By Kate
Updated by Rustina
This is a very simple salve to make, but a very important one. It’s one I knew I needed to add to my summer first aid kit. You never know when someone’s going to get a splinter, touch a thorny bush, or get a tick bite. That’s where drawing salve comes in.
A drawing salve contains activated charcoal and bentonite clay, both of 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 it’s something you shouldn’t be without.
Last 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 by the time we got home, the rash was basically gone! We also used it on chicken pox on our kids later in the fall, and it helped them sleep a little better when the spots were itchy. There are lots of uses for this one!
Black Drawing Salve
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. apricot oil
- 1 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, even on burns. Keep the area clean and dry until the splinter is out.
*Note: Store it high if you have little ones! See Everything You Need to Know about Activated Charcoal for tips on how to get messes out and what to do if your little one does get into it!
Don’t want to make your own? Buy Black Drawing Salve at Earthley, our store! It is made with castor oil, extra virgin olive oil, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, candelilla wax, and lavender essential oil.
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I’ved used a paste of charcoal. I keep charcoal caps in my purse for internal or external use. This salve is a great idea!
Do you think coconut oil or sweet almond oil would work with this instead of apricot? I already have those two on hand.
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Is there a specific purpose for the apricot oil? I have so many other oils, but not this one.
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Do I have to use the Lavender? I am allergic to it. If I don’t use it will the salve still work?