when done in community settings, it strengthens social bonds and creates meaningful connections that support long-term mental wellbeing.

Starting your own garden doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of space, a few tools, and a willingness to learn, anyone can begin. It’s a journey of growth—for both your plants and yourself.

So whether you're recovering from illness, looking for a mindfulness practice, or simply want to feel more grounded in your everyday life, gardening offers a natural, accessible path to healing. Step outside, dig in, and let your garden grow—because as you nurture it, it just might help you bloom too.

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This guide will walk you through what electroculture is, how it works, and how you can build your own electroculture setup at home to help your garden thrive—without fertilizers or pesticides.

What Is Electroculture?

Electroculture is the practice of using atmospheric electricity and magnetism to stimulate plant growth. By installing copper antennas in the soil, gardeners can harness the Earth’s energy field—creating an environment that encourages healthier, faster-growing plants.

This concept isn’t new. Electroculture dates back to the 1800s and was studied in the 1920s and 1930s by researchers like Justin Christofleau, who discovered that certain antenna setups significantly increased crop yields.

How Does It Work?

Electroculture works by:

• Drawing atmospheric energy (electrostatic and magnetic fields) into the soil.

• Encouraging microbial activity and soil regeneration.

• Helping plants draw in more nutrients and water naturally.

Basis of Electroculture

Electroculture gardening is the understanding that plants are sensitive to electrical signals. Like humans and animals, plants have cell membranes that can conduct and respond to electrical currents. Gardeners can influence various physiological processes by providing plants with carefully controlled electrical stimulation, such as nutrient absorption, photosynthesis, and hormone production.

Electricity plays a crucial role in plant growth. When an electrical current applies to a plant, it stimulates the production of auxins, which are plant hormones responsible for cell elongation and growth. Additionally, electricity enhances the movement of nutrients and water within the plant, improving nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

Benefits of Electroculture Gardening

Electroculture gardening offers several advantages over traditional gardening methods. Firstly, it can significantly increase crop yield, allowing gardeners to grow more fruits and vegetables in a limited space. Secondly, electroculture improves plant health and resistance to diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Lastly, this method is environmentally friendly, minimizing water usage and soil erosion.

Using electroculture techniques, gardeners can stimulate plant growth and accelerate maturation. This means one can harvest crops earlier, providing a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. Electroculture also enhances flowering and fruiting, resulting in larger and more abundant fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, electroculture gardening also promotes the overall health and vitality of plants. The electrical stimulation strengthens the plant’s immune system, making it more resistant to diseases and pests. This reduces the need for chemical interventions and promotes sustainable and organic gardening practices. It also enhances the plant’s ability to withstand environmental stresses, such as drought or extreme temperatures.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Electroculture Setup

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You don’t need anything expensive or high-tech to get started. Here's what you'll need:

• Copper wire (14–18 gauge is ideal)

• Wooden dowels, bamboo sticks, or untreated wooden rods (for antenna support)

• Pliers or wire cutters

• A compass (to align your setup with magnetic north)

• (Optional) Neodymium magnets to enhance the energy effect

How do I make an electroculture antenna?

Atmospheric antennas can be made out of wood dowels found at Home Depot, Lowes, or a local piece of wood from your backyard. The taller you make the antenna the larger your plants will grow. Justin Christofleau recommended 20 feet+, but any height will do.

You can wrap the wood dowel or local wood with copper and zinc wiring making a fibonacci spiral or vortex up in the air facing Magnetic North. The combination of zinc and copper can work like a battery when the sun hits the the antenna. You will then place this antenna about 6-8 inches into your soil and let Mother Nature do the magic. Get creative, try different designs, and you will see the true potential of electroculture.

For more on this topic we offer a free download of Justin Christofleau's Electroculture book

Step 2: Build the Copper Antenna Coil

This antenna is the core of your electroculture device.

1. Take your wooden or bamboo stick—ideally 3 to 6 feet tall.

2. Wrap the copper wire around it in a spiral motion, starting from the base and going upward.

3. Leave a few inches of wire sticking out from the top to act as the “antenna tip.”

4. If desired, place a magnet on the top to amplify the electrical field.

5. Make sure the bottom portion of the copper wire touches the soil when installed.

Step 3: Install the Antenna in Your Garden

1. Insert the wooden rod into the soil 6–12 inches deep.

2. Ensure the copper coil is firmly in contact with the soil at the base.

3. Use a compass to face the antenna coil to magnetic north—this orientation aligns the setup with the Earth’s natural magnetic field.

4. Space multiple antennas around your garden bed every 6–10 feet for maximum coverage.

Step 4: Water and Monitor

After setup:

• Water your garden as usual, but you may notice reduced water needs as plants become more resilient.

• Monitor plant health and growth over 1–2 weeks. Many people report stronger stems, faster sprouting, and vibrant foliage after only a short time.

Step 5: Experiment and Scale

Not every garden will react the same way, so:

• Try different antenna heights and spacing.

• Document the impact on various plant types.

• Share results with others and refine your setup.

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Adjusting Electro Culture Parameters

Adjusting electro-culture parameters is a crucial aspect of successful electro-culture gardening. To ensure optimal growth and development of your plants, follow these steps:

1. Identify the current parameters: Before making any adjustments, determine the current electroculture parameters of your garden, including voltage, frequency, and duration of electrical impulses.

2. Research optimal ranges: Study the specific plant or crop you are growing and find the ideal electro-culture parameters for its growth. Different plants may require different ranges of electrical impulses.

3. Adjust voltage: Based on your research, modify the voltage of the electrical impulses delivered to the plants. Use a voltage regulator or adjust the settings on your electro-culture system.

4. Modify frequency: Experiment with different frequencies of electrical impulses to find the one that best suits your plants. Increasing or decreasing the frequency can affect plant growth and health differently.

5. Monitor plant response: Observe how your plants respond to the adjusted electroculture parameters. Look for improved growth, increased yield, or enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep track of any changes or improvements you notice.

6. Fine-tune the parameters: If necessary, based on your observations and plant response, make further adjustments to the electro culture parameters. Finding the optimal settings for your specific plants may take some trial and error.

7. Maintain consistency: Once you have determined your plants’ ideal electro culture parameters, strive to maintain consistency in delivering the electrical impulses. Regularly monitor the voltage and frequency to ensure they remain within the desired ranges.

Pro-tip: Keeping a record of your electro-culture adjustments and the corresponding plant responses is recommended. This will help you track the effectiveness of different parameter settings and refine your approach over time.

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Types of Plants Suitable for Electroculture

Best Fruits for Electroculture

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes respond well to electroculture, producing larger and sweeter fruits with extended shelf life.

• Strawberries: Electroculture can enhance the flavor and size of strawberries, making them juicier and more flavorful.

• Peppers: Peppers grown using electroculture techniques tend to be more vibrant in color and have a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.

Best Vegetables for Electroculture

• Lettuce: Electroculture can accelerate growth, producing crisp and tender leaves.

• Cucumbers: Cucumbers grown with electroculture techniques tend to be more uniform in shape and have a higher water content.

• Spinach: Electroculture promotes the growth of nutrient-dense spinach leaves, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious gardeners.

Electroculture Gardening FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start

Can I use a copper pipe instead of making a coiled antenna?

You can use a copper pipe, but results tend to be better with coiled copper wire. The spiral shape is believed to harness and concentrate atmospheric energy more effectively than a straight pipe.

What type of wood should I use for the antenna?

Any untreated wood will work, but the best option is wood from your own backyard, as it may resonate with the natural frequency of your environment. If that’s not possible, bamboo sticks or wood dowels from a hardware store are good alternatives.

Can electroculture be used on indoor or potted plants?

Yes, electroculture works very well indoors. A simple chopstick wrapped with copper wire makes a great small antenna for potted plants or windowsill herbs.

Will the antenna attract EMFs or Wi-Fi signals?

Electroculture antennas are designed to pick up natural Earth energies like static electricity and magnetism. They don’t amplify EMFs or Wi-Fi. That said, limiting EMF exposure at home is still a good idea, especially since long-term effects are still being studied.

Can I wrap my plants in copper instead of making antennas?

It’s not recommended to wrap copper directly around your plants. Some plants may not respond well to being restricted. A nearby antenna is a better and safer way to support plant growth.

How tall should an electroculture antenna be?

You can experiment with height, but 6 feet or taller is ideal for capturing more atmospheric energy. For raised beds or containers, antennas as short as 3 feet can still be effective.

Should I worry about lightning striking the antennas?

Historically, old-world buildings used many lightning rods to balance energy, and there are no modern safety concerns with electroculture antennas. They are passive structures, not conductors of lightning.

How much area does one antenna cover?

A standard 6-foot antenna can energize about 225 square feet of garden space. Larger gardens may benefit from multiple antennas placed evenly throughout.

Which direction should I wind the copper coil?

