In a survival situation, personal hygiene may not be a top priority initially, but eventually, it becomes a luxury. According to survivors of war or disasters, even small amounts of deodorant, shampoo, or toothpaste were more valuable than food.
While these items may not be readily available post-disaster, it’s wise to create and store your own emergency supply for personal use or bartering. The homemade products listed in this article are chemical-free and beneficial for your health, reducing your dependence on commercial substances.
Coconut oil is a crucial ingredient in several of these DIY products, as it possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent base for personal hygiene items. To obtain the best benefits, use organic, unrefined oil, or expeller-pressed oil if you don’t want the coconut smell. Despite its cost, the health advantages of coconut oil are remarkable.
Good personal hygiene is vital during a survival scenario
In a survival scenario, personal hygiene may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, good personal hygiene helps to prevent the spread of diseases. In a survival situation, access to medical facilities may be limited, making it even more critical to prevent illnesses from occurring in the first place. Basic actions such as washing hands frequently, keeping wounds clean, and brushing teeth regularly can help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Secondly, good personal hygiene can help to boost morale and mental health. When you’re in a stressful and challenging situation, it’s essential to take care of your mental health. Maintaining good personal hygiene can help to boost your self-confidence, reduce stress levels, and improve your overall mood.
Thirdly, maintaining good personal hygiene can help to prevent insect bites and infections. Insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can carry diseases, and maintaining good personal hygiene can help to reduce the risk of being bitten. Keeping your skin clean and wearing clean clothing can also help to prevent infections from occurring.
Fourthly, good personal hygiene can help to conserve water. In a survival situation, water may be scarce, and every drop counts. By practicing good personal hygiene, such as taking quick showers or using a damp cloth to clean yourself, you can conserve water and make it last longer.
Lastly, good personal hygiene can also increase your chances of survival by making you less attractive to predators. Animals are attracted to the smell of sweat, urine, and feces, and maintaining good personal hygiene can help to reduce these odors and make you less appealing to predators.
To maintain good personal hygiene during a survival scenario, there are several essential steps that you can take. Firstly, keep yourself clean by washing your hands, face, and body regularly. Secondly, maintain good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly. Thirdly, keep your clothes and bedding clean by washing them frequently. Fourthly, keep wounds clean and covered to prevent infections. Lastly, avoid sharing personal hygiene items with others, such as towels or razors, to prevent the spread of germs.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential during a survival scenario. It can help to prevent the spread of diseases, boost morale and mental health, prevent insect bites and infections, conserve water, and increase your chances of survival. By taking the necessary steps to maintain good personal hygiene, you can help to keep yourself healthy, safe, and increase your chances of survival in challenging situations.
During a survival scenario where you may not have access to commercial personal care products. In such situations, it is essential to know how to make your own personal hygiene products to ensure you maintain proper hygiene to avoid health issues. Now let’s see what personal hygiene items you can make at home.
DIY Personal Hygiene Items
Deodorant
One of the most important personal care products is deodorant. Although it may seem like a luxury, it is essential for maintaining good hygiene, and making your own deodorant is easy. A homemade deodorant recipe using coconut oil is highly effective in controlling underarm odor. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that help fight odor-causing bacteria. To make your deodorant, combine ¼ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch, ¼ cup baking soda, and approximately 7 tablespoons of coconut oil. Mix the ingredients until a nice thick paste forms, similar to store-bought deodorant. Store it in a jar or other container, and apply a teaspoon or two under each armpit.
Body lotion
Another personal hygiene product that is easy to make is a body lotion bar. This moisturizing bar is similar to soap but leaves a nice layer of moisturizer on your skin when applied. The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of coconut oil, 1/3 cup of shea, mango, cocoa, kokum, or illipe butter, or any combination of these, 1/3 cup of beeswax, 1 teaspoon of vitamin e oil, and a few drops of essential oil. Heat the ingredients in a glass jar placed in a pan of warm water, pour it into molds, and allow it to cool before removing and storing.
Antiseptic ointment
An antiseptic ointment is also important to have in your survival kit. This ointment has antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral, and analgesic properties. The recipe calls for 2 ounces of beeswax, 1 cup of coconut or almond oil, ½ teaspoon of tea tree oil, ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 1 ounce of jojoba oil, 24 drops of lavender essential oil, and 12 drops of lemon essential oil. Combine all the ingredients, warm slightly to liquefy the mixture so the oils meld, and store it in an airtight tin or jar. This ointment is effective in treating cuts, skin irritations, or any other condition that requires a salve.
Lip balm
A soothing sunscreen lip balm is also essential in a survival scenario. Exposure to the sun can cause chapped lips, so it is necessary to have a balm that will protect your lips. To make your own lip balm, combine 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 3 drops of tea tree oil, 3 drops of lemon oil, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter. Store it in an airtight tin in a cool, dry place and apply as often as necessary.
Toothpaste
Homemade toothpaste is easy to make and highly effective in maintaining oral hygiene. Salt is one of the best disinfectants that can be used to remove food particles and buildup from your teeth. To make toothpaste, combine 1/3 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, and about 2 tablespoons of water. Mix the ingredients to create the consistency of toothpaste, store it in an airtight tin or jar, and use it like regular toothpaste.
Concluding
Personal hygiene is crucial in a survival scenario, and knowing how to make your own personal care products is essential to maintain good hygiene. The recipes mentioned above are easy to make, chemical-free, and highly effective. Having these products in your emergency supply not only helps maintain personal hygiene but also eliminates the need to depend on commercial substances.
Recommended resources for preppers and homesteaders:
How to make green cleaners for your household
Ingenious DIY projects for a Self-Sufficient Homestead