How to get drinking water from plants in an Emergency

[chaps23]

Hi again guys,

In a topic there was raised the question of how, in the case of an emergency we could obtain water from our surroundings.

Since this topic can be quite educational I thought I would put together a little page on the subject for anyone who's interested.

There are a few methods for water extraction from a plant if you find yourself in a mess.

How to get drinking water from plants

The Non Destructive Method

The non destructive method typically involves tying a plastic bag over a leafy branch and allowing the plant to transpire into the bag. Another way to put this is to collect the plant respirated water vapor. Either way you say it, it is an effective way to get clean, pure water.

The downside is you need a lot of plastic bags to collect enough water to live on. Look at this method as a supplemental water supply.

1) Select an appropriate plant/s.

Water loving trees and plants such as willow, cottonwood and berry producing shrubs are the best choice. Of course there probably aren't any of those around where you are and when you need them, so the next best thing is anything with leaves. The larger leaves the better. Leaves with a large surface area tend to give off more moisture than smaller leafed trees and bushes. This is true about 85% of the time and is the safest bet to follow.

2) Enclose a live, leafy branch with a bag and tie off around the stem. Whenever possible use clear bags.

Any plastic bag will work, but clear bags will catch water and the sun will also help dehydrate the enclosed branch because of the increased heat.

3) Water will gather at the lowest point in the bag. Keep that in mind when it comes time to harvest your water.

4) Allow 4 - 5 hours for the water to collect in the plastic bag.

5) Harvest the water and drink up!

Quite effective but time consuming, with this next one, please dont just grab the first tree you see and start chewing on its leaf etc. It can be quite dangerous due to bacteria and even possibly poisening if you choose the wrong plant.

How to get drinking water from plants

The Destructive Method

One of the most common destructive ways to extract drinking water from a plant is to cut a stem or tap the trunk. You either allow the tapped liquid to flow into a container or suck the moisture out with your mouth.

Be careful about placing your mouth on twigs and branches as these outer part usually contain bacteria.

This information was sourced here _http://www.dew-drop.com/purewaterextractedfromplants.html

If you want you can visit the site for some other usefull techniques such as extracting water from a cactus and so fourth. (Just hope you dont get a San Pedro Cactus)

If plants are few and far between or your quite stressed about possible poisening etc the "Bear Grills Style" Rectal drinking found here _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMXFpgZmmGo

Could be quite useful... ha ha I had to throw that in, apparently this can even work with salt water which is interesting.

Anyway hope this helps anyone who puts drinking water from plants into the search bar.

Best regards,

Brent.

 

[MnSportsman]

chap23,

I have sat back for about a week now, waiting to see what this worldwide forum membership might add here. Since much depends on where a person "is", on what is available for plants to find water. Be it a desert, savannah, rain forest, boreal forest, etc..

I can mention many sources for water from plants depending on the area one is in need of it, but I would like to mention that you can obtain water from plants simple from their ingestion. Or, if need be, by crushing them in a manner that retains the needed water. In the examples that you provided in your original post, you mentioned a couple of methods ,but they are not exactly the "easiest" to do, without the right materials. Besides, they are time consuming & are very dependent on having those certain materials,(plastic bags for example), that some may not have available in a emergency/survival situation. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance to have the knowledge of the plants that are edible & those that are toxic, before you even attempt any effort towards getting water from plants.

I will give an example: The Poison Ivy & Poison Oak plants give off a toxic chemical through their tissues( leaves/stems/etc.) that is called Urushiol. Now, before this Urushiol s absorbed by the skin it can be flushed away with water, ( like in less than 10 minutes, 50% can be absorbed) . Now I do not know what happens if you swallow Urushiol, but I do know that if inhaled( through burning/smoke)it is extremely bad for you. I, personally, would not like to know the results of swallowing it, since I have had poison ivy & oak from simply brushing against it, & it was not a good situation. So, if someone was so inclined to use these plants to gather water, regardless of the method, the process of covering the plants/collecting the water... let alone the ingestion, could be quite hazardous. Thus, I say that one should know the plants & trees in the area one is located in, or going to be in(traveling), before even thinking of using plants/trees for water sources.

If you would like, I can list some areas of the world & what plants/trees one might find water from, thru both the methods you mentioned & some other ones, but just the ingestion of non-toxic plants can provide a lot of water, if one knows what is good & what is not. BTW, A good example of one group of those plants, would be the Thistle plants. almost all that I am aware of, worldwide, are for the most part edible from tops to roots, & all contain high amounts of water in their makeup. Wild Celery is another that can contain much water, BUT...Water Hemlock grows in the same areas as the wild celery & can be confused for it, if you not know what to look for. So, it is extremely important that not knowng the difference between toxic & non-toxic can possibly Kill, or severely sicken, the one who uses the wrong plant.

