According to an FBI study, someone is arrested for marijuana possession every 42 seconds in the US, but after a unanimous decision voted on this past Thursday by the US Sentencing Commission (USSC), prison populations will start to be whittled down by decreasing federal drug-related sentences.
Our prisons are bursting at the seams in America, largely due to drug trafficking convictions. We spend over $50,000,000 annually to wage the ‘war on drugs’ and of these, many are non-violent crimes. In 2012, the most recent year for which there are statistics, 749,825 individuals were charged with marijuana law violations. Of those, 88% were arrested for possession only. Though prison populations have declined very slightly of late, incarcerating people is still big business – and rhe U.S. is the leader in that field.
The announcement that the USSC will be limiting drug sentences is good news, not only because far too many innocent individuals are imprisoned in our country, but also because it shows that the Feds are likely loosening their iron grip on marijuana users, especially in light of numerous states seeking medical marijuana legalization. Our federal laws are way past the date of expiration, being penned in the Reagan era, and require drastic reform.
In 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act passed which abbreviated, but did not eliminate, sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenders, was a step in the right direction. These are far worse drugs than medical marijuana, which shouldn’t be classified in the same group at all. And removing Cannabis from the Schedule I Controlled Substances Act should be the long-term goal of all individuals that want the freedom to use industrial hemp, medical marijuana, or Cannabis oil for themselves or family members.
Read: 75% of Americans See Marijuana Legalization as Inevitable
In the meantime, the Smarter Sentencing Act (House Resolution 3382/Senate Bill 1410), has already been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is pending in the House. It would direct federal judges not to rule for mandatory minimum sentences, and also reduce mandatory sentences for drug offenders under the Fair Sentencing Act.
The USSC has now, with the administration’s support, acted of its own accord. The commission voted to reduce sentences by amending the federal guidelines to lower the base offense guidelines in the Drug Quantity Table across numerous drug types, including but not limited to marijuana. The commission foresees this legislative change reducing prison populations by the thousands annually.
Unless the USSC votes to make the new guidelines retroactive, they will impact only defendants sentenced after November 1. Judge Patti B. Saris, chair of the commission said:
“This modest reduction in drug penalties is an important step toward reducing the problem of prison overcrowding at the federal level in a proportionate and fair manner. Reducing the federal prison population has become urgent, with that population almost three times where it was in 1991.”
When someone mentions the word “Lemon”, I immediately think “fresh, clean and pure”. There is simply something about lemons that evokes an overall feeling of wellness and goodness. This might come from my memories of being given a lemon to hold and to smell when I suffered the occasional childhood illness.
Using lemons for health and home is nothing new, since back in ancient times, lemons were used to help heal a variety of ailments. It has been suggested that the Romans used lemons and lemon rinds to fight off disease as well as to ward off insects, uplift moods and even freshen clothes.
In modern times we have lemon essential oil which is a concentration of oils that have been cold pressed from the rind of fresh lemons. Pure lemon essential oil is pale yellow in color and has the aroma of freshly peeled fruit. It’s fresh, clean scent activates the body and the mind and serves as a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antiseptic.
Today I list some of the terrific if not awesome uses for lemon essential oil, loosely organized by category. Some of these you may know about but others might be new. You might find a surprise or two here.
33 Awesome Uses of Lemon Essential Oil for Home and Health
Health & Healing
1. Soothe Sore Throat: Add 2-3 drops of lemon oil to hot tea, or drink it with warm water and honey to help soothe a sore throat.
2. Coughs, Colds & General Congestion: Rub a few drops of lemon oil on your chest and/or throat when you feel congested. Repeat several times daily. (You can also diffuse lemon oil into the air for help with respiratory problems.
3. Stop a Runny Nose: Use a little carrier oil and a drop of lemon oil in the palm of your hand. Get your fingertip wet and swipe each side of your nose. This really works!
4. Treat Allergies & Hay Fever: Apply a drop of lemon oil behind the ear or under the nose 2-3 times a day to help fight seasonal allergies. Alternately apply to the bottoms of your feet.
5. Energy Booster: Add a couple of drops of both lemon and peppermint essential oils to water for an instant boost in energy.
6. Sanitize Your Toothbrush: Put a drop of lemon oil on your toothbrush then swish it around in a bit of water to immediately clean and sanitize it.
7. Bad Breath: Place 4 drops of lemon oil in 4 ounces of warm water and gargle to get rid of bad breath.
8. Treat Acne: Apply three drops of lemon essential oil to a cotton ball and swipe onto the affected area, repeating up to three times a day.
