Tiger Balm is an over-the-counter product that claims to temporarily relieve minor muscle aches and pains by numbing the skin. It may also aid in tension headaches and more.
Tiger Balm comes in different forms, including:
- rubs
- creams
- ointments
- liniments
- adhesive skin patches
Regular- and extra-strength preparations of Tiger Balm are available. The formulations, scents, and packaging may differ, depending on the region where a person buys it.
In this article, learn about the uses of Tiger Balm, the active ingredients, and the possible side effects.
Tiger Balm contains several active and inactive ingredients. The active ingredients in one formulation of regular-strength Tiger Balm include:
- 15% methyl salicylate, which may act as an analgesic, numbing the skin.
- 5% menthol, which may help restrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and causing a therapeutic cooling sensation.
- 3% camphor, which may improve circulation and cool or warm the skin.
Some types of Tiger Balm contain other active ingredients or essential oils, such as:
- capsicum
- mint oil
- cassia oil
- clove oil
- cajuput oil
- wintergreen oil
- eucalyptus oil
Ingredients in the balm, such as camphor, increase blood flow to the surface of the skin, creating a warming sensation that can distract from pain and stiffness.
Camphor and menthol may also improve blood circulation to the muscles, potentially speeding up healing time and reducing inflammation.
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found studies that suggest applying products to the skin that contain camphor, menthol, or peppermint oil could have positive effects on pain as a result of muscular tension.
Other ingredients in Tiger Balm, such methyl salicylate, act as analgesics and numb the skin, which may reduce stiffness and aches.
Tiger Balm adhesive patches may be the most useful for muscle pains and strains, as a patch steadily releases the active ingredients over a prolonged period.
Some versions of Tiger Balm contain capsicum, the active ingredient in chili peppers. Capsicum blocks nerve receptors that transmit pain impulses, creating a warm sensation that can lessen the intensity of muscle aches and strains.
Capsicum
Learn more about causes and home remedies for muscle aches.
Some studies have found that Tiger Balm can help reduce the pain associated with tension headaches.
However, while current medical reviews of alternative headache remedies continue to cite this study, more up-to-date research is necessary.
Tiger Balm contains ingredients that
Camphor acts as a mild expectorant, nasal decongestant, and cough suppressant. Menthol may help soothe irritated nasal passageways, helping to relieve stuffy noses.
However, more comprehensive and higher-quality studies are needed to confirm the link between these ingredients and the relief of congestion.
People looking to use Tiger Balm for congestion or other cold symptoms should purchase formulas that do not contain cough-inducers, such as capsicum and clove oil.
Learn more about home remedies for cough.
People frequently use Tiger Balm to relieve back pain, especially pain in the lower back.
Some use certain ingredients in Tiger Balm before or after receiving alternative treatments for back pain, including Gua Sha therapy.
For example, a
Read more home remedies for back pain.
The ingredients in Tiger Balm may help reduce neck and shoulder pain temporarily.
Some older studies reported in a 2019 systemic review and meta-analysis suggest that the application of products containing menthol may have a positive effect on neck and shoulder pain. Some studies used these ointments alongside practices such as gua shua.
Further studies on menthol application for neck and shoulder pain specifically
Learn stretches for shoulder pain.
Tiger Balm is purported to help relieve minor aches and pains in the joints. Many people also use the balm to ease aches and pain related to osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes bones to lose density and become brittle over time, leading to joint pain.
Currently, guidelines for joint pain relief associated with knee osteoarthritis recommend topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other topical treatments, such as Tiger Balm, have been shown to provide pain relief, but
Read some causes for sudden joint pain.
Some people use Tiger Balm as an:
- insect repellant and termite controller
- paint, adhesive, or wax remover
- deodorizer
- antiseptic for wounds
- wart remover
- fungus remover
- bath oil
- massage oil
- furniture or machinery lubricant
No research supports many of these uses, but there may be anecdotal evidence.
Do not apply Tiger Balm in the following circumstances:
- 1 hour before or 30 minutes after exposing the skin to hot, humid conditions, including a hot shower, a sauna, or a hot tub
- on broken skin or open wounds
- on irritated, inflamed, reddened, chapped, or dry skin
- on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth, nostrils, vagina, rectum, or penis
- to the inner ears
- to burned skin
- to skin already warmed by other products, such as heating pads
If a person has not used Tiger Balm before, it is best to test a small amount on the forearm. Wait a full day and check for reactions before applying the balm to a larger area.
Store Tiger Balm away from children and do not use it on those under 12 years old unless a doctor recommends it.
There is little research on the safety of using Tiger Balm during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Speak with a doctor before using it at these times, and consult a healthcare professional in the event of allergic reactions from NSAIDs, aspirin, or salicylates alongside Tiger Balm.
It is best to consult a doctor about aches, pains, or health concerns that last for more than a few days, get worse, or return.
Tiger Balm is not intended to treat underlying medical conditions, nor is it meant for long-term use.
The active ingredients can be dangerous if a person ingests them, even in small doses.
Camphor, for example, is toxic to humans. Signs of camphor toxicity include:
- convulsions
- severe nausea and vomiting
- exhaustion
- slurred speech, stumbling, and lack of coordination (ataxia)
Some people have reported allergic reactions on the skin after using Tiger Balm. If a person notices redness and swelling on the area of application they should cease use immediately and seek medical help.
If a person swallows or ingests Tiger Balm, they should call their local poison control helpline immediately. The phone number in the United States is 1-800-222-1222. People in the U.S. can also text 797979.