In my previous article, 9 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil That You Should Know Now, I talked about the many health benefits of introducing coconut oil into your daily diet. Health benefits of this versatile product include anything from boosting your immune system to fighting inflammation to brain health protection….and much more! Now, I want to focus on coconut oil survival uses as well.
Did you know that there are survival uses for coconut oil? This product is truly beneficial and every survivalist and prepper alike should carry this product in their EDC bag, bug out bag, and in their pantry. One great thing about coconut oil is it does not need refrigeration so it’s the perfect addition to your EDC or bug out bag.
Let’s get started on it’s amazing survival uses!
Coconut Oil Survival Uses
Treat Minor Cuts and Abrasions
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and is perfect for treating minor cuts and abrasions. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil directly to an open wound to prevent infection. Next, cover the wound with an adhesive bandage and you’re good to go!
Heal Cracked Skin and Chapped Lips
If you are suffering symptoms of dehydration, for example, your skin can become cracked and your lips can become severely chapped. Apply coconut oil to cracked skin or chapped lips to keep them moisturized which, in turn, will relieve any pain or discomfort.
Moisturize your hair
Coconut oil makes an amazing hair mask! Just melt some coconut oil in a small bowl (be sure to watch the temperature; if you make it too hot, you can burn your scalp!) and slowly massage it into your scalp and roots. Leave it on for an hour and then wash out! You'll notice a difference immediately since coconut oil is very conditioning and is great for hair growth and split ends. For an added bonus, add a couple drops of lavender essential oil.
Bug Bite Relief
With nature comes pesky, biting insects! Apply coconut oil directly to insect bites to relieve itching, swelling, and other discomforts. The antibacterial properties of coconut oil will also help heal the insect bites.
Heal Deep Bruising
If you are suffering from deep bruising, apply coconut oil directly to the bruise. Massage into your skin using small circular motions for about 3-4 minutes. This helps heal the damaged tissue associated with deep bruising.
Homemade Salves And Balms
Homemade salves and balms are made with essential oils and a ‘carrier oil’. Coconut oil is an excellent carrier oil. Other great choices for a carrier oil include: jojoba oil, olive oil, rosehip oil, and black seed oil.
Survivalists and homesteaders across the world are making and stockpiling these homemade salves and balms. When SHTF (and before) it’s a great feeling to have an all natural alternative to traditional medicines, which may become obsolete over time during a SHTF situation.
Remove Rust From Knife Blades
Coconut oil is great for removing rust on knife blades. Apply a thick layer (but, not too thick) of coconut oil to your knife blade. Let it sit for 1-2 hours then wipe off. Repeat if necessary.
Make Candles
Melt coconut oil into liquid form. Next, secure a wick into a glass container. Pour the melted coconut oil into the glass container, making sure the wick stays in place while pouring. Let dry completely and light the wick. Quick and easy!
Soothe Rashes
A coconut oil based salve will relieve the itchiness and redness of a rash. This salve will also promote quicker healing due to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil.
Kill Head Lice
Poor sanitation and hygiene after a disaster is to be expected. The downside to that is head lice, for example, will be very common and will spread easily. Coconut oil to the rescue!
Apply warm coconut oil to the scalp and leave in for about 15 mins to kill head lice. You can add a small amount of tea tree oil (about 5 drops) to the coconut oil for better results.
Cure Pink Eye
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil make it an excellent remedy for pink eye. Apply coconut oil to a cotton ball and apply across closed eyes. This helps kill the infection and decreases the swelling which, in turn, allows for a much quicker healing process.
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Do you have a survival use for coconut oil that you would like to share? Tell us in the comment section below.
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