Alternative medicine
Black Salve
Black Salve is an alternative-medicine practice, but its role is not established. Overall, the evidence is insufficient to show reliable benefits, and it should not be regarded as a proven treatment.
Black Salve is associated with attempts to speed wound healing, but that benefit is not established.
We do not advise this practice
It can cause harm.
Why it is not advised
Black Salve is used with the aim of destroying skin lesions and promoting healing, but there is no human evidence that it accelerates wound healing, and its use has not been shown to reliably clear skin cancer. Caustic tissue destruction can damage healthy tissue while obscuring whether a lesion is malignant or whether cancer remains, potentially delaying effective care. This makes use on a suspected cancerous lesion particularly concerning. The resulting tissue injury can also lead to lasting scarring or impaired function. Safety in pregnancy and while breastfeeding has not been established.
Overview
Black Salve is an alternative-medicine practice, but its role is not established. Overall, the evidence is insufficient to show reliable benefits, and it should not be regarded as a proven treatment. The research includes case reports rather than stronger study designs, limiting how confidently any conclusions can be drawn. Black Salve is harmful and is not advised. The proposed effects do not establish that it can treat a condition, and this evidence does not provide a basis for adopting it as a health practice.
Barely researched: 12 studies. Last checked Oct 9, 2026.
No studies of this practice are on file. What follows is drawn from 30 community reports and general safety knowledge — read it as description, not evidence.
- 0
- human evidence
- 0
- eligible
- 3
- unclassified
- 0
- animal / null result
1 of 9 flagged interactions are serious or life-threatening·2 likely contraindications
- 12
- Studies
Evidence checked Oct 9, 2026 · newest study 2025
- D
- 12
30 community reports across 3 platforms
Coverage
- Effects
- 3
- Side effects
- 12
- Interactions
- 11 1 high-risk
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Interacts with some medications and supplements — worth checking before combining.See interactions
These are research findings, not promises. A practice does not replace medical treatment.
What does research say?
None of these claims has good evidence yet. Best evidence first.
3 claims:1 not enough evidence2 not tested in people
Wound Healing AccelerationNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a single case report.
A 2025 case report described an ulcer in a melanoma and skin cancer context that gradually re-epithelialized and fully healed by day 20.
Open the Wound Healing Acceleration pageAntifungal EffectNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Sanguinarine has shown in vitro antifungal activity, particularly against Candida species and dermatophytes, with membrane disruption and inhibition of biofilm formation described as possible mechanisms.
Open the Antifungal Effect pageAntiviral EffectNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Sanguinarine and other alkaloids in Black Salve have shown in vitro antiviral activity against certain enveloped viruses; this finding does not establish an antiviral effect in people.
Open the Antiviral Effect page
Only reported by users, not studied: Analgesic Effect.
What can go wrong
What studies and reports say about its harms and who is most at risk.
- Side effects
Possible: Skin Rash / Irritation.
11 more with weak evidence.
- Most at risk if you have
- Melanoma, Cancer (General), and Skin Cancer
- Serious interactions with
- Derma Rolling (Microneedling)
General wellness information, not medical advice. If you already do it, talk to a doctor, especially if you take medicines or have a health condition.
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
Effects
3 listedStart here
The best we have, but the evidence is still weak
- →Wound Healing AccelerationCertaintyLowSourceClinicalnot used for recommendations1 cited study · 1 other source
A 2025 case report described an ulcer in a melanoma and skin cancer context that gradually re-epithelialized and fully healed by day 20.
What the sources found
2 positive · 0 neutral · 0 negativeconfidence 34/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Melanoma
- Skin Cancer
Where the evidence comes from
- Article1
- Community reports1
Protocol behind this outcome
1 protocolEstimatedWhat the studies reporting this result did.
- Format
- Self-guided
- Supervision
- Self-guided
A repeated course
Why it isn't used for recommendations
Animal or in-vitro evidence only
Open Wound Healing AccelerationShow studies (2)
Case reportDpositiven=120% confidence2025This ulcer gradually re-epithelialized and fully healed by day 20.
Low-quality journalOpen-labelNo control groupCommunity reportsmoderate effectpositive47% confidenceThis effect was mentioned in 10 of 29 community reports discussing it (YouTube 8, Reddit 2).
10 mentions - →Antifungal EffectCertaintyLowSourceTheoreticalnot used for recommendations1 other source
Sanguinarine has shown in vitro antifungal activity, particularly against Candida species and dermatophytes, with membrane disruption and inhibition of biofilm formation described as possible mechanisms.
