DIY: Black Drawing Salve

This is a very simple salve to make, but a very important one. A great addition, especially for a summer first aid kit. You never know when someone will get a splinter, touch a thorny bush, or get a tick bite. That’s where drawing salve comes in.

This drawing salve contains activated charcoal and bentonite clay, which help draw out any poisons, splinters, or other “stuff” that shouldn’t be in the skin. It can help with bug bites and stings, too. Lavender is a great addition because it is generally soothing. It’s very easy to make and something you shouldn’t be without.

Don’t want to make your own? Buy our Black Drawing Salve! It is made with castor oil, extra virgin olive oil, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, candelilla wax, and lavender essential oil.

"One fall, we had this in our first aid kit when an adult friend said during our hike that she had brushed up against a plant and felt itchy. Right away, a small rash started. We put this salve on it, and she told me later that the rash was gone when we got home! We also used it on chicken pox on our kids later that fall, and it helped them sleep a little better when the spots were itchy. There are lots of uses for this one!" -- Kate Tietje, Earthley Lead Herbalist & CMO

Black Drawing Salve

Ingredients:

• 3.5 oz. apricot oil
• 2 tbsp. lavender buds
• 2 tsp. activated charcoal
• 1 tsp. bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp. beeswax

Directions:

Step 1: Mix apricot oil and lavender buds in a small glass container and let it sit overnight to infuse.

Step 2: Strain the oil through a cloth, squeezing it out completely. Discard the herbs.

Step 3: Pour the oil into a clean saucepan and add the beeswax. Turn it on low heat just until it is melted.

Step 4: Remove from heat, add the activated charcoal and clay. Stir until combined.

Step 5: Pour into a 2-oz. tin, or two 1-oz. tins and allow to cool completely.

Once it’s cool, it’s ready to use. Put a lid on it and store it in a cool, dry place.

Use in a small amount on splinters, thorns, bites, stings, and even burns. Keep the area clean and dry until the splinter is out.

Note: Store it high if you have little ones as it can get messy!