• Northern Hemisphere: Wind the coil clockwise

• Southern Hemisphere: Wind it counter-clockwise

Start at the bottom of the stick and spiral upward for the best energy flow.

Does the copper need to touch the soil?

Yes. It’s essential that the lower end of the copper coil is in direct contact with the soil, allowing it to draw in Earth energy.

Where can I find copper wire?

Copper wire is available at hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Menards, or even local scrap yards. You can also order it online.

Can I use electroculture in raised beds?

Absolutely. Just place one antenna in each raised bed. In smaller beds, an antenna 3–6 feet tall is usually sufficient.

Can I use aluminum instead of copper?

It’s best to avoid aluminum. Aluminum can leach into the soil and may pose health and environmental risks.

Does the copper wire gauge matter?

Any gauge will work, but heavier gauges (12–14) are more durable outdoors. Lighter gauges (16–18) are easier to work with and great for indoor or small setups.

Can I add crystals or gemstones to my antenna?

Yes. Crystals like quartz or amethyst can enhance your setup by providing different energy frequencies and may even attract pollinators with their reflective colors.

Will this affect worms or soil life?

Not at all. Electroculture antennas actually support a healthier soil ecosystem and may help encourage more worm activity.

Can I use coated or scrap copper wire?

Yes, but make sure to strip off the coating at the ends so that bare copper is in contact with the soil and air.

Can electroculture be used with hydroponics?

Yes, but traditional antennas may not work in water. Instead, try using copper pyramids in or around your hydroponic system for similar energetic benefits.

Can it help with seed sprouting?

Yes. Many gardeners report that electroculture boosts germination rates. A simple toothpick wrapped in copper wire can energize small seed trays effectively.

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If you’re finding value in my writing and it’s helping your research or opening your eyes to new ideas, know that it truly means a lot to me. I write full-time here on Substack, and this platform is how I support myself and my family.

If you'd like to support my work and help me continue, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Not only will you be making a real difference, but you’ll also gain access to exclusive content, early releases, and deeper insights only available to subscribers.

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Kitchen gardens have started growing in popularity. They’re appearing in backyards worldwide, and people simply adore them.

As kitchen gardens are becoming more and more popular, I often get this question: “What are kitchen gardens? Why are they called “kitchen gardens”?” So, to avoid any confusion regarding kitchen gardens, let’s explain what exactly a kitchen garden is.

What Are Kitchen Gardens?

Kitchen gardens, also known as potager, are gardens that are used for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The French have been intermixing these plants in their potagers, or kitchen gardens, for hundreds of years. A kitchen garden is situated on private land very close to the house, and it is separated from the lawn area. In this way, it’s close to a water source, and harvesting is made more convenient.

Plants grown in kitchen gardens are free of chemicals and pesticides. Some people also add companion flowers to their kitchen garden which serve to repel pests and stimulate pollination.

What Differentiates A Kitchen Garden From A Vegetable Garden?

There are four main differences between these two types of gardens:

1. Location

Since vegetable gardens require more space and can sometimes get messy, they’re typically situated further from the dwelling. On the other hand, a kitchen garden is located near your house, and it also serves as a place where you and your family or friends can gather.

2. Size

Compared to vegetable gardens, which require a larger area of land, kitchen gardens are typically smaller.

3. Purpose

Vegetable gardens are developed with the intention of gathering huge harvests and growing large quantities of food that can be canned or preserved. This is not the case with kitchen gardens. These gardens are designed with the aim of learning something new, watching plants grow, having fun, and creating a healthy lifestyle. It’s all about the experience that kitchen gardens can offer you.

4. Aesthetics

Kitchen gardens usually consist of raised beds that are symmetrically organized and have a pleasant appearance.

Vegetable gardens, on the other hand, are usually organized in straight rows with muddy gaps popping up in places where fruits or veggies have been dug up.

5. Tending

Kitchen gardens are tended more often. For example, you may pay your kitchen garden a visit several times a week to pick fresh veggies or herbs to prepare meals. On the other hand, vegetable gardens require intense tending, which involves big planting and getting in large harvests.

How To Design A Kitchen Garden

1. First Things First, Choose The Right Time To Create Your Kitchen Garden

The best time to start designing your kitchen garden is early spring. Determine what size the plot you’d like to be. Keep in mind that a large kitchen garden requires a considerable amount of preparation, hard work, and maintenance.

2. Decide Where You Want To Position Your Kitchen Garden

What plants you’ll grow depends on the light levels and how much space you can provide each plant with. Read the labels on the seed packets to see how much space and light each plant will require and then choose appropriate containers and pots. If you’re looking for a simple way to start growing your own healing herbs, the Medicinal Garden Kit provides carefully selected seeds and guidance to help you cultivate a natural remedy garden at home.

To make sure your fruit and vegetable plants produce well, you need to:

• Plant your fruits and vegetables in a sunny spot where they’ll be exposed to bright, direct sunlight, preferably six to eight hours a day. Keep in mind that some plants, such as raspberries, cherries, blackcurrants, and blackberries, can grow in shade.

• Protect your plants from harsh, drying winds.

• Provide your plants with compost-enriched soil.

3. Decide What Fruits And Vegetables You Want To Grow

To narrow your selection, make a list of all the types of fruit and vegetables you’d like to grow, and then check if you have the appropriate growing conditions.

If you’re an amateur, set clear and attainable goals. You’ll probably want to grow all the seeds available at your local garden center, but when you have little or no experience, this can be hard, almost impossible. In what follows, we’ve presented various types of plants you can grow in your kitchen garden. Here they are:

• Fruits: Strawberries, currants, blueberry bushes, gooseberries, apple, and pear trees.

• Vegetables: Red cabbage leaves, early potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, hot pepper plants, carrots, beetroot, eggplant, and broad beans.

• Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, mint, rosemary, and sage.

• Colourful flowers: Marigolds, columbines, gladiolus, poppies, geranium, hollyhocks, and sweet peas.

4. Make A Plan For Getting The Best Results From Your Garden

• Grow plants that produce high yields.

• Grow plants that don’t require a lot of space, such as tomatoes.

• Grow salad leaves.

• Choose plants that are expensive to buy or which are not always available in supermarkets, such as Swiss chard, thyme, rosemary, mint, and sage.

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5. Prepare The Soil

It’s best to check the pH levels of the soil in your kitchen garden so that you can choose crops that suit it.

Then, you should remove all the weeds or turf and dig over the soil. Next, you should put clear plastic sheeting over the soil surface where you intend to plant your vegetables for a few weeks to warm up the soil. This will also kill off weeds.

The next thing you should do is enrich the soil with compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure. The organic matter will help the soil preserve nutrients and moisture. However, regardless of what type of organic matter you’ll choose to enrich your soil with, make sure it suits it.

In addition, keep in mind that there can be different soils within your garden, and adding organic matter can benefit all types of soil. Good soil is one that is crumbly, aerated, and loose and that can absorb water and drain well.

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6. Design A Kitchen Garden In Raised Beds

If you intend to grow small plots of vegetables, know that raised beds are perfect for this. Raised beds increase the temperature of the soil, have good drainage, and prevent the soil from compacting. They also protect the soil from heavy rain, hinder pathway weed growth, and act as pest repellent.

If you think that making raised beds on your own is time-consuming, you can buy ones in your local garden centers.

7. Choose The Layout Of Your Kitchen Garden

How you’ll decide to layout your kitchen garden depends on your needs and how much space you can provide. One useful tip for organizing a kitchen garden is to separate the land where you intend to grow vegetables into three parts:

• One for herbs and salads

• One for root vegetables

• One for peas and beans

You can also allocate one section to mixed vegetables, such as cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant.

Separating your plot into three or four parts is important since you can’t sow the same crop in the same soil in two successive years.

In addition, it is recommended that you mix fruit, vegetables, flowers, and herbs since the mix of various plants and ornamentals confuses pests.

8. Create Access Pathways

Create access pathways so that you can easily approach the garden beds for planting, weeding, and harvesting as well as spot and get rid of any pests.

You can also try using vertical gardening ideas. For example, you can grow cucumbers and peas up frames.

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9. Grow Plants From Seed In Your Kitchen Garden

You can sow seeds in your garden when there’s no longer any risk of frost, and the soil is 7 degrees Celsius at the minimum – seeds can’t grow in temperatures below 7°C. You can also put plastic sheeting over the soil to warm it up, but it’s easier to begin growing your plants indoors. You can sow seeds in pots and containers and place them on a bright window sill. Once your seedlings grow and get strong and there’s no risk of frost, you can plant them out.

Vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, peas, and onions, can be sown under cloches in February, whereas salads and Swiss chard can be grown year around.

Other plants which are easy to grow include strawberries, beets, onions, tomatoes, and garlic.

How To Care For Your Kitchen Garden

1. Weeding A Kitchen Garden

To prevent weeds from invading your garden beds, add a few inches of mulch over the soil when you’ve finished planting your seedlings. In this way, your vegetables will be able to grow freely, and you’ll need to do less weeding work.

