Frequently Asked Questions
Beeyoutiful
Black Berkey Purifying Elements
Bulk Herb Blends
Bulk Herbs
Essential Oils
General
Home Remedies
PF-2 Arsenic and Flouride Reduction Elements
FAQs: Beeyoutifultop
Q: Firstly, my youngest daughter will be 3 soon, can I give her a half a dose of SuperKids? Second, my oldest daughter is well past 5, can I give her the Bone Ami? Half dose maybe and for the little one as well?
A: There are no high concentrations of fat soluble vitamins in either of these two products, so the dosages you suggested should be fine. Water soluble vitamins get stored until storage capacity (mostly in the liver) is full and then get excreted harmlessly. Fat soluble vitamins like A, can actually be deadly in high dosages as the body doesn't excrete them. I can't think of any allergens or anything else that would be a problem with either of these two products. #
Q: The SuperMom pills do not say that they are gluten free...Do you happen to know if this is just an oversight, or if they do contain some gluten?
A: It contains wheat grass, but not wheat. Wheat grass has no gluten. They don't certify it as gluten free because there is the off chance that some kernels of wheat can manage to get into the harvest. But, we've had quite a few ciliacs use the SuperMom and SuperDad products with no ill effects whatsoever. #
FAQs: Black Berkey Purifying Elementstop
Q: I have been using my system for about six months and the flow rate has slowed down considerably. Do I need to replace the elements?
A: No, unlike other filtration elements Black Berkey purification elements are re-cleanable. What typically causes the filters to drip slowly is turbidity and sediment clogging the micro-pores of the purification elements. Simply remove the elements from your system, scrub the exterior of each element with preferably a white or blue (3M or ScotchBrite brand, etc.) pad or stiff toothbrush. Simply scrub a section of the filter until you see a bit of black on the white or blue pad then move to the next section. It’s simple to do and takes less than a minute. #
Q: I just purchased a Berkey system but the system is hardly filtering any water at all. Am I doing something wrong?
A: Typically the problem you are experiencing is due to high water tension, which prevents the air from being purged from the micro pores of the new purification elements. Included with your Black Berkey elements is a priming button and instructions for use. Please remove and prime your purification elements, reinstall them and that should fix the problem. #
Q: Is there a way to test my Berkey system to make sure it is working properly?
A: You should test your filters by filling the upper chamber with water then add a tablespoon of food coloring for every gallon of water within your upper chamber. If the food coloring is removed entirely, your filtration system is working properly. If not, check to make sure that the wing nuts on your elements are securely tightened then re-run the test. #
Q: I just purchased a Berkey system but didn't receive a priming button. Instead, I think I received an extra black washer in the box. The instructions say to use the tan colored priming button. What gives?
A: Please check in the box which held your Black Berkey purification elements. The box should contain two (2) elements. Attached to each element should be a rubber washer and a wing nut. Also in the boxes should be what could looks like another single black rubber washer. This is your priming button. It is thicker than the washer and the center hole is smaller. This black priming button can easily be confused with a washer; so we asked the manufacturer to change the color of the priming button back to tan. #
Q: Do the Black Berkey elements remove drugs from the water?
A: There are simply too many pollutants that could be found in drinking water (including pharmaceuticals) that a water filtering system could be tested for to see how it performs. By too many I mean it is impossible to test for them all. However, we do know, from testing, that the purification processes used by the Berkey water filters we offer remove more pollutants than any other system available in the market today. In other words, if there is any system that removes pharmaceuticals from the water, the Berkeys are one of them. I hope that helps. #
Q: Which of the three methods of water filtration, Reverse Osmosis, Distillation or Berkey Purification is the healthiest for drinking purposes?
