Beyond its role as a quick energy source, a simple bag of sugar can be a surprisingly versatile tool in a survival scenario. From treating wounds to starting a fire, this common kitchen staple can be a lifesaver. Here are 10 detailed survival uses for sugar that might surprise you.
1. Wound Treatment and Antiseptic
In an emergency, sugar can act as an antiseptic to help treat a wound. This isn’t just a folk remedy; it’s based on a scientific principle called osmosis. When you apply a thick layer of sugar to a cut or scrape, the high concentration of sugar draws moisture out of the wound. This dehydrates and kills bacteria, preventing or slowing down infection. This method has been used for centuries and is still occasionally employed in modern medicine for difficult-to-treat wounds. To use it, simply pour granulated sugar directly onto the wound, or mix it with a small amount of water to create a thick paste, and then apply it.
2. Emergency Energy and Morale Booster
In a survival situation, your body and mind will quickly become exhausted. A few spoonfuls of sugar can provide a rapid infusion of glucose, which is your brain’s primary fuel source. This can help combat “survival brain fog” and provide the quick energy needed for strenuous tasks like chopping wood, building a shelter, or making a long hike. The psychological effect shouldn’t be underestimated either; a sweet taste can provide a much-needed boost in morale and a sense of comfort in a stressful situation.
3. Fire-Starting Fuel
This is a more advanced trick, but a mixture of sugar and potassium permanganate can create a powerful fire-starting accelerant. Potassium permanganate is a common chemical used for water purification and is often found in survival kits. When powdered sugar is mixed with potassium permanganate (at a ratio of about 10 parts sugar to 1 part potassium permanganate) and then rubbed together with friction from a stick, the reaction can generate enough heat to ignite tinder. Do this with extreme caution, as the reaction is rapid and intense.
4. Makeshift Water Filter
While sugar can’t purify water on its own, it can improve a rudimentary filter. If you’ve made a filter from layers of sand, pebbles, and activated charcoal (from a fire), mixing sugar with the charcoal can make it more effective. The sugar helps bind the charcoal particles together, creating a denser medium that can better trap impurities. This makes the water that passes through the filter cleaner and safer to drink.
5. Effective Bait for Trapping
Sugar can be an excellent bait for both fishing and trapping small animals. A sugar-water solution will attract insects, which in turn can lure in birds or other small game. For fishing, many freshwater fish are attracted to sweet flavors. You can use a sugar paste on a hook or add it to a mix of other baits to make them more appealing. This simple addition can significantly improve your chances of catching food.
6. Natural Food Preservative
If you’re lucky enough to forage a large amount of fruit or berries, you’ll need a way to preserve them so they don’t spoil. Sugar is a natural preservative because its high concentration inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold. By boiling foraged fruits with a large amount of sugar, you can create a jam or syrup that will last much longer than the raw fruit. This allows you to store calories for a later time, which is critical in a long-term survival situation.
7. Emergency Signal Smoke
In a dire situation where you need to signal for help, sugar can be used to create thick, dark smoke that is more visible than a simple wood fire. Melt sugar and mix it with a small amount of fat or wax (like from a candle or lip balm). When this mixture is placed on a hot surface or ignited, it will produce a black, oily smoke that is highly visible from the air. This can be a lifesaver when trying to attract the attention of a search party.
8. Calming an Insect Sting
A simple sugar paste can provide quick relief from a bee or wasp sting. The sugar paste works by drawing out some of the venom and reducing swelling. The high concentration of sugar helps to soothe the irritated skin and can significantly lessen the pain and discomfort of the sting.
9. Protecting Your Tools from Rust
Metal tools like a knife or saw are invaluable in a survival situation, and protecting them from rust is essential. A thin, sticky layer of sugar and water can create a protective barrier against rust. The sugar solution coats the metal, preventing oxygen from reaching it and slowing down the oxidation process. While not a permanent solution, it can provide temporary protection for your tools in a humid or wet environment.
10. Makes Unpalatable Foods Edible
Let’s face it, not all foraged foods taste good. Many wild plants and berries are bitter or sour. A sprinkle of sugar can make these foods more palatable, encouraging you to eat the calories you need to survive. This simple use can be the difference between consuming a food source that is available and having to forgo it because it tastes bad.
