Natural antiseptics for preppers

natural antiseptics to stockpile

Antiseptics for survival
Natural antiseptics for preppers to stockpile

There is more than one way to sterilize a wound naturally!
There are many natural antiseptics to stockpile. Preppers often
have ample first aid supplies to deal with cuts, grazes, wounds
and severe lacerations. It's comforting to know that there are
natural antiseptics available to help heal wounds when your other
medical supplies run out. Consider natural antiseptics!

Why are antiseptics useful Antiseptics are antimicrobial
substances applied to the skin to help prevent infection,
sepsis (presence of harmful bacteria and their toxins on
living tissue), or putrefaction (process of decay or rotting in a
body).

Natural Antiseptics for Survival
The first protocol a prepper should follow in regards to antiseptics
is proper wound irrigation before application of any antiseptics! A
good old fashioned soap and water rinse goes a long way to
helping heal a wound. And if you're removing a splinter, be sure
to use a sterile instrument. With these things in mind, here are
some natural antiseptics to consider...

Antiseptic #1: Apple cider Vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar smacks of acetic acid, which make it a
powerful and natural antiseptic. Effective at cleansing wounds,
apple cider vinegar is also useful as an improvised disinfectant for
medical instruments. A prepper favorite also in the pantry is
Braggs Apple Cider vinegar, pictured immediate right.

Start stockpiling apple cider vinegar and discover all the wonderful
P repper uses of vi negar! Apple cider vinegar is a food that's also
#34 on the foods to hoard.

Antiseptic #2: Anise oil / Aniseed oil.
With a distinct licorice-like aroma, aniseed oil is an antiseptic
that's uplifting, balancing and comforting. Is a flavoring oil that's
not so easy to find. Derived from aniseed, Pimpinella anisum was
well known to settlers of North America because it promotes
digestive health. Preppers generally aren't very familiar with anise
oil, but it has a wide array of uses beyond oral health, including:

antiseptic
analgesic (pain reliever) - mostly for arthritic pain
expectorant
natural lice treatment option
natural insecticide
narcotic
sedative

Because it's an antiseptic, anise essential oil gives wounds an
effective protective layer against infections and sepsis. A sideline
benefit is that is an aphrodisiac.

Antiseptic #3: Baking Soda.
According to Web MD, Baking soda has mild antiseptic properties.
Baking soda can kill some kinds of parasites, fungi, and mold. It's
also a controversial among the natural cancer treatment options.
Baking soda is indeed a valuable prepper item to hoard. You'll
find Baking soda on our list of the 37 things to hoard before crisis.

We suggest Bob's RedMill Baking soda, pictured right.

Antiseptic #4: Camphor Essential Oil.
As an antiseptic, you'll find camphor also has analgesic
properties. Mix it with a gentle carrier oil , such as shea butter or
coconut oil, and massage into skin. Try mixing camphor with
eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender oils.

Camphor also has therapeutic properties as a decongestant,
diuretic, laxative and stimulant. Essential Oil of Camphor is an
extract from the roots and branches of the camphor tree. It has a
strong medicinal aroma that's both energizing and invigorating in
a diffuser. Camphor helps boost immunit y in fighting cold
symptoms.

Interestingly, it was the people of ancient Persia who used
camphor to combat the bubonic plague. Camphor is known to get
rid of bed bugs too.

Camphor is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that
you'll want to stock in your prepper's medicine cabinet.

Antiseptic #5: Cinnamon Essential oil.
A powerful natural antiseptic, you'll find cinnamon essential oil
useful in fighting infections including coughs, colds, and viral
infections. What's the best cinnamon essential oil? It may
surprise you that you've been using the wrong kind of cinnamon.

Antiseptic #6: Citronella Essential Oil.
Credited with having therapeutic properties as an antiseptic,
deodorant, insecticide, parasitic, tonic and as a stimulant, most
people associate Citronella with its insecticide properties.
Citronella oil is excellent for combating mosquitoes.

Antiseptic #7: Frankincense.
Frankincense is both mysterious and highly valued with preppers.
It was a gift to Jesus by the three wise men and for good reason.
It's not only an antiseptic, but it's an excellent mosquito, flea,
tick and fly repellent. As well, Frankincense is an astringent, and
may help rejuvenate aging skin. It's effective with bacterial and
fungal infections.

Pictured right, Frankincense is a luxury, but doesn't have to be
expensive. The affordable Plant Guru Frankincense is the most
affordable Frankincense we've found on the market.

Antiseptic #8: Lavender Essential oil.
Lavender essentail is a natural antiseptic, as well as being an
antibacterial. It's great to apply gently to the skin.

Lavender also goes beyond and is an antibiotic that goes
unrecognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Like
other antibiotics, lavender has no effect on viruses.

