Salt might seem like a simple seasoning, but when resources are scarce, it becomes one of the most versatile and essential items you can have. Beyond flavoring food, salt plays a critical role in survival, from preserving supplies to aiding in hygiene and even offering unique defensive uses.
Here are 15 surprising ways salt can be a lifesaving in emergencies, proving it’s worth its weight in gold when it comes to survival.
1. Food Preservation
Salt helps keep food from spoiling. When you add salt to meat or vegetables, it reduces the water activity of foods and creates an environment that prevents bacteria from growing. (ref)
This way, you can store food for a long time without it spoiling, which is important if you can’t go out to buy fresh supplies.
2. Water Purification
If you have access to dirty or unsafe water, salt can help. (ref) By mixing salt with water and letting it settle, you can help remove some impurities. While it won’t make the water completely safe to drink, it can reduce some harmful substances.
Always remember that you should still boil water, if possible, after using salt for purification.
3. Wound Treatment
Salt has natural healing properties. If you get a cut or scrape, rinsing the wound with saltwater can help clean it and prevent infection. Salt can also draw out excess fluid from swollen areas, which may help reduce pain.
Just be careful because salt can sting when applied directly to an open wound.
4. Flavor Enhancement
In a survival situation, food might not taste great, especially if you’re eating preserved items. Salt enhances the flavor of food, making it more enjoyable to eat.
It can turn bland meals into something tastier, which is important for morale when resources are limited.
5. Fire Starter
If you want to start a fire, salt can help. But be careful if you’re using binary salts, like aluminum phosphide (AlP) or potassium sulfide (K2S). These salts can catch fire on their own when exposed to air. (ref)
While having a reliable way to start and manage fires is essential for warmth and cooking in an emergency, always handle everything with caution.
6. Insect Repellent
Salt can help keep insects away. You can sprinkle salt around your living area or on food to deter pests like ants and slugs.
Insects dislike salt because it can dehydrate them. So, using salt as a barrier can help protect your supplies and living space from unwanted bugs.
7. Cleaning Agent
A great natural cleaner, you can mix salt with water or vinegar to make a paste that helps scrub away stains and grime. It works well on various surfaces, including kitchen counters and cutting boards. Using salt to clean can help keep your living area hygienic, which is important for your health.
8. Dehydration Aid
If you’re sweating a lot or don’t have enough fluids, salt can help. It helps your body hold onto water, which can prevent dehydration.
When you’re in a survival situation and may not have enough fresh water, adding a little salt to your food can help maintain your body’s fluid balance.
9. Ice Melting
Salt is effective at melting ice and snow. If you’re in a cold environment, sprinkling salt on icy surfaces can make walking or driving safer. It lowers the freezing point of water, so it can help clear paths around your shelter.
This can be crucial for getting food or supplies during harsh weather.
10. Fertilizer for Plants
Some types of salt can benefit your garden, but you must use them carefully. A small amount of salt can help improve soil drainage and provide essential nutrients to plants.
Do not use table salt. If you have a limited supply of commercial fertilizers, using soluble salts (like potassium chloride or calcium ion) can help your plants grow better, which is vital for growing your own food in a survival situation. (ref)
11. Animal Feed Supplement
This is an important addition to animal feed. Animals need salt for good health, just like you do! If you have livestock or pets, providing them with salt can help them grow strong and stay healthy. (ref)
You can mix a little salt into their food or give them salt blocks to lick. This ensures they get the nutrients they need, which is essential if you rely on them for food or work.
12. Clean Cast Iron & Rust
If you have cast iron cookware, you can use salt to clean it. First, sprinkle some salt on the pan. Then, add a little cooking oil. Use a cloth or a paper towel to scrub the mixture around.
The salt works like a scrubber, helping to remove stuck-on food and rust. After cleaning, make sure to rinse it out and dry it well to prevent rust from coming back. This way, your cast iron stays in good shape for cooking!
13. Keeping Ants Out of Your Pantry
If you want to keep ants away from your food supplies, salt can do. Simply find where the ants are entering your pantry.
Once you find the spot, draw a line of salt across the entrance. Ants don’t like salt, so this barrier can keep them from getting into your food. This is an easy and natural way to protect your survival pantry from unwanted pests!
13. Homemade Soap Production
You can use salt to make homemade soap, which is useful for cleaning yourself and your things. There is evidence that the Egyptians used a soap-like mixture made from animal and plant fats combined with alkaline salts. (ref)
If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t buy soap, making your own with salt, fat, and water can help you stay clean and hygienic. (ref)
14. Self-Defense Weapon
In an emergency, salt can serve as a simple self-defense tool. If someone tries to attack you, throwing salt in their eyes can cause temporary irritation and give you a chance to escape.
While it’s not a substitute for real weapons, having salt handy can offer you a little extra protection in a dangerous situation.
15. Emergency Detoxification
Salt can help your body flush out toxins in certain situations. If you’ve eaten something that doesn’t sit well, a mixture of warm water and salt can induce vomiting and help clear your system.
However, this should only be done with caution and when necessary, as it’s not safe for everyone. It’s important to be aware of your health and know when to seek proper medical help.
Whether you see salt as a vital resource or just a flavoring agent, knowing how to use salt wisely can help you navigate through difficult situations.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.