What the sources found
1 positive · 0 neutral · 0 negativeconfidence 50/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Expert opinion1
Why it isn't used for recommendations
No supporting study on file
Open Antifungal EffectShow studies (1)
Expert opinionpositive50% confidenceSanguinarine exhibits in vitro antifungal properties, particularly against Candida species and dermatophytes, due to membrane disruption and inhibition of biofilm formation.
Expert knowledge synthesis
Side effects
12 listedHighest probability
- →Skin Rash / IrritationCertaintyMediumSourceClinical8 cited studies · 2 other sources
A 2023 case series of 409 people described necrosis, ulceration, or scarring of normal tissue; a 2013 case series of 11 also reported scarring.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 10 reportedconfidence 45/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Rating adjusted
Lowered from High to Medium after checking study quality: journal, risk of bias, trial size and design.
Why this rating
- A reviewer set it to High · curator approved
- A reviewer set it to Medium · Re-confirm medium. Black salve is an escharotic (a corrosive paste), so burns and tissue necrosis are how it works. Eight case reports and series show this, including a 409-patient histopathology series where it killed normal tissue on benign lesions. All the evidence is case-level with no trials, so medium is the highest rating the few-own-studies cap allows.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Cancer (General)
- Colon Cancer
- Melanoma
- Skin Cancer
Where the evidence comes from
- Article8
- Community reports1
- Reference knowledge1
Open Skin Rash / IrritationShow studies (10)
Case seriesDnegativen=40942% confidence2023Necrosis/ulceration/scarring of normal tissue
Top journalNo control groupCase seriesDnegativen=1135% confidence2013scarring
No control groupCase seriesDnegativen=245% confidence2010An Internet misadventure: bloodroot salve toxicity.
Lesion ulceration and purulence with progression to malignant melanoma diagnosis after bloodroot salve use
Low-quality journalOpen-labelNo control groupCase reportDnegativen=145% confidence2018Naturopathic Self-Treatment of an Atypical Fibroxanthoma: Lessons for Dermatologic Surgery.
Severe burn of the scalp extending to 20% of scalp surface area
No control groupCase reportDnegativen=145% confidence2015Black salve and bloodroot extract in dermatologic conditions.
dermatitic plaque
No control group+4 more in SourcesCase reportDnegativen=145% confidence2025Full-thickness tissue necrosis
Weak journalOpen-labelNo control group
Low probability(11)
- →Skin BurnCertaintyLowSourceClinical5 cited studies
A 2023 case series reported necrosis, ulceration, and scarring of normal tissue in 409 people. A 2010 case series described chemical escharotic tissue destruction at the application site in 2 people.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 5 reportedconfidence 45/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Rating adjusted
Lowered from Medium to Low after checking study quality: journal, risk of bias, trial size and design.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Colon Cancer
- Skin Cancer
Where the evidence comes from
- Article5
Protocol behind this outcome
4 protocolsMeasuredWhat the studies reporting this result did.
- Format
- Self-guided
- Supervision
- Self-guided
Courses and single sessions · 1 repeated-course and 2 single-session protocols
Open Skin BurnShow studies (5)
Case seriesDnegativen=40945% confidence2023Necrosis/ulceration/scarring of normal tissue
Top journalNo control groupCase seriesDnegativen=245% confidence2010An Internet misadventure: bloodroot salve toxicity.
Chemical escharotic tissue destruction at application site
Low-quality journalOpen-labelNo control groupCase reportDnegativen=145% confidence2017Facial eschar following a single application of black salve.
Facial eschar with progressive blackening and swelling at the application site
Top journalNo control groupCase reportDnegativen=147% confidence2018Naturopathic Self-Treatment of an Atypical Fibroxanthoma: Lessons for Dermatologic Surgery.
Severe burn of the scalp extending to 20% of scalp surface area
No control groupCase reportDnegativen=145% confidence2015Black salve and bloodroot extract in dermatologic conditions.
skin erosion
No control group - →Inflammation IncreaseCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 cited studies · 1 other source
A 2013 case series involving 11 people with melanoma reported granulomatous inflammation; a 2014 case report described localized inflammation and ulceration at the application site.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 3 reportedconfidence 53/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Rating adjusted
Lowered from Medium to Low after checking study quality: journal, risk of bias, trial size and design.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Melanoma
Where the evidence comes from
- Article2
- Reference knowledge1
Open Inflammation IncreaseShow studies (3)
Case seriesDnegativen=1140% confidence2013granulomatous inflammation
No control groupCase reportDnegativen=145% confidence2014Localized inflammation and ulceration at application site
No control groupReference knowledgenegative75% confidenceIntense local inflammation and swelling in response to the caustic injury, which can extend beyond the application site
- →PainCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 cited studies · 2 other sources
A 2010 case series described intense pain during bloodroot treatment in 2 people, and a 2023 case report described burning pain.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 4 reportedconfidence 46/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Colon Cancer
- Skin Cancer
Where the evidence comes from
- Article2
- Community reports1
- Reference knowledge1
Open PainShow studies (4)
Case seriesDnegativen=245% confidence2010An Internet misadventure: bloodroot salve toxicity.
