Understanding Black Salve: The Risks of Using Apple Cider Vinegar in Controversial Treatments

The recent addition of “Apple Cider Vinegar”to Netflix sheds light on Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer whose fraudulent claims about having terminal brain cancer deceived many, ultimately damaging the lives of others while enriching herself. This documentary also critiques the companies that profited from her deception, prompting discussions about accountability.

Alongside her dubious fame from the Whole Pantry app and book, Gibson’s impact on social media led to the promotion of unverified cancer treatments and pseudoscientific methodologies, such as black salve. Viewers beware: the following content contains spoilers and may be distressing to some.

Understanding Black Salve

Black salve is a controversial topical treatment typically composed of two main ingredients: bloodroot, a flowering plant from the poppy family native to eastern North America, and zinc chloride, a corrosive compound.

Black Salve shown in Apple Cider Vinegar — Netflix

Despite numerous warnings from healthcare professionals, black salve continues to be promoted as a natural, safe alternative for treating skin cancer and other health issues. However, these claims lack robust scientific support. Historical references indicate that black salve’s use can be traced back to the mid-1800s, starting with American surgeon Jesse Weldon Fell, who erroneously suggested it as a treatment for skin cancers.

In the years that followed, numerous entrepreneurs attempted to market this unapproved herbal compound, often with little regard for the dangers associated with its use. By the 1950s, the FDA prohibited the distribution of black salve due to its harmful consequences, including serious tissue damage and delayed access to essential medical care.

Reports of adverse effects, including significant skin tissue destruction and the formation of eschars—tissue that has died and is shed from the skin surface—pose serious health risks. Consequently, black salve is illegal in many nations, including Australia, where the story of “Apple Cider Vinegar”is set.

The Heartbreaking Story of Helen Lawson

While Milla’s journey with black salve in the Netflix series does not end in tragedy, the true story of Helen Lawson is a sobering reminder of the salve’s dangers. In 2018, Helen, a nurse from Australia, succumbed to ovarian cancer after relying on black salve instead of conventional treatments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mrdJ1QQ4ik

FDA warns against black salve (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mrdJ1QQ4ik)

As detailed by The Age, Helen discovered a lump in her pelvic region in early 2017, which led to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Instead of pursuing recognized medical treatments, she sought help from Dennis Wayne Jensen, a self-styled healer with dubious claims of curing his own cancers.

Helen’s partner, Belinda Davies, recalls a disturbing experience during their consultation, where Jensen engaged in questionable practices instead of providing real medical help. Helen ultimately refused surgery, convinced that Jensen’s claims about black salve would suffice in treating her cancer.

Belinda fought desperately to convince Helen otherwise, emphasizing the need for proper medical care, but Helen remained adamant about Jensen’s assurances that black salve would pull out her cancer.

Loss of left naris after use of corrosive black salve ointment for suspected melanoma — Creative Commons

A man lost part of his nose after using black salve.

Belinda describes the alarming moment Helen returned home using the tar-like ointment, saying, “It rots the skin away. It looks like third-degree burns.” After Helen’s death, her sister-in-law reported the shocking wounds inflicted by the salve to the Health Complaints Commissioner.

In the words of Dr. Douglas Grose, president of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia, “Black salve indiscriminately destroys both normal and abnormal skin cells, leading to catastrophic results.”

One case involved a man from Brisbane who applied black salve to his head, resulting in a significant and gaping wound. Jensen faced repercussions for his dubious practices, and as stated by Victoria’s Health Complaints Commissioner, was subsequently banned from promoting any claims regarding his ability to cure cancer.

The poignant narratives of these individuals underscore the perils associated with unverified treatments like black salve.“Apple Cider Vinegar”is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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