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Thursday, October 2, 2025

How to Make Jar o’ Texas Thunder

When it comes to survival food, preppers know that bland meals can be a real morale killer. In a prolonged crisis flavor, and variety matter almost as much as calories. That’s where Jar o’ Texas Thunder fits perfectly into a prepper pantry plan. It’s a fiery, protein-packed meat mix spiked with jalapeƱos that’s designed to […]

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Wednesday, October 1, 2025

How to Make Antibiotic Extract

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

How to Make Antibiotic Extract

Having a natural, shelf-stable extract on hand means you don’t have to scramble when someone comes down with an infection or you just want extra immune support. These extracts are simple to make, use herbs with well-known antimicrobial properties, and can be adapted for adults, kids, or anyone avoiding alcohol.

I came across this tutorial on the YouTube channel Rain Country where Heidi shows exactly how she makes hers. You can find the video and written instructions below.

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Disclaimer: None of this is medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications and some aren’t safe in pregnancy. When in doubt, talk to your doctor.

Ingredients & Options

Herbs (choose one or combine)

  • Nasturtium leaf – This is her go-to herb
  • Other options: oregano, thyme, echinacea, garlic, ginger

Solvents (liquid base)

  • Alcohol tincture – 80-proof (40% ABV) or higher (vodka or homemade wine)
  • Honey extract – 1 part water to 3 parts raw honey (for the alcohol-free option)
  • Vinegar extract – Apple cider vinegar, for a tangy, alcohol-free version
  • Half & half mix – 50% vodka, 50% glycerin

Method A: Alcohol Tincture (Strongest & Longest Shelf Life)

1. Fill jar with herb

Chop your fresh or dried nasturtium leaves and fill a clean glass jar ½ to ¾ full.

Filled Jars With Herbs

2. Add alcohol

Pour 80-proof (or higher) vodka or wine over the herb until it’s fully covered. Use a chopstick to release trapped air bubbles, then top off so the herbs stay submerged.

Adding Alcohol To Jars

3. Label & store

Mark the jar with the herb name, solvent, and date. Seal tightly.

4. Shake daily

Store in a cool, dark place and shake the jar once per day. Top off if needed.

5. Strain after 6–8 weeks

Pour through cheesecloth or fine mesh, squeezing out all liquid. Store in amber dropper bottles or glass jars in a cool, dark cabinet.

Dosage (adult): Start with about 1 teaspoon.

Jars Ready To Store

Method B: Honey Extract (Kid-Friendlier)

1. Make the solvent

Mix 1 part water to 3 parts raw honey. Stir well.

2. Fill jar with herb

Add nasturtium leaves until the jar is ½ to ¾ full.

3. Add honey solvent

Pour the honey-water mix over the herbs until covered. Stir with a chopstick to remove bubbles and top off if needed.

4. Label & store

Cap tightly, label, and keep in a cool, dark place. Shake daily.

5. Strain after 6–8 weeks

Strain and bottle just like the alcohol tincture.

Dosage (adult): About 2 tablespoons or more if needed.

Method C — Half Vodka, Half Glycerin Mix

This version combines alcohol (for strong extraction and preservation) with glycerin (for sweetness and reduced alcohol content).

  1. Fill jar with herb (½ to ¾ full).
  2. Add solvent – 50% vodka, 50% glycerin.
  3. Shake daily for 6–8 weeks.
  4. Strain & bottle as above.

Dosage (adult): At least 1 tablespoon.

Method D — Vinegar Extract

  1. Fill jar ½ to ¾ full with nasturtium leaves.
  2. Cover completely with apple cider vinegar.
  3. Shake daily for 6–8 weeks.
  4. Strain & bottle.

Dosage (adult): 2 tablespoons or more as needed.

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Alcohol tincture: Indefinite shelf life when stored cool and dark.
  • Honey or vinegar extract: About 1 year.
  • Half & half mix: Long-lasting, thanks to alcohol content.

Tips & Safety Notes

  • Check interactions – Some herbs aren’t safe in pregnancy or with medications.
  • Label clearly – Herb, solvent, ratio, and date.
  • Shake daily – Keeps extraction even.
  • Topical option – Heidi also keeps manuka honey for external use on wounds. Regular raw honey also works.

This way, you can tailor your homemade antibiotic extract to your needs: alcohol for strength and shelf life, honey for kid-friendliness, vinegar for simplicity, or a vodka-glycerin mix for balance.

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Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane

Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane

While we should be prepared for when a disaster hits, we rarely are. I wrote this a few years ago when Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas (2019) as a Category 5 storm before making landfall on the Florida coast and causing quite a mess there.

