I'm a blogger and author who loves discussing preparedness, homesteading, self-reliance, and sustainability. Please subscribe to stay current on any posts and updates!
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Living Life in Rural Iowa Newsletter 10.7.2026
Published 22 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Everyone!
How's everyone doing? A lot of news in the last month hasn't been good. While I believe in finding the good in everything and not letting fear control me, the current and potential global events has made me review and renew my preparedness efforts. I have also been assessing and reviewing my ability to grow more food.
The news of the plague from Russia is very concerning. There is a likelihood it will not reach the United States, but we are a very global and mobile society. I think it is wise to be ready for lockdowns and illness to happen again. Now would be a good time to make sure your medical and cold/flu supplies are in order and up to date. Whether you believe in homeopathic or conventional medicines, you will want to stock up on these before something happens.
Our household has already had the cold and crud virus in the last month. One of us still has a cough that has lasted for few weeks. Thank goodness it is starting to subside, but that is because of over the counter medications. This virus has been making the rounds in our area and medications have been picked over at times in the stores.
Immunity boosting medications and supplements are also very helpful to have in the medicine cabinet. We use Zicam when we first feel like a cold is hitting. I also use elderberry, zinc, and Vitamin C & D starting in September and using them through April. I might get a cold almost every fall, but I stay relatively healthy throughout the winter. I also like the nasal sticks and vapor inhalers to keep my sinuses open. For this last cold, I tried Xlear nasal decongestant nose spray from Dollar General. That was a game changer for my stuffy nose!
Of course, I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I just want to let you all know what we do for colds and other viruses. In addition to keeping your medicine cabinet stocked, you will want to have plenty of facial tissues and toilet paper on hand for those runny noses and the diarrhea that sometimes accompanies colds and viruses. Also, keep a good supply of pain relievers and nausea medications to keep the patient comfortable.
Hydration is critical when you are sick with any kind of illness. Stock up on your favorite fluids and keep electrolytes on hand. Even good salt, lemon juice, and honey in hot water will go a long way to helping you feel better. Having warm beverages to drink also helps with stuffy heads and sore throats. I love my teas with raw honey when I am feeling unwell.
One of the teas I like to drink when I am feeling sick is the copycat Starbucks medicine ball tea. I don't live anywhere near a Starbucks so I make my own. This is my recipe:
1 bag of peppermint tea 1 bag of peach tea 1 bag of green tea (I use decaf, but you can do caffeinated) 4 cups of water Lemon juice Honey A Pinch of Salt
Heat the water just to the point of boiling. Add the tea bags and brew for 5-10 minutes (Less if you like a weaker tea, longer if you like strong tea).
To a tea cup, add honey and lemon to taste. Add a very small pinch of salt (just trust me on this one). Add tea and stir. Sip or drink this all day if you would like.
On YouTube and TikTok, I just finished the 30 Days of Preparedness - Common Joe version. I will be finishing the Apocalypse (long-term) version this month. I also am taking about saving money and gardening now that it stopped raining. Check them out!
Also, please like, subscribe, follow, or whatever floats your boat!
I also reopened my Patreon page. I enjoy Patreon and the creators I follow there. I only have one membership level and it's $3.00 a month. I plan to have more exclusive content there, including posts and videos.
I'm a blogger and author who loves discussing preparedness, homesteading, self-reliance, and sustainability. Please subscribe to stay current on any posts and updates!
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