Pine trees, with over 100 different species, are some of the most common trees in the world. They can even be found in many parts of the United States. One of the best things about pine trees is how they have so many possible uses if you happen to find yourself stranded in the wilderness surrounded by pine trees. Here are five things you can do with pine trees to help you get through a disaster. (h/t to SurvivalistKnowledge.com)

Food

Pine cones, needles and nuts are edible. They are a great source of vitamin C — which you will need to keep your immune system healthy — and fiber. However, you may need to cook them a little first if you want to stay on the safe side, especially for the pine needles, which you will need to boil in some water for a few minutes before they are safe to consume. Pine nuts can be eaten boiled or even raw, but they taste better if you roast them.

Fuel

Pine resin is flammable, meaning it can be used to start a fire. This can be very useful if you are in a damp environment, with no dry firewood to use. All you have to do is look for some pine branches, then split them in half, and you might find some streaks of pine resin inside. Collect as much as you need, and then ignite it with your lighter or any other igniter. (Related: How to use sticky pine sap to survive in the wild: treating rashes, starting fires and more.)

Emergency medicine

Pine resin can be a useful ingredient for different first aid situations. If you need a natural remedy for stomach ulcers or rheumatoid arthritis, you can chew some pine resin or turn it into a beverage by mixing it with water. You can even boil pine needles to make some nutritious, vitamin A- and C-filled tea. Furthermore, if you have some small cuts and bruises, you can directly apply pine resin to prevent infection.

Shelter

If you need someplace to comfortably rest while you’re out in the wilderness, provided you don’t have a tent, then a pine tree can help you. Pine can be used for bedding; simply collect a lot of pine boughs and spread them underneath you while you sleep. The pine branches and needles can even act as a form of natural insulation by keeping your body from touching the cold ground.

Waterproofing

Pine resin has been used traditionally to waterproof boats. You can use pine resin to treat a variety of different objects, such as matches, to make them resistant to damage caused by moisture. You can also use it to repair holes on your tent, clothes, shoes and other structures and items you have with you. You can even coat the lower half of your boots or shoes to make them more water resistant. Just don’t forget to heat the resin into its liquid form before applying it to the item you want to treat.

During SHTF scenarios, you will need to make use of anything in your immediate surrounding. If you happen to find yourself in a forest filled with pine trees, then you may consider yourself lucky. If you know how to use a pine tree for food, shelter, fuel or medicine, then your chances of surviving your current predicament have gone up.

Sources include:

SurvivalistKnowledge.com

HomeGuides.SFGate.com

SurvivalSullivan.com

Survivopedia.com

LiveAbout.com

PrimalSurvivor.net