Drawing salve, also known as ichthammol ointment or black ointment, has been used since the 1800s as a topical ointment to treat various skin conditions. Commonly used to treat boils, stings, insect bites, splinters and rashes, drawing salve works by "drawing out" foreign objects or infection from the skin. However, the salve doesn't literally "draw out" the object, rather it aids the body's ability to expel the object and heal itself. Historically, drawing salve has also been used as an antiseptic and, in some cases, a mild anesthetic.
Ingredients
Ichthammol is drawing salve's most common ingredient and is used for its anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and antibacterial properties. A derivative of shale oil, which is rich in sulfur, ichthammol works as an active ingredient in drawing salve to give the ointment its extracting property. Herbs, such as arnica montana, echinacea, lavender and calendula, are regularly added to the ointment for their healing properties and to cover ichthammol's foul odor. Generally, beeswax-based drawing salve also contains phenyl alcohol, comfrey, virgin olive or bergamot oil.
Though main ingredients remain the same, homemade versions of drawing salve can contain added ingredients such as ginger powder, sea salt, plantain leaves, iodine and/or honey. Depending on the region, added ingredients differ.
"Drawing Out" Process
To "draw out" a foreign object or infection to the surface of the skin, the salve is applied generously to the affected area with an applicator (such as a small spatula or tongue depressor). Once a thick layer has been applied, it is covered immediately with a bandage. As the ointment is absorbed by the skin, the salve softens the tissue around the affected area, weakening it to increase blood circulation. The increased circulation works to help push the foreign object to the surface and expel it from the body. Use tweezers to remove the object once it is visible on the skin's surface.
The time it takes to draw a foreign object to the skin's surface is dependent on the type of object and its depth. It generally takes less time to pull insect stings and poison from bites than a glass shard, splinter or boil, which could take up to three days to be fully extracted.
A Word of Caution
Drawing salve only should be used externally and never ingested. Additionally, depending on the type of drawing salve, skin irritation and staining (to clothing) can occur. If purchasing the salve over the counter, read the ingredients prior to use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider if the condition persists or worsens.
