Prepper Handbook Blog

Friday, February 27, 2026

Bayberry Myrica cerifera AKA Southern Wax Myrtle

https://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/04/wax-myrtlebayberry.html

The author(s) assume no liability for this information, so use it with caution, at your own risk.

Bayberry Myrica cerifera AKA Southern Wax Myrtle

It used to amaze me at how people would go to a nursery and pay money to buy a wax myrtle for their landscaping, never realizing that there was a whole stand of them growing in the ditch right up the road from them. But then I remembered that I too used to not recognize this plant. Man oh man, does the study of medicinal and edible herbs open your eyes to the world around you!

Not all bayberry’s will put on berries. That’s because only the female plants will bear berries. They are pollinated by wind however, so both male and female are normally found pretty near each other. The male and female of the species are used identically, except for the berry uses. The berries are small and clustered against the stem of the tree. As they mature, the berries will go from green to a pale blueish/grayish/ purplish color. I know, but, you have to see them to understand. At least part of this color change is due to a waxy buildup on the skin of the berries. This wax buildup can be an extremely valuable asset.

The berries can be simmered, melting the wax, and, once cooled, the wax can be skimmed off and turned into a candle that will burn with very little smoke and a clear white flame. Because it is so brittle it is usually, but not necessarily, mixed with another wax, like beeswax before being dried into a fragrant candle.

I’ve heard that some people turn the berries into jelly, but, have never tried this and have no idea how to do it, nor how it tastes.

The wax can also been used as a base for soap, as a hardener for plasters, or as a setting agent for a salve. It’s mildly astringent properties make it, in some cases, a valuable addition to a healing salve.

The mature berries can hang onto a bush for a couple of years before falling, and may be harvested any time you find them still hanging onto the plant.

The leaf of a bayberry, male or female, makes a very satisfactory substitute for the commercial bay leaf in cooking. You’ll not be able to tell the difference. These leafs, and small stems may be collected and dried in the summer to early fall to be used as medicine, but the bark, specifically the root bark, makes a much, much stronger medicine.

The root bark is harvested in the late fall once the plant's growth has stopped for the winter. Process while fresh, or you will regret it later! Even when processed fresh, it normally takes a sledge hammer to make the bark lessen it’s grip on the woody root. Make sure you dry this bark completely before you store it! This root bark is where you find the real medicine!

I prefer my bayberry root bark in tincture form, but it may also be consumed as a tea or in capsule form. Should you decide to tincture it, most information will tell you that it has to be dried first. It doesn’t. Both fresh and dry bark tincture will work. I do MUCH prefer the dry bark tincture, however, and would definitely recommend it over the fresh, but if you get in a hurry and have already started a tincture out of the fresh root bark, don’t panic, it will still work.

Bayberry is a strong astringent that is mildly stimulating as well. It has a real affinity for the mucous membranes in the body. In other words, it tightens and tones the membranes lining your nose, throat, mouth, gut, bowels, kidneys, etc. while helping to expel things that shouldn’t be there, like excess mucous.

To aide in mouth issues, like sores or wounds, gum disease or infections, either make it into a strong tea or dilute the tincture in a small amount of water and swish around in your mouth for a minute or two before spitting out if a tea, or you may swallow if using a diluted tincture. It will help speed healing and reduce inflammation in the mouth and gums. It has even been shown by experience to be highly effective in cases of thrush or other yeast infections in these tissues as well, often working in cases where pharmaceuticals have had no real effect.

Gargling with these will also help in conditions with a sore throat due to sinus drainage, strain, tonsillitis or just general irritation.

Taking it internally in whichever form you prefer will aide in cases of gastric inflammation or leaky gut, or even many cases of nausea. It will also help in cases of diarrhea, or stools that feature excess mucous in them. And will help to dry and clear up stuffy, runny sinuses.

One of the areas that bayberry really shines is in the area of preventative medicine.

Have you ever played the childhood game Red Rover? You know, “Red Rover, Red Rover, Let Mary come over”

You and your friends form a barrier across from the friends on the other side waiting for their turn to break through the line. In the line, each of you is tightly clasping hands and spreading out trying to stop the running person from breaking through. Can you imagine how much harder it would be for the person trying to break through if, instead of spreading out and holding hands, you all moved closer together and put your arms around your neighbors shoulders or waists? It would increase the difficulty of a person trying to push their way through significantly!

