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What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia

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A lot of people suffer from insomnia… The sad truth is, our bodies need sleep and without proper sleep…well, we just do not function the same. The nightly struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep is all too real for so many of us. In this article, you’ll be able to answer: What is insomnia? And you’ll learn easy and natural ways to fight it.

What is Insomnia: Natural Methods To Overcome Sleepless Nights

Insomnia is a common sleeping disorder, affecting about one-third of the adult population worldwide. It occurs more with women but, as we age, the quality of sleep decreases in both men and women. The direct cause of insomnia is hard to pinpoint at times but, here are the most common factors that can contribute to insomnia:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Environmental changes
  • Sudden increase/decrease in temperatures (inside and outside of your home)
  • Side effects of medications
  • Hormonal changes
  • Chronic pain
  • Sleep apnea
  • Excessive napping during the day
  • Alcohol and/or caffeine intake before bed
  • Smoking cigarettes before bed

If you suffer from insomnia, there are all natural solutions to help you get back that good night’s rest. Let’s get started!

Chamomile

Chamomile is an all natural herb with sedative properties and is safe for adults and children of all ages. However, if your child is allergic to ragweed, it is recommended that the child not consume any form of chamomile. If you are unsure, please consult with your child’s primary care physician.

Chamomile tea is used to treat restlessness and irritability which are contributing factors of insomnia.

Dosage:

  • 1-2 cups before bed for adults
  • 1 cup before bed for children.

Chamomile oil can be used as well. Add 5-6 drops of chamomile oil to your evening bath. This will help calm your nerves which in turn will promote better sleep. Please consult with your child’s primary care physician before adding chamomile oil to their bath.

Valerian

What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia

What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia

Valerian is best known for its sedative properties. It is a popular all natural treatment for restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia.

Dosage (over the counter supplement):

  • For adults, take 300-600 mg of valerian 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime.
  • For children, please consult with your child’s primary care physician.

To make valerian root tea:

  • Soak 2-3 grams of dried valerian root in 1 cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink tea 1 hour before bedtime.

Please allow up to 2 weeks of regular use of valerian for it to become beneficial.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort has been around since the ancient times in Greece. Modern science has linked St. John’s Wort in relieving chronic insomnia and mild depression.

Recommended dosage for capsules:

  • Follow recommended dosage on the bottle.
  • Not recommended for children.

Because St. John’s Wort can sensitize your skin to sunlight, it is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen and/or protective clothing while outdoors, if possible.

Please allow for up to 3 weeks for St. John’s Wort to take effect.

Melatonin

What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia

What is Insomnia | Easy And Natural Ways To Fight Insomnia

Melatonin is a very popular all natural treatment for insomnia. However, it has different results for some. Some people take to this treatment very well, while others do not. Some folks even experience side effects such as nervousness and increased insomnia.

Dosage:

  • 0.3 mg to 5 mg of melatonin at bedtime.
  • For children, please consult with their primary care physician.

Start with the smallest dosage and work your way up. This will give you a chance to see if it will work for you. If you experience any side effects, discontinue use.

Before using melatonin, please consult your primary care physician if you have any of the following medical conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Any blood disorders
  • Epilepsy

Magnesium

Magnesium plays an important role in your nervous system. It helps to keep your nervous system in a calm state which, in turn, will help you sleep.

Dosage:

  • Minimum dosage for adult males is 420 mg.
  • 320 mg for adult females.
  • Over the counter magnesium supplement average recommended dosage is 200-400 mg a day for those that are already getting magnesium through their daily diet via food intake.
  • Not recommended for children.

However, most adults can benefit from 1000 mg of magnesium a day, which is the recommended maximum amount per day.

Side effects:

  • Excessive amounts of magnesium (800-1600 mg a day) can cause diarrhea.

To help prevent this from happening, please start with a small dosage when taking magnesium supplements. Allow your body to adjust, then work your way up.

Natural Cures shares a natural remedy to sleep better and claims it is better than sleeping pills:

Additional Steps You Can Take To Increase Your Chances Of A Good Night’s Rest:

  1. Establish a routine. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night. Over time, your body will start to expect rest at that time every night. It takes a while, so, don’t become frustrated. Stick with it!
  2. Stay active! The more active you are during the day, the more your body will crave rest at bedtime.
  3. Eliminate caffeine and alcohol before bedtime – about 4 hours before bed is a good place to start.
  4. Avoid large meals or snacks before bedtime.
  5. Learning relaxation techniques can do wonders for insomnia. Daily meditation and yoga are great!

Can you now answer: what is insomnia? Share with us in the comment section below.

Learn how to make herbal extracts if you want to make natural remedies of your own!

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The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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