Intense pain during bloodroot treatment
Low-quality journalOpen-labelNo control groupCase reportDnegativen=140% confidence2023Black Salve: A Dangerous Corrosive Disguised as an Alternative Medicine.
Burning pain
Low-quality journalNo control groupReference knowledgenegative80% confidenceApplication commonly causes significant burning pain and pain from the resulting ulcerative tissue injury.
Community reportsnegative20% confidenceThis effect was mentioned in 2 of 22 YouTube videos discussing it.
- →Menstrual Cycle ChangesCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study
A 2020 case report described oligomenorrhea.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 45/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Pcos
Where the evidence comes from
- Article1
Open Menstrual Cycle ChangesShow studies (1)
Case reportDnegativen=145% confidence2020Intravaginal Application of Topical Black Salve for High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.
Oligomenorrhea
No control group - →Injury Risk IncreaseCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
A pharmacology reference warns that uncontrolled tissue destruction can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and functional impairment.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 80/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open Injury Risk IncreaseShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative80% confidenceHigh risk of permanent scarring, disfigurement, and functional impairment due to uncontrolled tissue destruction
- →Peripheral Nerve DamageCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Deep tissue destruction may injure skin or deeper nerves, potentially causing persistent numbness, altered sensation, or neuropathic pain.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 70/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open Peripheral Nerve DamageShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative70% confidenceDeep tissue destruction may injure cutaneous or deeper nerves, producing persistent numbness, altered sensation, or neuropathic pain.
- →Allergic ReactionCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Bloodroot constituents or product excipients may trigger localized or systemic hypersensitivity reactions.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 57/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open Allergic ReactionShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative57% confidenceBotanical bloodroot constituents or product excipients may provoke localized or systemic hypersensitivity reactions.
- →NauseaCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Nausea may occur if toxic bloodroot alkaloids are absorbed systemically, especially when the salve is applied over large areas or damaged skin.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 49/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open NauseaShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative49% confidenceNausea can occur with systemic absorption of toxic bloodroot alkaloids, especially after application over large areas or damaged skin.
- →DizzinessCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Systemic exposure to preparations containing sanguinarine may cause dizziness.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 46/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open DizzinessShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative46% confidenceDizziness may occur with systemic exposure to sanguinarine-containing preparations.
- →VomitingCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Vomiting is a possible sign of systemic bloodroot toxicity when substantial absorption occurs.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 46/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open VomitingShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative46% confidenceVomiting is a possible manifestation of systemic bloodroot toxicity when substantial absorption occurs.
- →WeaknessCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledge1 other source
Generalized weakness may accompany systemic toxicity or significant tissue injury from black salve.
What the sources found
0 not observed · 0 unclear · 1 reportedconfidence 43/100
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge1
Open WeaknessShow studies (1)
Reference knowledgenegative43% confidenceGeneralized weakness may accompany systemic toxicity or significant tissue injury from black salve.
Don't do it if
When to skip it or get medical advice first8 listedHighest probability
- →MelanomaCertaintyHighSourceClinical2 cited studies
Case reports describe melanoma progression after application, as well as tissue necrosis and cellulitis after self-treatment; they provide no evidence of efficacy. Earlier reports also describe incomplete eradication and progression.
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Why this rating
- A reviewer set it to High · curator approved
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Melanoma
Protocol behind this outcome
2 protocolsEstimatedWhat the studies reporting this result did.
- Format
- Self-guided
- Supervision
- Self-guided
Courses and single sessions · 1 repeated-course and 1 single-session protocols
Rationale
Case report showing progression of melanoma after black salve application; no evidence of efficacy.
Open MelanomaShow studies (2)
Case reportDn=120% confidence2014Case report showing progression of melanoma after black salve application; no evidence of efficacy.
No control groupCase reportDn=120% confidence2025Case report of self-treatment leading to tissue necrosis and cellulitis; prior cases show incomplete eradication and progression.