9. Fight Fatigue: Moisten a cloth with five drops of lemon essential oil and hold directly underneath your nose. Breathe in the scent for at least two minutes.
10. Stress Relief: Add ten to fifteen drops of essential lemon oil to your bath water and soak for at least fifteen minutes.
11. Treat Minor Wounds: Essential lemon oil is a natural antiseptic. Place five drops of lemon essential oil in a bowl of three ounces of water. Wipe the wound with a sterilized cloth or pad that has been dipped into the mixture. Continue this process until the wound appears clean.
12. Remove Callouses, Corns and Warts: Apply a drop of Lemon undiluted, twice a day until they go away.
13. Heal Canker Sores: Add a drop of Lemon to a shot glass of water and swish around the mouth for several minutes to alleviate canker sores.
14. Relieve Cold Sores & Fever Blisters: Dab a drop of lemon oil on the cold sore 2 to 3 times daily. If the lemon oil stings, dilute first with a bit of coconut oil or olive oil.
15. Control Psoriasis: Using a roller ball, apply lemon oil to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. For an extra boost, top with DIY Miracle Healing Salve, rubbing it in lightly.
16. Clear Up Nail Fungus: Apply a few drops of lemon oil to the affected nail several times a day. Continue until the nail fungus clears up. Note: This may take a few months.
17. Skin Brightener: Brighten a dull complexion by adding a drop of lemon oil to your daily moisturizer. Be sure to follow-up with a sunscreen since lemon oil (and all citrus oils) increase photosensitivity.
18. Improve Mental Clarity: Diffuse lemon in your work or study space to improve mental accuracy and concentration.
Household
19. Glass Cleaner: Add lemon oil to a spray bottle filled with water and use as a glass cleaner. This will even clean the hard water spots and soap scum off of a glass shower door!
20. Clean and Sanitize Toilet Bowls: Add a few drops of lemon oil along with baking soda to clean and sanitize your toilet bowl.
21. Disinfect Cutting Boards and Kitchen Surfaces: Rub a few drops of lemon oil on cutting boards and other kitchen surfaces to disinfect and sanitize.
22. Kill Germs: To kill germs, soak kitchen cloths and household rags overnight in a bowl of water with a drop or two of lemon oil.
23. Air Freshener: A few drops of lemon essential oil added to a spray bottle filled with water makes an all-natural air freshener. Better yet, add 8 drops to a diffuser and let the wonderful smell clean and freshen the air.
24. Remove Odors: A drop or two will remove odors. For example, you can put lemon oil on a cotton ball and stuff into stinky shoes or add a few drops to a diaper pail.
25. Freshen Laundry: Add a few drops to your DIY homemade laundry soap or add a drop to the final rinse cycle to freshen up your laundry. This will also leave your washer smelling nice.
26. Degreaser: Lemon oil will remove grease and grime from yours hands, as well as tools, dishes, and household items. It will also remove tree sap and the residue left behind from glues and labels.
27. Wood Cleaner: A few drops of lemon oil added to some olive oil creates a non-toxic wood cleaner and furniture polish.
Outdoors
28. Mosquito Repellent: Mix lemon oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and run over your skin to repel mosquitos who hate the smell.
29. Heal Insect Bites: Apply two drops directly to the bite and lightly rub. Do this two to three times during the day.
30. Hand Sanitizer: Rub a drop of Lemon oil on your hands after using a public bathroom to sanitize your hands.
Food & Water
31. Improve the Taste of Water: A a drop or two of lemon oil to your glass of water to improve the taste.
32. Flavor Enhancer: A a drop or two of lemon essential oil to bland food to liven it up. Make sure you are using therapeutic grade lemon oil. You will know this by the supplement information on the label.
33. Prolong Shelf-Life of Fresh Produce: Fill a bowl with cold water, add 2–3 drops of Lemon oil. Drop cleaned fruit into the water, coating all surfaces. This will extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
Precautions
Lemon oil can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight. So, if you apply lemon oil directly to your skin, stay out of direct sunlight for at least 8 hours and use a sunscreen before venturing outdoors.
Also note that although lemon essential oil is non-toxic, some individuals will find that it can cause skin irritation. This is true of any essential oil. If that happens, or if you are concerned, dilute the lemon oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, Plain Ole’ Salve, or another carrier oil of choice.
The Final Word
The nice thing about essential oils is that a little goes a long way. Not only that, if kept cool, dark place and they will keep for years. I say this because at first, the cost for a small bottle may seen pricey but the reality is that when compared with over-the-counter remedies and toxic household cleaners, the cost is nominal.