2. Watering A Kitchen Garden

Most vegetable crops require moist soil, so you’ll need to water your vegetables well once a weak. Container-grown vegetables require more frequent watering. If your soil isn’t good for holding water, add sand to improve it. To increase water retention, you can also mulch garden beds with compost, manure, or leaves. But, make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the plants.

Conclusion

• A kitchen garden is used for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

• Plants grown in kitchen gardens are organic, healthy, and free of chemicals.

• Compared with vegetable gardens, kitchen gardens are located closer to your house, they’re smaller, they aren’t created with the aim of gathering huge harvests, they are more symmetrically organized, and they don’t require intense tending.

• To design a kitchen garden, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose the right time to create your kitchen garden

• Decide where you want to put your kitchen garden

• Decide what type of plants you want to grow

• Make a plan for getting the best results from your kitchen garden

• Prepare the soil in your kitchen garden

• Design a kitchen garden in raised beds

• Choose the layout of your kitchen garden

• Create access pathways

• Grow plants from seed

• Kitchen gardens require thorough watering and weeding.

Courtesy: Diet of Life

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Courtesy: Vintage Life of USA

Growing your own food can be an empowering way to ensure what you're eating is fresh, healthy, and free from unwanted chemicals. With the increasing prevalence of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and synthetic chemicals in store-bought food, many people are seeking healthier alternatives. Growing your own food offers a way to regain control over what you consume, ensuring it is free from toxins and packed with nutrients. In this article, we will explore in detail how you can grow your own food, avoid harmful supermarket products, and live a healthier and happier life.

Why Grow Your Own Food?

• Avoid Toxins: Supermarket produce often comes with a history of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. By growing your own, you control what, if any, chemicals are used.

• Freshness and Nutrition: Homegrown food can be picked at peak ripeness, offering superior taste and nutrient content compared to store-bought produce which might have traveled long distances.

• Economic Benefits: Over time, gardening can save money on grocery bills, especially with rising food costs.

• Mental and Physical Health: Gardening is a physical activity that can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Getting Started Assess Your Space

• Urban Gardening: Use balconies, rooftops, or windowsills for container gardening. Vertical gardens are excellent for small spaces.

• Suburban and Rural Areas: You have the luxury of ground plots or raised beds. Consider space for composting.

Choosing What to Grow

• Start Simple: Begin with herbs like basil, mint, or parsley. Move on to vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, or peppers which are relatively easy to grow.

• Consider Your Diet: Grow what you love to eat. If you enjoy salads, focus on greens and vegetables that can be continually harvested.

• Seasonal Planning: Learn which plants thrive in which seasons in your climate zone to ensure year-round produce.

10 Foods You Can Grow In Your House Or Garden:

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Soil and Seeds

• Soil Quality: Good soil is fundamental. Use compost, organic matter, or purchase organic soil mix. Test your soil for nutrients and pH if possible.

• Seeds: Opt for organic, heirloom, or non-GMO seeds to avoid genetically modified organisms and to support biodiversity.

Pest and Disease Management

• Natural Remedies: Use neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

• Physical Barriers: Netting can protect against birds and some insects, while mulch can prevent weed growth and retain moisture.

Watering and Maintenance

• Efficient Watering: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses save water. Collect rainwater for an eco-friendly approach.

• Mulching: Helps in weed control, moisture retention, and adds organic matter as it breaks down.

Harvesting

• Timing: Harvest in the morning for most vegetables when they're most hydrated.

• Use: Enjoy immediately for maximum nutrition or learn preserving techniques like canning, freezing, or drying.

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Sustainability and Continuous Learning

• Composting: Turn kitchen waste into garden gold. Composting reduces waste and enriches your soil.

• Seed Saving: Preserve seeds from your best plants for the next season, promoting sustainability.

• Education: Continuously learn from books, online resources, or community workshops. Gardening is as much about learning as it is about growing.

Community and Sharing

• Share Knowledge and Produce: Engage with neighbors or online communities. Swap seeds, share surplus harvest, and exchange tips.

• Community Gardens: If space is an issue, or for social benefits, participate in or start a community garden.

Conclusion

Growing your own food isn't just about avoiding the potential toxins in supermarket produce; it's a lifestyle choice that promotes health, sustainability, and community. Each seed planted is a step towards self-sufficiency, environmental stewardship, and a more engaged, joyful life. Whether you're tending to a small herb garden on your windowsill or managing a backyard plot, the journey of growing your food is rewarding in countless ways.

I grow my own food because, when I buy produce from the grocery store, I don’t know where it’s coming from, who grew it and how they grew it. What chemicals did they use? Is it contaminated with E.coli or salmonella? How long ago was it harvested? How long did it take for a truck to get to the store? Were the farm workers treated respectfully and paid a living wage?

Consider the cost of buying a cucumber. Right now, cucumbers are running somewhere around a dollar each here in northern New England. Each cucumber doesn’t cost a dollar to grow, so why are you paying so much? Where does all of that money go? Very little of that dollar actually goes to the farmer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that in 2021, 14.5 cents from each consumer dollar went to the farmer, while the rest went to the suppliers, processors, and retailers.

When all is said and done, if you grow your own cucumbers, I guarantee they’ll cost much less than a dollar apiece. Let’s say that a packet of good, non-GMO cucumber seeds costs around $4. If only half the seeds in the packet germinate, and each plant produces two cucumbers, the total cost of all of those cucumbers will be much less than a dollar apiece. In fact, considering all the factors, you should be at a net gain.

The benefits of growing your own food include eating fresh produce, supporting your local wildlife, and being able to save money.

If you are considering growing your own food from home, but aren’t sure of the benefits, keep on reading to see just how much of a positive impact it could have on the environment, your health, and your pocket.

Even with limited space you can grow your own food and enjoy a thriving vegetable garden, giving you and your family nourishment each and every day.

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5 Research-Backed Reasons to Grow Your Own Food:

1. Food you grow is guaranteed to be fresh.

About 30 percent of fresh vegetables and 55 percent of fresh fruits sold in the United States come from overseas, and those numbers continue to grow. That means they traveled many hundreds or thousands of miles to reach your grocery store, in trucks, trains, and ships.

How fresh do you think all that produce really is by the time it lands on your table?

Yeah, probably not so fresh—especially when a lot of vegetables (for example, tomatoes) are harvested when they’re still green and forced to ripen in produce distributors’ warehouses by artificial exposure to ethylene gas.

This is why your red, supposedly-ripe supermarket tomatoes are still rock hard when you buy them and taste kind of like styrofoam. (Honestly, you’re probably better off buying canned tomatoes if you intend to cook them.)

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2. Commercially grown produce often lacks nutrients.

Despite (or because of) scientific advances and modern farming practices, the vegetables of today have fewer vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients than the vegetables our grandparents and great-grandparents ate. Research has shown up to a 40 percent decline in nutritional content in fruits and vegetables since the 1940s.

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Agricultural researchers attribute this decline to two causes:

Environmental dilution effect. The yield increases resulting from fertilization, irrigation, and other environmental means used in industrial farming tend to decrease the concentrations of minerals in those plants. So while farmers can get greater yields from their crops (at more affordable costs), it comes at the expense of lower-quality food.

Genetic dilution effect. This is the result of scientists breeding high-yielding crops without a focus on broad nutrient content, and it’s why heirloom tomatoes are far more flavorful and nutritious than conventional tomatoes.

Much of the food grown commercially comes from hybrid plants that were bred for “desirable” characteristics such as pest and disease resistance, uniformity in appearance, and high yields in a short span of time. While all of this makes it easier for industrial farmers to reliably produce vast amounts of perfect-looking food, nutritional value sometimes suffers.

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3. You know exactly what goes in (and on) your food.

There’s another reason conventional supermarket produce looks so perfect: pesticides.

Not all pesticides are equal, as some are relatively benign while others are more concerning (especially to children and other vulnerable people). But, it’s always wise to reduce or moderate your consumption of fruits and vegetables that are known to be vigorously treated with pesticides.

The numbers are fairly shocking if you’ve never thought about it. For example:

• Strawberries may contain as many as 45 pesticide residues.

• Celery may contain as many as 64 pesticide residues.

• Cucumbers may contain as many as 86 pesticide residues.

• Sweet (bell) peppers may contain as many as 53 pesticide residues.

• Spinach may contain as many as 54 pesticide residues.

EWG has a handy guide for what it calls the “Dirty Dozen” (that is, plants you should probably grow yourself to avoid contaminants) and the “Clean 15” (plants that are least likely to contain pesticide residue).

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4. Growing your own food makes you happier.

There’s certainly a feeling of accomplishment when you harvest something you grew with your own hands, but that natural high isn’t merely pride: It’s also the result of mood-altering soil bacteria entering your bloodstream.

No need to panic though. The feel-good bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, is harmless and present in all living soils.

