I first discovered Tiger Balm 10 years ago in a small basket in the Body Shop, hidden away from view, note the body shop no longer sell tiger balm! Tiger balm originates from a preparation formulated for the Chinese Emperors to relive their aches and pains.
The modern formula was produced by Chinese herbalist Aw Chu Kin, who discovered the combined ingredients really did bring relief, his two sons, after whom the ointment is named, began to market it under the name TIger Balm in 1926.
It was recommended to me by a friend, who found it invaluable for headaches in particular migraine. I used to loathe taking tablets so though I would try some when I next got a headache.
I rubbed a small amount of the very very pungent, brown ointment into my temples and lay back waiting for this miracle cream to work. Within minutes I though my head was about to blow off my shoulders, and my eyes were going to pop out of my sockets!!
She didn't explain that the Tiger Balm BURNS! Well not exactly, it is a warming sensation, but when you are not expecting it, then it comes as a HUGE surprise!
I must admit though, within 20 minutes, my headache was gone!
Tiger Balm now comes in a lovely screw top hexagonal jar, containing 19 grams of ointment. It is a golden brown colour and feels waxy in texture, and believe me a little goes a long long way.
The ointment itself contains, menthol, clove oil, cajuput oil, camphor, cinnamon oil, dementholised mint all contained in a paraffin base. So now you see what I mean about being pungent!
The indications as described on the jar are for temporary relief of minor muscular aches and pains, to use, rub a small amount into the affected areas. The beauty of this ointment is that it can be applied as many times a day as you feel you need it. I have also found that tiger balm can be used extremely effectively on minor bites and stings, again apply a small amount to the bitten area. Also as a decongestant and inhalant during a cold, applied in a similar fashion to Vicks vaporub, I find the more intense warming action of Tiger Balm very soothing, well it is once you get used to it! Also as mentioned earlier as relief for headaches and migraine, rub a small amount on the back of the neck and temples for relief.
In a study using placebos, paracetamol and tiger balm to treat tension type headache and cervicogenic headache (pain coming from the cervical spine) paracetamol 1000mg dose and Tiger Balm were significantly better than placebo for up to three hours after a single treatment. I have heard of no unpleasant side effects with Tiger Balm, even people with sensitive skin have used it with no apparent problem. The only off putting thing some people may find is the aroma. Something I must admit I rather like!
One thing to beware of however, make sure you wash your hands after use!!!! Anyone who has used the toilet after using deepheat or vicks will know what I mean here!!! Also beware of putting too near the eyes, the pungent aroma will make your eyes water dramatically!
Tiger Balm is widely available from Boots (pharmacy counter) and other health food shops. At £4.99 it is a worthwhile addition to any medical cabinet or handbag. I always have some handy, especially during the summer time, when the mozzies are biting.
For those people that are worrying that tigers are used in the formulation, please rest easy that this most certainly isn't the case!!! The name tiger balm comes from the two sons of Aw Chu Kin, Aw Boon Par and Aw Boon Haw. It was Aw Boon Haw who lent his name, meaning Tiger, to the balm. As well as being an anglicised version of Haw's name, the tiger, synonymous in the East with strength and vitality. Tiger balm is also NOT tested on animals! :o)
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4.99
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