Natural All-Purpose Animal Balm: Petroleum-Free Udder Balm
A natural alternative to bag balm is a plant-based balm of shea butter, beeswax and plant oils, with no petroleum jelly. Baraka's shea butter, shea oil and baobab oil are made by hand by the women of the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana.
What is a natural alternative to bag balm?
Bag Balm is the classic farm balm that many people search for, and many traditional udder balms are based on petroleum jelly and lanolin. They have a long history on farms. Some owners now want a plant-based option, and this recipe is one. Baraka is not affiliated with that brand, and this page does not compare how well any balms work.
The base of this recipe is shea butter, which is solid at room temperature and melts on contact with skin. It is traditionally used on dry skin, lips, hands, feet and hair. Beeswax gives the balm body, and baobab oil and shea oil keep it soft. Together they make a balm that softens and protects dry skin, with no petroleum jelly, no lanolin and no added scent.
The recipe uses Baraka shea butter, because it is unrefined, strained and filtered only, and it keeps 2+ years when stored properly. Its colour runs from ivory to pale yellow, and a mild nutty smell is normal and not a fault. The finished balm carries that smell.
What is udder balm used for?
Udder balm is traditionally used by dairy keepers on the skin of udders and teats, applied after milking to keep it soft and protected. Many people also use the same kind of balm on other dry, rough patches, such as paws, noses, heels and hands. Use the soft tub version for udders and teats and the firm tin version for paws and hooves. Whatever the animal, apply a thin layer, because animals lick and groom.
| Animal | Where | How |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy and pet goats | Udders and teats | Apply the soft tub balm after milking. Wipe clean before the next milking. |
| Cows | Udder and teat skin | Apply a thin layer of the soft tub balm after milking. Wipe clean before the next milking. |
| Horses | Heels, pasterns and dry patches | Rub a thin layer of the firm tin balm onto clean, dry skin. |
| Dogs | Paws, noses and elbows | Rub a thin layer of the firm tin balm in well. |
| Cats | Small dry patches only | Use the tiniest amount, about the size of a grain of rice, spread very thinly. |
| Chickens | Dry, rough legs | Smooth a thin film of the firm tin balm onto clean legs. |
| Rabbits | Dry ear edges | Dab a tiny amount on the edge only. |
| People | Hands and heels | Use either version, as you would any hand or heel balm. |
This is DIY advice, not medical advice. The balm is not a treatment for mastitis, mud fever, scaly leg or any other condition. See a vet for broken skin, swelling, heat or lameness.
Can you use udder balm on dogs?
A plain, unscented plant-based balm like this one can be used on a dog's paws, nose and elbows. Use the firm tin version, rub a thin layer in and keep the dog busy for a few minutes, because dogs lick. This recipe has no essential oils or fragrance, so there is nothing added to tempt a dog to keep licking.
If you are thinking of a commercial udder balm instead, read its ingredients and ask your vet first. For cracked pads, bleeding, swelling, heat or limping, see a vet rather than reaching for a balm.
How do you make a natural udder balm?
You make a natural udder balm by melting shea butter and beeswax together, stirring in baobab oil and shea oil, and pouring the mix into tubs or tins to set. There are two versions. The softer tub version makes about 6 oz (170 g) and suits udders and teats. The firmer tin version makes about 5 oz (141 g) and suits paws and hooves. Weigh everything on a kitchen scale for the best result.
Ingredients
- Shea butter: 3 oz (85 g) for the tub, 3 oz (85 g) for the tin
- Beeswax: 1/2 oz (14 g) for the tub, 1 oz (28 g) for the tin
- Baobab oil: 1 oz (28 g) for the tub, 1/2 oz (14 g) for the tin
- Shea oil: 1 1/2 oz (43 g) for the tub, 1/2 oz (14 g) for the tin
You will also need a heatproof jug or bowl, a saucepan, a spoon and clean, dry tubs or tins. The recipe is unscented on purpose, with no essential oils or fragrance, so it is safe to write on the "assume it gets licked" rule: thin layers, every time.
Directions
- Weigh the ingredients for the version you want. Wash and dry your tubs or tins completely.
- Put the shea butter and beeswax in the heatproof jug over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until both are fully melted, and keep drops of water out of the jug.
- Lift the jug off the heat. Stir in the baobab oil and shea oil until the mix is smooth.