Research & Knowledge would be the key.
;)

Good subject.

Regards,
JB/MnSportsman

 

[chaps23]

I agree with your post MnSportsman I did mention the dangers of poisening & bacterial infection through the destructive method,

Besides, they are time consuming & are very dependent on having those certain materials,(plastic bags for example), that some may not have available in a emergency/survival situation. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance to have the knowledge of the plants that are edible & those that are toxic, before you even attempt any effort towards getting water from plants.

Time consuming or not it will save your life. A plastic bag should almost definately be considered in a survival kit. For keeping things dry, drinking water, shelter many many uses

If you would like, I can list some areas of the world & what plants/trees one might find water from, thru both the methods you mentioned & some other ones, but just the ingestion of non-toxic plants can provide a lot of water

A List sounds like a great idea! but we need photo's too, this will help prevent mistaken identity. The following link is a great pdf. of info regarding Australian plants. Definately worth a read for EVERYONE as it explains the toxic chemicals and where they are found etc as well as a heap of info in general about a huge variety of plants.

_http://www.sgapqld.org.au/bush_food_safety.pdf

 

[chaps23]

Here is a little snippet of the brief to show what I mean.

Reference _http://www.sgapqld.org.au/bush_food_safety.pdf

1.1 The Brief
The authors were asked to
• Review the literature and anecdotal information relevant to the safe use of Australian native plants
in commercial foods and beverages. These species include those listed by Graham & Hart in
Prospects for the Australian Native Bushfood Industry (RIRDC Research paper 97/22).
• Conduct a range of chemical tests on each species, as indicated by an absence of previous
information and/or any records of harmful effects from use in foods.
• Advise on safety aspects of the quality management of bushfoods, based on results of the above
studies.
The study deals with the inherent chemical characteristics of these bushfoods, rather than other safety
issues relevant to quality control, processing and storage, and shelf life, for which suitable HACCP
procedures are being developed. Though lists of nutritional values are available for some species, there
is still very little information on the nature, identity or potential bioactivity of the very numerous other
natural chemical constituents of bushfoods. Therefore, where evidence has been located that
Aboriginal people consumed particular modern bushfood species, either as food or for medicinal
purposes, references are included in order to facilitate any requirements for registration as novel foods
The results of the study are presented with the qualifications that
(a) The chemical composition of even the plants that are widely used as foods is extremely complex
and variable, and includes many classes of compound. In this study, unless there has already been
some indication of inherent toxicity in a particular plant or its close relatives, the analyses have
been confined to determining the presence/absence of some of the larger classes of compounds
which contain some potentially toxic members. Should reports of adverse effects arise in future,
the record of these analyses will assist in locating the class of compound to find the potential
cause.
(b) It is beyond the scope of this study to investigate any of the naturally high variations in chemical
composition within particular bushfood species, which are only slowly being documented. These
variations are likely to be much greater in wild-harvested or newly cultivated species than in
introduced crops which have been selected, bred and cultivated for use in foods over many
centuries.
(c) Where a particular compound in a food plant is potentially harmful, methods of selection and
processing, domestic preparation for consumption, and the quantity, frequency of intake and
personal tolerance of such a compound will influence the possibility and degree of any adverse
effect on health. Many common foods contain very small and evidently harmless, amounts of
naturally-occurring compounds which would be considered undesirable, or even toxic, if they
were added to (or already present in) foods at higher concentrations.
(d) Although the authors have searched diligently for written or oral reports of any inherent natural
toxicity in the species mentioned in this report, and carried out analyses using reliable and wellaccepted
methods, they cannot wholly exclude the possibility that some unexpected adverse
effects may result from consumption of one or more of these bushfoods in particular
circumstances and quantities. In addition, the limited number of samples of each species tested
cannot be guaranteed as representative of all possible sources of those plant materials. The authors
can therefore take no responsibility for actions taken by any persons or organisation on the basis
of this report.

 

[MnSportsman]

chaps23,

I will post up a few of the plant/tree water sources here for you,but I must urge & stress that anyone who is interested in this type of information should contact someone in their area who is knowledgeable about the plants/trees, "in" that area. Original native peoples for an example. There is nothing better than "on the spot" information regarding safe water/food sources. Trial and error, can make you sick or dead. So , I will offer some basics, & I suggest the rest of the research would be up to anyone who wishes to know more. Pictures take up much space, so it is likely I will not use them here. If someone wishes to pursue this further, I recommend using a field guide/identification book,or better yet, a knowledgeable person/guide to actually show you the plants/trees.

Depending on the climate in which you find yourself in need of water, here are some methods to find water, although some of these sources may require that you filter the water(at least thru a piece of cloth like a bandanna or shirt), to remove residues/debris. I will also add that removing bacteria by bringing the water to a rolling boil for a minute or so, will further reduce the likelihood of getting sick, or worse.