A: With respect to the healthfulness of the water, most health experts, that are up to date on current research, are no longer recommending drinking RO or distilled water on a long-term basis because these methods strip out all of the beneficial minerals from the water making the water an acidic "hypotonic" solution. A chemist will tell you that any time a hypotonic (de-mineralized) solution comes into contact with a "Hypertonic" (Mineralized) solution, the minerals within the hypertonic solution will transfer out of hypertonic solution and into the hypotonic solution until equilibrium is achieved. What this means is simply that when one drinks hypotonic water, the minerals in the blood and lymphatic system, which are hypertonic, transfer into the hypotonic RO or Distilled water that is consumed and the minerals are flushed out of the body upon urination.
In an effort to re-mineralize, the blood and lymphatic systems then begin to scavenge for minerals from other parts of the body, such as bones and other organs, and this process repeats itself every time de-mineralized hypotonic water is re-consumed. Several studies suggest that people who drink de-mineralized water (hypotonic) over a long period of time tend to be more prone to degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis.
Berkey Purification systems do not remove the beneficial minerals from the water but they do extract harmful heavy metals such as lead and mercury as well as sedimentary minerals such as iron oxide. Therefore, the TDS reading will not typically change much unless there are a lot of heavy metals or sedimentary minerals within the source water. #
Q: With respect to maintenance, how does reverse osmosis, distillation and Berkey systems compare?
A: All Berkey systems are easy to disassemble and clean. The lower chamber should be washed in ordinary dishwater occasionally. The elements may need to be cleaned after 6-12 months of use.
Distillation systems need to be soaked and cleaned with vinegar solution to remove the scale, typically after each gallon or two.
Reverse Osmosis systems can have up to four filter elements, with each needing to be changed at differing intervals from four months up to two years. This requires that the water pressure be shut off and part or all of the system to be disassembled for maintenance. Additionally, the bladder tank should be washed with a chlorine solution at six-month intervals to kill any colonizing bacteria. #
Q: What is the pathological removal capability of an reverse osmosis system?
A: Reverse Osmosis does not remove pathogenic bacteria and that is why it is often necessary to add an additional UV light to the system. However, the UV sometimes does not kill all the bacteria because any turbidity in the water can create shaded spots preventing some bacteria from being exposed. Typically, the UV is installed before the bladder tank, however it is in the bladder tank that bacteria usually colonize. Therefore, if the bladder tank is not sterilized on a regular basis, it becomes a source for bacteriological contamination that is never exposed to UV. Additionally, the carcasses of the dead bacteria remain within the drinking water with an RO system whereas they are removed by the Black Berkey® purification elements. #
Q: With respect to cost, how does reverse osmosis, distillation and Berkey systems compare?
A: With respect to upfront cost, RO systems typically are the most expensive due to the cost of the system and the additional expense to have the system plumbed in. Next in cost would be a distillation unit. A Berkey® system will typically be the least expensive of the three.
With respect to cost per gallon of water, calculated upon the cost per gallon for replacement filters and energy costs, Distillation systems and RO systems properly maintained typically cost between 35-65 cents per gallon. A Berkey® system typically costs about 1.6 cents per gallon. #
FAQs: Bulk Herb Blendstop
Q: Dear More Than Alive,
I just received my order of Mother's Milk Tea (VERY quickly I might add!). I read and followed your website instructions, using 3 T of tea per 2 cups of water, and it worked just fine.
My question is, can I brew a whole bunch of this at once and then store it in the refrigerator, or does that make the herbs less potent?
Also, can I tie the herbs up in a coffee filter when they are steeping or do they need to be loose in the pot?
A: Making a big batch of tea at once is not a bad idea. It will save you time, and be just as effective for a few days as long as you keep it refrigerated.
I've seen some folks tie up their loose herbs in coffee filters just as you thought of here. It is a great idea, as you save the step of straining the tea later. Just don't pack in the herbs too tight. #
FAQs: Bulk Herbstop
Q: What is the shelf life of bulk herbs?
A: Shelf life varies from one herb to another. A powdered herb will loose its properties much faster than a whole or cut herb. Those with volatile oils like peppermint will loose their freshness much sooner than those without the oils. Roots have the longest shelf life as they are much denser than say flowers and leaves.
