Bag Balm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bag Balm is a salve developed in 1899 to soothe irritation on cows' udders.[1][2] The product is officially only meant for animals and is inspected as such by the FDA,[2] but it's also often used as a treatment for chapped and irritated skin on humans and can be found in places such as drug stores, ski resorts, online vendors, needle-work stores, and of course farm and feed stores. Its uses are many, for example "squeaky bed springs, psoriasis, dry facial skin, cracked fingers, burns, zits, diaper rash, saddle sores, sunburn, pruned trees, rifles, shell casings, bed sores and radiation burns."[2] This list is not exclusive but illustrative, it is beyond the scope of this article to list every application.
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[edit] History
Bag Balm is made by the Dairy Association Co. in Lyndonville, Vermont, and Rock Island, Quebec. The product is known for its characteristic 10 oz green square tins featuring a cow's head and red clovers on the lid. It has been in production since 1899.[2] The formula was purchased by John L. Norris from a Wells River, Vermont druggist sometime before the turn of the century. Imitators include Udderly Smooth Udder Cream and Udder Balm.[2] In a 1983 report, Charles Kuralt reported on CBS that "upward of 400,000 units were shipped annually",[2] more recent sales figures are not disclosed by the company.[2]
Bag Balm was taken to the North Pole by Admiral Byrd, it was used by Allied troops in World War II (to protect weapons from rust), it was used at Ground Zero in New York after 9/11 for the paws of cadaver-sniffing dogs, and it has been used by American troops in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.[2]
[edit] Makeup
The active ingredients of Bag Balm are 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate 0.3% (antiseptic) in a petroleum jelly and lanolin base.[2] Bag Balm used to contain 0.005% mercury "from ethylated sterols."[citation needed] This earlier formulation was much more effective at fighting infection in wounds and was known to completely clear infected wounds overnight.[citation needed]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Stephanie Rosenbloom (June 2, 2005). "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Smooth On the Balm". Fashion and Style (New York Times). http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/02/fashion/thursdaystyles/02sside.html. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Sticky, smelly Bag Balm: Problem-salving for all", John Curran, Associated Press, January 31, 2010
