Manufacturers of black herbal ointments offer the products as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including pain from spider bites and hot flashes caused by menopause. Black cohosh, also called black snakeroot, is one source of ointment, while black drawing salve is also a popular ointment that contains herbs like echinacea and calendula. The products have not been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness and may contain harmful toxins or contaminated ingredients, according to Drugs.com. Some people who use black herbs experience headaches and nausea. Alert your doctor before taking any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant.
Boils
Boils, or painful red bumps filled with pus, appear due to a bacterial infection of your hair follicles. Some people believe applying black drawing salve over the spot of a boil and then covering the spot with a bandage will bring relief. Contact your doctor if a boil lasts longer than two weeks or causes severe pain. Many drugstores carry black drawing salve as a non-prescription product.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Black cohosh ointment is regularly sold as a cure for pain from rheumatoid arthritis. The condition typically affects the joints in your feet or hands and is most common in older adults. Research is lacking to prove black cohosh relieves rheumatoid arthritis, according to MayoClinic.com.
Splinters and Thorns
Supporters of black drawing salve often seek the ointment to withdraw thorns or splinters. Treatment consists of cleaning your skin with soap and water and then coating the affected area with the ointment once the skin is dry. The black ointment may withdraw persistent thorns that can't be removed with tweezers, as the ointment reportedly weakens the thorn and causes it to fall out easily. Seek medical care for any splinter or thorn that causes breathing difficulty, rashes or persistent swelling.
Menopause Symptoms
Advertisements for black cohosh ointment often claim the herb serves as an effective remedy for hot flashes triggered by menopause, as well as cramping and sweating. MayoClinic.com reports that evidence suggests black cohosh is not an effective remedy for menopausal discomfort.
Insect Bites
Black drawing salve is regarded by some as a treatment for spider bites. Supporters of the salve direct users to apply the product on the skin until the bite is dry, which is considered as a sign that the poison has been removed. The ointment is also applied to stings from bees and wasps after removal of the insect's stinger. Contact your doctor if you suffer an allergic reaction after an insect bite or sting, as early treatment is vital to your well-being.