Then we had Hurricane Helene (September 2024), a Category 4 hurricane, and Hurricane Milton (October 2024), a Category 5 hurricane.

Many people are not prepared for a hurricane, let alone a Category 5 hurricane. When it comes to a hurricane, you need to ensure you are stocked to either bunker down or evacuate the area.

You never know when a Category 1 hurricane could turn into a life-threatening Category 5 hurricane. Below, you will find items to stock up on before a storm that will help you get through both mild and severe conditions. 

Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane

Why Should You Be Prepared for a Hurricane?

Hurricanes and tropical storms pose three different hazards: wind, rain, and storm surge. Depending on the category of the hurricane, you could have minimal damage or less common catastrophic damage.

When you live in an area that often has the threat of a hurricane, you should have enough of everything listed to last you for 7-10 days at least. Here is why you should be prepared for a hurricane based on each hurricane category:

Category 1

A Category one hurricane is minimal; however, it can affect you for several days. It can cause damage to houses, especially mobile homes; tree branches can be thrown or topple onto your property, and power lines can be damaged. Although these damages are minimal, here’s what could happen:

  • Power Lines are damaged, which means you may not be able to use debit or credit cards at your local stores. You will need cash. You may lose the ability to communicate, cool your home, have lights, a TV, or other electrical appliances.
  • Tree branches could cause severe damage to your home. You would need supplies ready during this time. 
  • Stores, restaurants, and shops may be shut down due to power outages or property damage. 

Category 2

During a Category 2 hurricane, you’ll have stronger winds, which can cause more damage than a Category 1 hurricane. Here are some things that could happen:

  • Power outages that last more than a few days. You won’t have power in your home.
  • Power outages can cause stores, restaurants, banks, and shops to shut down for a few days.
  • You may not be able to pay for things like fuel, food, and water with anything but cash for a few days. 

Category 3

Once a hurricane gets to a Category 3, you are looking at substantial damage to trees and houses. Here are some reasons why you would want to be prepared for a Category 3 hurricane:

  • It will take roofs off of well-constructed homes.
  • Knocks out electric and water systems for days or even weeks.
  • Fallen trees and poles will block the roads.

Category 4

A Category four hurricane is catastrophic to those who are in its path. You will likely see more damage than with any of the other hurricanes. Here is why anyone should be prepared for this type of hurricane:

  • Affected areas may be uninhabitable for days or weeks afterward.
  • Most trees will have fallen, causing damage.
  • Most electric poles will have been damaged and fallen. 
  • You will see catastrophic damage to most homes, even those that are well-constructed. 

Category 5

A Category 5 hurricane will require a whole new level of preparation. Most people can not hunker down during a Category 5 hurricane. In fact, you’ll want to be prepared to get out of Dodge. Recovery from this can take months. 

Because hurricanes can be so destructive, it is essential to be prepared. Below, you will find things you need to stock up on before a hurricane strikes. 

Things to Stock Up on Before a Hurricane

Because hurricanes can go from Category 1 to higher categories, it is essential to be prepared. You can be prepared by stocking up on the right things in your home. Here are some things to stock up on in case of a hurricane:

#1 Food

Even in a Category 1 hurricane, machines at local grocery stores may be down. Buying food may be a challenge for a few days, and the stores themselves may struggle to replenish their inventory. I would recommend having at least two weeks’ worth of food, but at the very least, you need three days’ worth per person. If you aren’t sure what food to stock up on, here are some good options that include many non-perishable foods:

  • Cereal: a kid’s favorite in any situation
  • Dried fruit: like apricots, mango, peaches, and raisins
  • Soup in a can: I especially like creamed chicken and mushroom soups, but all are appropriate and inexpensive if purchased before the hurricane season. Look for canned goods case lot sales.
  • Canned vegetables: all provide some nutrients we all need. Look for items you can use in some of your favorite recipes, like green beans, corn, peas, and carrots.
  • Fruit in a can: just like veggies, you can get most of your favorite fruits in a can, like peaches, various berries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and more.
  • Powdered or canned milk: Many milk options are shelf-stable. If you have family members who are lactose intolerant, consider alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, Brazil nut milk, and cashew milk.
  • Peanut butter: like cereal, a favorite among kids and adults alike. A versatile product with many uses.
  • Granola bars, energy bars, and other snacks
  • Saltine crackers
  • Trail mix
  • Canned meat like tuna, salmon, beef, sardines, and chicken
  • Pet food

#2 Water

Even though a hurricane is sure to dump a bunch of water everywhere, it is not drinkable. Water pipes and lines may be broken. This means you may need to look for an alternative water source in place of running water. The CDC recommends storing 1 gallon of water per day per person for a 3-day supply.

