Cigarettes are known to be hugely addicting and are terrible for the body because of the negative side-effects they can bring. This is the reason why we see a lot of anti-smoking signs and as well as health warnings everywhere. But did you know that cigarettes can be very useful when it comes to survival? It is something that you will want to bring with you in your bug out bag and survival kit.
Are you curious to know what the survival uses of cigarettes are? We will be glad to give you that list. Even if you’re not a smoker, we will let you know why it is essential for you to have some cigarettes on the next survival situation you’ll be facing. Here are the 8 survival uses of cigarettes.
1. For Bartering
Bartering cigarettes can be one of the most helpful and reliable uses of cigarettes for survival. It’s because a lot of people will do bartering after a major disaster and alcohol and cigarettes will be highly sought at those times.
People’s addictions will come in handy during these times and those addicted to cigarettes are an absolute goldmine in a crisis. So, barter your cigarettes to other useful items such as food, water, and tools. They will have their temporary fix while your chances of survival will increase.
2. To Relieve a Toothache
Having a toothache during a survival situation can be a major pain, and when they are left untreated, they can become worse and can even cause damage to your mouth. Since finding a dentist once SHTF can be really challenging, the use of cigarette can help you in managing the pain for a while.
Tobacco is known to be a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. When you rub it to your tooth, it will be able to relieve the pain temporarily, allowing you to get back to business.
3. To Stop the Itching
During survival, it’s more likely that you’re going to get a few insect bites, making the experience far more unpleasant. But no worries because you can also use cigarettes to help ease the discomfort of insect bites.
You just simply need to get a tobacco wet then press it onto your bug bites. That will help ease the pain and itching, and it will heal the skin as well.
4. To Stop the Blood
When you get a minor wound during survival or bugging out, you can also use a cigarette to stop the bleeding. Simply tap a little ash from it onto the wound. This will help cover the injured area and stop the blood flow.
However, if you have a more serious and bigger wound, you can use the plastic for a new pack of cigarettes. Tape it onto the wound as this will help stop more blood from coming out of your body.
5. To Filter Water
Cigarettes tend to come with filters, and did you know that you can use these filters to filter large substances from your water? Place it inside a straw, a piece of bamboo, or another plant with a tube-like structure. Then, pour the water in and let it drop into your container.
However, you should remember that this process will not remove bacteria and parasites. You still have to boil the water for a few minutes to make sure that it is safe to drink.
6. To Kill Parasites in Your Intestines
During survival and bugging out, it’s likely for people to drink contaminated water or eat contaminated foods which can easily kill you if left untreated. But did you know that cigarettes can kill these harmful invaders as well?
When you eat cigarettes, the nicotine it contains will stun and kill those harmful invaders and will allow them to pass through your body. You will need to eat one-and-a-half cigarettes and then eat the same dosage after 48 hours. It may sound disgusting and risky, but it sure is better than death.
7. To Kill Insects and Pests
Cigarettes can also be used as a pesticide. You just need to dilute the tobacco with water and place it in a spray bottle. You can spray it to plants with insects and pests. But if you intend to use the plants to your edibles, make sure to wash them thoroughly before consumption.
8. To Start a Fire
This is the most obvious use of cigarettes but it is one of the most important as well. You can use the outer layer of paper, the filter, and the tobacco as tinder and you will be able to start a fire in no time. With cigarettes, you will be able to conserve embers and transport fire from place to place.
These are some of the survival uses of cigarettes. It’s surprising to know that even if you’re not a smoker, you will still be able to find cigarettes useful, especially when bugging out. Try to test these survival uses and maybe you’ll also be stocking up on a few boxes for your survival kit and bug out bag.