Weak journalOpen-labelNo control group - →Cancer (General)CertaintyHighSourceClinical1 cited study
A 2023 case series reported cancer persistence in 28.8% after treatment, including cancers that may have been metastatic.
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Why this rating
- A reviewer set it to Medium · curator approved
- A reviewer set it to High · curator approved
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Cancer (General)
Rationale
High rates of cancer persistence (28.8%) after black salve treatment, including potentially metastatic cancers.
Open Cancer (General)Show studies (1)
Case seriesDn=40940% confidence2023High rates of cancer persistence (28.8%) after black salve treatment, including potentially metastatic cancers.
Top journalNo control group
Medium probability(1)
- →Skin CancerCertaintyMediumSourceClinical2 cited studies
A 2023 case series found cancer persisted after black salve treatment in 28.8% of cases, including potentially metastatic cancers. Caustic destruction can obscure pathology, leave malignant tissue behind, and delay effective cancer care.
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Why this rating
- A reviewer set it to Medium · curator approved
- A reviewer set it to Medium · Case series show cancer persisted after black salve in 28.8% of 409 cases (36718525) and residual or masked carcinoma (24150196). Destroying a suspected skin cancer with caustic paste delays real treatment and hides what is left. medium stands on today's evidence.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Skin Cancer
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Confidence
confidence 85/100
Rationale
A known or suspected malignant skin lesion requires diagnostic biopsy and definitive treatment; caustic destruction can obscure pathology, leave malignant tissue behind, and delay effective cancer care.
Open Skin CancerShow studies (2)
Case seriesDn=40940% confidence2023High rates of cancer persistence (28.8%) after black salve treatment, including potentially metastatic cancers.
Top journalNo control groupCase seriesDn=1130% confidence2013Residual basal cell carcinoma was found in one of 16 cases after black salve use, and the literature review describes malignant tumours masked by uncontrolled escharotic treatment.
No control group
Low probability(5)
- →Diabetes Type 2CertaintyLowSourceClinical1 cited study
A 2022 case report noted that uncontrolled diabetes may increase the risk of wound-healing complications.
How big is the effect
No study gave a number we could compare, so the size is not known.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Diabetes Type 2
- Neuropathy Peripheral
Protocol behind this outcome
1 protocolMeasuredWhat the studies reporting this result did.
- Format
- Self-guided
- Supervision
- Self-guided
A repeated course
Rationale
Paper notes patients with uncontrolled diabetes may be at risk for complications related to wound healing.
Open Diabetes Type 2Show studies (1)
Case reportDn=120% confidence2022Black salve: risky escharotic.
Paper notes patients with uncontrolled diabetes may be at risk for complications related to wound healing.
Weak journalNo control group - →WoundCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledgeTheoretical
On open or broken skin, the corrosive paste can deepen and enlarge the wound, causing excessive tissue loss and delayed healing.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Confidence
confidence 80/100
Open WoundRationale
Open wound or broken skin at the application site — the corrosive paste will deepen and enlarge the wound, causing excessive tissue loss and delayed healing
- →Bleeding DisordersCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledgeTheoretical
Caustic tissue destruction creates open wounds that can carry a high risk of prolonged or severe bleeding when blood clotting is impaired, including with hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or anticoagulant use.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Confidence
confidence 75/100
Open Bleeding DisordersRationale
Impaired hemostasis (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant use) — the caustic destruction of tissue creates open wounds with a high risk of prolonged or severe bleeding
- →PregnancyCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledgeTheoretical
Sanguinarine has uterine-stimulant and embryotoxic effects in animal models and can cross biological membranes. If absorbed through damaged skin, it poses a theoretical risk of miscarriage or fetal harm.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Confidence
confidence 75/100
Open PregnancyRationale
Sanguinarine crosses biological membranes and has uterine stimulant and embryotoxic effects in animal models; systemic absorption via damaged skin poses theoretical risk of miscarriage or fetal harm.
- →BreastfeedingCertaintyLowSourceReference knowledgeTheoretical
Animal studies report that sanguinarine is excreted in breast milk. If it is absorbed through the mother’s skin, this could expose the infant to toxicity.
Where the evidence comes from
- Reference knowledge
Confidence
confidence 70/100
Open BreastfeedingRationale
Sanguinarine is excreted in breast milk in animal studies; potential exposure to infant via systemic absorption in mother from topical application poses risk of toxicity.
