Do Kentuckians Really Use Cow Ointment as a Remedy For Dry, Cracked Skin?

With the weather turning cold, I know a lot of folks are starting to suffer from dry skin, especially on their hands. Sometimes it will go even further than flaky patches and end up cracking causing pain and can look pretty awful.

The other day as my lovely co-host Chad and I were talking weather with Ron Rhodes of Eyewitness News, Chad mentioned that his skin dries up horribly in the winter. So I said, "Well you need some Bag Balm!" He had never heard of it! He joked about the funny name and I told him it was originally used on cow udders and by that point, he thought I was making it up.

Bag Balm is a Winter Skincare Staple in Kentucky Households

My mom has sworn by it for years and always has the signature green tin sitting around somewhere this time of year. I've used it before on my feet and it worked wonders. Our friends listening were messaging us all morning to tell us how they use Bag Balm as well in the winter because it works so well on dryness and irritation all over the body.

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Was Bag Balm Really Made for Cows?

Bag Balm was invented in Vermont in 1899 by a pharmacist looking to ease the pain of dairy cows' cracked udders in the cold Northeastern winters. According to their website,

 "Word spread quickly, and nearby farmer John Norris bought the rights to market and sell the skin-saving salve. He launched the Dairy Association LLC and commissioned a green tin decorated with cows and red clovers – Vermont's state flower. And the rest is history..."

What is Bag Balm Used For?

It is totally safe for people to use and I know it can also help animals with dry noses or cracked paw pads. A lot of folks love it because it doesn't have any added fragrances, colors, alcohol, parabens, or phthalates.

Its most common use it dry skin on the hands and feet, but it can also be applied to calluses, undereye, healing tattoos, used to heal and avoid chafing, as well as healing sunburns. I am going to have to add that to my list of tricks in the summertime. Learn something new every day!