Now suppose you and your friends in the line were cells and part of the mucous lining of your nose, throat and mouth. And suppose the friends on the other side weren’t friends at all, but rather viruses, germs and allergens. Spread out and sort of loose, though connected, your lining is at least semi permeable and it’s not too difficult for these invaders to bust through. But, if the line is tighter and closer knit, the invaders job gets much more difficult. That’s what bayberry does to this lining in the major entry points for the invaders. It’s astringent and toning properties on these tissues that line some of the major entry points for invaders make it a whole lot harder for them to attach, pierce through and infect the body. This helps lessen allergic reactions, as well as lessening the load on the body of viruses and germs. The lower the load, the easier it is for the body to fight these off, maybe even before you know you have been infected! Just think of it as the airborne invaders worst nightmare!

As an astringent it also has the ability to slow or stop bleeding. Has some antibiotic properties of it’s own, will help control a fever, is somewhat antispasmodic, and can act as a digestive bitter (helps the body’s digestive process work better.

Tea: 1-2 tsp. simmered about 10 minutes in a cup of water. Sip 2-3 times daily.

Powder: About 2 rounded tsp. mixed into juice or water. 2-3 times a day

Tincture: About 1/2-3/4 tsp 2 or 3 times a day.

Mouthwash: 1 heaping TBSP simmered in 1 cup of water for around 15 minutes. Used 3 times daily. Preferably spit out when done.

Warning: Use internally with extreme caution, if at all, during pregnancy, and not at all during lactation.

Now, go out and make a great smelling candle or increase your resistance to airborne invaders!

Happy herbing!

C. Shaw

The author(s) assume no liability for this information, so use it with caution, at your own risk.

For additional information see the following links:
Blog Table of Contents

Monday, July 21, 2025

Get Home Bag and Travel Plan for a Disaster Scenario

You're hundreds of miles from home during a national disaster with martial law, massive inflation, tight supplies, anarchy, city checkpoints, and bandits, worsening over time. You'll drive until the fuel runs out, covering several hundred miles, then hike the final distance through the woods to avoid threats.

There is nothing better than Google Maps to plan your route

The Get Home Bag is designed for 3–7 days of survival, prioritizing self-defense (as you can "die in 3 seconds without security"). The backpack weighs ~35 lbs, is green, brown, or camouflage to blend into nature, and includes several specific items: a large stainless steel bottle, highly filtered water straw, headlamp with red/green modes, a hand-crank radio and Motorola MURS/FRS bands, Glock Pistol with laser sight/light (concealable under poncho), fishing hooks and green SpyderWire fishing line (for food and trip wire with bear bell), minimal first aid kit, and large bandana. Cash and silver (pre-1965 U.S. dimes/quarters and Silver Eagles) in case of a currency collapse.

Your Prepper Vehicle should be stocked with extra fuel, food, water, ammunition, first aid supplies, batteries, pepper spray, and other essentials, so that pack supplies are not consumed while driving, allowing you to save the pack contents for hiking. You can also fine-tune your pack contents or supplement them before departing on foot based on your observations while driving.

Backpack Contents

A 30–40-liter backpack ( ~3 lbs) in green, brown, or camouflage to ensure discretion. The total weight goal is ~35 lbs for hiking endurance (less clothing).

1. Self-Defense and Security (Priority 1)

Firearm: Glock Pistol (9mm ~2 lbs) with extra 100 rounds minimum (~3 lbs). Concealable under a poncho in your hand for ready access. Ensure training and legal carry.
Laser Sight/Light: Weapon-mounted (e.g., Streamlight TLR-2, ~0.3 lbs) for illumination (200+ lumens) and aiming in low light.
Knife: Fixed-blade (e.g., Gerber Coyote Brown Survival Knife, ~0.9 lbs) for utility/defense.
Trip Wire: Green SpyderWire fishing line (50–100 ft, ~0.1 lbs) with bear bell (~0.1 lbs) for camp perimeter alerts and survival fishing.

Why? Bandits and anarchy require a robust defense. Concealment under a poncho ensures quick, ready access if needed. Trip wire enhances camp security.

Weight: ~6.4 lbs (Glock 2 lbs, Ammo 3 lbs, laser/light: 0.3 lbs, knife: 0.9 lbs, line + bell: 0.2 lbs).

2. Water and Hydration

Stainless Steel Bottle: 40 oz (e.g., Klean Kanteen, ~0.5 lbs empty, ~3 lbs full with 1.2 liters) for carrying/boiling water.
Water Purification:

Filtered water straw (e.g., LifeStraw Peak Series, ~0.1 lbs) for drinking from streams.
Purification tablets (e.g., Potable Aqua, ~0.1 lbs) as backup.

Collapsible Pouch: 1-liter (~0.1 lbs empty) for extra water capacity.

Why? Water (Rule of 3) may be scarce or contaminated. Bottle and straw help ensure safe hydration.

