SURVIVAL SALT

1. Salt Uses:
2. Used in a variety of dishes, remedies, treatments, and preservation techniques, salt is one of the most versatile and widely used mineral substances the world over. Essential to continued human and animal life, salt plays an important role in both daily and long-term survival.
3. Found easily in most grocery stores and even quick-stops, salt typically comes in three forms – unrefined (sea salts), refined (table salts), or iodized (table salt mixed with a small amount of iodine to help prevent iodine deficiency. This can help ward off potential thyroid problems and developmental delays).
4. Assisting in the regulation of water content and fluid balance in the human body, the importance of salt for survival is next to none, other than water itself. Because of its vast importance to human survival, salt has been used and traded as a valuable commodity throughout human history, and is even used as currency in some of the more remote locations of the world today.
5. The consumption and use of salt is a bit of a balancing act as too little or too much in your diet can cause dizziness, muscle aches, neurological problems, and even death… though it’ll take a lot of salt to outright kill you. It’s all about getting what your body needs, no more and no less, though that’s often easier said than done during times of disaster.
6. Other potential side effects of overuse include, but are not limited to, increased likelihood of stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease… not to mention good old dehydration. On the other hand, a lack of enough salt can prevent the human body from properly absorbing water, which also leads to dehydration. Having said that, like just about anything, salt has its place in the everyday diet, and when put to good use; it truly could save your life. On average, it’s suggested that an adult consume just about 5000 mg of salt a day or one teaspoon.
7. WHERE TO FIND SALT: Though it may be widely available now, salt is such a precious and important commodity that it may hard to come by during or after a major disaster like a Zombie outbreak or attack. Having ample stores on hand and knowing how and where to restock your supplies is essential to using salt for survival.
8. • Retail – grocery stores, quick stops, feed and farm supply stores (salt licks), and even some gas stations.
9. • Plants – leafy greens like seaweed, Swiss chard, collard greens, kale, dandelions, spinach, and even hickory root.
10. • Foods – bouillon, broth, gravy, soy sauce, dressing, cured meats, most cheeses, tomato juice, and pickled fruits and vegetables.
11. • Seawater – heavily diluted with fresh water or distilled to extract salt crystals. (consuming pure seawater can present serious health risks and damage your kidneys).
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13. SURVIVAL USES FOR SALT
14. MEDICAL: Salt has been used to treat ailments and injuries for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, and possibly before. While the medical uses and tips below could lead to saving your life, or at least making it a little more comfortable to live, always seek professional medical advice when possible.
15. Antiseptic saline solution – One teaspoon of salt diluted in one cup of warm water provides an excellent antiseptic solution. This is most effective when done with natural sea salts. When made properly, this solution is safe to use both internally and externally on sores and minor lacerations.
16. Salt Soak - From simple stress relief to the treatment of dry skin, mild detox, and easing muscle pains, salt soaks can provide relief in times of duress and bodily pain. This can be applied to cramped and aching hands and feet, or used as a bath for the whole body.
17. Ease Sore Throat – Gargle 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water for 30 seconds, repeating twice daily till symptoms subside.
18. Insect Bites and Stings / Poison Ivy - Immediately whetted and placed over insect bites and stings or poison ivy rashes, a gentle rinse or compress of a diluted salt solution can ease pain, itching, and inflammation.
19. Dehydration / Salt Tablets – To be used only during true emergencies as improper use can worsen symptoms and cause further issues. When a formulated solution is not available, you can make an oral rehydration solution with careful measurements of salt, sugar and potable drinking water. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt, 6 teaspoons sugar and 1 quart of water. Shake well and drink slowly. Caution: Do not chug water when dehydrated, as it could make you vomit and lose more precious liquids.
20. HYGIENE: An often neglected and/or forgotten part of survival, proper hygiene is key to continued existence and outliving the undead.
21. Soap Additive - Acting as a natural exfoliate and antiseptic scrub, adding just 1/2 cup of finely ground salt added to 1 cup of liquid soap can increase its overall cleansing effects.
22. Tooth Care - One part crushed salt mixed with 2 parts baking soda and a dash of water creates an effective and simple toothpaste that not only removes plaque, but also whitens teeth and treats the gums.
23. Mouth Wash - Helpful when treating sore gums, bad breath, or canker sores, 1 teaspoon salt with 1 glass warm water is an effective mouthwash and oral hygiene treatment.
24. FOOD: While most commonly used to add a bit of flavor to a meal, salt can actually provide a few other important things when it comes to the category of food prep and long-term survival.
25. Preservation - Before canning came along, many people relied on salt to cure and preserve their meats, beans, vegetables, and other foods. The exact steps and processes of preserving with salt vary based upon the food source being used. When done properly, curing foods with salt can extend their shelf life to years without refrigeration, regardless of the method.
26. Livestock - Salt blocks are often used to provide important minerals and salt content to livestock such as sheep, goats, horses, and cows, to help keep them happy and healthy. Salt blocks can also be used for attracting deer, elk, and other wildlife to an area. This is extremely beneficial when you’re relying on hunting for your food stores.
27. Gardening - In addition to animals, you’ll likely be growing a garden of your own if you plan on any kind of long-term survival. The use of salt as a weed-killer is commonplace in many areas, but you have to be careful to not overdo it. Sprinkling too much salt can ruin the soil and turn what was once a healthy plot of land, into a barren chunk of dirt.
28. CLEANING / MAINTENANCE: Performing routine cleaning and maintenance of your gear and immediate surroundings, whether you’re surviving in place or on the move, is an important and often beneficial step towards survival.
29. Deodorant - While not very comfortable or effective when placed under the arms, a sprinkle of salt into a pair of shoes can help remove excess moisture and some odors.
30. Cleaning Scrub - Salt can be applied to just about any cooking surface or other material to act as a cleaning scrub. It works exceedingly well on grease and soot removal from hard surfaces such as pans, counter tops, grills, and even fireplaces.
31. Kill Mold/Mildew - Scrubbing mold and mildew affected areas and clothing with a rinse of salt and lemon juice or vinegar can help remove and prevent the buildup of mold/mildew in wet and humid climates.
32. MISC: In addition to the more popular and daily uses for salt come a handful of other, often forgotten, yet just as useful things.
33. Extinguish A Grease Fire - Salt is an effective flame retardant when used in large enough quantities. Keeping a box of salt next to your stove or cooking area is a good idea for anyone planning to cook with open flame… especially when high levels of oils and fats are involved.
34. De-frosting and Anti-Icing - Cleaning the inside of windows with a saltwater solution will help keep them from frosting up on sub-zero conditions. This works for both home and vehicle use. Salt can also be used as a de-icer or preventative agent for sidewalks, roads, and other surfaces that need to stay clear for safe travel and use.
35. Boil Water Faster - Decrease boil times on water by adding a dash of salt to the container.
36. IN CONCLUSION: As you can see, salt truly is a valuable resource, and not just because it helps regulate our water content and fluid balance in the body, but because it is such an effective tool for survival. It’s suggested that 25 pounds of salt be stored per person per year, and though the number seems high at first, take another look at the many uses listed above… including use as currency.