Zam-Buk: The winter go-to

There are a handful of brands that have etched themselves into South African culture like few others have managed.

Chappies, Nkomazi, Snowflake, for example.

And then, there is Zam-Buk, the fix-all heal-all.

The topical ointment that smells somewhat herbal has a sexy texture and really does seem to work for almost anything and everything skin-related.

What would winter be without a tiny tub of the stuff in your back pocket? This, to smooth over chafed and dry lips?

Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys said that it is a medicine chest staple. While it is not a total fix-all, the ointment has a myriad of uses.

“These days, lip protection is probably the most widespread of uses for Zam-Buk,” he said. “But the antiseptic and healing properties of the paraffin and herbal mix can be used for many first aid and short-term treatments.”

Originally launched in 1902

When Zam-Buk was first launched in 1902, it was advertised to treat a wide range of conditions, including cuts, bruises, sprains, ulcers, haemorrhoids, and even colds and toothaches.

It was also touted as a topical rub to ease muscle pain on the back, legs or feet.

“There is no clinical evidence that it could assist in healing piles, for example. Ingestion of the ointment might create medical complications,” he said.

Dr Redelinghuys suggested that topical application to aid healing cuts, bruises, et, would be a safer way to go.

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Old wives’ tales even suggested rolling Zam-Buk into little balls and swallowing them to ease a stomachache.

It’s a recipe that’s over a hundred years old. It was first formulated and patented by Charles Edward Fulford in Leeds, England, at the turn of the twentieth century and sold by his Bile Beans company.

At the time, Zam-Buk soap was also produced and sold as a supplementary treatment.

Ad campaigns promised smooth skin, blotch removal, efficacy in treating rashes and eczema, eradicating pimples, and general relief from soreness.

And while nobody knows where the name really comes from, the brand was once used to refer to first aiders at rugby matches in Australia and New Zealand. Some point to the name originating in South Africa.

It is also not available everywhere. You can only really buy the ointment in South Africa, South East Asia and New Zealand these days.

Everyone should have some

Zam-Buk, said pharmacy assistant Simone Livie, is something everyone should have in their first aid kits.

“It is also very effective as a drawing ointment for boils, where it not only relieves a bit of the pressure pain in sensitive areas but helps draw out the gunk stuck beneath the skin,” she said and added that it does the same trick with pimples.

People have long used it as a chest rub to ease the symptoms of colds and flu. The camphor and eucalyptus oils in the formulation act as decongestants, said Dr Redelinghuys.

It can help open up the airways when applied to the chest or under the nose.

Some even swear by it for mild headaches, rubbing a small amount into the temples for a soothing and cooling sensation that seems to take the edge off.

Dr Redelinghuys agreed and said that Zam-Buk also helps with skin irritations, such as insect bites, particularly the itchiness associated with mosquito bites.

“There is also anecdotal evidence that it helps accelerate healing of cuts and small kitchen-type burns,” he said and added that the moisturising properties can also aid rough elbows and cracked heels.

He said that initial treatment with Zam-Buk can ease fungal infections, toenail fungus, and athlete’s foot.

Not too much camphor for kids

However, Dr Redelinghuys cautioned that camphor, one of the ingredients in Zam-Buk, may be harmful to children if used repeatedly. He suggested limiting children under five’s exposure to camphor as the body can eventually become poisoned through overuse.

Online, Zam-Buk has attracted a cult following. Reddit’s a good place to seek out experiences and out-of-pocket advice. 

“Zam-Buk could fix a severed head,” wrote one Reddit user, while another claimed, “Labello feels great for a bit, but Zam-Buk sorts your lips out properly.”

A few noted that the balm felt a little spicy when applied, especially on cracked skin, but swore by its effectiveness.

Some recommended layering Zam-Buk over aqueous cream to turbocharge the healing of dry or wind-chapped lips or elbows.

Livie said that Zam-Buk is also a common go-to for minor sports injuries.

“It is brilliant for bruises and minor sprains too. It will not replace a proper physio, but it is good enough to help manage some of the discomfort until you get there,” she said.

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