Tiger Balm is a remedy against pain and congestion of oriental origin that has achieved enormous commercial success in the world.
- What is Tiger Balm?
- History of Tiger Balm
- Tiger Balm: benefits and what it is used for
- Tiger balm: contraindications and side effects
Conventional pain medicines are not free of side effects. Even ointments applied to the skin can cause irritations and allergic reactions. Natural medicine offers safer and proven alternatives, such as tiger balm, a trademarked product (Tiger Balm), based on ancient traditional Chinese medicine.
Its use has become popular since Mercadona put on sale an Oriental Balm that is a clone of Tiger Balm, although it is not the same formula. In this article we tell you what tiger balm is and how it is used.
WHAT IS TIGER BALM?
Tiger Balm is a product for topical (on the skin) use that is mainly used for pain relief and congestion.
Its main ingredients include camphor and menthol, which help relieve muscle and joint discomfort while providing a refreshing sensation. The manufacturers present it in the form of a cream or gel, in three formulas with slight variations (red, white and ultra) and presentations indicated for different parts of the body.
Other ingredients present in Tiger Balm are dementalized peppermint oil, cajeput oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil and clove oil. It also contains petroleum jelly and paraffin.
- Camphor has cooling effects and promotes blood circulation.
- Menthol is an analgesic. It can also help relieve colds and congestion when inhaled.
- Cinnamon oil provides anti-inflammatory effects.
- Eucalyptus can help treat coughs and colds.
- Cayenne oil reduces inflammation.
Tiger Balm is not considered a prescription drug, but there is research to support the effectiveness of the main ingredients. It is found in pharmacy, Herbo dietetics, drugstores and supermarkets.
HISTORY OF TIGER BALM
The authentic Tiger Balm is manufactured and distributed by the Singaporean company Haw Par Corporation, which invented the product and markets it since 1918. Tiger Balm is a perfected form of bank in you, or “ten golden honey oils,” developed in the 1870s in Yangon, Burma, by Chinese herbalist Aw Chu Kin. A similar product is manufactured by the company Rangoom Chemicals, of India, under the name Flying Tiger.
TIGER BALM: BENEFITS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
To use the Tiger Balm, you just have to apply it on the painful area. Back and joint pain related to exercise and other activities; muscle aches can be treated.
If used as a decongestant, it spreads across the chest and forehead.
To improve its effects, the manufacturer recommends massaging the product into the skin until it is completely absorbed instead of simply applying it and letting it rest on the skin.
You can repeat the process of application and massage up to four times a day. It is not advisable to shower immediately before or after application.
It may also be used to treat other mild problems:
- Toenail fungus: The active ingredient camphor can treat this type of fungal infection.
- Common colds: Menthol can relieve cold symptoms.
- Headaches: menthol can provide relief in tension-onset headache. The addition of eucalyptus may also have analgesic effects. It is applied with a light massage on the temples.
- Minor burns: Camphor and menthol can cool and soothe them.
- Mosquito bites: Menthol can treat them and repel these insect bites.
TIGER BALM: CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS
If the skin becomes red or irritated after application, it is necessary to stop using it because an allergenic reaction is possible. If you’re a person with a history of allergies, apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait a couple of days to check for any reactions.
Of course, in no case should it be taken orally, nor should it be applied to irritated skin, burns or wounds.
Under no circumstances should the use of Tiger Balm postpone consultation with the doctor if acute or unusual symptoms appear.