Self-Reliance Tip of the Week - Wicki Wicki Wild Wild Wool....

With cooler weather FINALLY raising it slightly chilly head...I would like to put a plug in for one of my favorite fibers...not the kind you eat. :) 

Wool...

Several months ago in this post:

http://runningfoxes.blogspot.com/2013/12/self-reliance-tip-of-week-warm-fuzzy.html

I highlighted some of the benefits of wool. They include:

• It can keep you warm when wet
• It is an excellent fire retardant - throw a wool blanket on it, and BAM its out! (This is not a good idea if you're planning to cook with the fire...just sayin' :) )

I thought I'd do a little more research and see if I could dig up some more AMAZING benefits of using this fiber. 

(http://www.woolenmill.com/sections/Health_Benefits_of_Wool.php)

• It has a natural resistance to mildew and mold (in fact, the only way it will mold/ mildew is to SUBMERGE it in water - and keep it there)
• It has the ability to regulate body temperature (wool fibers keep a pocket of air close to the body - it will wick excess heat and moisture as well as keep you warm)
• It keeps your heart rate low during sleep to provide for a deeper sleep
• It has natural odor control (which is crazy since it is shorn from stinky ...and I mean STINKY sheep)
• It is resistant to UV rays ( WHAT??? Ok, so they are from sheep who are in the SUN all day every day! Makes sense!)
• It is resistant to wrinkles ( Dang...I wish we were)

For a more indepth look, check out this avid hiker/ biker overview of wool clothing he has used:

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/wool+clothing.html

There are a couple of "cons" with wool, but with some vigilance, will be nothing to worry about: 

If not laundered properly, wool clothing shrinks.

Moths love to eat wool - when not in use, store inside plastic bags or in a cedar chest - they HATE cedar.

They can be more expensive than other clothing.

That's about it.

If the price is an issue, often times you can find screamin' deals at thrift stores in Mesa or Tucson. When choosing clothing made of wool, (slight reminder) get as close to 100% as possible, but read the label. Some stretch and give with synthetic fibers are ok, but do not expect them to put out a fire. 

Be wise and add some wool clothing to your storage. During a winter or summer emergency, you may actually need it for survival. You know...with all this global warming...that makes it colder...but warmer...but colder? Are you confused? Me too. If a wool coat can save the life of a 97 pound POW in the coldest winter Poland had seen in over 50 years, it is seriously worth looking into. (Not sure what I'm talking about? Check out the link at the top of this article)

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Read more about the study on wool and sleep : 

http://www.woolenmill.com/sections/Health_Benefits_of_Wool.php