Tiger Balm: Century-Old Chinese Herbal Medication for Aches and Pains

Tiger Balm is a topical Chinese herbal preparation used to reduce muscle aches and pains. Tiger Balm ointment has been in existence for nearly 100 years and used in as many countries. Manufactured by Haw Par Healthcare Limited in Singapore, Tiger Balm offers a variety of pain-reducing products including Original Ointment, Neck and Shoulder Rub, Back Pain Patch, Refresher (for stuffy nose) and Plaster Warm, which aides in stimulating blood circulation.

I discovered Tiger Balm while working for a health food store back in the '90s. I worked in the kitchen, and my duties included stocking inventory, feeding around 200 people per day and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen. Needless to say, I engaged in a great deal of physical labor and frequently had sore muscles and back pain.

There are three types of Original Tiger Balm Ointment: White, Red and Soft. My first encounter was with Tiger Balm White. It has a somewhat strong smell; however, it is not offensive. It has the scent of camphor and peppermint. When you apply it to your skin, it initially feels cool, than begins to warm up.

I've used Tiger Balm White to relieve muscle aches and joint stiffness. I've also applied a small amount to my temples and forehead to relieve headaches. When using Tiger Balm on the face, you must be cautious to keep it away from your eyes. A little goes a long way and in this instance, more is not better. Use a very small amount and be certain to wash your hands thoroughly after applying.

Tiger Balm Red is a warm ointment that deeply penetrates muscles. When I have a backache, I reach for the Red formula. The warmth of Red works it way into tense muscles and helps to relieve tension. Additionally, if I feel a migraine headache coming my way, the Red formula effectively zaps the headache before it gets out of control. The secret is to catch it before it gets too severe. Even then, Tiger Balm Red has helped alleviate even the worst migraine.

I use Tiger Balm Soft when experiencing arthritis pain in my fingers. Scented with a light lavender fragrance, the Soft formula is light and quickly absorbs into my hands. This formula works great at soothing insect bites. I've used it to soothe the itch from insect bites including red ants, chiggers and mosquitoes.

Many Tiger Balm products are helpful with ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, swelling, strains, sprains, insect bites and even stomach flatulence. Although I've never personally used tiger balm for calming flatulence, a customer at the health food store swore by it. He said he had been applying a pea-size amount of ointment to his stomach using a clockwise motion every day for 30 years and never suffered from gas. If you suffer from stomach gas, perhaps tiger balm can provide you with relief.

I am unaware of any potential side effects connected to Tiger Balm ointments. However, those with sensitive skin should conduct a test patch to check for potential reaction. Tiger Balm contains menthol and camphor and may interfere with certain prescription drugs. Therefore, it's wise to consult with your pharmacist or physician if you are taking prescription drugs.

I've used Tiger Balm for nearly a decade and it has never failed to relieve my pain. It can be found at health food stores, most drug stores and some major chain grocers. The average cost for a .68-ounce container of ointment is around $6.00.

Remember, a little Tiger Balm goes a long way. A pea-size amount is sufficient to cover your lower back, so a container will last quite some time. I'd recommend starting out with Tiger Balm White or Soft. The Red formulation is better suited for moderate pain and might be too strong for some people.