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Sunday, September 29, 2024

Seeds of Hope: The Role of Seed Banks in Conservation

Food, water, and shelter are the three essential requirements for survival after an apocalyptic disaster. Of the three, though, it is food that will be the most difficult to acquire.
JK Seed Bank
Making sure you have enough food to survive after the supermarkets are permanently closed requires a multi-faceted approach. While stockpiling canned food and other foods with a long shelf-life is a great idea, food stockpiles can only last for so long. In order to be prepared for long-term survival, you need to explore other options as well.

One of the best ways to ensure you have food for the long-term is to build a survival seed bank. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what survival seed banks are, the benefits that they offer, and how you can build one for yourself.

A survival seed bank is a collection of seeds that you can use to grow a large and diverse garden in a survival scenario. A good seed bank will contain a large variety of seeds so you can get all the nutrients you need.

It should also contain seeds for vegetables that can be harvested at different times of the year so you'll have access to food year-round.

What Type of Seeds to Include in Your Survival Seed Bank
For starters, you will want to select heirloom seeds that are open-pollinated, non-hybrid, and non-GMO.

Selecting seeds that are open-pollinated will make it easier for you to ensure that your plants produce, and selecting heirloom seeds that are non-hybrid and non-GMO will allow you to collect more seeds from your plants once they have grown. Then you can plant those seeds and keep your survival garden going for as many years as necessary.

Second, you will certainly want to select seeds that grow well in your area. This qualification will differ depending on where you live, so research the types of plants that grow well in your growing zone.

Lastly, be sure to include seeds that produce vegetables that are nutritious and high in calories. Not all plants are created equal, so you’ll want to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck with each seed that you plant. For more information on the best high-calorie crops for a survival garden, check out this list of high-calorie crops for your survival garden.

How to Store Your Survival Seed Bank
The best way to store seeds for the long-term is to freeze them. When frozen, most seeds will last for at least five years, and some of the more durable seeds can last as long as twenty years.

Another important consideration when storing seeds is keeping them organized. Since different seeds have different planting and growing requirements, it is absolutely essential that you know exactly what you are planting before you plant it.

If you purchase your seeds in packets, the type of seed should be clearly labeled on the packet. If you’re buying them in any other form that is not clearly labeled, though, one good way to keep your seeds organized is to place them in mason jars and put a label on each jar that tells you what type of seed it contains, when it was put into storage, and how long it is expected to keep. Chalkboard labels are great for this.

Keep in mind that even though frozen seeds will last for a very long time, you may still have to rotate out your seeds in order to keep them viable. By labeling your seeds with the date you put them into storage and how long they should keep, you'll know exactly when to replace them.

How to Collect Seeds from Your First Harvest
Seed banks are only intended to be something of a starter package. In other words, once you have planted the seeds from your seed bank and gathered the harvest, you’ll have to collect more seeds from the plants you harvest if you want to be able to plant a garden again the next year.

The process of collecting seeds from a vegetable that you planted is going to vary depending on the specific vegetable, but most of the time it involves allowing the plants to go to seed, harvesting them, letting them dry out, then separating the seeds from the rest of the plant so they can be put into storage.

Seeds in Packets
When it comes to collecting seeds from your first harvest, the type of vegetable that you plant is highly important as well. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes and corn, have seeds that are easy to collect, while others will be a bit more difficult.

Of course, as I already mentioned, planting non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds is essential if you want to collect more seeds from your harvest. Hybrid and GMO seeds are designed in such a way that the first crop will not produce viable seeds that can be replanted.

The reason for this is that the companies selling these seeds want you to purchase more from them next season rather than using seeds you collect from your first harvest. This makes these seeds worthless for use in a survival seed bank, so you should always stick to heirloom seeds that are non-hybrid and non-GMO.

Lastly, look up each type of plant in your seed bank ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the process of collecting seeds from them. You may even wish to write the process down and store it somewhere safe so that you will be able to reference it again in case you forget.

