How to Make Black Drawing Salve

Black drawing salve, also known as ichthammol salve or black ointment, has been used for generations as an all-purpose medicated salve. It is reputed to be able to create miracles, healing nearly any condition that a person might have from acne to cancer.

While those claims may be a wee bit exaggerated, black drawing ointment has an excellent track record of drawing impurities out of the body.

Remember, it is important to check with your health care provider before using black salve or any other medication. If your symptoms persist be sure to call your doctor.

Some of the conditions that black salve is used for are:

• Acne
• Bites
• Boils
• Infections
• Splinters
• Stingers
• Thorns

How Drawing Salve Works

Black drawing salve works by pulling toxins out of the body. It normally includes detoxing ingredients like activated charcoal and bentonite clay. Herbs and essential oils are added for their healing properties and aroma.

The salve is placed on the boil, splinter or other skin condition. A gauze pad is placed over the top to protect the area and sometimes a warm compress is added. The ingredients in the salve bring the infection to a head and allow it to drain away while fighting further infection at the same time.

For generations mothers handed down family recipes for drawing salve with the caveat that it was to be kept a closely guarded secret. Each family used slightly different ingredients to create their salve. You can vary the essential oils to customize your drawing salve recipe to your own needs.

Black Drawing Salve Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons bees wax (creates a base)
• 3 tablespoons cocoa butter (soothing and creates a base)
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil (antibacterial but it must be organic)
• 3 tablespoons shea butter (soothing)
• 2 tablespoons activated charcoal powder (absorbs toxins)
• 4 tablespoons bentonite clay (absorbs toxins and draws them out)
• 5 drops lavender essential oil (antibacterial)
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil (soothing and healing)
• ¼ teaspoon goldenseal (antibacterial, antifungal)
• 2 drops of camphor, optional

Instructions

1. Place the cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and bees wax in a pot with a candy thermometer.
2. Heat to 180F over medium heat, watching carefully and stirring often.
3. Turn the heat down and keep the mixture at 180F for 20 minutes.
4. Cool to lukewarm
5. Add the remaining ingredients.
6. Pour into sterile jars with tops, label, and store in a cool, dark cupboard.

Yield: Approximately 4 ounces

Finding Ingredients

At one time all of the ingredients for drawing salves were readily available at the general store and in the surrounding countryside. It may be a bit more difficult to find the ingredients in modern times, however the Internet has several sources for the ingredients you need.

Caution

While black drawing salve is safe for the majority of people that use it some individuals could have an allergic reaction. Always use with caution and run the salve into a small area on your inner forearm to check for possible allergies or reactions.

If you develop a rash, itching, burning, or other unusual response to the black drawing salve be sure to call your health care provider and discontinue use of the salve immediately

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