Interactions
Dangerous combinations
Highest severity first
- →PracticesDerma Rolling (Microneedling)TheoreticalSerious
Microneedling Derma Rolling can create channels that carry sanguinarine and zinc chloride deeper into tissue, increasing chemical injury, necrosis, scarring, and possible systemic absorption when used with Black Salve.
Where the evidence comes from
- Expert opinion
Open Derma Rolling (Microneedling)Confidence
confidence 53/100
- →SupplementsGinkgo BilobaTheoreticalCaution
Ginkgo Biloba can reduce platelet clumping, so using it while Black Salve burns an open skin wound may increase bleeding or oozing at the treated site.
- →SupplementsOmega-3TheoreticalCaution
Fish oil has blood-thinning properties, which may increase the risk of excessive bleeding or prolonged oozing where Black Salve has destroyed tissue.
- →SupplementsBromelainTheoreticalCaution
Bromelain has antiplatelet and proteolytic activity. With the deep necrotic ulcer Black Salve can produce, it may increase bruising and bleeding and delay hemostasis.
- →SupplementsAloe VeraTheoreticalCaution
Topical Aloe Vera may irritate skin injured by Black Salve or complicate wound care. Applying it to these lesions should be avoided unless directed by a clinician.
- →SupplementsGarlicTheoreticalCaution
Garlic's antiplatelet activity may worsen bleeding at the site where Black Salve is applied.
Unrated(3)(3)(0)
- →SupplementsVitamin ETheoreticalCaution
On tissue damaged by Black Salve, topical Vitamin E may trap irritants and delay healing; it may also worsen inflammation and increase the risk of infection or keloid formation.
- →SupplementsChondroitin SulfateTheoreticalCaution
Chondroitin Sulfate may impair platelet-mediated clotting, potentially increasing bleeding from tissue ulcerated by Black Salve, particularly after extensive applications.
- →SupplementsCod Liver OilTheoreticalCaution
High-dose Cod Liver Oil provides omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce platelet aggregation, potentially adding to bleeding from tissue necrosis caused by Black Salve.
Weakens or is weakened by
Highest probability
- →PracticesHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)CertaintyMediumSourceTheoreticalCompetitive
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) enhances wound healing and angiogenesis, potentially reducing Black Salve’s escharotic action.
Where the evidence comes from
- Expert opinion
Open Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)Confidence
confidence 50/100
- →PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyMediumSourceTheoreticalCompetitive
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) promotes wound healing and tissue repair, which may counteract the corrosive effect intended with Black Salve.
Where the evidence comes from
- Expert opinion
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)Confidence
confidence 50/100
Community experience
Based on 30 public posts from YouTube, Reddit, and Hacker News.
What people report it did
2 outcomes mentioned across 30 public reports. A report often mentions several, so these counts do not add up to the total.
Reported benefits2
- Wound Healing Acceleration10 mentions
- Analgesic Effect7 mentions
References
13 screened · 12 analysed · 13 listed below
Studies and sources cited on this page. Evidence quality varies — check the grade on each.
- A case of compound X (black salve) self-treated melanoma in situ leading to hospitalization and extensive tissue damage.JAAD Case Rep2025Case reportDn=1
- Basal Cell Carcinoma Self-Treated With an Escharotic Agent (Black Salve) and Timeline of Cutaneous Responses.Cureus2025Case reportDn=1
- Black Salve: A Dangerous Corrosive Disguised as an Alternative Medicine.Cureus2023Case reportDn=1
- Persisting Cancer in Black Salve Treated Skin Lesions: Results of a Large 5 Year Retrospective Analysis of Australian Histopathology Specimens.Integr Cancer Ther2023Case seriesDn=409
- Black salve: risky escharotic.Scars Burn Heal2022Case reportDn=1
- Intravaginal Application of Topical Black Salve for High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.Ochsner J2020Case reportDn=1
- Naturopathic Self-Treatment of an Atypical Fibroxanthoma: Lessons for Dermatologic Surgery.J Drugs Dermatol2018Case reportDn=1
- Facial eschar following a single application of black salve.Clin Toxicol (Phila)2017Case reportDn=1
- Black salve and bloodroot extract in dermatologic conditions.Cutis2015Case reportDn=1
- Application of black salve to a thin melanoma that subsequently progressed to metastatic melanoma: a case study.Dermatol Pract Concept2014Case reportDn=1
Show all 13 references
- Histopathological features associated with application of black salve to cutaneous lesions: a series of 16 cases and review of the literature.2013Case seriesDn=11
- An Internet misadventure: bloodroot salve toxicity.2010Case seriesDn=2
- Expert knowledge synthesis