Indian hellebore is one of the most violently poisonous plants on the Northwest Coat, a fact recognized by all indigenous groups. This plant was, and still is, highly respected, for even to eat a small portion of it would result in loss of consciousness, followed by death. It is sometimes known as ‘skookum’ root, the [...]
If I could only carry one first aid specific item in the wilderness, it would be an irrigation syringe.
I’ve been using Obenauf’s products on my boots and other leather products since last spring and have been constantly pleased with the results. Though I’ve replaced their White Jaguar Leather Cleaner with my standard Dr. Bronner’s soap that I use to clean everything else, their oil and leather preservative are great products. A couple days [...]
Last month, vavrek and I began researching gravity powered water filtration systems. The British Berkefeld and Berkey filter systems dominate this market (British Berkefeld refers to systems using the Doulton Super Sterasyl filter elements, Berkey refers to filter systems using the Black Berkey filter elements). I had been set on purchasing a Berkey filter until [...]
A friend asked me which herbs I have in my kitchen right now. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) Nettle (Urtica dioica) Peppermint (Mentha piperita) (not pictured) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) I’ve also got an Echinacea tincture and locally wild-crafted Oregon Grape tincture in the [...]
A stye is a sort of pimple on the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection at the root of the eyelash. The common treatment for the infection is applying a hot compress to the area, which encourages the stye to drain. I had a small stye on the inside of my lower left eyelid last [...]
BBC: Lots of water ‘is little benefit’ UK experts say research which finds drinking lots of water does little to improve health should not discourage people from topping up regularly. A scientific review by the University of Pennsylvania said some people, such as athletes, may need to drink a lot. But they found little evidence [...]