A little more about Bag Balm

Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to be writing about my can of Bag Balm. Amazing to me that this has somehow managed to follow me around since the 1970s. I have made many moves since then and have no good explanation for why it resides in my old man cave now. It is full and unsampled. A post here by AnythingObscure got me thinking though. This brand has been around since the turn of the last century. Some collector out there must have an even older can. Maybe we can start a search (Listerine style) to see who has the oldest can of Bag Balm.

The story of Bag Balm begins in rural Vermont in the late 1890s. It is said to have been developed by a farmer wanting to ease the chafing on his milk cows' udders. The formula was purchased by a druggist in 1899 who added a little 8-hydroxyquinoline (antiseptic) to the mix. Originally it was intended solely for veterinary use but it is a nearly odorless lubricating skin softener so it was difficult to keep the lid on the can, if I may make that metaphor. Bag Balm use has been documented as used for everything from psoriasis to squeaky bed springs, diaper rash to radiation burns.

The family-owned business sold to investors in 2014 who changed the corporate name from Dairy Association Co. Inc. to Vermont's Original, LLC. I'm not sure exactly when the product and the tin switched from the veterinary use only to the “hand and body” salve sold today.