Black salve is a slightly confusing element that can be used in a number of different ways. While some people automatically think of drawing salves when they read about black salve, it is important to note that there are different types of ointments that have the same name. This is extremely important when selecting a product to suit your specific needs.
Black Drawing Salve
The first type of black salve is the most common: black drawing salve. This ointment is used to draw foreign elements out of the skin. Used topically, the slave helps to promote healing for a number of different skin problems including:
• Bee stings
• Insect bites
• Boils
• Splinters
• Thorns
The benefit of using the drawing salve is that it helps to prevent the body from absorbing the alien element or venom. It can speed healing by removing the irritants from the skin while helping to heal and protect the area. This is particularly helpful in treating insect bites and boils that can become inflamed and infected if left untreated.
Forgo the salve and seek medical attention immediately if an allergic reaction to the foreign element appears. Fever, rashes, dizziness or other problematic side effects can indicate a serious reaction. Do not use salves on deep wounds or seeping skin problems. These conditions require medical attention as well.
Corrosive Black Salve
Another type of black salve is corrosive in nature. The most common contain bloodroot. This ominous ointment is used to treat skin conditions by eating away at the affected area. This types of salves are called escharotics because they create a “eschar”, on the surface of the skin. The eschar is a scab that is thought to have drawn the problem out of the area.
Black Salve for Cancer
Before even considering using black salve for cancer, please consider the article by Stephen Barrett, M.D. found on
Quack Watch that warns against using black salves for cancer. The ramifications of selecting this approach are extremely serious, and as the doctor notes, they can have horrific consequences.
If you believe that you have the symptoms of skin cancer, do not use any topical treatments. Instead, have a consultation with your physician as soon as possible. The ramifications of using corrosive ointments like black salve on melanoma include:
• Damage to healthy skin surrounding the affected area
• Scars
• Continued spread of cancer cells
This is particularly problematic when it comes to malignant skin cancer that can spread rather quickly to other areas of the body. When you think about the progression, it makes no sense to use a corrosive black salve to treat melanoma because the condition exists on a cellular level. Removing the cancer requires medical interventions that cause minimal damage to surrounding skin.
Black drawing salve is a great natural remedy to have on hand when you are gardening or enjoying leisure time outdoors. The homeopathic ointment can be helpful in treating mild skin irritants and insect bites. However, the home remedy is not an effective treatment for skin cancer.
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