Black Salve: What It Is & How It’s Used

Black salve has a long history of traditional use as a topical herbal preparation. Often made with herbs and minerals known for their skin-supporting properties, black salve has been used in folk medicine to help maintain skin health. While it has a controversial reputation, those interested in herbalism and holistic wellness continue to explore its historical uses.

What Is Black Salve?

Black salve is an herbal ointment typically made from botanical ingredients combined with natural drawing agents. It has traditionally been used in herbalist communities for skin support, particularly for addressing stubborn areas of buildup, thickened skin, and localized irregularities that may benefit from deep botanical cleansing. Black salve relies on herbs that have been historically valued for their ability to support the skin’s natural renewal processes, promoting balance and clarity in areas that may need extra attention.

While various formulations exist, common ingredients include:

• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) – A traditional herb historically used in topical applications, particularly for areas of skin that require extra support in maintaining normal tissue balance.
• Chaparral (Larrea tridentata) – Known in folk medicine for its cleansing and antioxidant-rich properties with historical use in promoting skin clarity and resilience.
• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) – A gentle botanical often incorporated into skin-supportive herbal formulas, valued for its role in overall skin health.
• Graviola (Annona muricata) – Used in some herbal practices as a botanical addition to topical preparations, historically valued for its plant compounds.
• Galangal Root (Alpinia galanga) – A warming herb related to ginger, traditionally included in botanical blends for its stimulating and toning properties.
• Zinc Chloride – A mineral component sometimes incorporated into topical herbal formulas, often utilized for its role in supporting skin integrity. It is synthetically refined so I’d skip it.
• DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) – Used in some preparations as a solvent to enhance herbal absorption. It’s also a highly refined substance so I don’t recommend adding it.

The Traditional Uses of Black Salve

As a traditional herbal preparation, black salve has long held a place in folk medicine supporting the skin’s natural elimination processes and to bring long-standing skin issues to the surface. Some of its potential uses include:

• Skin Cleansing and Detoxification – Some traditional herbalists have used black salve as a drawing ointment to cleanse skin impurities.
• Minor Skin Blemishes – Folk remedies suggest its use for addressing areas of concern on the skin.
• Traditional Herbal Skincare – The botanicals in black salve have been historically included in herbal skincare formulations.

Let’s note that black salve is not FDA-approved for the treatment of cancer, and the government would like me to tell you that it should never be used as a substitute for medical care or delay timely evaluation by a qualified practitioner. I definitely could not tell you that anyone successfully used it as part of a cancer regemine, even if there was anecdotal evidence of such.

From a holistic standpoint, skin imbalances may reflect deeper systemic disharmony—often involving the liver, lymph, or immune system. If you are dealing with recurring or suspicious skin changes, it’s essential to consider nutrient-dense food, detoxification support, gentle lymphatic movement, and stress reduction as foundational approaches.

These salves are potent tools, not casual skincare products. Traditional applications include pairing with herbal teas (such as burdock, red clover, or cleavers), castor oil packs, and periods of quiet rest to support the body’s healing intelligence.

Always consult a trusted herbalist or integrative health practitioner before using any strong botanical preparation, and be aware of the body’s signs—especially when working with remedies that draw deeply.

How Black Salve Is Prepared

Black salve is usually made by infusing herbs in a base of oils or water and combining them with drawing agents like zinc chloride. Here’s a general method used in traditional herbal preparations:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp bloodroot powder
• 2 tbsp chaparral powder
• 1 tbsp red clover powder
• 1 tbsp galangal root powder
• 2 drops graviola tincture
• 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 tbsp beeswax (for consistency)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the oil over low heat.
2. Add the powdered herbs and stir to combine.
3. Simmer on very low heat for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a fine strainer.
5. Return the infused oil to the pan and add graviola tincture and beeswax, stirring until melted.
6. Remove from heat and stir well.
7. Pour into a glass jar and allow to cool before use.

Important Considerations and Cautions

While black salve is a traditional herbal remedy, it is important to approach it with care. Some considerations include:

• Patch Testing First – As with any herbal preparation, it is advisable to test a small area of skin first.
• Consult a Professional – If you have any health concerns, work with a knowledgeable practitioner before using herbal preparations.
• Prepare – Traditional use often involves preparation, such as supporting the lymphatic system, liver, and elimination pathways beforehand.
• Avoid Open Wounds – Herbal salves should not be applied to open cuts, wounds, or mucous membranes.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients – When making or purchasing black salve, organic, wildcrafted, and high-purity ingredients are best.
• Not FDA Approved – Black salve is not an FDA-approved treatment for any condition, but you already knew that.

Choosing a High-Quality Black Salve

Since quality can vary, here are some tips for selecting or making a high-quality black salve:

• Look for herbal-based formulations that use traditionally recognized ingredients.
• Avoid artificial preservatives, stabilizers, or synthetic additives.
• Read ingredient lists carefully and research each botanical’s properties.
• If making your own, source organic or wildcrafted herbs and use a reputable supplier.