Helpful tip: Write down the seed-harvesting process on a piece of paper and tuck it into the mason jar with the seeds that correspond to it.

Putting Together Your Own Survival Seed Bank
If you want to put together your own seed bank, you’ll have to purchase seeds from a commercial seed supplier. Thankfully, there are plenty of great suppliers to choose from such as Seed Savers Exchange, JK Seed Bank, Abundant Life Seeds, Sustainable Seed Company, and many more. Once you’ve harvested your first crop, you’ll be able to collect more seeds and grow the size of your seed bank.

Just keep in mind all of the necessary requirements when selecting your seeds, learn how to harvest and store them properly, and you should have no problem building a high-quality seed bank from the ground up.

If you want to save a little time, you can purchase a pre-made survival seed bank off of JK Seed Bank  such as this 60-plant variety pack which includes 15,000 non-hybrid, non-GMO heirloom seeds in clearly-labeled packets.

These pre-made seed banks include all the seeds you need to put together a first harvest that will allow you to collect even more seeds.

It's important to remember that survival seed banks are not a one size fits all solution. A collection of seeds that works well for one person may not work well for you. In other words, just because a product is marketed as a pre-made survival seed bank does not mean it's guaranteed to include every type of seed you want or need.

Take your time when looking for a pre-made seed bank and explore the many options that are available until you find the seed bank that is right for you. There are certainly plenty of different options to choose from, so you should have no problem finding a high-quality seed bank that meets all of your requirements for an affordable price.

For more info:-
JK Seed Bank
POB 40 GPO Srinagar, Kashmir, JK 190001
WhatsApp/Telegram : 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Henbane: A Deep Dive into the Toxic Beauty of Hyoscyamus niger

The fruit of Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as black henbane, has several notable uses, though it is important to approach them with caution due to its toxic properties. 

Availability : Fruit/seeds
WhatsAPP/Telegram : 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Hyoscyamus niger fruit seeds


Historical and Medicinal Uses

  1. Traditional Medicine: Historically, the fruit and seeds of Hyoscyamus niger were used in traditional medicine for their sedative and analgesic properties. The plant contains alkaloids like hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which have been used to treat various ailments, including pain and anxiety.

  2. Anesthetic Properties: In ancient times, parts of the plant, including the fruit, were used as a local anesthetic in surgeries and to alleviate pain. However, the precise dosage was critical due to the plant’s toxicity.

  3. Psychoactive Effects: The fruit contains compounds that can produce hallucinogenic effects, which were sometimes used in religious or shamanic practices. These uses were often associated with rituals or spiritual experiences.

Modern Applications

  1. Research: Modern research into Hyoscyamus niger focuses on understanding its alkaloids and their potential applications in pharmaceuticals. However, due to its high toxicity, it’s used cautiously and primarily in controlled settings.

  2. Historical Studies: The fruit and its historical uses are of interest in studies of ancient medicine and botanical history. Researchers examine how past cultures utilized the plant and its fruit for various medicinal and ritualistic purposes. 

From the Himalayas to Your Plate: The Story of Kashmiri Snow Garlic

Kashmiri Snow Mountain Garlic, sometimes referred to as "Kashmiri Snow Garlic," is a specific variety of garlic known for its unique growth conditions and flavor.
Kashmiri Snow Garlic
Characteristics:
1. Appearance : This garlic variety is typically smaller and more elongated compared to common garlic varieties. The cloves might have a distinctive color and texture, reflecting the region where it’s grown.

2. Flavor : It has a milder and somewhat sweeter taste compared to other garlic types. The flavor is nuanced, with a subtle depth that can enhance a wide range of dishes.

3. Cultivation: Grown in the high-altitude regions of the Kashmir Valley, particularly in areas with cooler temperatures and specific soil conditions, which contribute to its distinctive taste and quality. The high altitude and unique growing conditions make it stand out.

4. Uses: It’s used in various traditional Kashmiri dishes as well as in contemporary cuisine. Its mild flavor makes it suitable for dishes where a subtler garlic taste is preferred.

