A drawing salve is used for many purposes, including healing minor scraps and burns, to acne. The idea is to get toxins, read draw out toxins, from the body.

The drawing salve is usually black and also called the Black Salve. There are different versions and variations for this recipe. Here, we would be looking at the black salve recipe that uses Activated Charcoal, though we will see other versions in the coming days.

Ingredients

Activated Charcoal – 1 Tbsp.
Vitamin E Oil – 1 Tsp.
Herbal Oil – ½ Cup
Eucalyptus Oil – ½ Tsp.
Beeswax – ½ Tbsp.
Bentonite Clay – 1 Tbsp.

Instructions

For this recipe, I prepare the infused oil myself. But you can also buy pre-made ones. The first step is preparing the infused oil, as you need it for the recipe. What I do is, I take oil of my choice in a glass bottle (usually Coconut Oil, or Olive Oil, though any carrier oil that’s locally available for you, or your preferred oil works) and add herbs into it. For this recipe, I add organically grown Plantain Leaves and Calendula Flowers.

For preparing the infused oil, add the herb(s) and flower(s) to the jar and fill it with oil. The oil level should be a little over the level of herbs and flowers added to the jar. Now, keep it in sun during the day and keep the jar closed and inside your home during the nights. Do this for a week or two till the oil in infused well.

Now, when you have the infused oil ready, it is time to get started with the recipe.

Now, combine the ingredients – Activated Charcoal, Essential Oil(s) and Bentonite Clay in a mixing bowl. Mix well and make sure there are no lumps.

Now, in a your double boiler, melt the Beeswax and Infused Oil together and when they’re fully melted and combined, sprinkle the mixture from the mixing bowl slowly and keep stirring.

When the ingredients are incorporated fully, transfer to a sterilized jar and let it set.

Don’t have a double boiler? No worries 😉 Just place a bowl of water on your stove in low heat and place the ingredients to melt in a smaller dry bowl and place it in the larger bowl! Your very own makeshift double boiler is ready!

Tip: If you notice the powders settling below the surface of the jar, use a spoon and stir to combine the ingredients and use it!

How to Use the Salve?

Simple – just apply a small quantity of the salve on a bug bite, rash, acne, splinter, etc. Basically, wherever you want the drawing effect of the salve! Cover with a Band-Aid so the salve doesn’t stain your clothing and remove the Band-Aid after 12 hours. You can use it till the problem is solved!

Shelf Life

This Salve lasts a year for me, though you can prepare fresh and smaller batches every six months.

Why These Ingredients?

This Salve is a tried and tested remedy that’s been used for years. This salve has been used for wasp stings, bites of poisonous insects and what not! The healing benefits of Calendula and Plantain make it more effective and ideal for summers. Charcoal is what does the drawing for most part, so go easy on the Charcoal!

Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Use Aya Naturals products for your skin care and face care needs!