Ichthammol Ointment

Ichthammol ointment has a number of uses as a natural cure for a variety of minor skin injuries and conditions. For many, ichthammol ointment is a staple in their arsenal of natural cures.

Also known as black drawing salve, ichthammol ointment is made from sulfuric shale that is mixed with a carrier such as paraffin or beeswax. Sometimes, the ointment also contains other natural ingredients such as arnica, vitamin E or comfrey, which can further aid in healing. Ichthammol ointment is believed to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The ointment itself is black, which is why it is referred to as black drawing salve. It has a pungent, sulfuric odor that comes from the shale.

The ointment is available in various strengths that indicates the different levels of ichthammol in the carrier. For instance, a 10 percent ointment indicates that 10 percent of the ointment’s overall volume comes from ichthammol. Common strengths are 10 percent and 20 percent over the counter. Some compounding pharmacists will mix up higher strengths if recommended by your health-care provider.

Icthammol ointment is believed to “draw out” infections of the skin. There are a variety of suggested uses for this remedy, including:

• Treating insect bites and stings including from mosquitoes, spiders and bees
• Treatment of boils
• Removing splinters and slivers
• Treating plant irritations such as nettles or poison ivy
• Treating minor skin infections such as an ingrown toenail
• Treating the minor skin irritations outlined above of your pets

Ichthammol is mildly corrosive. The other ingredients in the salve are skin softening. It is believed that black drawing salve works by softening and mildly “corroding” the skin surrounding the infection or foreign body. This allows the foreign body or substance to be “drawn” to the surface of and out of the skin. Ichthammol is further believed to be antifungal and antibacterial, which may aid in speeding healing of the area.

To use black drawing salve, clean the area thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the salve, and cover it with a bandage. Re-clean the area daily and apply the drawing salve. If the infection or condition persists, or if you notice a red streak running from the infection in the direction of your heart, seek immediate medical attention because this could be indicative of a severe infection.

• Ichthammol ointment is for topical use only. Do not take it internally.
• It is always best to check with your health care provider before self-prescribing any home remedy.
• Do not use ichthammol ointment if you have an allergy to any of the ingredients.
• Skin irritation may result.
• Use may result in incomplete removal of infection or foreign bodies.
• There is the potential for scarring and/or burning of the skin with use of black drawing salve.
• Avoid contact of ichthammol salve with mucous membranes such as the eyes.
• Ichthammol ointment can stain clothing and other textiles. To avoid staining, always keep the ointment covered with a bandage.

Ichthammol salve is available widely in health food stores and on the Internet. Since there is no prescription necessary for black drawing salve, it is widely available at a variety of sources. Some sources to purchase black drawing salve on the Internet follow.

• Health Warehouse has ichthammol ointment for $5.00 for a one ounce size.
• Black drawing salve can be made at home using this recipe.
• Dr. Christopher’s Black Drawing Ointment is available on Web Vitamins for $13.18 for a two ounce size.
• Even Amazon.com and Ebay have various sizes and brands of black drawing salve available. You may be able to find bargains on Ebay.

Black drawing salve, or ichthammol ointment is a widely used and popular remedy for a number of conditions. When used properly to treat minor skin infections and irritations, it may become one of your favorite natural remedies in your natural health care kit.

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