Weight: ~3.8 lbs (bottle: 0.5 lbs + 2.6 lbs water, straw: 0.1 lbs, tablets: 0.1 lbs, pouch: 0.1 lbs).

3. Food

Non-Perishable Food: 3–5 days (~1,000–2,000 calories/day, ~6.5 lbs):

Energy bars (10–12 Long Shelf Life, ~1.5 lbs).
Freeze-dried meals (15 Mountain House, ~4.8 lbs).
Trail mix/peanut butter packets (~0.2 lbs).

Fishing Kit: Hooks (assortment, ~0.05 lbs) and SpyderWire (shared with security, ~0.05 lbs) for fishing.
Utensils: Spork (~0.05 lbs).
Stove: Optional - Compact butane stove (e.g., Coleman, ~0.5 lbs) with canister (~0.5 lbs). Could use firewood instead.

Why? Food scarcity requires lightweight rations. A fishing kit enables food procurement, so you can carry less weight in food.

Weight: ~6.65 lbs (food: 6.5 lbs, hooks + line: 0.1 lbs, spork: 0.05 lbs).

4. Shelter and Warmth

Emergency Bivvy: Mylar (e.g., SOL, ~0.3 lbs) for warmth.
Poncho/Tarp: Dual-purpose (~1.0 lbs) for rain, shelter, and Glock concealment.
Fire-Starting Kit: Matches, ferro rod, lighter (~0.2 lbs); tinder (cotton balls with petroleum jelly, ~0.1 lbs).
Clothing: Base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket (~2 lbs); wool socks (2 pairs, ~0.3 lbs); hat/gloves (~0.2 lbs).
Large Bandana: (~0.1 lbs) for sun protection, dust, or improvisation.

Why? Exposure (3-hour survival limit) requires shelter. Camo Poncho aids concealment.

Weight: ~3.8 lbs (bivvy: 0.3 lbs, poncho: 0.7 lbs, fire kit: 0.3 lbs, clothing: 2.5 lbs, bandana: 0.1 lbs).

5. Navigation and Communication

Map and Compass: Topographic map and Suunto compass (~0.3 lbs).
Hand-Crank Radio: MURS/FRS bands (e.g., Midland GXT1000, ~0.5 lbs) for broadcasts or ally communication. Monitor the area for potential threats and adjust plans as necessary.
Headlamp: Red/green modes (e.g., Petzl Tactikka, ~0.2 lbs) with batteries (~0.1 lbs).
Notebook and Pencil: (~0.1 lbs) for route tracking.

Why? Disrupted networks require analog navigation and MURS/FRS for updates.

Weight: ~1.2 lbs (map + compass: 0.3 lbs, radio: 0.5 lbs, headlamp + batteries: 0.3 lbs, notebook: 0.1 lbs).

6. First Aid and Medical (Minimal)

Minimal First Aid Kit: (~0.5 lbs) Bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, personal medications, hemostatic gauze.
Sunscreen/Insect Repellent: Travel-size (~0.2 lbs).

Why? Minimal kit addresses critical injuries (e.g., from bandit encounters). A bandana doubles as a hat or mask.

Weight: ~0.7 lbs (first aid: 0.5 lbs, sunscreen/repellent: 0.2 lbs).

7. Tools and Miscellaneous

Multi-Tool: Leatherman/Gerber (~0.4 lbs).
Paracord: 50–100 ft (~0.3 lbs).
Duct Tape: Small roll (~0.2 lbs).
Ziploc Bags: (~0.1 lbs).
Sewing Kit: (~0.1 lbs).
Solar Phone / Battery Charger: Optional

Why? Tools support self-sufficiency and bartering.

Weight: ~1.1 lbs (multi-tool: 0.4 lbs, paracord: 0.3 lbs, duct tape: 0.2 lbs, bags: 0.1 lbs, sewing kit: 0.1 lbs).

8. Currency and Barter Items

Cash: $500–$1,000 ($1, $5, $10 & a few $20, ~0.5 lbs) for early transactions.
Silver: 10–15 oz (~0.7–1.1 lbs):

Pre-1965 U.S. dimes/quarters (50–100 coins, ~0.4–0.7 lbs, 90% silver) for small trades.
Silver Eagles (5–10 1-oz coins, ~0.3–0.6 lbs) for larger trades.
Hidden in pouches (e.g., sewn into clothing).

Barter Items: Lighters, mini liquor bottles, tampons (~0.3 lbs).

Why? Paper dollars may become worthless (e.g., Russia's 1995 collapse). Silver and barter items retain value.

Weight: ~1.1–1.5 lbs (cash: 0.1 lbs, silver: 0.7–1.1 lbs, barter: 0.3 lbs).