By working in your garden or running your hands through soil, you inadvertently inhale M. vaccae (or get it through a cut), which (according to a 2019 study) has anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and stress resilience properties.

In other words, M. vaccae bacteria works like nature’s Prozac, giving you a serotonin boost and improving your mood and performance every time you come in contact with the earth.

5. Gardening is simply good for your health.

So you know the mental benefits of gardening, but how about the physical benefits?

Just the simple act of getting outside and doing some light physical activity like mowing, or raking can reduce cardiovascular mortality by 19 percent. (And according to this study, all it takes is 15 minutes a day of moderate exercise. I don’t know about you, but I get that just from moving bags of compost around the yard!)

Science has proven many times over that gardening has positive effects on your overall health and body by contributing to longevity, reducing heart disease and stroke, reducing risk of death from respiratory illnesses (thanks to improved air quality), warding off dementia, reducing obesity, improving your sleep, and boosting vitamin D levels (which in turn help prevent chronic diseases).

All that—without ever stepping foot in a gym, and with all the joy of feeding yourself and your family fresh, nutrient-dense food while doing good for the earth, too.

For 10 years, I've tended large vegetable and flower gardens at my home. I find it to be challenging and gratifying to watch the gardens grow and develop.

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Here are a few of the many benefits I've found from digging in the dirt: 

Improved diet

Growing and eating your own fruits and vegetables can have a positive impact on your diet. Gardeners are more likely to include vegetables as part of healthy, well-balanced diets. My family eats corn, potatoes and salsa made from ingredients grown in our garden year-round.

Time in nature

Getting outdoors is good for your physical and mental health. People tend to breathe deeper when outside. This helps to clear out the lungs, improves digestion, improves immune response and increases oxygen levels in the blood.

Reduced stress levels

Nearly all forms of exercise can reduce stress including gardening. It's been shown to lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. It's very gratifying to plant, tend, harvest and share your own food.

Routines provide structure to our day and are linked to improved mental health. Gardening routines, like watering and weeding, can create a soothing rhythm to ease stress.

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Social connection

Gardening brings people together and strengthens social connections. The gardening community is rich with people willing to share their expertise, time and occasionally plants with new gardeners. Master gardeners are local volunteers dedicated to educating and empowering fellow gardeners. Community garden plots bring together people with diverse backgrounds to work on a common goal. Many gardening friendships begin over celebrating a success or bemoaning a gardening misstep.

Social connections are important because they help lower stress, improve resilience and provide support during difficult times in life. A strong sense of belonging lowers your risk of depression, anxiety and suicide.

Save Money

With everything costing more, it only makes sense that there is an increase in gardeners turning to growing their own food to save money. Not only do you save money on expensive produce at the supermarket. You also save money on gas, parking, and packaging.

Attract Beneficial Wildlife

A huge benefit to growing your own food at home is the increase in wildlife you’ll see in your garden. Planting a range of crops can help provide shelter and food for local wildlife including bees, butterflies, and birds.

Growing their own food provides children with the opportunity to get outside and get off their screens. It opens their world to what is happening in the here and now. The garden is a more peaceful, less stressful place to be than on social media. It connects them to their food and when they grow it themselves they are personally invested in what they eat.

I grow my own food because plants provide healing properties that can prevent disease from happening in the first place. Gardening is a great physical activity. It keeps me fit, limber and energized. My garden is my gym, no membership required. And if I’m growing food at work, which I do, I have a endless opportunity to leave my desk and computer, to stretch my legs and aching back, and harvest some lunch that I can share with my colleagues.

Why do you grow your own food? Comment below.

What is Electroculture?

Electroculture is the an ancient practice of increasing yields utilizing certain materials to harvest the earth's atmospheric energy. This was presented in 1749 by Abbe Nollett, in the 1920s by Justin Christofleau, and 1940s by Viktor Schauberger. This energy is always present and all around us also known as Chi, Prana, Life force, and Aether.

When using electroculture there is no need for the use of pesticides, manure, or fertilizers. This is primarily why this information was suppressed. All you need is the sun, the clouds, the rain, the nitrogen in the air, and the ability to harness atmospheric energy. These atmospheric antennas can be created from materials such as wood, copper, zinc, and brass. When adding these atmospheric antennas to your garden, soil, or farm they will amplify your yields, combat frost and excessive heat, reduce irrigation, reduce pests, and increase the magnetism of your soil leading to more nutrients in the long run.

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Nutrient density – here’s a term that is taking the food and nutrition scene by storm. However, it isn’t just a trending fad but is deeply rooted in science. Health experts recommend eating a nutrient-dense diet for a wide variety of benefits it offers. But let’s start by understanding nutrient density. 

A nutrient-dense diet requires you to choose the foods you consume based on the micronutrients it contains in each calorie. Such a diet does not focus on counting calories or preferring low-fat food or raw foods. Instead, it involves eating a good variety of foods that offer high nutrient density. These include unprocessed, whole foods, and they help you feel satiated for longer while staying healthy.

What Is Nutrient Density?

Nutrient density is the term used to describe the number of beneficial nutrients any food contains, in proportion to its energy or calorie content. By that definition, the most nutrient-dense food would be one that offers a high amount of nutrients for comparatively fewer calories. When you include more nutrient-dense foods in your diet, it helps you increase the amount of nutrition your body gets per calorie consumed. 

Most of us immediately think of fruits and vegetables when talking about healthy foods, but your options aren’t as limited as they seem. Several other whole foods such as peas, beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains also provide you with a high number of nutrients, making them extremely beneficial for your health.

The Importance of Consuming Nutrient-Dense Foods

You may be wondering why the need to stress on nutrients. That’s because the food we eat is what our body uses to stay healthy and keep functioning optimally. A healthy diet rich in whole foods should ideally provide our body with a host of essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids, as well as other benefits. 

A nutrient-dense diet may also be called an anti-inflammatory diet. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods is critical for avoiding chronic diseases and lowering the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Dividing your nutrient intake by your calorie intake can take you closer to understanding your overall health.

Top 30 Most Nutrient-Dense Foods On Earth

If what you’ve just read has intimidated you into questioning all your food choices, don’t worry. To save you further stress, I have compiled a list of the 30 most nutrient-dense foods out there. These are unprocessed foods, free from chemical alterations or synthetic ingredients. 

The stars on this list are foods rich in micronutrients like trace minerals, essential vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They also offer a healthy balance of macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and good fats. 

For an ideal diet, it is crucial to focus on wholesome, primarily unprocessed foods with complex chemical structures. Plant-based foods offer phytochemicals and antioxidants that aid the body’s immune system, support detoxification, and boost cellular repair.

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Here are 30 plant-based foods that you should include in your diet, based on their nutrient density:

1. Almonds

This is an extremely healthy snack, perfect for munching on the go. It is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin E, fiber, and magnesium. Studies show how consumption of almonds can help with weight loss, improved metabolism, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

2. Amaranth

It is naturally gluten-free and rich in muscle-building protein, as well as several other nutrients. Amaranth is a fantastic source of fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, and selenium. It helps regulate your thyroid and maintains elastin in the skin to keep your skin smooth and supple. You can cook and consume amaranth leaves to include vitamins A, C, and folate in your diet. 

3. Artichokes

The humble artichoke is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It also contains a high amount of folate, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. A medium artichoke will provide just 60 calories while offering 4g of protein, which is more than most plant-based foods.

4. Asparagus

An ideal nutrient-dense food, asparagus is low in calories but features a great nutrient profile. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly folate, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. It is also a good source of fiber and protein. 

5. Avocado

Aside from being highly popular among millennials, avocado also boasts several nutritional benefits. It is packed with healthy fats and fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, while also being low in carbohydrates. Avocados contain a wide range of nutrients, which includes 20 different minerals and vitamins.

6. Beets

Beets possess several different valuable nutrients, such as vitamins C and B6, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and manganese. They are also low in fat and calories while being loaded with pigments and inorganic nitrates that offer various health benefits.

7. Bell Peppers

Water and carbs form the significant components of bell peppers, but they are also a good fiber source. In terms of nutrient composition, bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and a host of other minerals and vitamins such as vitamins B6, K1, A, and E, along with potassium and folate. 

8. Berries

Different kinds of berries are some of the most nutritious fruits in nature. They contain very high amounts of polyphenols – or plant-based antioxidants – that aid in preventing several chronic health conditions. Other nutrients packed in these small fruits include minerals, vitamins C and K, manganese, anthocyanins, and several phytochemicals. Go ahead and fix yourself that blueberry smoothie now!

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9. Carrots

Aside from being crunchy and tasty, carrots are also highly nutritious. They’re rich in beta carotene, potassium, vitamin K1, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots are a good source of several beneficial plant compounds such as alpha and beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, polyacetylenes, and anthocyanins.

10. Celery

One of the most popular ‘diet-foods’ out there, celery is also incredibly nutrient-dense. A single stalk will provide you with 12 types of antioxidant nutrients, aside from beta-carotene, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Other nutrients include vitamins A, C, K, and minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. 