I would start with mentioning a couple of easier methods to obtain water from plants/trees:

• Soaking up dew with cloth/trouser legs/etc. & wringing the cloth out to drink
• Water trapped in hollows & crotches of trees.

Note: sometimes insects like ants/bees can lead you to water trapped like this. Use a cloth(if need be tie onto a stick) to mop up the water out of the hole/crotch, or use a siphon tube if available. If the access is large enough, perhaps a dipper of some kind to scoop the water out. And btw, following the bees as they fly will sometimes lead you to water sources, since hives are usually located within a reasonable distance of a source of water.


A note of CAUTION about plant/tree water/food sources, with just a few exceptions, it is a not advised to drink water if it is sticky, milky, or bitter tasting.

In many areas of the world you can "tap" some trees by making a hole in the bark deep enough to allows "sap"to run. Thus gathering moisture from the tree. (Those that are familiar with maples syrup may likely know that this s the process which allows them to enjoy that sap that is boiled/reduced down to the syrup) For example, in N.America, Maples, Elms, Birch are among some of the trees that allow this "tapping" for moisture. [From experience I may add, that in the spring, when the sap is "running". It not only drips, but can literally "run" out like a stream, & we have filled buckets of the sap for syrup.] There could be more types of these trees in the area of the world you are located, once again I suggest research.

In areas of the world where there is bamboo, bending a green stalk down, cutting off its'top, & tying/pinning it down to a container or cloth, will allow the bamboo to drip water over a period of time/overnite. Thus giving you a bit of water if you going to stay in that area temporarily. ( like.. waiting for a search party ;) ).

Tropical areas that have vines, can also provide water. By cutting a notch in the vine as high as you can reach, then cut the vine off close to the ground. Catch the
dropping liquid in your mouth, or in a container.

Areas that have coconuts can also provide mosture The milk from green (unripe) coconuts is a good thirst quencher. However, the milk from mature coconuts contains an oil that acts as a laxative. Drink in moderation only.

Areas having banana or plantain trees, can get you water. Cutting down the tree, leaving about a 12 inch/approx 30-32-centimeter stump, and scoop out the center of the stump so that the hollow is bowl-shaped. Water from the roots will immediately start to fill the hollow. The first three fillings of water will be bitter, but succeeding fillings will be palatable. The stump can supply water for up to three or four days. Make sure to cover up the stump bowl to keep out insects if not accessing it.

Some other sources to consider:

• Fleshy leaves, stems, or stalks (I.E.- bamboo), contain water. Cut or
  notch the stalks at the base of a joint to drain out the liquid.
• You can get water from plants with moist pulpy centers. Cut off a section of the plant and squeeze or smash the pulp so that the moisture
  runs out. Catch the liquid in a container.
• Plant roots may provide water. Dig or pry the roots out of the ground,
  cut them into short pieces, and smash the pulp so that the moisture runs
  out. Catch the liquid in a container.

Here are some more trees that can provide water:

• Umbrella tree (corkwood). The leaf bases and roots of this tree of western tropical
  Africa can provide water.
• Baobab tree. This tree of the sandy plains of northern Australia and
  Africa collects water in its bottlelike trunk during the wet season.
  Frequently, you can find clear, fresh water in these trees after weeks
  of dry weather.
• Palms. Palms, such as the buri, coconut, sugar, rattan, and nips,
  contain liquid. Bruise a lower frond and pull it down so the tree will
  “bleed” at the injury.
• Traveler’s tree. Found in Madagascar, this tree has a cuplike sheath at
  the base of its leaves in which water collects.

A note of CAUTION: Keeping the sap from plants longer than 24 hours,as a water source is dangerous since it begins fermenting.

Using water sources such as non poisonous plant moisture usually does not require much filtration or water purification methods. If you decide to use transpiration(sweating) of plants using plastic it is also unlikely to need filtration/purification.

Another CAUTION: Do not utilize plants/trees within 50 ft or less of a roadway where the chemicals from the vehicle exhaust can contaminate the plants/trees.

The filtration & purification of water, although not often directly used in gathering water from plant/tree moisture, is important knowledge & should be considered as something everyone should have some knowledge about. The knowledge of "basic" survival skills( First Aid/Firemaking/etc) & having a small survival kit is also a good idea for people to consider. Having a decent survival manual is not a bad idea also. Taking care of your "person", is as important as taking care of your mind & soul, IMHO. ;)

I hope that some can find this info interesting, & worth the read. I also hope that some might find time to go a little further & research more about the types of edible plants/trees in their particular environment. It may save your life, or that of a loved one, by having that knowledge.

Respects & regards,
JB/MnSportsman