I do lots of gardening, and while I know I should keep my gardening gloves on, I often don’t. Consequently, it is not unusual for me to get a splinter that I can’t get out and need a little assistance with. My go-to solution for this problem is Amish black drawing salve. I picked up this recipe when I was living in Pennsylvania, USA, a state with a significant Amish population, and their positive influence is felt statewide.
The natural drawing and purifying properties of ingredients such as Activated Charcoal Powder and Bentonite Clay work in harmony with the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of honey and lavender. The recipe is straightforward to follow, requiring only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons Shea Butter
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons Beeswax
- 3 tablespoons Calendula Infused Oil
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 2 tablespoons Activated Charcoal Powder
- 2 tablespoons Bentonite Clay
- 1/4 teaspoon of Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions:
- Gently melt your shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax using a double boiler.
- Once melted, add in your Calendula Infused Oil and honey and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine your Activated Charcoal Powder and Bentonite Clay.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the melted wax mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Stir in the lavender essential oil.
- Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins and allow it to cool and solidify.
- Label with the contents and date, and store in the fridge or in a cool dark place.
Traditionally, black drawing salve is applied to the affected area of the skin and then covered with a dressing secured with a bandage. The dressing is left in place for several hours or overnight, allowing the salve to work by drawing impurities from the skin. After the salve has been left in place for the recommended time, the dressing is removed, and the impurities are gently removed from the skin.
This is a must-have item for my medicine cabinet, and I think it should be for you, too. It’s easy and inexpensive to make, with a shelf life of around 12 months or longer if stored in the fridge.
This is a great DIY project for anyone who works with their hands and is likely to get the occasional splinter. That is me for sure, with everything I like to do in the garden.
As always, live well.
Valerie