So, it's kind of difficult to give you a quick and simple answer. Most herb books have something to say on the subject, but they are not very specific. Just as we did, you will gain such insight in that area as you get more familiar with each herb. #
Q: What is the best way to store bulk herbs?
A: In general, keep the herbs in air-tight containers, as cold as possible, and never expose them to light unless in use. #
Q: I'd like to grow my own herb garden. Where can I get seeds or plants to get started?
A: The following is contact information for a number of companies that offer seeds and plants. We have no affiliations with these companies, and are not recommending them. We no nothing about them, except they seem to offer what you are looking for (we found them after doing a search on the internet).
Harris Seeds
1-800-514-4441
www.harrisseeds.com
Territorial Seed
1-800-626-0866
www.territorialseed.com
Seeds of Change
1-888-762-7333
www.seedsofchange.com
The Cook’s Garden
1-800-457-9703
www.cooksgarden.com
Wayside Gardens
1-800-213-0379
www.waysidegardens.com
Nichols Garden Nursery
1-800-422-3985
www.nicholsgardennursery.com #
Q: Are your herbs organic?
A: Our herbs are either organic or wild crafted. No chemicals and such have been used on them.
#
Q: Which herbs should I avoid while I'm pregnant?
A: I'd avoid the internal use of the following herbs during pregnancy:
Wormwood herb
Blessed Thistle
Black Walnut hull
Red Clover blossoms
Red Clover herb
Tansy herb
#
Q: Which herbs would you consider to taste good in a tea?
A: The following are herbs we consider to taste good and we add them to recipes as flavor enhancers:
Q: I was reading...about cayenne, and had some questions regarding pregnancy and nursing. Little person #4 is due in 5 weeks, and I am having some issues with varicose veins, etc. I was wondering if I can take cayenne when I'm nursing a new baby...or could it affect milk flavor or the baby somehow?
A: I take the cayenne powder stirred into a drink throughout my pregnancies and during nursing. I have not noticed any ill effects whatsoever. Just remember to start a very small amount (no more than a quarter teaspoon) mixed into no more than four ounces of a drink of your choice. Lastly, as you increase the powder, it's best to take it twice in one day in lesser amounts than once in a larger amount. #
FAQs: Essential Oilstop
Q: You offer so many oils. How do I choose which one I should use?
A: When we are considering which oil to use for a need, a few things help us decide:
1. How do I want to use it? Topically, internally, diffused, etc. Not all oils can be used internally. Some are best diffused. Others are for topical use only. Some can be used any way you choose. Figure out how you want to use it, and that may narrow your options down a bit.
2. How does it smell? Every oil has it's own unique scent. Some in our home love the smell of Lavender, while others are repulsed by it. This may be difficult to decide on, since you can't sample the scents. Just choose one you think will have a pleasant scent. You'll soon develop a like and dislike list.
3. How much does it cost? There can be a drastic price difference from one oil to the next. If 2 or 3 oils seem to be effective for the same condition, you may want to disqualify the most expensive one.
4. Is there a warning I should be aware of? Some oils should not be used internally during pregnancy. Others should not be used by children or those with a tendency to epilepticy. Always consider warnings that may help you choose which oil to use or which not to use. #
Q: Which oils should I avoid while I'm pregnant?
A: As an extra precation, we'd avoid the internal use of the following oils during pregnancy:
Cinnamon essential oil
Thieves essential oil blend
Cloves essential oil
Clarity essential oil blend
Di-Gize essential oil blend
ImmuPower essential oil blend
Basil essential oil #
FAQs: Generaltop
Q: Do you have a printed catalog?
A: Yes. However, be advised, it is nothing more than a few pages from our website printed out on paper (a few articles, the order form, etc.). The catalog is only a small fraction of the information available online. For someone that has internet access, the website is their best option. If you'd like to mail in your order, print out the order form and mail it in with your payment. Otherwise, please e-mail us your mailing address. #
Q: Joy,
I had a miscarriage with severe bleeding on May 28th, and more severe bleeding followed by a D&C on June 3rd. I am now anemic. What can you recommend to help my blood heal as fast as possible? Also, can you recommend any natural sleep aids? I'm having trouble sleeping at night. I am still nursing my 14 month-old daughter, so anything I take would need to be safe for her.
