Black salve is a controversial topical paste marketed as an alternative medicine. This article clarifies its composition, claimed uses, and the medical community’s stance on its safety. Black salve is an unproven treatment with significant risks.
Understanding Black Salve: Composition and Origins
Black salve contains corrosive escharotic agents, primarily zinc chloride and bloodroot plant (Sanguinaria canadensis) extracts. Bloodroot’s cytotoxic alkaloids, like sanguinarine, destroy skin tissue.
Its escharotic action causes necrosis, or tissue death, forming a thick, dark scab (eschar). This indiscriminate effect damages both healthy and abnormal tissue. Historically, corrosive pastes were used in folk medicine since the mid-1800s. Early European settlers and Native Americans used bloodroot for skin conditions, but modern formulations often include synthetic chemicals, challenging “natural” claims.
Claimed Applications and Public Perception
Proponents claim black salve treats various skin conditions, primarily skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), moles, warts, and skin tags. Anecdotal claims extend to infections and internal cancers, though topical application for internal conditions is less common.
Many are drawn to black salve as a perceived natural alternative, often due to distrust of traditional medicine, desire for non-surgical options, or anecdotal testimonials. Online platforms frequently feature glowing reviews and “miracle cancer cure” claims, despite no scientific backing.
Lack of Efficacy and Documented Risks
No scientific evidence or clinical trials support black salve’s effectiveness for any medical condition, especially cancer. It does not selectively target cancer cells; its corrosive action indiscriminately destroys any contacted tissue, including healthy skin. Studies show bloodroot’s cytotoxic alkaloids and zinc chloride can damage normal cells, sometimes more than cancer cells.
Black salve carries significant documented health risks, causing severe tissue damage, permanent disfigurement, and extensive scarring. Tissue destruction results in deep, painful open wounds susceptible to secondary infections. Incomplete lesion removal is a major concern; black salve often destroys only superficial skin layers, leaving cancer cells deeper to continue growing. This leads to cancer recurrence, potentially in a more aggressive form, and significantly delays legitimate medical treatment.
Regulatory Warnings and Legitimate Medical Approaches
Regulatory bodies worldwide warn against black salve due to its dangers and unproven claims. The U.S. FDA explicitly warns consumers, listing it as a “fake cancer cure” and unapproved drug. Its sale for medicinal purposes is often illegal in many countries, including Australia. The FDA has received reports of adverse events, including permanent disfigurement and cancer progression, with at least one reported death linked to its use instead of proven therapies.
Reputable medical organizations strongly advise against black salve. For skin conditions and cancers it claims to treat, safe and effective evidence-based medical alternatives exist: surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and topical chemotherapy for certain superficial skin cancers. Consulting a qualified healthcare professional (dermatologist or oncologist) is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of any suspicious skin lesions.