11. Chia Seeds

Good things come in small packages, remember? Chia seeds are a brilliant example. One of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth, a single ounce comes loaded with 11 grams of fiber along with significant amounts of calcium, manganese, magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of micronutrients. 

12. Cruciferous Vegetables

Here’s a reason to include more cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts to your diet. Cruciferous veggies are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamins C, E, K, and folate and fiber. They also contain phytonutrients, which help reduce inflammation. They’re ideal for a weight-loss diet as they keep you satiated for longer. 

13. Garlic

A fantastic way to add taste to any bland dish, garlic also happens to be surprisingly nutritious. It is rich in vitamins B1, B6, and C and copper, calcium, manganese, potassium, and selenium. Allicin, the active ingredient, has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, aiding in a reduced risk of heart disease.

14. Green Beans

This kitchen staple ranks high on the list of nutritious foods that you must add to your diet. They have zero cholesterol, are low in sodium, and possess a high fiber content. Besides being heart-healthy, green beans are rich in various nutrients, including vitamins like vitamin C, A, and folate, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

15. Kale

Kale is easily one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables to consume. It is packed with various minerals, vitamins, and fiber, while also being rich in antioxidants and several bioactive compounds. Aside from large amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, and K1, kale also contains potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium, and manganese. 

16. Lentils

Lentils are a convenient and inexpensive source of a wide array of nutrients. They’re made of more than 25% protein and are a rich source of iron. They are also loaded with B vitamins, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. The high fiber content of lentils helps improve your gut function.

17. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also fat and cholesterol-free, with low sodium and calories. The nutrient content of mushrooms includes antioxidants, beta-glucan, B vitamins, copper, and potassium.

18. Oats

Amongst grains, oats rank high in terms of their fat and protein content. They’re a good source of starch and fiber, particularly beta-glucan. This breakfast favorite is loaded with multiple vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, manganese, B vitamins, copper, selenium, iron, zinc., and magnesium. They also contain potent antioxidants called avenanthramides, along with phytic acid and ferulic acid. 

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19. Onions

A medium-sized onion has just 44 calories but is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  It is incredibly rich in vitamin C, multiple B vitamins, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and bioactive compounds that aid in lowering heart disease risk factors. 

20. Peas

Green peas are an excellent source of antioxidants, protein, and fiber. These nutritious vegetables have a relatively low-calorie content but boast a nutrient profile that covers nearly every vitamin and mineral our body needs. 

21. Pomegranates

This fruit boasts a nutrient list containing fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, and minerals like folate and potassium. But it also holds a real wealth of plant compounds with powerful medicinal properties, namely Punicalagins and Punicic acid. These have unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

22. Potatoes

Despite their reputation, potatoes are rich in plenty of nutrients. They contain generous amounts of magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, vitamin C, and multiple types of B vitamins. They are also extraordinarily fulfilling and rich in resistant starch, a fiber-like substance with potent health benefits.

23. Pumpkin

This winter squash flaunts an impressive nutrient profile. It is packed with vitamins A, B2, C, and E and several minerals such as iron, potassium, copper, manganese, and small amounts of magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and folate. It is also rich in orange and yellow pigments, particularly beta-carotene and xanthophyll esters.

24. Quinoa

This South American whole grain boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It is a good energy source because it has complex carbohydrates. You also get roughly 2.8g of fiber and 4.4g of protein in every 100g serving of cooked quinoa. It is also rich in several B vitamins and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.

25. Spinach

Popeye’s favorite food is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. Low in calories and having a high water content, spinach is an excellent source of insoluble fiber. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K1 and minerals like folic acid, iron, and calcium. 

26. Spirulina

This high-protein seaweed supplement is about 60% protein and also great weight-loss food. At just 43 calories per tablespoon, this blue-green algae provides you with vitamins B1, B2, and B3, as well as copper, iron, and small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

27. Sweet Potatoes

A great source of nutrients and energy, sweet potatoes contain a high amount of complex carbohydrates. As complex carbohydrates take longer to break down, sweet potatoes keep you feeling full and energized for longer. Other nutrients to gain include vitamins A, B6, and C, and antioxidants like beta carotene.

28. Swiss Chard

This dark leafy green vegetable is disarmingly abundant in minerals, vitamins, and potent plant compounds. A small serving of cooked Swiss chard can cover your daily requirements of vitamins A and K, while nearly fulfilling the RDI for vitamin C. It is also a good source of copper, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc. 

29. Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C. They’re also loaded with several nutrients such as folate and vitamin K. Powerful plant compounds in tomatoes include beta carotene, lycopene, chlorogenic acid, and naringenin – all of which possess proven health benefits.

30. Walnuts

If you like snacking between meals, walnuts are the right choice. Although slightly rich in fats and calories, they are also a good source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Walnuts contain many vitamins and minerals such as copper, folic acid, phosphorus, manganese, and vitamins B6 and E. 

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The Bottom Line

These foods will help you avoid nutrient deficiencies and benefit you when trying to maintain a healthy weight. Consuming foods high in fiber and dense in nutrients is ideal for weight management because this approach helps you skip unnecessary calories from added sugar and refined oils.

When you make a habit of eating low-calorie foods, it provides your body with the essential minerals and vitamins without extra calories or weight gain. At the same time, it also gives you optimal nutrition and prevents health deficiencies. 

Here are some simple tricks to help you add more nutrients to your diet:

• Avoid highly processed foods like instant noodles, processed meats, convenience meals, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

• Choose organic produce to avoid harmful chemicals and prioritize fresh, local foods to boost your diet’s nutrient density.

• Stress more on including as many whole foods as possible as they naturally contain the wealthiest density of complex compounds and nutrients.

• Rather than focusing exclusively on foods high in nutrients, make sure to consume various foods for a balance of healthy fats, fiber, and sufficient calories.

Healthy eating isn’t as tricky as it is sometimes touted to be. Use this article as a guideline to help you make small changes to your lifestyle that will give you long-term rewards in your health.

Since the 1950s, immunologists have been on the hunt for a cure for the common cold.

Well, they haven’t been successful because its leading cause is a group of viruses classified as rhinoviruses.

A number of rhinovirus strains circulate in the body of a person infected with a cold, and the lack of a cure is attributed to the difficulty in creating a pharmacologic agent that targets all these strains at once.

Nevertheless, tea has always been an unrivaled natural remedy for alleviating the symptoms of colds in a pleasant way.

Besides the general health benefits of herbal teas, we’ll focus today on their ability to soothe and/or abate common cold symptoms.

BEST HERBAL TEAS TO DRINK WHEN YOU HAVE A COLD 

1. CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is certainly one of the most popular herbs with important health benefits. It is derived from flowers that resemble daisies and belong to the Asteraceae plant family.

For several centuries, chamomile was consumed as a natural remedy for a long list of health conditions.

Properties of Chamomile

The secret behind successful treatment with chamomile lies in its ability to alleviate oxidative stress and provide relief against inflammatory processes.

How Chamomile Soothes Cold Symptoms

Apart from other pharmacologically active ingredients in chamomile, the two most dominant ingredients are chamazulene and apigenin.

These ingredients are effective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

When you have a cold, there’s so much irritation along the epithelium that lines your respiratory tract. This is what makes you sneeze and cough.

Such symptoms are usually caused by inflammation, which is effectively managed by chamomile.

2. PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is an herb whose leaves and oil are used as medicine. Just like with other herbal remedies for health, there are many conditions you can soothe with peppermint – chief of which are colds and coughs.

For respiratory conditions, the preferred route is inhalation of peppermint oil, though significant effects can also be achieved from peppermint tea.

Properties of Peppermint

Research has shown that peppermint has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties.

How Peppermint Soothes Symptoms of the Common Cold

As previously mentioned, colds are primarily caused by a group of viruses called rhinoviruses, though they are not the only cause.

For instance, certain studies have demonstrated that both viruses and bacteria can contribute to the etiology of the common cold.

Peppermint works against colds thanks to both its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

3. LEMON AND GINGER

Lemon and ginger are fairly common ingredients in any home kitchen. While most people enjoy these products for their flavor and not necessarily their health benefits, studies have shown that they can help treat several ailments.

Properties of Lemon and Ginger

Lemon is largely appreciated because of its rich vitamin C content. Ginger, on the other hand, contains ingredients such as gingerols and shogaols that are characteristic of the ginger root.

How They Help Fight Colds Naturally

The ingredients derived from ginger root are very active in inhibiting inflammation. They can help manage inflammatory symptoms in the respiratory tract, which contribute to general cold symptoms.

Lemon juice characteristically alleviates nasal congestion. When mixed with ginger and/or honey, the combination works best to soothe your throat.

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4. LICORICE

In natural medicine, licorice root is mostly used to treat sore throats and colds. However, that doesn’t mean it acts solely on the respiratory system.

