Summer is great for campfires and sunny days, but it can also mean dealing with annoying bugs. Bug bites, poison ivy, and other skin irritations can be uncomfortable or even harmful. This black drawing salve can help soothe the itch and draw out toxins from your skin.
Are Conventional Anti-Itch Creams Safe?
Most people use topical or oral antihistamines to relieve itchiness and inflammation. While these treatments can address the symptoms, they don’t solve the root problem and may cause side effects like blurred vision, extreme fatigue, dizziness, or breathing issues in some cases.
Activated Charcoal Benefits
Activated charcoal is a natural substance that absorbs and traps toxins in the body. It’s often used in hospitals to treat food poisoning. When applied to the skin in this salve, it draws out toxins that cause itchiness and irritation. It can also help remove splinters and glass pieces lodged in the skin.
Bentonite Clay Benefits
Bentonite clay is a healing and cleansing substance formed from earth sediments. Rich in minerals, it releases these minerals into the body while bonding to toxins. Bentonite clay is excellent for the skin, oxygenating it by pulling excess hydrogen from the cells.
How To Make Black Drawing Salve (Perfect for Bug Bites and Poison Ivy!)
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon Activated Charcoal
– 1 tablespoon Bentonite Clay
– ½ cup Carrier Oil (like olive, sweet almond, or grapeseed)
– 2 teaspoons Beeswax
– 25 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Supplies:
– Pot
– Heat-safe Glass Bowl
– Metal Spoon
– 6 oz Metal Tin or Glass Jar
Directions:
1. Combine the oil and beeswax in the glass bowl. Fill the pot halfway with water and place it over medium-high heat. Set the glass bowl on top to create a double boiler effect. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Stir the mixture occasionally with the metal spoon until combined and melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool in the fridge until semi-solid, like the texture of soft Vaseline.
3. Add the bentonite clay, lavender essential oil, and charcoal to the oil mixture. Mix with a hand mixer on low until smooth.
4. Use a spatula to scrape the mixture into your container of choice.
How to Use the Charcoal Drawing Salve:
– Apply to rashes, bites, splinters, and other skin irritations caused by toxins.
– Leave it on and reapply every 12 hours as needed.
– You can cover it with a bandage to avoid messes, but be aware that charcoal can stain light-colored clothing.
