Things with an indefinite shelf life that every stockpile should have, and the many ways to use them. Whether you're new or you've been prepping for years, I know you'll learn something.
From my videos
These lists are some of my most-watched videos. Buy these once, store them right, and they'll be there when you need them. Each one does a lot more than you'd think. Tap the box on each item once you have it.
Eases gas, bloating and indigestion by binding gases in the gut.
A paste for insect bites, and for poison ivy and poison oak rashes.
Added to a detox bath.
Water
Used in water filters to remove odors, chlorine, pesticides and other chemicals.
Emergencies
It's the same thing emergency rooms use for some poisonings and overdoses.
Be careful: For any poisoning or overdose, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 first. Only give charcoal if they tell you to. It doesn't work for every poison. Charcoal also binds medicines, including birth control, so take it at least 2 hours apart. On its own, charcoal doesn't kill germs in water: still boil, disinfect or use a real filter.
Most important to me: making herbal extracts and tinctures. They're easy and work really well.
Home
Disinfecting surfaces and tools.
Homemade hand sanitizer.
Good to know: For disinfecting, proof matters. Regular 80-proof vodka or rum (40% alcohol) is great for tinctures, but it's too weak to kill germs. For sanitizer and surfaces you need at least 60% alcohol, like 120-proof or higher grain alcohol, or 70% rubbing alcohol.
Be careful: For cuts and scrapes, rinse with clean water instead. Alcohol damages healing tissue.
A natural pest deterrent for ants, aphids and beetles.
Remedies
Some people use food-grade clay for upset stomachs and food poisoning, since it binds things in the gut.
Katie's tip: This is one I don't see on many lists, and I think everybody should have it on hand.
Be careful: Buy food-grade clay from a brand that tests for heavy metals. The FDA has warned about lead in some bentonite products. Ask a doctor before taking it by mouth, especially for kids, if you're pregnant, or if you take medicine. Keep it away from metal spoons and bowls.
Real vanilla, made with quality vanilla beans and at least 35% alcohol. Not the imitation stuff.
Katie's tip: This one's a little controversial. Some say it slowly loses quality, but people who make their own say it gets more potent with time. Keep it in dark glass, and buy several small bottles instead of one big one, so you're not opening it constantly and exposing it to air.
