This time of year (fall and winter) makes my skin extremely dry. My skin, especially on my hands, gets so bad that they actually crack and bleed. I often sleep with cotton gloves on (after applying lotion) to try to help them heal.

So of course when we got the chance to sample some Dr. Hess Udder Ointment, I was very excited. I had heard great things about it, and even though it was originally made for udders, it works wonders on hands! It does seem to do a great job, being a bit thicker than a regular lotion. It has a different, but pleasant smell, that is hard to describe. It’s somewhat minty, but not really minty. Also, it doesn’t take much ointment to cover the area. This is a plus since it means a little will go a long way!

We also really liked the story of the product:

One of the best known products ever produced by Hess & Clark was Udder Ointment. Originally developed for treating chapped teats and udders of dairy cattle, farmers were soon remarking as to the healing effect it had on their own hands. Chronic dryness and cuts were quickly healing on both cow and farmer. Udder Ointment was widely used as both a veterinary remedy and a home remedy all across the country.

With each buyout of the Hess & Clark product line, Udder Ointment became more and more of a tangent product with each business focusing more and more on chemical production such as pesticides and powder treatments for agricultural use. Finally, in 1999 ( approx.) the production of Udder Ointment was discontinued completely. When the formal announcement was made, pleading calls from around the country riddled the company with testimonial after testimonial of Udder Ointment healing not only skin abrasions and dryness but burns, bruises, and especially effective on diaper rash!

After hearing of the discontinuation,  I began to purchase from local dealers over 200 cases of Udder Ointment product to ensure that I had enough for generations of my family and extended family members to use.  Word spread that I had a generous supply and soon I was turning down callers from anxious customers keeping the remaining 4 cases for myself.

The idea thus was born to recover the original formula and begin remanufacturing Dr. Hess Udder Ointment.  Tyler and I began the company organization and the manufacturing process in the Fall of 2006.  First sales of the product began in January 2008 with Dr. Hess Udder Ointment and Dr. Hess Udder Ointment for Baby Butts.  During the Spring of 2008 we also developed the Udder Stick, our healing lip balm, after the request of several consumers who wanted the original formula in a more solid form.  Our sales during 2008 were minimal, relying mostly on word of mouth from past users who had been familiar with the earlier Hess & Clark Udder Ointment.

Those customers who rediscovered us, however, were elated to see its return.  Story after story of this “miraculous” healing ointment used many years ago came to us by letter, email and phone calls. In fact, just recently, I received an email from a son of a thankful elderly mother who has used Udder Ointment for the past 50 years.  He even included pictures of her old Udder Ointment jar which she keeps by her bedside revealing only the slightest amount of the treasured ointment remaining.

Dr. Hess Udder Ointment was part of my childhood.  It was what we relied on for skin dryness to cuts and burns.  When I began having children myself, it was the instant remedy for diaper rash, chafing, as well as my own tired and cracked feet.  Simply put, it was hard to imagine my children and their children not having the benefits of Udder Ointment that I and thousands of other users have enjoyed for over 100 years.

As Dr. Hess Products, LLC, we are continuing in the tradition of our fathers and believe in the American spirit of hard work and giving back.

Made in the USA (in Utah), and by those who really care about the product! It has been great for my poor, cracked skin, and I can see why they were so passionate about trying to save the product. I for one am glad they did. You can buy Dr. Hess Udder Ointment online at the Dr. Hess website. They also offer a free sample (including shipping) so you can try it for yourself before you buy! Very wish list worthy indeed.