A: I'm truly sorry to hear of your recent trials. The LORD is good and faithful.
Considering what you shared in your e-mail about the bleeding and D&C, I'd take SuperMom and Spirulina capsules at least until your iron level was completely back to normal (no more anemia). I’d also drink several glasses of tea made at home with herbs such as: Red Clover, Red Raspberry, Alfalfa, Oatstraw, Nettle, and such alike (an equal part of each is fine or in any amounts you prefer). Those herbs are full of nutrients that will build and purify your blood, along with other good medicinal benefits. Concerning the trouble sleeping, you may find that using all the above mentioned may take care of that too. I would use them for a little while before trying something specifically for the trouble sleeping.
All the above mentioned is safe during nursing, and would actually enrich the quality of your milk. I’ve only shared what I would do if I were in your situation. Feel free to write again, if needed. #
Q: What product (on a tight budget) would you first recommend to our family that seems to catch every germ that goes around? And some of suffer from allergies and some from sinuses. Is there one thing that Dad, Mom, 4 year old, 2 year old and 2 month old can take? Thanks so much!
A: No products can make up for a healthy life-style: restful sleep, lots of water, lots of fun, eating a good old traditional diet, a good amount of physical activity, pursuing your dreams while maintaining a clear conscience, etc. You can save lots of money buying things that we and others offer by making improvements in such areas of your live(s). You may want to check out the Eat and Live page on our website.
Now, to simply answer your question: I would consider trying the product Tummy Tune-Up. It is a very powerful probiotic. You may see some good results using it. We sure like it and use it just about everyday in our home. #
FAQs: Home Remediestop
Q: We just finished making some tinctures but wonder how much each of us should take? I wouldn't want to over do it. How do I figure out the right dosage for adults and children?
A: This is a very good question. Because tinctures are much more potent than teas, the doses of tinctures are more critical. Teas can normally be taken as often as desired.
We like to determine the doses of tinctures by starting each person with a small amount, and increasing only as necessary. Then, we jot down the amount so as to know how much to use next time. For instance, Rebekah discovered that when using the Sleep Sweet Tincture, it takes about 3 droppers full for her, 2 droppers full for her 4 year old, and 1 dropper full for her baby. This information was something she concluded after some trials. You can do the same. Just start out with an amount and see what happens. The next day, adjust the amount as you see fit, and jot it down. Oh, some of us prefer teaspoons over using a dropper. Use what you have.
Home herbal remedies are just that. There are some herbs that should be treated with caution when used internally, such as Wormwood and Rue. But, for the most part, there is room for trial and error.
Herbal Antibiotics and Practical Herbalism have recommend dosages with their remedies. These were helpful in leading us to come up with dosages for our own creations. Herbal Antibiotics and The ABC Herbal have a bit of very helpful information on determening dosages for children. #
FAQs: PF-2 Arsenic and Flouride Reduction Elementstop
Q: Do the PF-2 elements replace the Black Berkey purification elements?
A: No, the Black Berkey elements fit into the base of the upper chamber with the stems of the filters protruding through the holes in the base of the upper chamber. The protruding stems are threaded and the PF-2 filters screw onto these threaded stems so that the PF-2's hang down into the lower chamber. The water flows from the upper chamber, through the Black Berkey elements, into the PF-2 filters and then into the lower chamber. The “PF” in PF-2 stands for Post Filter. So, in answer to your question, no, they do not replace the black filters but rather work in conjunction with them. #
Q: I installed my PF-2 elements but my water is a bit cloudy, and why does it have a funny taste?
A: The odd taste is from process dust that may not have been washed free from the filter elements during the conditioning process. Please remove the PF-2 elements and re-condition them for 60 seconds on both ends. This should expel any residual process dust and fix the problem. #
Customer Feedback view all
Thank you for getting my order here so quickly. I was very pleased and will definitely order again.
~Kelly
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