The key element of any kind of survival situation is to understand the risks and benefits from any natural element a prepper might face. These often come hand in hand, which Is why it is essential to know both the threats and the advantages. Insects are probably best known as a potential threat in a survival situation. Most people understand that there are many different varieties and species of insects, like certain types of spiders, for example, that can hurt or even kill a human being. Besides that, people might perceive these species as a potential source of food that can be used as an emergency source of rations.
Beyond these two elements, even survival experts might not focus very much on any particular kind of insect. Yet the truth is that insects and many adjacent species have another major benefit that is essential for anyone who is inclined towards a prepper mentality. This benefit comes in the form of healing and the different and extensive array of possibilities that come with the use of insects in medicine, especially when it comes to survival situations. Here is an overview of why insects are important in this field and also a selection of some the most useful species and their products.
Genetics and Mental Barriers
Before delving into the topic of the medicinal use of insects, it is important to recognize that we as humans have an embedded genetic concern when it comes to these animals. While they are generally harmless and only a small number of species are actually poisonous or otherwise dangerous to humans, people tend to generally associate them with unclean and derelict spaces, as well as a possible means of getting hurt. In layman terms, most people find insects to be gross and more often than not, repulsive. After all, everyone has the experience of getting stood by a mosquito or a bee, seeing a bunch of bugs around a dead animal, or something similar to that.
However, to use insects in a survival environment, it is important to differentiate fact from general disdain and focus on the elements of insect life that can be a benefit to humans. Only then is it possible to actually apply any of that in a medical situation and potentially save a life. Furthermore, those stuck in a jungle or forest, while they are coughing, bleeding, or even suffering from a bacterial infection might all find salvation from the humble insects around them. With that in mind here is the list of the insects and insect products that can play a key role in a process of healing.
1. Maggots
These are the perfect examples of the concept of discussion that people generally feel towards insects. When we see maggots, we immediately think of decay and rotting flesh. However, when a blowfly lays its offspring – maggots, these have the ability to secrete a chemical compound called allantoin. The same chemical is regularly used to treat bone infection, otherwise known as osteomyelitis. The same goes for using the maggots directly on an open wound that cannot heal properly. This is called MDT or maggot debridement therapy. The same maggots do not eat the living flesh and instead focus on dead tissue and more importantly, bacteria that are causing an infection. This is exceedingly important in some issues with illnesses like diabetes. In theory, the same maggots would serve the same function in the wilderness and clean the wound in the same way.
2. Bee Venom
Bees are widespread insects in many parts of the world. Getting stung by one is something that survival experts and anyone in the outdoors usually avoids by all means. However, bee venom has a range of properties. The same chemical is a compound that uses peptides, enzymes, and glucocorticoids, all packed in a singular package. In the outdoors, it would be possible to carefully collect the same chemical and use it topically for things like painful joints.
3. Ant Venom, Green Ant Tea and Army Ant Sutures
It is stunning just how much use can simple ants provide for anyone in a medical emergency while in a survival situation. The same applies even to a chronic issue like a headache. Similar to bees, ants might not produce a level of disgusts like maggots, but they are also not something most people like to find in the outdoors. Their bites are bothersome but quickly forgettable. However, they too contain venom in small doses. The same venom can be used to reduce joint pains and bring down their swelling. The same chemical is used already in rheumatoid arthritis. This means that a survival situation (unlike using bee venom) could include a person placing a bunch of ants on a part of the body and allowing them to bite there.
But, this should be done carefully as too much venom might trigger an immune reaction that would increase and not decrease the swelling. Besides, the larger Army ants can be used to suture wounds. A precisely placed Army ant, held behind its head, will open its mandible. When released, it will clamp down and easily connect two pieces of skin just like a surgical thread and needle or a steel staple. Even when the body of the ant is removed the bite will remain locked tight. This might sound far out, but it was done successfully time and time again. Lastly, in the Australian bush, the mixture of boiling water and ground-up green ants, also known as weaver ants, is a remedy used by the Aboriginal natives for thousands of years. Because of the protein that they contain, the drink is believed to help with things like colds and headaches. Modern science corroborated many of those properties.
4. Cobwebs and Improvised Wound Dressing
Cobwebs, if they are clean and not filled with dead insects, can be used for a makeshift type of bandage. This is a practice known since the Middle Ages, when combat in woodlands and other inhospitable terrains often demanded quick improvisation when it comes to open and bleeding wounds, cuts, and gashes. While a person should always be mindful not to pick up a spider along with the cobwebs, the material is more than adequate. Furthermore, scientists today are working on replicating spider silk for things like bone grafting. In a survival situation, a prepper should only collect plenty of cobwebs and make sure they remain as clean as possible – from there on out, they only need to apply their silky bandage to a wound that needs to be closed.
5. Cicadas Bugs and Diuretics Appliances
Cicadas are probably best known for their mentions in the Bible and the Old Testament. In the reality of history, they have been often used as a source of food, being rich in proteins. However, they also have medicinal uses in the case of urinary tract infections. Consumed, they may act in the digestive tract as a diuretic, which means that they could free up water that is then excreted from the body. With it, the bacterial infection may also be washed out. Anyone having access to them in nature can also use them for the same purposes.
6. Cochineal Beetle as a Cough Remedy
Cochineal Beetle specimens might look terrible, but they are one of the most important species when it comes to the use of insects in a survival situation. If a person can capture a handful of them, they can be submerged in strong alcohol, like spirits. The same alcohol drains out and gets congestive properties thanks to the Cochineal Beetle chemical structure. This makes the alcohol mixture ideal for things like cough, especially whooping cough. Only a small amount is enough to send the same chemicals to the body. It has also shown itself to be effective in some cases when dealing with the early stages of urinary tract infections.
With this information, anyone can turn the insect world around them into a powerful selection of healing remedies. Yes, there might be a strong psychological repulsiveness towards them, but all of these bugs could be literal lifesavers in a potentially dangerous situation.
Great content! Keep up the good work!