- Pour straight away into the tubs (soft version) or tins (firm version).
- Leave the balm to set without moving it. When it is fully firm, put on the lids.
- Label each one with the date. Press a fingertip into the balm to check the texture, and adjust the next batch using the section on texture below.
Storage
Keep the balm in a cool place away from heat and direct sun, with the lid on. Take it out with clean fingers or a clean spatula, and keep it out of reach of animals, who may be tempted to eat it. Shea butter keeps 2+ years when stored properly. Check the balm by look and smell before each use, and discard it if it seems off.
What balm can you use on goats and horses?
The same shea balm works for both. Use the soft tub version on goats' udders and teats, and the firm tin version on horses and on goat hooves.
For goats, apply a thin layer after milking and wipe the udder and teats clean before the next milking, so no balm is left behind. For goat hoof care, rub a little of the firm balm into the dry skin around the hoof. Trimming and checking for lameness stay with you, your farrier or your vet.
For horses, use the firm balm on heels, pasterns and dry patches. Clean and dry the skin first. Do not put balm over wet mud, cuts or broken skin. If you see swelling or heat, or the horse is lame, call the vet.
What each ingredient does in the balm
- Shea butter makes the balm rich. It is solid at room temperature and melts on contact with skin, and it naturally contains vitamins A and E.
- Beeswax makes the balm hold its shape. It is what turns a soft mix into a tub or tin balm that stays where you put it.
- Baobab oil makes the balm light. It absorbs quickly without the heaviness of a richer oil, so the balm does not feel greasy. It is pressed from the seeds of wild baobab trees.
- Shea oil keeps the balm soft and easy to spread. It is the liquid fraction of shea, lighter than the whole butter and quicker to absorb. Its colour and smell vary between batches.
How to change the texture
A good rule of thumb is: butters make it rich, oils make it soft and light, wax makes it hold its shape.
- Firmer or thicker: add a little more beeswax, or a little more shea butter.
- Softer or runnier: add a little more shea oil or baobab oil.
- Lighter: use more baobab oil in place of some shea butter.
- Richer: use more shea butter in place of some oil.
Change one thing at a time, by about 1/4 oz (7 g), and write it down. Hot weather softens any balm, so a firm tin is handy in summer and a soft tub is easier to use in winter.
Make it your own
These recipes are a starting point, not a rulebook. Use your judgement, be inspired, and don't be afraid to experiment. Everything here is a pure, natural ingredient that blends happily with the others. Start with a small batch, write down what you did, and see how your animals' skin responds. When you find a blend that works for them, make it again.
Many pet owners use these recipes and are happy with the results. They are made from simple, natural ingredients, but they are not veterinary treatments. Your vet should always be your first source of advice for your pet's skin, paws and health.
Quick answers
What is a natural alternative to bag balm?
A natural alternative is a plant-based balm made from shea butter, beeswax, baobab oil and shea oil, with no petroleum jelly or lanolin. Baraka's shea butter, shea oil and baobab oil are made by hand by the women of the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Wa, Ghana. The page gives a soft tub version and a firm tin version.
What is udder balm used for?
Udder balm is traditionally used on the skin of udders and teats after milking, to keep it soft and protected. Many people also use it on dry paws, heels, hands and other rough patches. See a vet for broken skin, swelling, heat or lameness.
Can you use udder balm on dogs?
A plain, unscented plant-based balm like this one can be used in a thin layer on a dog's paws, nose and elbows. Dogs lick, so keep the layer thin and read the ingredients of any commercial balm first. See a vet for cracked pads, bleeding, swelling or limping.
How do you make a natural udder balm?
Melt 3 oz (85 g) shea butter with 1/2 oz (14 g) beeswax, stir in 1 oz (28 g) baobab oil and 1 1/2 oz (43 g) shea oil, then pour into a tub to set. For a firmer tin balm, use 1 oz (28 g) beeswax and 1/2 oz (14 g) each of baobab oil and shea oil with the same 3 oz (85 g) of shea butter.
What balm can you use on goats and horses?
The same shea balm works on both. Use the soft tub version on goats' udders and teats after milking, and the firm tin version on horses' heels, pasterns and dry patches, and on dry skin around goat hooves. Keep layers thin and see a vet for broken skin, swelling, heat or lameness.
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