How to Make a Drawing Salve

Natural Splinter Removal and Treatment for Stings and Boils

May 4, 2009 Cindy Ausbrooks

Homemade drawing salve has been used for centuries to remove splinters, and to heal insect stings and boils.

Drawing salves contain soothing, healing ingredients that gently draw obstructions and infections from under the skin. In earlier days, when plant medicine was used by most people as their first line of defense, a drawing salve could always be found in the family medicine chest. Today, these salves are still used for splinter removal, and other minor skin injuries, with many people using the same recipes that have been handed down for generations.

Materials:

Fresh plantain leaves
Glass jar with lid
High quality olive oil
Beeswax
Lavender essential oil
Low tub or jar for storage

Plantain leaves, which are the main ingredient in this drawing salve, can be gathered fresh from your yard, and are found growing in most areas of North America. Consult an experienced herbalist if you have trouble identifying the leaves. All other materials can be purchased at your local natural health store.

Directions:

Rinse several large plantain leaves in cold running water to remove any external dirt or debris. Pat them dry, and place into a glass jar with lid.
Fill the glass jar with vegetable oil and secure the lid. Allow the mixture to stand for one month to allow time for infusing.
Strain the leaves from the oil and discard them. Retain the oil to make the drawing salve.
Heat approximately four teaspoons of beeswax in the top of a double boiler, until just melted. Add one cup of the plantain infused oil, and 10-15 drops lavender essential oil. Stir well to combine.
Pour the melted drawing salve into a low tub or jar for storage, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Store any remaining plantain infused oil in a cool, dry place for another use, or make a larger batch of drawing salve, if desired. Use approximately ½ teaspoon of beeswax per one ounce of infused oil.
Label the storage container with the name of the remedy, “drawing salve,” and the date.

Using Homemade Drawing Salve

To use for splinter removal and insect stings, apply the drawing salve liberally to the affected area. Cover with a bandage and wait 10-20 minutes for the salve to draw out the foreign body. Remove the bandage and you should be able to grasp the object with tweezers and pull it out easily. Replace the bandage and leave it on for 24 hours to encourage healing.

To use as a boil drawing salve, or for rashes and other minor skin irritations, apply to the affected area, bandage, and leave for 24 hours. Change the dressing, if needed after this time period, and repeat. In many cases, more than one treatment will not be necessary.

The copyright of the article How to Make a Drawing Salve in Natural Medicine is owned by Cindy Ausbrooks. Permission to republish How to Make a Drawing Salve in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.