Pulling salves a.k.a drawing salves have been used for many years to help remove irritants and/or objects from the skin. In the recipe below, activated charcoal and bentonite clay help expel and 'pull' while oils of coconut and grape seed moisturize and protect irritated skin.
This salve was put to the test when my boyfriend was stung by a wasp. He was stung on his hand which immediately began to swell. When I applied a small amount of the salve to the site of the sting, the swelling of his hand and pain of the sting stopped almost immediately. Needless to say this salve will forever be an item in our herbal first aid kit.
Black Pulling Salve
Yield: 4 oz
Prep Time: 15 min.
Make & Clean-up Time: 45 min.
Equipment Needed
2 – 2oz glass jars OR 4 – 1 oz glass jars
1 - double boiler OR 4 cup measuring cup (w/open ended handle)
rubber spatula
stovetop or hot plate
blank labels
kitchen towel or hot pad
kitchen scale
spoons or scoops
small bowls
Ingredients
2 oz lavender infused sunflower oil
2 oz coconut oil
½ oz activated charcoal
½ oz bentonite clay
3/8 oz beeswax
small drizzle of vitamin E oil
Essential Oils (optional)
8 drops tea tree
4 drops geranium
Weigh out the lavender infused grape seed oil, coconut oil and beeswax into the top portion of the double boiler OR the open handled measuring cup, set aside. Weigh out the activated charcoal and bentonite clay into a glass bowl, set aside. Add ½ inch – 1 inch of water to the bottom portion of the double boiler, place it onto the burner and turn the heat on to medium - high. Set the top portion of the double boiler or measuring cup upon or into the water filled portion of the double boiler. Once the water begins to gently simmer, turn the heat to medium low. As the oils are warmed, stir the mixture occasionally until the beeswax it full melted.
When the wax is fully melted remove the mixture from the heat, place it onto a towel and wipe any water from the sides of the vessel. Add the vitamin E oil to the melted oils, stir well to incorporate. Add the activated charcoal and bentonite clay, stir very well. Lastly, add the essential oils and stir well. Pour the liquid salve into jars and allow it to cool uncovered until the glass is cool to the touch, about 45 min. Screw on the lids and label your salve with the contents and date. Store in a cool, dark place where your salve will keep 1 year or longer.
To use: apply a small amount to bee stings, insect or snake bites, boils, pimples, slivers, splinters or poison ivy rashes. Allow the salve to rest on the skin until pain or itch has subsided, fluid is removed or splinter has risen. Re apply as needed.
Salves are simple to make and very valuable. When made with quality ingredients and stored properly they can last for years. Pulling salves are typically needed very occasionally but are invaluable to have when the time is right. I encourage you to give the above recipe a try. If you do, please leave me a comment below.