How To Make A Homemade Drawing Salve

A close up of a homemade black drawing salve in an amber glass jar. There's activated charcoal next to is.

Nico

If you've ever had a bug bite, splinter, or patch of irritated skin that just wouldn't go away, you're going to love this homemade drawing salve. This is a great salve to have on hand throughout the year. Here’s how to make it!

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Prep Time 30

Additional time 56

Total Time 56 30

Course: Holistic Skin Care

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

½ cup Herb-infused oil - I like using olive oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil in my homemade infused oils
1 tbsp Activated charcoal - here's a source
1 tbsp Bentonite clay - here's a USA source
1 tbsp Beeswax pellets - here's an organic source
½ tsp vitamin E oil
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil

Equipment

Double boiler - or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of water
Small saucepan - for setting up the double boiler
Heat-safe mixing bowl or glass measuring cup
Mesh strainer or cheesecloth - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
Small glass jars or tins (for storing the finished salve) - I like these amber glass salve tins
Glass jar for extracting - I like these

Method

Make the calendula-infused oil. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make it.
Once your oil is infused, you’re ready to make the salve.
In a small glass jar or bowl, combine the calendula oil and beeswax pellets.
Place the jar in a small pan of water (a homemade double boiler) and heat over low heat or medium heat until everything is melted.
Remove the oil and beeswax mixture from heat and stir in the activated charcoal and bentonite clay.
Add vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil.
Stir well to blend and pour the warm salve into a small jar or tin.
Let cool to room temperature before adding a lid.
Label it and store it in a dark place.
Note - the salve is for external use only!

Notes

How long does it last

The shelf life is typically 6–12 months if stored in a cool place. Mine usually lasts a really long time, but to be safe, I normally say 6-12 months.

How to use it

To use, apply a generous amount of black salve to the affected area, then cover with a band-aid. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then gently wipe clean. Reapply as needed, especially for stubborn splinters or mosquito bites. Avoid using it on an open wound.

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