I first learned about black drawing salve during a visit to a local Amish community where I was buying produce and eggs. I observed one of the farmer’s sons applying something that resembled tar to his arm after getting a large splinter from a fence post. Curious, I asked what it was, and he explained it was a drawing salve used to help pull out the splinter and prevent infection. Intrigued, I wondered if it really worked and whether it would stain the skin.
The farmer reassured me that it wouldn’t stain and mentioned that they often used it in their community for wound healing and removing things stuck in the skin. He even noted its effectiveness on some spider bites for drawing out venom. When I asked if I could purchase it, he told me that they made it themselves but kindly offered to share the recipe with me.
We’ve been making different versions of this salve ever since. Although it takes some time to prepare, it’s extremely effective and worth the effort. We find it particularly useful for removing splinters and pieces of glass embedded in the skin. Although I haven’t tried it for this purpose, black drawing salves are also reputed to help with removing moles and skin tags.
Before applying, make sure the affected area is well cleaned. Apply a generous amount of the black salve on the wound or splinter, and cover it with gauze or a big bandage. Leave it on for at least a few hours or overnight to allow it to draw out the infection or object. In my experience, some things like glass might take a day or two and several applications to be fully removed.
While this salve is a great natural remedy, it shouldn’t replace professional medical care when needed. Always consult a doctor if you have any health conditions or concerns before using it. Have you ever made a salve? How did it turn out for you? Feel free to share your experience!
