It is, as the name hints, a veterinarian treatment for soothing dairy cows’ udders. But Uddermint is gaining a cult following among humans – those suffering with various conditions, including arthritis, swear that it eases their aches and pains.
For years the cream, which contains concentrated peppermint oil, has been used by farmers on cattle to relieve mastitis – when the udders become sore and inflamed due to minor infections. Yet manufacturers have recently witnessed a ‘phenomenal’ rise in sales as claims about the benefits for humans have spread.
Users online praise Uddermint as a ‘wonder cream’ and ‘magic healing potion’ that helps muscle tension, tendonitis and joint pain. Last year, a similar product won praise from Canadian singer Shania Twain, 59, who says she applies the anti-chaffing udder cream Bag Balm to her face to soften her skin.
However, the use of Uddermint has divided opinion among experts.
Dr Wendy Holden, rheumatologist and medical adviser for the charity Arthritis Action, highlights growing evidence that mint oil, the key ingredient of Uddermint, could prove effective.
She says: ‘There haven’t been any large studies in humans so it’s difficult to know how effective it might be – but in one very small study of 20 people with knee osteoarthritis, menthol rubbed into arthritic joints was more effective than a placebo at reducing pain.’
About 10 million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis, where protective cartilage that lines joints breaks down – most commonly in the hips or knees – causing pain, swelling and mobility problems.
However, aside from over-the-counter painkillers, there are few treatment options.
Uddermint, which contains concentrated peppermint oil, has been used by farmers on cattle to relieve mastitis – when the udders become sore and inflamed due to minor infections
Dr Holden says the fact that so many are willing to experiment with other options proved that people are struggling to manage their pain through the NHS.
‘Many people with osteoarthritis live with daily pain, poor sleep and low mood,’ she explains. ‘Most conventional medicines for osteoarthritis such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, including ibuprofen, are not recommended for long-term use and have many side effects. There is an unmet need for safe and effective treatments which don’t have side effects.’
But other experts have strongly advised against using udder cream.
Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, says: ‘While Uddermint might work wonders for cows, it’s not licensed for human use and there’s little evidence peppermint oil effectively relieves joint pain.
‘Using products intended for animals can be risky – self-medicating with unapproved treatments may lead to adverse effects.
‘If you’re experiencing pain or inflammation, we would advise speaking to a pharmacist who can recommend safe, proven treatments, like ibuprofen gels or pain relief tablets such as paracetamol.’
When it comes to cattle, standard treatments for mastitis in cows include antibiotics as well as enhanced hygiene, such as cleaning and drying the cows’ teats.
Amid a drive to reduce antibiotic use in agriculture – due to concerns the practice was fuelling the emergence of drug-resistant bugs – farmers have looked to natural solutions, including Uddermint, which is manufactured by a family firm in Worcestershire.
Sales of Uddermint have soared as people have shared their positive experiences
According to the product information, the cream contains 35 per cent pure mint oil and is ‘particularly useful at calving time’ for ‘soothing and softening swollen udders’.
Uddermint director Peter Teisen says: ‘We’re very clear it is not a medicine or a licensed drug – either for humans or animals.
‘It’s basically a hand cream containing pure mint oil. We’ve been selling it for 30 years. Gradually farmers realised it was good for their aches and pains too – and started using it on themselves.’
Sales of the product have soared in recent years as people have shared their positive experiences, with Mr Teisen adding: ‘We’re very aware of the growing popularity of Uddermint among humans. We don’t even advertise, yet people with all sorts of conditions have told us they’re using it. It has taken off phenomenally.’
The Uddermint craze is part of a wider, ongoing trend of patients turning to veterinarian medication to treat conditions, which is concerning doctors.
One study, published last year in the journal Toxics, found thousands of reports of severe reactions linked to ‘misuse’ of drugs intended for animals.
In some cases, when painkiller addicts have resorted to obtaining powerful opioid medications or tranquillisers designed for animals, it has proven fatal.
Product information states Uddermint may cause ‘an allergic skin reaction’ or ‘irritation’. Dr Holden says: ‘Menthol is usually diluted in a carrier oil to prevent side effects, but some people may have a cold or burning sensation in the skin which will usually pass. Some people may be allergic to menthol.
Singer Shania Twain, 59, says she applies the udder cream Bag Balm to her face to soften skin
‘In general, though animals and humans share many common biological pathways, medicines designed for animals should not be used for humans.’
The 600ml bottles of Uddermint are sold online, as an animal product, from Tesco or Amazon for £23.99. Many people have praised the cream on the internet.
One backache sufferer posted: ‘The only thing that helped me move again was Uddermint. Can’t recommend it highly enough – although the smell is really strong.’
Another wrote: ‘I suffer painful, tense muscles on my back, neck and shoulders. It’s fast-acting and works to ease muscle tension.’
Others described it as ‘amazing’ for tendonitis, joint pain and arthritis. Reviews on the eBay shopping website are equally enthusiastic with calling it ‘magic healing potion’.
One person put up that they had been recommended Uddermint by a farmer and added: ‘I use it on my shoulder and any other arthritic joint. It’s helping me get some sleep. I may smell like a stick of rock but I can cope with that.’