9. Personal Items

ID/Documents: Copies in waterproof bag (~0.1 lbs).
Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, sanitizer (~0.3 lbs).
Sunglasses: (~0.1 lbs).

Weight: ~0.5 lbs (ID: 0.1 lbs, hygiene: 0.3 lbs, sunglasses: 0.1 lbs).

Total Weight

Self-Defense: 6.4 lbs
Water: 3.8 lbs
Food: 3.6 lbs
Shelter/Warmth: 3.8 lbs
Navigation/Communication: 1.2 lbs
First Aid: 0.7 lbs
Tools: 1.1 lbs
Currency/Barter: 1.1–1.5 lbs
Personal Items: 0.5 lbs
Backpack: 3 lbs
Total: ~28.65–29.05 lbs (add 1-6 pounds of things you need to hit ~35 lbs).

Travel Plan

Phase 1: Pre-Disaster Preparation

Route Planning: Map backroads and for Plan B, wooded areas to avoid checkpoints/bandits. Use paper (in a freezer bag) or plastic coated water proof maps. The average adult walks 3-4 miles per hour, which is not sustainable all day carrying a 35 lb pack, nor walking with caution. Two (2) miles per hour (mph) is realistic on easy terrain like roads and trails. This is a reasonable estimate if gasoline is out of supply but social order remains calm. You might hitchhike and get a ride in this case. IF however there is a breakdown of Law& Order and civilization, 1 mile per hour through the woods (avoiding trails) is more likely. Traveling for 10 hours per day, stopping to eat, boil water, sleep, etc. this would have you traveling 10 to 20 miles per day.
Vehicle Prep: Keep the gas tank half full, carry a siphon pump, 5–10 gallons of extra fuel (if permitted), and a vehicle kit (including jumper cables and tire repair tools). Also have a pair of Binoculars for scouting ahead, and wear them around your neck while walking.
Caches: Pre-position food/water/ammo along routes, if possible.
Training: Practice hiking with 35-lb pack, Glock use (with laser/light), fishing, and trip wire setup.

Phase 2: Driving Phase

Start Immediately: Civilians should leave work upon Warning Signs of disaster onset.
Avoid Checkpoints: Use backroads, and discreetly monitor MURS/FRS radio for potential threats. Use a headset to avoid noise.
Conserve Fuel: Drive efficiently, and use cash for fuel early.
Stay Discreet: Conceal Glock under poncho, avoid and/or comply at checkpoints with ID/cash bribes. Be aware that there is a risk they will kill you and take all your supplies. For this reason, you should avoid them, even if they are wearing professional uniforms like those of law enforcement or the military.

Phase 3: Transition to Hiking

Abandon Vehicle: Hide the car off-road when the fuel supply runs out.
Gear Up: Transfer 35-lb bag. Fill the bottle, ensure Glock access.
Enter the Wilderness: Navigate the woods with a map/compass, using a red/green headlamp for nighttime travel.

Phase 4: Wilderness Survival

Travel Tactics: Move at dawn/dusk with red/green headlamp. Stay off the trails and camp in hidden spots.
Security: Set SpyderWire trip wires with a bear bell. Keep Glock ready.
Water/Food: Ration food (1,500–2,000 calories/day). Refill the bottle, boil, or use a straw. Fish when safe.
Shelter: Use a poncho for shelter/concealment. Limit fires.
Progress: 10–12 miles/day (300 miles = 25–30 days).

Phase 5: Reaching Home

Scout Home: Approach carefully at night.
Regroup: "Bug in," share resources with trusted allies.

Cash and Silver Strategy

Cash ($500–$1,000, ~0.1 lbs): Use early for fuel/bribes. Paper dollars may lose value.
Silver (10–15 oz, ~0.7–1.1 lbs): Pre-1965 coins for small trades, Silver Eagles for larger ones. Hide to avoid theft.
Barter Items (~0.3 lbs): Lighters, liquor, tampons for quick trades.

Sources and Rationale

Prepper Handbook: Guides lightweight gear, defense, and barter strategies.
Web Sources (e.g., TruePrepper, Ready.gov): Support water, food, and minimal first aid.
Author Specifications: Concealable Glock, MURS/FRS radio, laser/light, fishing kit, trip wire, minimal first aid, large bandana, camouflage backpack, 35-lb target.
Weight Estimates: Based on manufacturer data (e.g., Klean Kanteen, Streamlight) and prepper lists.

Summary: The likelihood of this happening is small, but if it does occur, the consequences would be severe. Reading this is free, having a backpack and supplies costs a few bucks, but could prove to be priceless someday.

Your comments are welcome in the chat box at the bottom.