Antiseptic #8: Lemons have antiseptic qualities,
though it may sting!
While you don't want to apply lemon to an open wound, certainly
you can apply lemons directly to skin or use lemon essential oil,
which will help minimize the appearance of scar tissue. You can
also remove warts with a daily treatment of lemon as an acid
applied directly to the afflicted area. Another way lemons promote
healthy skin is on the inside. Drinking lemon juice will help purge
toxins from the body to reduce blemishes and increase
appearance of wrinkles. The Vitamin C in lemons neutralizes free
radicals as an antioxidant. A dd lemons to your survival plan.

Antiseptic #9: Myrrh.
Myrrh is a natural antiseptic worth considering in the prepper's
medicine cabinet. Myrrh is a resin and is the first essential oil
described in the bible. You'll find Myrrh in Genesis 37:25 in the
story of Joseph. Interesting, myrrh is also the last essential oil
used in the bible (Revelation 18:13).

Antiseptic #10: Oregano essential oil.
Oregano essential oil has significant antibacterial properties,
totally effective for preventing antibiotic-resistant strains of
infections, notably:

Escherichia coli (E. coli) ~ In a study of oregano essential
oil published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine,
National Institutes of Health, oregano essential oil was
found to heal bacterial infections and was proven to be an
alternative antibacterial remedy for Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Oregano essential oil is an effective germicide, bactericide. To
use this powerful antimicrobial to help fight off infections, you
can apply to the skin neat without carrier oils; however, applying
"neat" is not for everyone and oregano essential oil is strong.

Antiseptic #11: Pine needles.
It's just random fact, pine needles are edible and have mild
antiseptic properties. Pine needle tea is very popular among
preppers as a foraging supply.

Learn more about the value of pine needles in prepping.

Antiseptic #12: Spearmint Oil.
Spearmint oil, applied topically is an antiseptic making it a
natural bacteria buster for wounds and ulcers.

Spearmint oil is also an antibacterial (active against bacteria to
slow down or halt bacteria), an anti fungal, and a disinfectant
(disinfectants kill bacteria, and also viruses and fungi on
surfaces).

Spearmint is similar to peppermint oil in that both have menthol*
as a plant component; however spearmint oil doesn't have as
much menthol power. Menthol is an antispasmodic, which has a
cooling effect to reduce spasms in nerves and muscles. Insects
don't like spearmint, which keeps ants, flies, moths and
mosquitoes at bay.

Antiseptic #13: Sweet Orange Essential oil.
That s weet orange essential oil has disinfecting qualities is not
that surprising, because it's a citrus oil, but many preppers aren't
aware that it's also an antiseptic.

Mix sweet orange essential oil with aloe vera gel to make a home
made hand sanitizer.

Antiseptic #14: Tea Tree Oil.
Want a natural antiseptic solution? Tea tree oil, pictured right, is
a popular natural antiseptic to help with a variety of skin
conditions from acne to eczema, to insect bites, nail fungal
infections and more. Also pictured right is lavender essential oil.
Many think of lavender for its aromatic qualities, but they can
also rely on it as an antiseptic!

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. and a popular choice with
preppers to treat a variety of medicial conditions. Tea tree
essential oil is widely used as both a disinfectant and antiseptic.
(A disinfectant kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.)

Antiseptic #15. Witch Hazel.
Magical Witch Hazel is a topical remedy f or mosquito bites, and
just about any other skin irritation, including poison oak, poison
ivy and even chicken pox or eczema. The chemical compound has
antibacterial properties which is helpful in getting rid of acne and
cleaning pores. Effective at reducing, swelling and helping to
repair broken skin, witch hazel contains tannins, which also helps
fight bacteria. (Witch hazel in steam distillate form of an extract,
does not contain tannins.)

Read more about the amazing benefits of Witch Hazel.

Following is a list of more natural antiseptics:

Antisept #16: Apricot kernal oil.
Apricot kernel oil, a carrier oil reduces risk of infection in open
wounds and cuts.

More kinds of antiseptics

First aid antiseptic #1: Isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol is the active ingredient in many antiseptic
sprays, but did you know that those little alcohol prep swabs in
your first aid kit are NOT intended for cleansing of open cuts or
scrapes? Made of 70% isopropyl alcohol, those little pads will
sting an open wound and actually inhibit healing!

How do you use alcohol prep pads then?

You might use them to clean the tweezers or a thermometer
in your first aid kit.
Diabetics may use them to clean the injection site prior to
puncturing their skin for testing or injecting insulin.
Physicians and nurses use them to clean the injection site
before vaccination.
Preppers use them as fire accelerants! That's right, the
alcohol content will help you get a fire going! They burn
nicely in a pinch.

First aid antiseptic #2: Betadine.
Among the best of doctor recommended antiseptics, Betadine
Solutions, pictured immediate right, kills germs promptly,
including minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It has been the trusted
brand in hospitals for more than 45 years.

Betadine, also called "Povidone-iodine," is a first line of defense
against topical infections because it contains antibiotics that slow
or stop the growth of bacteria. Consult your physician in case of
deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns before
using.

As one buyer summed it up: "As a veterinarian, I believe there
are no problems that cannot be solved with either Betadine,
whiskey, duct tape, WD-40, a sharp knife... or just sufficient
time."

