Black walnut hulls have been valued in folk remedies for generations. Known for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and detoxifying properties, they are often used in natural skincare preparations, including drawing salves—traditional ointments designed to help draw out splinters, stingers, minor toxins, or impurities from the skin.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making black walnut hull infused oil and transforming it into a rich, soothing drawing salve.
Step 1: Make Black Walnut Hull Infused Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black walnut hulls (green hulls are most potent, but they must be dried first)
- 1.5 cups carrier oil (olive oil, jojoba, or almond oil work best)
- 1 glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Place dried black walnut hulls into a clean glass jar.
- Pour the carrier oil over them until fully covered.
- Seal the jar and store in a warm, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a clean jar.
👉 For a faster method: Gently heat the oil and hulls in a double boiler or slow cooker on the lowest setting for 3–4 hours, then strain.
Step 2: Prepare the Drawing Salve
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup black walnut hull infused oil (from above)
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter (optional, for extra soothing power)
- 1 tablespoon activated charcoal powder
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- 8–10 drops tea tree oil or lavender essential oil (optional, for extra antimicrobial support)
Instructions
- In a double boiler, gently heat the infused oil, beeswax, and shea butter until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in activated charcoal and bentonite clay until fully incorporated.
- Add essential oils if desired, then mix well.
- Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins and allow to cool completely.
How to Use the Drawing Salve
- Apply a small amount directly to the affected area (such as a splinter, insect bite, or boil).
- Cover with a clean bandage to prevent staining clothes or bedding.
- Reapply every 12–24 hours as needed until the issue resolves.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Shelf life: about 6–12 months.
Important Notes
- This salve is for external use only.
- Because black walnut may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, do a patch test before using widely.
- Not recommended for people with nut allergies.
- For serious infections or medical conditions, always seek professional medical care.
Final Thoughts
Crafting your own black walnut hull infused oil and drawing salve is a wonderful way to embrace traditional herbal remedies. With its blend of natural detoxifying ingredients, this salve can be a handy addition to your natural first-aid kit—supporting your skin with age-old wisdom.