Comparatively, it rivals top herbs in soothing the gut, cleansing the liver and detoxifying the blood.

Properties of Licorice

Licorice is largely an anti-inflammatory herb, though it has some antioxidant benefits as well.

How It Helps Fight Colds

Licorice helps manage colds via three major mechanisms. First, it can be used as a solo dosage to soothe irritation in your throat.

Second, there are specific ingredients in licorice that help loosen congestion in the airway, particularly in the bronchioles.

And third, the anti-inflammatory benefits of licorice help alleviate any pain, soreness and irritation along the respiratory tract.

5. YARROW

Yarrow is one of those herbs with a rich history behind it. Yarrow is a perennial plant and shares a close botanical association with chamomile.

Its use in natural medicine was predominant among the Greeks – hence its scientific name Achillea mellefolium.

Properties of Yarrow

Yarrow has several properties that enable it to treat a variety of health conditions. But as far as colds are concerned, the antibacterial and antiviral properties of yarrow prove most helpful.

How Yarrow Soothes Cold and Flu Symptoms

Drinking yarrow tea helps in fighting and eradicating the viruses that cause colds. As a result, it helps suppress the condition, enabling your symptoms to resolve faster.

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6. CLOVE

Cloves are mostly indigenous to East Africa, India, Pakistan and Indonesia. In these regions, cloves have been used for centuries for their immense health qualities.

Ayurvedic medicine has proven the anti-inflammatory effects of clove.

Properties of Clove

Besides being an incredible spice for food, cloves have rich anti-inflammatory benefits as well as other beneficial aphrodisiac properties.

How It Treats Cold Symptoms

It is by far one of the most convenient natural remedies for colds because it blends well as a spice with the foods you cook at home.

Cloves provide active relief against respiratory infections.

Clove tea is also a potent mucolytic agent – this means that it helps loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to cough it out.

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7. GREEN TEA

Carnellia sinensis is the most popular “go to” herb for making green tea. It is rich in certain antioxidants known as polyphenols.

The efficacy of these antioxidants depends on the type of condition you are treating.

How Green Tea Can Help You Fight a Cold

The polyphenols in green tea helps in reducing respiratory irritation, alleviates inflammation and soothes the respiratory tract.

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL TEAS

The good thing about most herbal teas is that you can make them at home.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED TEA BLEND

Just choose your preferred herb, either from this list or your personal favorite, and use it to make tea. As you decide what to use, think more about its benefits and properties more so than the taste.

For instance, you may need to clear viruses and bacteria, or ease inflammation, and maybe speed up wound healing. Whichever benefit you’re after, there are herbs that excel in each category as discussed above.

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2. BOILING AND STEEPING

Boil a significant amount of water in a kettle or pot. At this stage, you don't need to measure the water because part of it will be lost through evaporation.

Once the water has boiled, turn off the heat and pour the exact amount of water you need in your mug.

Now add your herbal tea blend and refer to the instructions if you are using tea bags, but steeping for about 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb.

3. SERVE AND ENJOY

At this point, you may need to strain your tea. If you don’t like the taste of it, you can add some sweeteners based on your preference.

Honey is the most commonly used sweetener for fighting colds because it has its own set of benefits (if it’s local, that is).

You've grown vegetables before; however, like many gardeners, you may find you're drowning in lettuce early on, then have zucchini coming out your ears, and yet you may still spend the winter buying shipped-in produce, frozen veggies, and canned goods. With some careful planning, you can use your garden energy more efficiently to reduce your grocery bill and eat more fresh delicious vegetables.

Planning a garden to feed your family can seem overwhelming. How many tomato plants will you need? It's a good question, and to some degree, the answer is going to depend on how much you like tomatoes. Some general yield guidelines can help you calculate how much of each vegetable to plant. These tips will help focus your efforts so that little to nothing goes to waste.

Plant What You Enjoy

This seems like a no-brainer, but when you're perusing the seed catalogs and see the delicious and prolific 'Piracicaba' broccoli variety, it's easy to get carried away. One idea is to dedicate one area of the garden to new varieties or new vegetables and buy just the smallest amount of seeds. This way you can experiment without being up to your ears in Brussels sprouts.

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Analyze Your Grocery Bill

If you keep grocery receipts or just have a good memory, you can use this as a guide for how much of a given item your family eats in a week or month. Then, extrapolate to the year. For example, buy a 5-pound bag of onions every couple of weeks. So 10 pounds a month equals 120 pounds a year. If you want to supply your family with a year's worth of onions, you'll need to plant enough to yield 120 pounds.

Canning and Preserving

Sure, you can feed the family from the garden through the growing season, but what about in the winter? Well, tomatoes, for example, can be made into sauce, salsa, dehydrated—or all three! Remember that low-acid foods will need acid added or to be pressure-canned, and always use a current, accurate canning recipe.1 Some easy vegetables and fruits for beginning canners include apples, berries, cucumbers (pickled), tomatoes, and green beans (as dilly beans). Also, preserving includes freezing foods. Freezing is easy and safe. You can freeze berries, tomatoes, and basically any vegetable—blanching or boiling first, usually.

Extend the Season

Canning and preserving is hard work, so minimize how much you have to do by growing fresh food longer. Cold frames, greenhouses, and row covers are all great ways to extend the growing season. If you have space, consider growing herbs and greens in your house in the winter.

Calculate Yield and Plan Rows

This planting chart from the Virginia Cooperative Extension provides guidelines for how much of each crop to plant and appropriate planting dates. Remember that these amounts per person don't consider canning and preserving for winter, so you might want to plant additional amounts looking at yield, based on what you plan to preserve and what you expect to eat through the winter.

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Keep Good Records

Tweaking just how much to plant for your particular family is going to take some time. This is based on how much each family eats, whether you are canning and preserving for winter, and your growing season and space. Keeping a farm and garden journal can help you adjust your plantings for the next season. You'll remember that you planted way too much lettuce, and plant less next time. Or, maybe you'll realize that the mesclun greens did so well, you decide to plant enough this year to bring to the farmer's market.

Be Flexible

Remember that although having a garden planned out is essential, you can do some adjusting of your plan on the fly. Succession plantings can keep a popular vegetable going through the entire growing season. You can tear up the pea patch when the hot weather hits, and plant radishes for salads.

I hope the article helps you a lot. Please join me by Subscribing to my Newsletter for more articles like this, it inspires me to write more.

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Growing plants in a limited space like a balcony or terrace can be a challenge even for an experienced gardener, but it’s also a great opportunity to be creative and have fun.

From deciding what to grow (an urban vegetable garden? a tropical paradise?) to choosing imaginative containers (such as an old watering can or wood crate), the entire process can be an adventure. Yes, you still must adhere to the strict confines of your space, but there are many tricks for making every square inch count. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Maximize Your Space:

How much space do you need for a balcony garden? Surprisingly, not much at all if you take advantage of walls, railings, and overhead structures.

Turn your balcony into a vertical garden. Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls; and if your balcony has a ceiling, add a few hooks for hanging plants. Cover the railings of your balcony with chicken wire to support climbing plants, or purchase plant hangers that can be attached to the top of a railing.

Think of your balcony garden as an extension of your indoor living space. If you choose plant colors and textures that echo the interior design, even the smallest balcony will look more expansive and welcoming.

KNOW YOUR RESTRICTIONS

In addition to the square footage of your balcony, there may be other restrictions that will limit what you can plant and where. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to check what’s permissible by the building owner before you begin.

Weight. There may be weight restrictions and rules regarding what you can hang from balcony railings and walls. If the balcony is attached to your home, know how much weight it can safely support. The weight from large ceramic containers and wet soil can add up quickly.

Microclimate. The amount of sunlight the space receives is the most critical factor to consider, but wind exposure and temperature are important too.

• Wind: Strong winds, which are common on balcony and rooftop gardens high above the ground, can quickly dry out the soil, rip the petals off flowers, and knock over tall potted plants.

• Heat: Sun reflecting from windows can intensify the heat of a balcony garden and burn delicate foliage. Even the basic construction of your balcony (such as concrete vs. wood) will affect how much heat it retains.

• Shade: Many urban balconies receive quite a bit of shade if surrounded by tall buildings or covered by an overhang. Often you can work around this problem by putting sun-loving plants near the perimeter of the balcony, where the sun is more prevalent.

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HOW DO YOU WATER A BALCONY GARDEN?

Few balcony or rooftop gardens have access to an outside water source, which means you’ll have to rely on water from a sink or bathtub to keep your plants well-hydrated. To minimize your trips back and forth lugging heavy jugs of water, try some of these strategies for watering your plants:

• If you have lots of plants to water, consider investing in a large, lightweight watering can that you can fill in the bathtub. Collapsible watering cans are great space savers for balcony gardens because they flatten when not in use.

• Put saucers or trays under your plants to collect any water overflow so you don’t waste a drop. Self-watering pots, such as AquaPots®, can also help conserve water and significantly decrease watering frequency.