First aid atiseptic #3: Bactine.
Bactine is a classic for the first aid kit to help prevent bacterial
contamination or skin infection. It not only relieves the pain of
minor cuts, scrapes and burns on contact, but it does not sting as
some medications can do. It's the maximum strength antiseptic
to kill germs that's safe and effective.

First aid antiseptic #4: Mouthwash.
Believe it or not, some mouthwash is an antiseptic. Mouthwash
antiseptics include ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride,
chlorhexidine (available by prescription from your Dentist), or zinc
chloride. Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash pictured right,
is, according to the manufacturer, not only a germ killer but a
people pleaser. It fights germs that cause plaque and gingivitis.

Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash, at the top left hand of the page,
helps prevent and reduce plaque build-up, gingivitis, and bad
breath
List of other antiseptics:

Use of Antiseptics
Antiseptics help us deal with bug bites and sometimes
simultaneously act as an analgesic for pain relief. Right is Safetec
sting Relief Pads offer soothing aid from all minor irritations,
including mosquito bites and bee stings.
Apply antiseptics the skin to prevent the growth and reproduction
of disease-causing microorganisms. An antiseptic is applied to
living tissue; where as a disinfectant is applied to other surfaces.
An antiseptic deters microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi,
protozoa, and viruses!

Note: A disinfectant kills bacteria, and also viruses and
fungi, but it applies to other surfaces (and not living tissue,
like skin).

What's the Difference between Disinfectants, Antiseptics,
Antibacterials and Antibiotics?

Analgesics. An analgesic i s a painkiller, usually a drug that
produces analgesia (or a relief from pain).

Anasthetics. A cold pack provides anesthetic effects.
Hurricaine topic gel will anesthetize muscle tissue to provide
temporary relief in discomfort in teeth and gums. This over
the counter medication will be a godsend when the dentist is
not around.

Antibacterial. An antibacterial is anything that is active
against bacteria and applies to the skin. Saliva has natural
antibacterial properties, which is why wound in your mouth
heal quickly, so your instinct to lick a wound is actually a
good thing!

Antibiotics. Antibiotics: are an agent that kills or inhibits the
growth of a microorganism applied topically or orally.
Antibiotics are transported... used in or on the body to kill or
inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Antibiotics have no
effect on viruses. Are fish antibiotics safe for humans?

Antiseptics. Antisepti c s are antimicrobial substances applied
to the skin to help prevent infection.apply to the skin to
prevent the growth and reproduction of disease-causing
microorganisms. An antiseptic is gentler than a disinfectant,
because its applied to living tissue. The microorganisms an
antiseptic deters include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and
viruses! Believe it or not, some mouthwash is an antiseptic.
Mouthwash antiseptics include ingredients such as
cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine (available by
prescription from your Dentist), or zinc chloride.

Disinfectants. Disinfectants: apply to surfaces (not skin). A
disinfectant is a chemical liquid that destroys bacteria. A
disinfectant is stronger than an antiseptic. It kills bacteria,
and also viruses and fungi.

Happy endings...
Natural antiseptics abound. You need only know where to look for
them. When there is no doctor, preppers will need to be creative
about their medical supplies.

Related articles...

What's the difference between an antibiotic and an antiseptic?
Both are substances that prevent the growth of the
microorganisms; however there is a significant difference:

Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria.
Antiseptics acts against a wide range of microorganisms.

Essential oil articles you may like

Prepare to live happily ever after with us at happypreppers.com - the emergency
preparedness Web site of prepping, survival, homesteading, and self-reliance.

* These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For
any health or dietary matter, always consult your physician. This information is
intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional
medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Never disregard or delay in
seeking medical advice when available. As a reminder, these statements about
extracts have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Warnings about essential oils and pregnancy: As with all essential oils, do not use
internally unless you have express approval from a certified practioner. Essential oils
for consumption must be food grade and are taken with caution only and never during
pregnancy. Consult with a physician or healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant or
are nursing. Also, do not use essential oils in eyes or on eyelids, and keep of reach of
children.

------------------------------------------------- Revised 2/1/21
(C) Copyright 2012-2021 by HappyPreppers.com. All rights reserved. The site happily targets concerned
citizens who are self-reliant survivalists, preppers and homesteaders with original content on survival following
societal collapse. You may link to our site, but you may NOT reproduce any part of our content, or store our
content in any retrieval system to represent it as your own. Further, you may not transmit content in any other
form or by any means, including (but not limited to) electronic, photocopy, mechanical, or recording without
written consent. HappyPreppers.com makes no warranties.

HappyPreppers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com,
amazonsupply.com, or myhabit.com. Amazon is a great place to buy emergency supplies. In other words, we
recommend prepping gear sold on Amazon. It's a great place to shop.

Get prepared! Read more e mergency preparedness information on our home page.

This article on natural antiseptics was archived by waybackmachine.org and it's been saved as many as 24
times between August 8, 2014 and May 2, 2018. This helps protect our copyright.

Do NOT copy. Linking is okay.

sitemap
privacy policy

Camphor Oil