Title
Blue Star Ointment (Jim Bourland, Houston, Texas)
Author
N/A
Image
Description
This 2-ounce jar of Blue Star Ointment was marketed for relief of skin irritations, itching, and rashes. The label recommends dilution with petroleum jelly for sensitive applications. Manufactured in Houston, Texas, by Jim Bourland, the ointment was promoted as a household staple for minor skin complaints. Its bold star logo and straightforward typography reflect a mid-century style of drugstore packaging.
Condition
Jar is well-preserved with intact label and readable text. The black screw-top lid shows light wear from storage. No contents remain.
Gallery
Historical context
Blue Star Ointment was first introduced in the early 20th century and became a widely recognized over-the-counter skin treatment. Its formulation included salicylic acid and benzoic acid (common antifungal and antiseptic agents), along with synthetic oil of wintergreen for counterirritant effect. The ointment was often marketed for ringworm, eczema, athlete’s foot, and insect bites.
The Texas-made brand gained popularity across the South and Midwest, and vintage jars like this highlight regional pharmaceutical manufacturing in America outside of the large national brands.
Curious Facts, Ephemera, and Trivia
Blue Star Ointment is still manufactured today, though with an updated formula.
The original advertising frequently highlighted relief from “itch” — a catchall claim for skin discomforts ranging from rashes to fungal infections.
The brand is an example of how local pharmacists and entrepreneurs built enduring remedies that outlasted many larger competitors.
Excerpt
“Offered to allay superficial Skin Irritations, Itching Skin or the itch of externally caused conditions.” (from the original label)
Why it is in the Cabinet
This jar represents a blend of folk remedy culture and pharmaceutical standardization. It reflects a time when small manufacturers produced widely used home treatments with simple, recognizable branding. Its survival demonstrates both the durability of its packaging and the persistence of regional remedies in American medical history.
Support Dr. Bebout’s Cabinet of Medical Curiosities
If you enjoy the history, the oddities, and the effort, help keep this cabinet open. Every little bit helps preserve and share the strange wonders of medicine's past.
Buy Me a Ko-fi ☕ Buy Me a Coffee ☕ Tip via PayPal 💵