• Eliminate watering cans altogether by purchasing a lightweight, expandable garden hose that you can attach to a kitchen sink using an adapter. They come in lengths as long as 100 feet and retract when not in use for easy storage.

Keep in mind that the hotter and windier the conditions on your balcony, the more frequently you’ll need to water -- sometimes as often as twice a day. If a convenient water source is far from reach, make life easier by growing plants with low water requirements, such as cacti and succulents.

WHAT CAN YOU GROW IN A BALCONY GARDEN?

Just about any plant you can grow in a container is fair game for a balcony garden, as long as you have the space for it and can give it the appropriate amount of sun or shade. If you live in a climate with cold winters, consider growing some plants that are hardy enough to leave outdoors year-round or that can be overwintered indoors so you don’t have to start from scratch again each spring.

• Herbs

• Vegetables

• Small trees, such as dwarf citrus trees or olive trees

• Small shrubs

• Container-friendly annuals and perennials for shade or sun

• Succulents

• Tropical houseplants, such as philodendron or spider plants.

• Flowering vines and other climbing plants, if you have a trellis or other vertical support.

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WHAT CONTAINERS ARE BEST FOR A BALCONY GARDEN?

Anything that can hold soil and has good drainage has potential for a balcony container garden. The style can range from fancy to frivolous, depending on your tastes, but the container should be practical and suit the purpose. Some factors to consider include container weight, durability, weather resistance, ease of watering, and cost.

• Plastic and fiberglass plant containers are ideal for balcony gardens because they’re lighter in weight than terracotta or ceramic pots and come in a vast array of styles and sizes. However, on windy balconies, they can be blown over easily unless they’re secured in place.

• Fabric grow bags are another lightweight container option, with the added advantage of being easy to store after the growing season is over. They also have handles for more convenient portability.

• Hanging baskets and outdoor railing baskets are real space savers and can be used to grow everything from herbs to houseplants to trailing vegetables.

• Tiered planters are another space-saving solution that allow you to use vertical space for your garden rather than taking up precious space on your balcony floor.
  

BALCONY GARDEN IDEAS

Most herbs will flourish on a sunny balcony or terrace and require very little space to grow. If your balcony doesn’t have good sun exposure, some herbs that grow well in partial shade include parsley, chervil, cilantro, and tarragon.

On a small balcony, take advantage of vertical space to maximize your growing room. Wood pallets turned on end, old book shelves, or tiered planters are all practical solutions for gardening up rather than out.

Don’t be afraid to play with colors and plant types. A mix of small trees, shrubs, foliage plants, and colorful annuals will add interest and diversity to your balcony garden.

Flowers cascading over railings and climbing up trellises bring breathtaking color and fragrance to this charming European balcony garden. The symmetrical arrangement of the plantings helps define the space and create balance.

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Slatted walls covered in climbing plants and other greenery turn an open balcony into a private retreat. The walls also function as windbreaks, protecting the delicate foliage.

A dwarf olive tree is the perfect choice for a balcony garden because of its low water requirements and resistance to high winds and subfreezing temperatures. If you plan to use the tree as a focal point, uplight it at night to reflect the beauty of the silvery foliage.

You might think tending to a garden or allotment is something only retired people do – but growing your own produce at home when you're a student can save you a tonne of cash (and it's actually pretty fun, too).

And the best part is, you don't even necessarily need a garden to grow your own food – you can easily grow a few of your cupboard staples indoors.

We've compiled our top ten greens you can easily grow in your garden (or house!) and added a few pointers on how to get started too.

How to grow fruit and vegetables at home

First things first: you don't need to have a lush green garden to grow all sorts of tasty delights for you and your flatmates.

A little bit of space on a window sill will work just fine for small things like herbs, lettuce and cress, and you can grow smaller vegetables like tomatoes in plant pots in the kitchen.

If you do want to venture outside but you have limited room for planting, a hanging basket can give you above-ground growing space.

If you're lucky enough to have a garden with some soil and space for digging, go ahead and start planting (but perhaps check with your landlord and neighbors first).

You can also grow things like tomatoes, strawberries or potatoes in grow bags, as long as you have some outdoor space. They don't have to cost much and contain all the nutrients your plants will need.

For more deep-rooted vegetables such as carrots or potatoes, you can also try using a garden dustbin. Sounds odd? Totally works.

What do you need to grow food at home?

Gardening might sound like a hobby that comes with a whole host of expensive kit, but you really don't need much to start growing some food.

If you're growing indoors, you'll really just need some appropriate pots, seeds and good quality soil, but that really is about it.

If you're growing outside then you might want to invest in a watering can or some wooden stakes and garden wire for things like tomatoes (as they grow upwards on a vine).

A spot of fertiliser will help speed up growth and keep your soon-to-be food at its best. You could use Baby Bio branded products for this, but they're a bit expensive so a regular dry fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone fertiliser) is decent for any veg, and only needs to be used a few times a year.

You'll only need to invest in hardcore things like shovels or trowels if you're going to be putting stuff in the ground of your garden, but you can get these fairly cheaply on Amazon too.

10 Easy to grow foods:

If you're looking to start growing your own food at home, these are the best types of produce:

1. Onions and garlic

   

   
   
   

Growing garlic and onions at home can save you loads of cash.

Not only are they super easy to grow at home but, if you store onions correctly, they can last up to eight months and garlic bulbs will keep for months in the freezer (you can break off just one clove at a time and keep the rest frozen).

How to grow onions and garlic

To grow onions and garlic at home, look out for those green shoots (the ones that normally mean your bulbs need binning) and plant them as whole onion bulbs or single garlic cloves in well-drained soil (either in the ground or in a large grow bag).

Try to make sure they're in soil by around spring or autumn and leave them to do their thing (remembering to water them of course).

2. Potatoes

Whether you prefer them roasted, boiled or mashed, potatoes are ideal for loads of tasty dishes, like our cheese and onion rosti recipe. Better yet, you can easily grow them in an old garden dustbin.

The great thing about potatoes is that they're happy to grow just about anywhere so long as you have a few basics covered. And did you know you can freeze potatoes, as long as they're partially or fully cooked?

How to grow potatoes

Fill an old bin, a grow bag or even an old potato bag/sack half full with compost. Then, plant one or two whole potatoes in there. The trick is not to plant too many, as they need a lot of space for the roots to sprout and grow, so if they're too packed in, this won't work.

Once you start to see the green shoots emerge above the soil, cover with a bit more compost, wait until they emerge again and then repeat.

Continue this process until the bag/bin is full, and 10–20 weeks later, your potatoes will be ready for eating (when the foliage starts to wither, they're ready to be dug out). Remember to keep them well watered!

Make sure your bin/bag is propped up on top of some bricks to allow water to drain out, and if you're growing them inside, cover the bottom of the bin with stones before you add your soil so excess water will drain to the bottom.

3. Herbs

Fresh herbs can make even the most boring of meals super tasty, but the problem is that they can cost a fair bob and are difficult to keep fresh long enough to get your money's worth.

How to grow herbs

You can either grab some seeds from a garden centre or buy a potted herb plant from the supermarket (you can often find slightly peaky-looking ones in the reduced section – take them home and replant in your window box and watch them come back to life. This way, they're good to eat past their best!).

Basil, chives, parsley and sage will grow happily in a sunny window box or in a plant pot by the window, and oregano, thyme, mint and rosemary will all do well both indoors and outside in a garden.

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4. Strawberries

Who doesn't love a juicy strawberry in their breakfast cereal, on porridge or sliced up in a homemade cocktail?

How to grow strawberries

You can plant strawberries in pots, grow bags or in the garden, as long as they don't get too waterlogged.

The bonus here is that if you look after them they'll keep producing fruit year after year.

5. Salad leaves

The great thing about salad leaves is that you can pretty much grow them all year round if you pick different varieties according to the seasons.

How to grow salad leaves

Grow them in the ground if you have space, or in a window box if you have a loose-leaf variety. To spice up your salads, you can also grow spring onions and radishes in plant pots too.

Another amazing thing about salad is how quickly the leaves grow – plant seeds in the summer months and you will have leaves big enough to put on your sandwiches in three or four weeks.

If you find the slugs are eating them before you, some crushed eggshells or salt around your plants will help ward them off.

6. Chillies and peppers

Hot or not, peppers and chillies are a great way of spicing up any dish – and they're pretty easy to grow, too.

How to grow peppers and chillies

The plants will do just fine in a small pot by your window.

You can grow a variety of different types by seeds – just stick to one per pot and water them little and often. Easy peasy.

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7. Celery

Looking for easy things to grow at home? Celery is one of a few mind-boggling veggies that can reproduce themselves if you just eat what you want and then stick their roots in some water when you're done.

How to grow celery

All you have to do is put the root in a shallow bowl or cup of water by a window sill, making sure it's not totally submerged (but spraying the top with water occasionally so it doesn't dry out).

A good idea is to stick some cocktail sticks in the sides and rest them on the bowl edges so the top doesn't go underwater.

