The Role of Zinc Chloride in Salve
An escharotic salve must contain a mineral salt to enhance the effectiveness of the herbal ingredients. In combination with the correct herbs, it will cause the “fixing” or escharotic effect on abnormal tissue. Over the years Zinc Chloride has been shown to be the perfect addition to Bloodroot Salve. Dermatological surgeons still use the paste of bloodroot and zinc chloride. See link.
Is It Dangerous?
You probably ingest this substance, demonized as it has been by opponents of black salve – you use it on your skin, in your eyes or mouth, feed it to infants in the formula, and doctors may inject it into your body. Its pH is only 5.0. Does this sound like a dangerous chemical to you?
Everyday Uses
Zinc Chloride is used in intravenous injections (yes, for humans), Total Parental Nutrition, dietary supplements, eye drops, treatment of drinking water, cosmetics, cleansers, hair conditioners, bath products, oral preparations, fabric deodorizer, animal and plant nutrition. In its pure state, pH is 5.0.
Detractors of “black salve” like to say that the ingredient zinc chloride is corrosive and dangerous (just as many chemicals, cleaners, medicines are in concentrated form) but ignore the many modern uses of this substance that prove it is not dangerous. It has been used in medical treatments since at least the 1850s. A doctor may inject it into your body, you put it on your skin and hair, clean your teeth or rinse your mouth with it… read more.
According to Dorland’s Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers 2007: zinc chloride is included in TPN mixtures, where nutrition is injected directly into the bloodstream. It is also used as an astringent on the skin, and as a desensitizer for dentin (teeth).
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary 2012: zinc chloride was used as a caustic for the removal of cutaneous cancers, nevi, etc. and in weak solution in the treatment of gonorrhea and conjunctivitis.
Zinc chloride solution is also injected directly into the bloodstream for the prevention and treatment of zinc deficiency, which may be characterized by growth deterioration, skin lesions, alopecia, impaired reproductive development and function, and delayed or inhibited wound healing. More information…
FDA
The FDA site says this about the inclusion of zinc salts in infant formula: “It would … be desirable to establish maximum limits for the levels of zinc salts in foods, particularly in formulas for infants, since this segment of the population may now consume the highest level of zinc salts when calculated on a daily or bodyweight basis. In view of the foregoing, the Select Committee concludes that: There is no evidence in the available information on zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, and zinc chloride that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspect, a hazard to the public.” Read the full article.
Dermatology
It also appears that modern dermatologists are happily using zinc chloride mixed with bloodroot into a paste. They are putting it on cancers, even deep melanomas… though that’s fine, because they don’t call it black salve. Interestingly, they make no comments about burning or corrosive effects of the compound.
“Zinc chloride is a white crystalline solid. In cosmetics and personal care products, it is used in the formulation of dentifrices, mouthwashes, skin care products, hair conditioners, and bath products. Zinc chloride polishes the teeth, reduces oral odor, or otherwise cleanses or deodorizes the teeth and mouth. It is also applied topically for use in properly caring for the oral cavity. Zinc chloride induces a tightening or tingling sensation of the skin and helps to cleanse the skin or to prevent odor by destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Zinc Chloride has a strong affinity for moisture and will absorb a relatively large amount of water from the atmosphere, forming a liquid solution. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays an important role in metabolism and the proper functioning of the immune system.” More…
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