Making Use of Your Environment: Tree Sap

While I was at work I walked by a pine tree that had sap leaking out of it. If you find yourself in a situation where you need a fire sap is a good thing to have to help you out. It is flammable and will help to keep your fire going while you kindle it. If you find a pine tree, or any other tree that leaks sap for that matter, there is a pretty good chance of finding some sap. If you don't find any what you can do is pull off some of the bark, cut a chunk out of the outer layer, and wait. When you come back there should be some sap seeping out. When you have some, break off a few chucks and add it to your tinder bundle and it'll help your fire get going.

What is Sap?

Sap is the viscous liquid comprised of sugars, minerals, and other chemical components that flows through trees. It's better known as that sticky stuff you get on your hands from touching a pine tree. It also has resinous properties. There are many uses for tree sap, many of which can help you out in a survival situation.

For the purposes of this post I will focus on the sap primarily from Pine trees, namely the Loblolly Pine. This particular pine tree grows in abundance in my area and are found everywhere.

1. Flammability

The sap that comes from a Pine tree has chemicals in that make it very flammable, even when it is in liquid form. It is a great tool for starting fires or to use as a back up for fuel for your camp stove.

2. Anti-viral/ Anti-fungal

The Pine sap also has properties that make it very good for keeping wounds clean. If you melt it and put it over a cut it will both seal and protect it from bacteria and prevent fungal growth.

3. Edible

Many pine trees are a great source of nutrients. Boiling green Pine needles creates a tea that is rich in Vitamin C and when mixed with the sap provides a good source of natural sugars. The inner bark of young trees can be even be eaten.

4. Fuel

Everything about a Pine tree can be used for the purposes of a fire. If you are in a Pine forest you have all the tools you'll need for starting a fire. Fallen logs can be used as fuel, the needles and bark can be used for tinder and kindling, and the sap can be used to sustain your tinder bundle.