Knowing the unconventional uses of olive oil is an excellent addition to your prepping knowledge. Yes, it may be surprising to find out that there are several other ways to use olive oil apart from the traditional methods you’re used to, but that’s what makes you a prepper.
7 Unconventional Uses of Olive Oil
Some of these unconventional uses are sure to come in handy someday, and you’ll be glad to know them. Let’s look at ten different items to make from Olive oil.
Natural Toothpaste
In case you ever run out of toothpaste in the wild, you do not have to stop maintaining oral hygiene, as that can lead to other health issues. Here’s a simple way to use olive oil to make a useful tooth washing substance.
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 tbs. of baking soda
- 6 tbs. of olive oil
- 25 drops of essential oil (a blend of orange and peppermint is usually okay).
- 1 tsp of xylitol
Put all ingredients together and mix in a bowl. Turn the mixture until you’re very sure that the olive oil mixes thoroughly with the baking soda. With that done, your teeth are ready to be cleaned.
Fire Starters
Every pepper knows that building a fire is an important skill to have in the wild, and while there are various ways to do this, we all know there’s never any guarantee out there. Things could go wrong; here’s how olive oil can save you:
Ingredients Needed:
- Olive oil
- Cotton balls
Soak the cotton balls in olive oil and store in a Ziploc bag or jar. This is mostly helpful when on a fall or winter camping or hunting trip, as warm temperatures will cause the oil to drip off the balls. This is undoubtedly helpful, especially if you consider the season.
Hand Scrubs — With Coffee Grounds
A hand scrub liquid can be very vital, depending on what you get involved in. Like I always say, the wilderness is unpredictable. So, you never can tell what to come across. Here’s a way to put your used coffee grounds to good use.
Ingredients Needed:
- ¼ cup of olive oil.
- ¼ cup of coffee grounds.
Usually, this process takes some time, as the coffee grounds will have to be completely dried out before using. I suggest that you spread everything out on a cookie sheet and leave to dry for 1 or 2 days. Store from time to time to ensure thorough drying. After this is done, mix up the two ingredients and store in a jar you can put your fingers in. Whenever necessary, scoop some out to scrub your hands.
Home-made Deodorants
If you like to smell good, particularly using natural products, you can use olive oil.
Materials Needed:
- 6 tbs. Of olive oil.
- ¼ cup of baking soda.
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- 20–25 drops of essential oils.
Put the soda & cornstarch in a bowl and mix everything evenly. You can use a fork to ensure that the oil is evenly blended. When properly done, add your essential oils and after the process, store everything in a jar you can easily get a craft stick or finger in.
Home-made Candles
Light is obviously vital in the wilderness. Everyone knows you can’t do much at night without lighting. Plus, there’s the likelihood of getting bit or stung by a snake or scorpion. Thankfully, you do not have to spend much to enjoy lightening in the wilderness.
Materials Needed:
- An old container or jar of candle.
- 1 cup of olive oil.
- 3 cups of soy wax chips.
- 10–15 drops of essential oils.
- Hot glue gun.
Using hot glue, affix the wick to the container’s bottom. After that, mix your olive oil and each chip in another jar and place it in hot water until the mixture turns liquid. Mix with essential oils and pour them into the candle jar. As you pour, do so carefully so that the wick has about half an inch headspace. Leave to cool & harden before using.
Dog Shampoo
If you think your dog’s starting to stink due to the constant hunting, then it’s time to give her a good bath. You do not even have to spend money on branded shampoos with the availability of olive oil.
Materials Needed:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup ground oatmeal
- 1 tsp. of liquid Castile soap
- 1 tsp. of olive oil
- 10 drops of any essential oil.
- 4 cups of warm water
Mix the baking soda & oatmeal in a half-gallon jar. Add in the soap, olive oil & essential oil, and stir until everything is well mixed. Pour the warm water, gently rocking the jar as you do so to mix everything evenly. Whenever your pooch has to take a bath, simply massage into its skin and leave on for some minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Treatment For Athlete’s Foot
Should you suffer a foot injury in the wild, you must realize that you’re exposed to thousands of infections as your legs are arguably the body parts that you use the most. To ensure you don’t get infected, an antifungal has to be applied quickly.
Materials Needed:
- 1 cup of coconut oil
- 20 drops of peppermint oil
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
Put materials together in a bowl and stir thoroughly. When done, apply generously on the feet and wear a pair of socks. Leave for about 12 hours, preferably overnight. Store what’s left in a jar.
Concluding The Unconventional Uses of Olive Oil
As you have read, the unconventional uses of olive oil can make your stay in the wilderness much easier. The contributions may not be essential to survival, but they will undoubtedly make loving bearable and more homely. The failure to take advantage of these remarkable benefits will be a major slap on your face as a prepper, so I advise that you pack several bottles of olive oil before bugging out. You can also make playdough, lotion bars, and simple cough syrup with olive oil.