Amazingly, after about a week, a new little celery head will pop up. At this point, you can transfer it into some soil in a pot or grow bag – you'll have a whole new edible celery within a few weeks.

To save more money on food, it's worth bearing in mind that there are loads of other foods you can regrow from scraps, such as spring onions and ginger.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a student staple, so why would you not want to grow them yourself – especially when you can use them in our super healthy cod and pesto recipe.

How to grow tomatoes

You can either buy tomato seeds and plant them, or opt for a young plant that already has a vine if you want to start producing sooner.

Once they're of a decent size, you can transfer them to your grow bag, or you can buy special varieties for hanging baskets too.

You might have to use a wooden stake and tie the vine to it with garden wire so the plants stay upright, and investing in some tomato fertiliser will keep them happy and healthy.

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Once they've started to turn red, pick them (it's fine if they're still a bit green/unripened) and pop them on your window sill until they fully ripen. Don't put tomatoes in the fridge until they're ripe, otherwise, they'll lose a load of their taste.

9. Cress

For the ultimate in easy-grow food, you really can't get much quicker or easier than cress.

How to grow cress

Grab an old cress pot leftover from one bought previously at the supermarket, or any cheap and shallow plastic pot, and whack in some soil and seeds. Pop it in a sunny spot by the window and keep it watered. Bingo.

Cress is so easy to get going that you could even plant some in an old yoghurt pot, or empty eggshells if you're feeling really creative.

10. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is great. You can boil it up to make pies, crumbles or just whack it with some custard and it tastes amazing (although never eat it raw or you will be left with a serious stomach ache).

How to grow rhubarb

The easiest way to grow rhubarb is to get some young plants from the garden centre and plant them either in part of your garden or in a large pot.

They do need top-notch potting soil, so this is where you might have to spend a bit of cash, but rhubarb tends to grow in abundance once it gets going so you should get your money's worth.

Cattle farming is an important agricultural practice that is mostly carried out by farmers. For starters, there are many benefits of cattle farming. This article will be talking about ‘How To Raise Cattle On Your Own Place’.

Let’s talk about some benefits.

1) Income Generation

Cattle serve as a source of income for their owners. By selling calves or cows, people can make money from cattle breeding. Farmers can even buy and sell cattle to make money.

2) Reduces Food Shortages

By farming cattle you don’t have to fall for the fake food shortage created by the government or the elite. You will generate income by raising cattle and on the other hand, you will produce your own food.

3) Provides More Dairy and Meat

Breeding cattle can help provide more dairy and meat for people.

Buying

Once you decide that you want to raise a few head of cattle, you need to find a good source for the animals. I’d recommend buying a few weaned calves or feeders that are a bit older. You can peruse the local newspapers for advertisements selling cattle or calves or place an ad yourself offering to buy. A visit to the local feed mill or farm co-op can sometimes turn up some leads to farmers who have some stock for sale. Auction houses are another source for your livestock, but watch out for the proverbial “bum steer.” Some of these local auction rings are places to get rid of sick or ailing animals. If you don’t have the expertise to pick out sound, healthy animals, enlist the help of a friend to accompany you.

After you obtain your cattle, there are basically five important factors to consider when raising beef cattle: shelter, water, pasture, hay, and feed.

Shelte

A lot of money is wasted in building expensive barns and sheds for cattle. The truth is, a windbreak will provide sufficient shelter for yearlings and older cattle. Thousands of cattle are raised each year in commercial lots with little or no housing. Many a beef cow spends most of its life in the open, using only what nature provides as shelter. And although calves should have some protection from wind and rain, even young calves are pretty hardy as long as they have ready and frequent access to momma’s udder.

An important consideration when providing shelter for cattle is to make it draft free, but not tight. Cattle give off a great amount of moisture in respiration and voiding of wastes. Structures that do not allow that moisture to escape can cause all sorts of health problems in the cattle. A good three-sided shed, with its back into the wind will provide plenty of shelter during the worst of weather. During the summer, cattle will benefit from some shade. A few trees, preferably on high ground, or a shed or barn with opposite open sides will provide satisfactory shade. Our cattle normally head up to a shady spot on the ridge, where they can catch a breeze coming from any direction.

I’ll mention fences here too. Sturdy fences are a must when raising cattle. Cattle are big and heavy. They tear things up that aren’t sturdily built. Fences are expensive to build and maintain, and will deteriorate rapidly if your cattle are allowed to rub against them. A single ‘hot’ wire (one hooked into an electric fence charger) will keep them off the fence and help preserve it.

Water

Cattle need a good supply of water. Typically, a cow will drink about 12 gallons of water per day. Use this amount as a rule of thumb when providing troughs or tubs as a water source. Tank heaters will pay off during the winter and will minimize the amount of ice chopping that you will have to do.

If you notice a green growth of algae or moss in your water tanks during the summer months, try this: fill a small cloth sack with copper sulfate and just swish it around in the water once or twice a week. For ponds, use a larger sack and pull it around behind a boat.

Pasture

Probably the best all-around pasture for cattle here in the Midwest is an alfalfa-brome-timothy mixture. This blend will provide more grazing, for example, than straight bluegrass. A red-clover-timothy mixture is also very good and will produce about ¾ as much grazing as the alfalfa-brome. Timothy used in pasture mixes establishes itself quickly and is inexpensive.

In the north-central states, mixtures of Ladino and grass pastures will produce almost as much pasture as alfalfa-brome.

Annual lespedeza furnishes excellent pasture for beef cattle in the south states and in the southern part of the Corn Belt. Other plant types to consider are Bluegrass, Redtop, Sudan Grass, and Rye. Consult with your local County Extension Agent for his recommendations for your locality.

Don’t over-estimate the carrying capacity of your pastures. When eyeing the lush growth of grass in the spring, it’s easy to forget that in July and August pastures are much drier and shorter. It’s then that you can end up with too many cattle and not enough pasture. A Wyoming rancher once told me that it takes about 20 acres of eastern Wyoming range to pasture a single head of cattle. Here in the Midwest, you can pasture a feeder on an acre or two of good grass. Do your planning so that you end up with more grass than cattle and not the other way around.

Remember too that light yearling cattle and calves very seldom will lose money if most of their gain is put on with good pasture and roughage. It’s the grain feeding period that reduces any profits, due simply to the cost of the grain.

Hay

Hay, especially good legume hay, will produce good beef and usually a profit. You will likely use about ½ to ¾ ton of hay in fattening out a steer or heifer. When it comes to hay, alfalfa is tops for beef cattle. It is the standard by which all other hay is judged. It is also the most expensive hay to purchase if you are buying it. Under most conditions, it produces a greater yield than other plant types. It usually produces more total digestible feed per acre than any other common crop. Alfalfa produces more than twice as much digestible protein per acre as mixed clover-timothy hay, and over three times as much as corn. It is also richer in vitamins and minerals. It is best to seed in some timothy or other grass with alfalfa that is to be used for cattle hay. The grasses will reduce the danger of bloating and make a longer lasting meadow for you.

There are other good legume and legume-grass hays that nearly equal alfalfa. Here are a few:

• Red clover and red clover mixtures

• Alsike clover, mixed with timothy or other grasses

• Ladino clover and timothy, orchard grass, or brome

• Sweet clover

• Annual Lespedeza

• Soybeans

It’s interesting to note that I most often see soybeans cut for hay when we’ve had a late, wet spring and beans get into the ground late. These are the ones most likely to be cut for hay, as they are not likely to mature before the first frosts of fall.

Fescue, once touted as a good hay and pasture plant, is not much desired these days. As one old-timer once told me about fescue hay, “It’s a little better than snowballs.” I shy away from it and try to maintain a good clover-grass mix in my pastures and hayfields.

Ground feed

For feeding, corn is king for fattening cattle. If you supplement your hay feeding with ground feed, as we do, you may consider the following feed formula:

1000 lbs. corn
100 lbs. beef supplement
50 lbs. molasses feed
5 lbs. salt

Any feed mill or co-op can grind this formula for you. This amount of feed, ground and in feed sacks, fit nicely into the old chest freezer that I have converted into our vermin-proof feed bin.

Notice that we have salt added to our feed. All cattle require salt for the maintenance of health. It’s normal operating procedure to have a salt block or mineral block available at all times for the cattle. In addition, in the spring, when grass growth is lush and fast, we make available a “Hi-Mag” block. This supplement block has especially high amounts of magnesium and helps prevent “grass tetany.” The disease is a metabolic disorder characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood serum of cattle.

Once you try your hand at raising cattle, I think you will be pleased at the results. Raising beef cattle on the small place is another enjoyable part of being as self-sufficient as possible. Even if you don’t have a desire to raise cattle to sell, you can still raise the best beef you ever tasted, right on your own place. Further, you will know exactly what went into it, or more importantly, what did not. I can almost guarantee that once you enjoy your own home raised beef, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.