Soap

 

Soap removes natural oils, leaving the skin less waterproof and more prone to attack by germs. In survival circumstances it is a mistake to wash too often with soap. But, soap is the most widely used antiseptic and much better than iodine. It is ideal for scrubbing hands before administering first-aid . Keep supplies for this.

 

Soap Making

Two ingredients- an oiland an alkali- are needed to make soap. The oil can be animal fat (including fish) or vegetable, but not mineral. The alkali can be produced by burning wood or seaweed to produce ash.

Method: Wash ash with water. Strain and boil with the oil. Simmer until excess liquid is evaporated and allow to cool. This soap will clean the skin but is not antiseptic. Adding horseradish root or pine resin to the brew will make it antiseptic.  Experiment will be necessary to get the balance in the mixture right. Start with more oil than alkali because too much alkali will dry the skin.

 

Source:  SAS Survival Handbook