What Is Black Drawing Salve? Uses, Benefits & How It Works

An Ancient Remedy Making a Modern Comeback

Black drawing salve has been used for generations in folk medicine — passed down through families as a go-to remedy for splinters, boils, insect stings, skin infections, and more. Today, it's experiencing a major resurgence as people seek natural alternatives to conventional topical treatments.

But what exactly is it, how does it work, and when should you use it? Here's everything you need to know.

What Is Drawing Salve?

Drawing salve is a thick, dark topical ointment traditionally used to "draw out" foreign objects, toxins, and infections from beneath the skin. The term "drawing" refers to its ability to pull things toward the surface — whether that's a splinter, a cyst, pus from an infected pore, or venom from an insect sting.

Black drawing salve gets its color from activated charcoal or carbon-based ingredients, which are key to its drawing action.

Key Ingredients and What They Do

Activated Charcoal

Charcoal is highly porous and carries a negative charge, which attracts positively charged toxins, bacteria, and foreign particles. Applied topically, it helps draw impurities toward the skin's surface where they can be expelled.

Pine Gum / Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine

Pine resin and its distillate (turpentine) have powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties. They help address infection at the site while also contributing to the drawing action.

Castor Oil

Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil penetrates deeply into skin tissue, carrying other active ingredients with it. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin.

Tallow

Grass-fed tallow is remarkably similar in composition to human sebum, making it an exceptional skin barrier and carrier. It nourishes and protects the skin while the active ingredients do their work.

Camphor

Camphor provides a cooling, analgesic effect that helps relieve pain and itching at the application site. It also has antimicrobial properties.

Common Uses for Black Drawing Salve

• Splinters and thorns — Apply overnight under a bandage to draw the object to the surface for easy removal
• Boils and cysts — Helps bring the infection to a head so it can drain naturally
• Infected pores and ingrown hairs — Draws out bacteria and reduces inflammation
• Insect stings and bites — Helps neutralize venom and reduce swelling
• Skin infections — Antimicrobial ingredients address surface and subsurface bacterial or fungal issues
• Wound care — Supports healing by keeping the area clean and drawing out debris

How to Use Black Drawing Salve

1. Clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Apply a generous layer of salve directly to the area of concern.
3. Cover with a bandage or gauze to keep the salve in place and prevent staining.
4. Leave on for several hours or overnight.
5. Remove the bandage, wipe away the salve, and inspect the area.
6. Repeat as needed until the issue resolves.

Tip: For deep splinters or stubborn boils, multiple applications over 2–3 days may be needed. The salve works gradually, so patience is key.

What to Expect

Drawing salve can cause a mild warming or tingling sensation — this is normal and indicates the ingredients are working. Some redness around the application site is also common. If you experience severe irritation, remove the salve and discontinue use.

Our Organic Black Drawing Salve

Our Organic Black Drawing Salve is handcrafted with grass-fed tallow, organic castor oil, pine gum, camphor, activated charcoal, and 100% pure gum spirits of turpentine. Every ingredient is chosen for its specific role in the drawing and healing process — no fillers, no synthetic preservatives.

Available in a generous 4 oz jar, it's a staple for any natural home medicine cabinet.

→ Shop Organic Black Drawing Salve – 4 oz

For educational purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare provider for serious skin conditions or infections.