Healing Balms & Poultices

Making Simple Soothing, Healing, and Antimicrobial Ointments

In wilderness and survival situations, it is crucial to be prepared for various health concerns. Knowing how to make simple soothing, healing, and antimicrobial ointments can be invaluable. These ointments can be made using natural ingredients such as animal fats, nut oils, plants, clays, and charcoal.

Ingredients:

• Animal fats (such as rendered beef tallow, deer fat, or lard)

• Medicinal plants (such as comfrey, calendula, or plantain)

• Clays (such as bentonite clay or kaolin clay)

• Charcoal (activated charcoal)

Instructions:

1. Melt the animal fats in a heatproof container over a low flame or using a makeshift double boiler.

2. Add the medicinal plants, clays, and charcoal to the mixture, stirring continuously until well blended.

3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool and solidify.

4. Transfer the ointment into small, airtight containers for storage.

5. Smaller volumes are ideal to make when storage may be an issue.

Alternative Hygiene, Sanitation, and Health Uses for Common Backpacking Items

When in austere settings, it is essential to make the most of the resources available. Many common backpacking items can serve alternative hygiene, sanitation, and health purposes.

Examples:

• Bandanas or scarves can be used as makeshift face masks to protect against dust or airborne contaminants.

• Empty plastic bottles can be repurposed as makeshift bidets for personal hygiene.

• Alcohol wipes or hand sanitizers can be used not only for hand hygiene but also for disinfecting wounds or equipment.

• Duct tape can be used to secure bandages or makeshift splints.

• Tin cans or metal containers can be used to boil water, sterilize instruments, or cook food.

The Importance of Hygiene in Austere Settings

Hygiene plays a critical role in maintaining health and preventing the spread of disease, even in austere settings. In survival situations, where medical help may not be readily available, practicing good hygiene becomes even more crucial.

Here are some key reasons why hygiene is essential:

Preventing Infections:

By maintaining proper hygiene, such as regular handwashing and wound cleaning, the risk of infections can be significantly reduced. Infections in wilderness or survival situations can quickly escalate and lead to severe complications. In the wilderness or austere settings, all open wounds, even minor ones, should be treated as though they have the potential for becoming dangerously infected.

Boosting Overall Health:

Good hygiene practices, including personal cleanliness and proper sanitation, help keep the body healthy and functioning optimally. This, in turn, enhances the body's ability to cope with the challenges of survival.

Promoting Mental Well-being:

Keeping oneself clean and practicing good hygiene can have a positive impact on mental well-being. It provides a sense of normalcy, comfort, and self-care, which is crucial for maintaining morale in challenging situations.

By being prepared with the knowledge of making natural healing ointments and understanding the importance of hygiene, individuals can better navigate wilderness and survival scenarios, ensuring their well-being and increasing their chances of survival.