If you’ve ever wished for a quick fix to calm itchy skin, pull out splinters, or ease bug bites, this homemade black drawing salve is about to become your go-to natural remedy.
Drawing salves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Their purpose? To “draw out” irritants like toxins, splinters, insect venom, and even small glass shards from the skin—all while soothing irritation and promoting healing.
This particular recipe is based on an old Amish remedy, with a powerful star ingredient: activated charcoal. When blended with bentonite clay, nourishing oils, beeswax, and essential oils, it becomes a multi-purpose salve that’s both gentle and effective.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Drawing Salve
- Soothes insect and bug bites
- Helps remove splinters or glass slivers
- Calms itchy or irritated skin
- Ideal for rashes and mild skin infections
- Easy to store and use on the go
🧪 Simple & Natural Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:
- 1 tablespoon activated charcoal
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- ½ cup carrier oil (grapeseed or olive oil work great)
- 2 teaspoons beeswax (for firmness and texture)
- 25 drops of lavender essential oil (optional, but calming and antibacterial)
🔥 How to Make It
Step 1: Melt the base
In a glass bowl, combine your carrier oil and beeswax. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler effect. Keep the heat at medium and stir gently with a metal spoon until fully melted and blended.
Step 2: Cool it down
Remove the bowl from heat and place it in the fridge for a short while. You want it to cool just enough to thicken slightly—aim for a soft, Vaseline-like texture, not a hard balm.
Step 3: Add the drawing agents
Once it’s cooled to the right consistency, stir in your activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and lavender essential oil. Use a hand blender on low to mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
🧴 How to Use Your Homemade Drawing Salve
- Apply a small amount of the salve directly to the affected area—whether it’s a bite, rash, or tiny splinter.
- Cover with a bandage to keep the salve in place and avoid mess (charcoal can lightly stain fabrics).
- Don’t wipe off too soon—let it sit for up to 12 hours before gently cleaning and reapplying if needed.
This remedy works best when left undisturbed, giving it time to draw out impurities and calm inflammation.
✨ Final Tip
Store your drawing salve in a small, airtight container (a glass jar or tin works well), and keep it in a cool, dark place. It should last several months, making it a must-have for your natural first-aid kit.
Would you like a printable label or a social media-friendly recipe card for this DIY salve?
