Salve
{{Short description|Medical ointment applied to the surface of the body}}
{{Other uses}}
File:Lanolinezalf - detail.jpg (salve) from a tube]]
A salve is a medical ointment used to soothe the skin.{{cite web|url=http://firstaid.webmd.com/wilderness-sunburn-treatment |title=Sunburn Treatment: First Aid Information for Sunburn |publisher=Firstaid.webmd.com |date=2011-11-01 |accessdate=2012-04-02}}
Medical uses
Magnesium sulphate paste is used as a drawing salve to treat small boils and infected wounds and to remove 'draw' small splinters.{{cite web|url=https://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/magnesium-sulphate-paste-good-for-skin-and-a-lot-more |title=Magnesium Sulphate Paste: Good For Skin And A Lot More|publisher=Therapies & Treatments center |accessdate=2022-12-23}} Black ointment, or Ichthyol Salve, also called Drawing Salve, has been traditionally used to treat minor skin problems such as sebaceous cysts, boils, ingrown toenails and splinters.
The main ingredients are often ichthammol, phenyl alcohol, or Arnica montana, and may contain herbs such as echinacea or calendula. The name comes from archaic belief that an irritant can "draw out" evil humors. (This should not be confused with black salve which is dangerous.)
Agricultural uses
In the days before dipping, a greasy salve was rubbed into the wool of sheep in the autumn as a precautionary measure against parasites - as referenced in social literature about ancient farming areas in England.Pontefract, E. & Hartley, M. Wharfedale (1943 reprint) Dent & Sons