Black Salve? You might be thinking, well, yuck. But this black goop has its supporters, too. In fact, the topic of black salve can be quite controversial. Researchers have studied the group of topical pastes and plasters for their potential role in cancer treatment. Some are concerned that black salve side effects are too risky, making the paste unsafe for use. Others, however, believe that black salve benefits are worth the risk.
What is Black Salve?
Black salve refers to a group of natural corrosive agents, also known as escharotics. Some studies have shown that black salve ingredients, including bloodroot, have the ability to treat basal and squamous skin cell carcinomas by burning off or drawing out cancerous cells through the skin. Along with skin cancer, black salve has also been used to treat skin growths such as warts and even internal tumors, by applying the salve topically to the skin. Some patients with cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition, have also turned to black salve for treatment. Some researchers claim that black salve is able to "selectively kill abnormal cells of the cervix while leaving healthy cells unaffected." Despite the benefits, black salve side effects do cause for concern. Studies suggest that black salve may possess antimicrobial and even anticancer compounds, however, black salve side effects can be serious. (1)Black Salve Benefits
1. Has Been Used to Treat Skin Growths
Benefits of black salve include the ability to treat various skin growths, such as moles, skin tags and warts. Researchers found that bloodroot juice is poisonous when taken internally, but when used externally, it works to dissolve skin growths without harming normal tissue.
2. May Have Anticancer Abilities
Some studies have shown that the benefits of black salve include anticancer abilities. According to a 2013 study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, the benefits of black salve include the presence of sanguinarine. Sanguinarine causes cell death through oxidative damage in the body. It's been shown to help kill human melanoma cells and cut off the energy supply of cancerous cells. (2)3. Contains Antimicrobial Ingredients
Benefits of black salve include the ability to provide the body with antimicrobial properties. A 2014 study found that sanguinarine can potentially overcome pathogens that are multi-drug resistant, just as well as antibiotics can. Researchers found that thanks to sanguinarine, benefits of black salve included strong activity against 34 different strains of bacteria, comparable to the activity of standard antibiotics. (3)Black Salve Side Effects
While black salve benefits do exist, so do black salve side effects. It's important to consider black salve side effects carefully before use. Doctors and patients have reported the following side effects:- Burning the skin, sometimes severely
- Leaving behind open wounds, someone's as big as one-inch wide
- Causing blackening of the skin, along with scarring and discoloration
- Allowing cancerous cells and tumors to further spread and progress, which can end up being deadly