It goes without saying that not all essential oils are created equal. You want to purchase a pure, 100% essential oil and not an oil that is premixed with artificial or chemical derivatives.
For healing purposes, I use essential oils from Spark Naturals because they deliver a high quality, therapeutic grade essential oil at reasonable price. Plus, they can be used both topically and internally, if that is your choice. That said, there are many fine brands and the nice thing about lemon essential oil is that is eminently affordable.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
Click Here To Vote For Me at Top Prepper Websites!
If you have not done so already, please be sure to like Facebook which is updated every time there is an awesome new article, news byte, or link to a free survival, prepping or homesteading book on Amazon. You can also follow Backdoor Survival on Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+ and purchase my book, The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage from Amazon.
In addition, when you sign up to receive email updates you will receive a free, downloadable copy of my e-book The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.
Spotlight: Now available for the first time, Spark Naturals has released their Essential 4 Pack in the larger, 15ml size. The kit includes, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and Peppermint.
Normally these four amazing oils would cost you $63.45 but this new kit is only $49.99. By using the 10% coupon code “BACKDOORSURVIVAL” your cost will be reduced to only $44.99. Of course the standard size Spark Naturals Essential 4 Pack is still available for $19.99 plus your 10% discount.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bargain Bin: Here are some things to get you started with using essential oil plus the items you need to make your own scrubs, salves, lotions and potions including Miracle Healing Salve and Plain Ole Salve.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: I first became interested in aromatherapy and essential oils in the early 90s which was before they really became mainstream. I read every book I could get my hands on and dabbled at creating synergy’s (a combination of two or more oils that create a chemical compound that is greater than the some of its individual components). My bible then, and even now, is this book.
NOW Foods Essential Oils: I use essential oils from Spark Naturals. For healing purposes, I feel they are superior. On the other hand, NOW Foods has decent essential oils at a budget price from Amazon. Here are a few to get you started: NOW Foods Rosemary Oil, NOW Foods Peppermint Oil, Now Foods Lavender Oil and Now Foods Lemon Oil.
Spark Naturals Essential Oils: These are what you need for the Miracle Salve: Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, and Peppermint essential oil. For the DIY Peppermint Scrub, you can use just the Peppermint or any combination of E.O.s that are pleasing to you.
Coconut (Fractionated) Carrier Oil: Once you start using coconut oil, you will be hooked. This is the fractionated coconut oil I used in my scrub (mixed with a bit of olive oil).
White Plastic Jar with Dome Lid 2 Oz (12 Per Bag): I chose to use these small ointment jars rather than Mason jars for my salve. I also have similar jars in the 1 ounce size and 1/4 ounce size (my favorite for mixing up various salve and e.o. concoctions).
Beeswax Organic Pastilles, Yellow, 100% Pure 16 Oz: I ordered the white pastilles but have since learned that the natural yellow pastilles are better. That said, the difference may not be discernable – just be sure that what you purchase is cosmetic grade.
Glass Droppers, Pack of 6: I bought a package of these and loved them. When I went to re-order, I accidentally ordered plastic instead glass droppers. Learn from my mistake. The price is the same so get the glass ones.
Nutiva Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: So far I am pleased with the Nutiva Coconut Oil. It is pure-white, USDA-certified-organic, extra-virgin coconut oil that is cold-pressed from fresh coconuts within two hours of chopping. No refrigeration is required and although it solid at room temperature, it melts at 76 degrees. I was able to easily liquefy a small amount and put it in a 4 ounce squeeze bottle where I re-liquefy by putting this smaller bottle in a glass of hot tap water. I paid $26.99 which included free shipping.
ZAQ Dew Aromatherapy Diffuser
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials: The monthly specials at Emergency Essentials feature discounts of up to 35% off sometimes a bit more. This month is no exception with a couple of my favorites on sale.
I know how you love Mountain House products. This month the MH Gourmet Entrée’s Combo is on sale for $129.99 which is 36% off. The assortment includes Pasta Primavera, Chicken Stew, Noodles & Chicken, Turkey Tetrazzini, Lasagna, and Chicken Alfredo.
A recent Mountain House Order
Another food item to consider this month is the Red Feather Butter which is on sale for $6.99 a can. This is good stuff!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Need something from Amazon (and who doesn’t)? I earn a small commission from purchases made when you begin your Amazon shopping experience here. You still get great Amazon service and the price is the same, no matter what.
The Amazon Top Ten Most Wanted Survival and Outdoor Items
Emergency Preparedness Items from Amazon.com
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
33 Awesome Uses of Lemon Essential Oil is the latest article from Gaye Levy at Backdoor Survival.
No comments:
Post a Comment