Ash Lye, the Survival Chemistry Our Ancestors Knew
- Sebastian Kostański
- 5 dni temu
- 3 minut(y) czytania
Safety and threats
Although ash lye is an all-natural remedy, it is a corrosive substance and requires caution.
The basis is to understand that its chemical action is due to the presence of potassium hydroxides (KOH) and calcium hydroxides (Ca(OH)₂) compounds with a strong alkaline reaction (pH up to 13).
The most important safety rules:
Always use protective gloves (these can be thicker bushcraft gloves or double-used latex gloves).
Do not inhale ash dust particles may irritate the respiratory tract.
Avoid contact of lye with skin and eyes. If spilled, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.
Do not store lye in aluminum or zinc-coated metal containers. reacts chemically with them. Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel are best.
Don't drink lye! Even a weak solution is toxic.
Survival tip: If lye accidentally gets on your skin, neutralize it with a weak acid solution, such as vinegar and water or the juice of sour fruits.
What can lye from ash be used for?
Ash lye has been a key resource for centuries, used in farms, industry, and folk medicine. Today, it's making a comeback in the world of eco-friendly household detergents, survival products, and natural chemistry .
1. Cleaning and disinfection
Lye is a natural cleaning agent that dissolves grease, dirt and bacteria.
Washing dishes in the field,
washing natural fabrics,
cleaning tools after cooking,
disinfection of pots, cutlery, boards.
In the old days, lye replaced soap, but today it can be done in the field when you don't have access to detergents.
2. Activation of charcoal
In lye you can Soak charcoal to increase its porosity, a process known as chemical activation . This gives the charcoal the ability to absorb toxins, gases, and heavy metals. In survival, this the perfect combination fire, ash and water create an effective filter for water purification.
3. Food decontamination
After the Chernobyl disaster, lye from the ash was used to wash away radioactive dust. from fruits and vegetables. The base neutralizes cesium and strontium compounds from surfaces, making it an emergency method for cleaning contaminated surfaces.
4. Production of forest soap
Lye is the basic ingredient of ancient potash soaps. Simply combine it with animal or vegetable fat to create a natural soap free of chemicals, synthetics, and fragrances.
In the field, it is a way to maintain hygiene on longer trips.
How to make lye from ash step by step
Step 1. Preparation of ash
Use only pure wood ash , preferably from birch, beech or alder. Avoid softwoods (resins and sulfur interfere with the reaction).
The ash should be white or light gray it's a sign that it was completely burned.
Sift the ash through a cloth or sieve to remove sand and fine coals.
Pro tip: If you suspect the fire was burning on the ground, sift the ashes several times to avoid mineral particles and root debris.
Step 2. Choosing the proportions
The recommended proportions are:
1 part ash : 3 parts hot water (70–80°C)
Too much ash → lye too thick, difficult to filter.
Too little ash → lye too weak, ineffective.
Step 3. Preparation of the solution
You have two ways:
A) Static method (the simplest)
Pour the ash into a metal or ceramic container.
Pour hot water over it and stir with a stick.
Set aside for 30–60 minutes.
When the ash settles, pour off the clear liquid from the top. this is your lye.
B) Dripping method (cleaner)
Hollow out a piece of tree trunk or bottle and plug the hole from the bottom with moss or fabric.
Pour in the ash (approx. ¾ of the height of the vessel).
Slowly pour hot water from the top.
Clean, clear lye will drip from the bottom, ready for use.
You can repeat the filtration process several times until you obtain the required solution.
Step 4. Test and storage
To check the strength of your lye:
Put in a raw egg , if it floats with the tip up, the solution is strong enough.
If it sinks, add some ash and repeat the process.
Store lye in a glass or steel container, tightly closed, out of reach of children.
Summary
Ash lye is an example of how the knowledge of past generations is linked to survival practice. In times when civilization fails, ash, fire, and water can become a source of hygiene, safety, and health.
This knowledge does not require a laboratory, only reason, experience and respect for nature .
Sources and supplementary materials
Wikipedia – Wood Ash https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_ash
Homestead Laboratory – Historical Lye Making https:// homesteadlaboratory.blogspot.com/2014/02/historical-lye-making-part-1.html
Living Web Farms – From Ash 'Lye' to Potash https:// livingwebfarms.org/waste-not-wood-ashes/
Bushcraft Buddy – How to Make Activated Charcoal https:// bushcraftbuddy.com/how-do-you-make-activated-charcoal/
Inside Survival – Making Charcoal and Biochar in the Wilderness https:// insidesurvival.com/how-to-make-charcoal-and-biochar-in-the-wilderness-a-simple-survival-method