The Dairy Association originally developed Bag Balm in 1899 for use on cow udders after milking to soothe irritation and chaffing. Many humans now use this ointment too. While the FDA has not yet approved Bag Balm for use on people,you can now find the classic green tin can packaging, depicting a cow, in many major drug stores.
Dry Hands And Feet
Used as a moisturizer for healing dry and cracked hands and feet, Bag Balm is also beneficial as a home treatment for eczema and psoriasis that is more affordable than over-the-counter and prescription alternatives. Some use it on their feet as well to alleviate odor.
Minor Cuts, Scrapes And Burns
Bag Balm soothes the pain from minor cuts, abrasions, scrapes and burns, while protecting the wound and promoting healing. Seamstresses and quilters, for example, keep Bag Balm handy to soothe and heal pricked fingertips. People suffering from sunburn have also used Bag Balm for its soothing, protecting and healing benefits. Likewise, many parents use Bag Balm to soothe their baby's bottom and relieve diaper rash. Similarly, it helps alleviate bed sores in people of all ages.
On The Face
Besides moisturizing dry skin on the face, Bag Balm helps clear pimples. It is also a popular alternative remedy for chapped lips. (Just don't use it on the hair, or you'll have a hard time washing it out.)
Saddle Sores
Whether riding a horse or riding a bike, saddle sores are a hazard of the vocation. Bag Balm is a cherished treatment among horseback riders and bicyclists alike. Bag Balm can both prevent and treat saddle sores, and has even become inspiration for a bicycling team formed in 1999, "Team Bag Balm" of Oregon.
Mechanical/Industrial Lubricant
Humans have discovered a seemingly endless array of uses for Bag Balm -- neither on animals nor themselves, but on their tools and machinery. Bag Balm is revered as an effective lubricant that is good for the skin, in contrast to the mainstay lubricants otherwise available. Hunters sometimes coat their bullet shell casings with Bag Balm for easier reloading, and back in World War II, Allied Troops stationed in the North Pole smeared it on their weapons to keep them from corroding.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Maine, Sage Kalmus has written extensively on fitness, nutrition, alternative health, self-improvement and green living for various websites. He also authored the metaphysical fiction book, "Free Will Flux." Kalmus holds a Bachelor of Science from Boston University's College of Communication and is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor with special training in Touch-For-Health Kinesiology.