34 Uses of Salt for Survival
One of the very first things I did when I first started prepping was to bolster my pantry with basic staples that could be used for a variety of purposes. When it was suggested that I store salt, and lots of it, I was a disbeliever. After all, conventional mainstream wisdom had taught me that salt was the bad guy.
But is it really?
I made it my mission to determine whether salt is a good thing, a bad thing, or simply something best treated as an item to “use in moderation”.
Salt As the Bad Guy
22. Non-stick pancakes Rub salt on your pancake griddle and your flapjacks won’t stick.
23. Keeping cut flowers fresh A dash of salt added to the water in a flower vase will keep cut flowers fresh longer.
24. Keeping patios weed-free If weeds or unwanted grass come up between patio bricks or blocks, carefully spread salt between the bricks and blocks, then sprinkle with water or wait for rain to wet it down.
25. Killing poison ivy Mix three pounds of salt with a gallon of soapy water and apply to leaves and stems with a sprayer.
26. Deodorizing shoes Sprinkling a little salt in canvas shoes occasionally will take up the moisture and help remove odors.
27. Relieving bee stings If stung, immediately wet the spot and cover with salt to relieve the pain.
28. Deter ants Sprinkle salt at doorways, window sills and anywhere else ants sneak into your house. Ants don’t like to walk on salt.
29. Clean teeth Use one part fine salt to two parts baking soda–dip your toothbrush in the mix and brush as usual.
30. Melt snow and ice Sprinkle salt on snow or ice to melt away.
31. Removing soot Occasionally throw a handful of salt on the flames in your fireplace; it will help loosen soot from the chimney and salt makes a bright yellow flame.
32. For soap making Salt is a component in some soap recipes. It stimulates a chemical reaction that hardens the soap.
33. Nasal Rinse Mix well 1/4 cup salt & 1/4 cup of baking soda and store in an air tight container, use 1/4 tsp. for each rinse. This can help stop a cold virus in its tracks, can help with seasonal allergies, and can relieve sinus pressure. Many people use a neti pot for this purpose.
34. Dispose of disposal odor To help remove odors from garbage disposals, pour 1/2 cup of Salt directly into the garbage disposal. By running the disposal following manufacturer’s directions, you’ll send those odors down the drain.
Now granted, some of these uses are handy dandy but not 100% survival and prepper-centric. Still, as this demonstrates, there are a ton of day to day uses for salt that will make our lives easier if not more pleasant.
What type of salt should you store?
For many purposes, not just any salt will do. Here’s a rundown on the different types of salt that are available, and the best ways to use each type. Note: this information was compiled from Authority Nutrition.
Iodized table salt
This is the inexpensive salt you can find at any grocery store, discount center, or even dollar store across the country. It’s cheap and simple to acquire.
Unfortunately, when it is refined all of the beneficial minerals are removed. Perhaps part of the reason that salt is so hard on your body is that most of us end up consuming this version. It is refined to the point that it’s mostly sodium chloride.
It often has additives like iodine and anti-caking agents.
This kind of salt is fine for cleaning purposes, but don’t look to it as a health supplement.
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt is very similar to regular table salt, but it is sold in flakes as opposed to finely ground. The original use of kosher salt was in the Jewish faith, to remove all of the blood from meat as per their religious requirements.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is derived from evaporating ocean water. The darker the color, the more “impurities” it has – but in this case impurities can be trace minerals and nutrients.
While it isn’t as refined as the table salt above, the serious pollution in our oceans means that sea salt may not be the healthiest option. It can be very high in heavy metals, and post-Fukushima, even radiation, depending upon the origin of the salt.
Celtic Salt
Celtic salt is a type of sea salt that comes from a specific region in France. It is grayish in color and a moist texture, unlike other types of salt that are completely dry.
It contains the same minerals as regular sea salt, and the percentage of sodium chloride is slightly lower than other salts.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt is harvested in Pakistan. The pink color comes from iron oxide. Pink Himalayan salt also has other minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
It is often very coarse, but if you prefer it to be finer, just use a pepper grinder on a fine setting.
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