5. Health Benefits: Like other garlic varieties, Kashmiri Snow Mountain Garlic is believed to have health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

6. Culinary Significance: In Kashmiri cuisine, garlic is an essential ingredient, and this particular variety adds a unique flavor to classic dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and more.

If you’re able to find this garlic, it can be a delightful ingredient to experiment with in your cooking, offering a taste of the distinctive Kashmiri terroir.

Availability : 500/1000/5000 grams pkt
WhatsApp/Telegram: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Unlock the Fountain of Youth: How Kashmir Himalaya Shilajit’s Ancient Minerals Combat Aging

Shilajit is known as a natural anti-aging substance that increases energy, vitality and can potentially help improve various health conditions. According to a recent study, Shilajit helps maintain muscle strength and aids in the adaptation of connective tissue. In Pakistan-administered areas of North  Kashmir, including Gilgit, Batistan, Hunza and Skarduka, the minimum age is 80 years and the maximum age is around 120 years.



WhatsApp/Telegram: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

From Forest to Pharmacy: How Medicinal Plants are Revolutionizing Modern Medicine

 A place to all record all the plants I find

POB 40, GPO Srinagar, Kashmir, JK 190001
WhatsApp/Telegram: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Traditional medicine,Herbal remedies,Ethnobotany,Natural treatments,Alternative medicine,
Phytotherapy,Herbal medicine,Preparation and Dosage,Extracts,Tinctures,Infusions,Decoctions,Essential oil applications,Scientific Studies andMethods,Phytochemicalanalysis,Pharmacognosy,Bioactivity,Clinical trials,Efficacy studies,Toxicology,Plant Types and Families,Botanical names,Plant taxonomy,Plant families,Specific plants,Health ConditionsAnti-inflammator Antioxidant,AntimicrobialPain relief,Immune support,Digestive health,Cardiovascular health,Cultural and HistoricalContext,traditional uses,Indigenous knowledge,Folk medicine,Historical applications,Sustainability andConservation,Sustainable harvesting,Conservation of medicinalplants,Regulations and Standards,Herbal product regulation,Quality control,

Glow Naturally: How Bakuchiol Transforms Your Skincare Routine

Bakuchiol. Referred to as nature's retinol, this plant delivers the same anti-aging properties as retinol but without any harsh, irritating side effects. Bakuchiol works by stimulating collagen production, which naturally declines with age.

Psoralea corylifolia fruit
Bakuchiol is a natural compound derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, often referred to as "babchijadi ." It has gained popularity in skincare for its anti-aging and skin-rejuvenating properties, often touted as a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol.
 
Benefits:
Anti-AgingHelps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
AntioxidantProtects skin from free radicals.
Anti-InflammatoryCan soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
Collagen ProductionPromotes collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity.
 
Usage:
Bakuchiol can be found in various forms, including serums, creams, and oils. It's generally well-tolerated and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.The seeds of P. corylifolia are used in indigenous medicine systems for healing of various ailments. The seeds are diuretic, aphrodisiac, laxative, anti‐helminthic, and are used in febrile conditions.
 
Comparison to Retinol:
While bakuchiol offers similar benefits to retinol, it is typically less irritating, making it a good option for those who experience sensitivity with traditional retinoids.

Availability: Fruit/seeds
WhatsApp/Telegram: 9858986794
Ph; 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

The Nutritional Benefits of Nettle Seeds: A Hidden Gem

Nettle seed, leaf and roots  are considered a wild adaptogenic herb. An adaptogenic herb is any herb that helps our body to respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall well being. In its most basic form helping the body to recalibrate itself back to its normal function – so a real powerhouse of a wild plant!

 
Nettle plants Kashmir

No more than 20g of nettle seeds, leaf and roots  should be consumed in a day and most people wouldn't take more than a teaspoon a day.
 
Availability: Seed/plant/roots
WhatsApp/Telegram: 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

Damiana Tea Benefits: A Sip of Relaxation and Energy

Damiana ( Turnera diffusa ) is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Kashmir , Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are use...