However, I would recommend storing 4 gallons per person per day instead to cover hydration, cooking, some personal hygiene, and limited laundry. Don’t forget to include water for your pets. You will want to store enough water for at least 3 to 7 days. 

Related: How to Store Water for Drinking and Cooking

#3 A First Aid Kit

Whether there is a Category 1 or a Category 3 hurricane, you will always want to have your First Aid kit stocked. This could quite literally save your life in any situation, not just a hurricane. If you don’t have a First Aid kit, you can learn how to fully stock one in my First Aid Kit for Survival post. There is more to a quality first aid kit than just bandages.

#4 Health Supplies

Usually, you know a hurricane is coming at least a week before it gets here. So, it may be easier to get your medications filled before it hits. However, there are other health supplies you will want to make sure you have, such as:

  • Vitamins
  • Pain relief, such as Ibuprofen
  • Anti-diarrhea medications
  • Your prescription medications (2-week supply if possible)
  • Insurance cards

#5 Toiletries

Most people think about stocking up on essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, and baby wipes, but there are a few other items you really need to keep stocked as well. These include:

  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen

#6 Important Documents

When a disaster strikes, it’s essential to store your crucial documents in a location where you can easily access them. You’ll need copies of the following essential documents:

  • Driver’s license
  • Social Security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Insurance cards
  • Home and property insurance policies

Create an Important Documents Emergency Binder to ensure you have everything you need in one convenient location. 

#7 Other Important Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane

Additionally, you will want to ensure you are stocked up on essential life-saving supplies. Here are some other items you should have stocked in your home:

  • Flashlights: One for each person, along with extra batteries. I like my solar flashlights and keep them charged by storing them on window sills.
  • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Solar-powered chargers and equipment
  • Plastic grocery bags
  • Butane lighters and matches: store them in plastic bags to protect them
  • Portable cooler/ice chest
  • Portable barbecue grill or camp stove
  • Utility knife
  • Handheld can opener and eating utensils
  • Extra blankets and pillows in waterproof pouches
  • Bleach: You can use this as your cleaning agent for everything
  • Clothing: at least one extra set in a waterproof container
  • Sturdy gloves
  • Propane canisters or charcoal for BBQs, using waterproof matches or a lighter
  • Fire extinguisher(s)

Things to Stock Up On in Your Car Before a Hurricane

Just as Hurricane Dorian started at category one and reached category five by the time it hit the Bahamas, you never know what could happen. Just in case, you should also have your car stocked for a hurricane. This will help you if you need to evacuate as directed. Here is a list of items you will want to have in your car:

  • Extra blankets
  • 1 set of extra clothes for each person
  • Water-3 days’ worth per person
  • Food-3 days’ worth per person as an emergency food supply
  • Paper maps
  • Full gas jug
  • Car charger
  • Important documents binder
  • Smaller first aid kit
  • An emergency car kit

Final Word

When it comes to a natural disaster, a hurricane generally gives you quite a bit of time to prepare. However, when it comes to getting things stocked, hurricane-proofing your home, or needing to evacuate, you’ll want to be ready before you even know a hurricane is coming. Not only are these items essential to stock up on before a storm, but they can also be helpful anytime you’re faced with an emergency. Thanks again for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Hurricane with Man And Umbrella Depositphotos_11142502_S By Lucidwaters, Hurricane Irma Depositphotos_166696460_S By Felixtm

The post Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane appeared first on Food Storage Moms.



from Food Storage Moms

Juliane Koepcke Survival Story: The Girl Who Fell From the Sky and Lived

The morning of December 24, 1971, dawned bright in Lima, but beneath the surface tension hummed a quiet anxiety. Juliane Koepcke and her mother, Maria, were on edge. Juliane had refused to miss her graduation ceremony on December 23, she insisted on walking across that stage in Lima and they delayed their return to the ... Read more...

from Prepper's Will

So, How Long Does It Take to Smoke Meat?

There’s hardly anything on Earth that is more delicious, delectable, satisfying, and indulgent than smoked meat. It takes what would otherwise be an ordinary, or even extraordinary, cut and elevates it to something that is truly transcendent. It’s always worth it, but if there is one downside it is that smoking tends to be the ... Read more

So, How Long Does It Take to Smoke Meat? can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!



from New Life On A Homestead