Uses for Bag Balm

Bag Balm, in its ubiquitous green tin, has not changed much since its introduction in 1899. It has, however, become more and more widely known as a reliable, gentle and remarkably effective moisturizer for not just cow udders, but also anything that might become chapped or in need of lubrication on a person's body.

History

• The original Bag Balm was a salve intended to soften cow udders. The product was introduced by John L. Norris in 1899 in Lyndonville, Vermont. Bag Balm was one of the provisions included in Admiral Byrd's 1937 trip to the North Pole. Bag Balm is still produced in Lyndonville by the Dairy Association Co., Inc. While it continues to be used to soften and soothe all manners of animal ills, it's also a popular soothing item for human use and has been found in care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bicycling

• "Bicycling" magazine recommends Bag Balm for use on saddle sores and any other irritation that may develop in one's nether regions as a result of constant pedaling. They also acknowledge Bag Balm's usefulness for healing chapped lips and other assorted irritations, but caution that because the petroleum in Bag Balm may break down some materials, you should check with the manufacturer of your bike shorts before using it in place of chamois lube.

Climbing

• Rock climbers spend much of their free time holding on to coarse rock, so it's not surprising that they regularly contend with calluses, abraded skin, cuts, bruises and simple skin irritation. The chalk some climbers use to get a better grip on rock dries and sometimes irritates the skin on their hands. Bag Balm's soothing properties make it useful, especially on long climbing trips, because the longer a climber's hands last the longer she can keep climbing.

Mothers and Babies

• Bag Balm's soothing and softening properties make it the perfect remedy for treating diaper rash: Mothers apply it to their babies' bottoms as a treatment or as a preventative measure. Just remove the old diaper and apply Bag Balm to the irritated areas before replacing with a new diaper. Some nursing mothers also use it to ease their own irritation and discomfort that often results from nursing a baby.

The Healing Cosmetic

• Bag Balm makes a convenient moisturizer for dry heels, chapped lips and just about any other dry skin you may have. It's especially convenient in the summer months: Just massage it into the affected areas at night and, come morning, you'll have silky soft, glowing skin instead of a sore, chapped mess. You can also apply Bag Balm to dry, chapped pads on the bottom of a dog's paws.