The What, When, Who and How of Tiger Balm

The What, When, Who and How of Tiger Balm

As one of the top analgesic brands in the global market, Tiger Balm is a household name for muscle and joint pain relief. Once a staple in Asian households, Tiger Balm has gained worldwide recognition with its iconic hexagonal jar and “Works Where it Hurts” motto ringing true amongst consumers.

First created in the 1870s by Aw Chu Kin, a Chinese herbalist and businessman, the balm was developed as a natural remedy for muscle and joint pain. Leveraging a blend of herbal ingredients, the product quickly gained popularity in Asia.

It was later introduced to the Western markets where it has become a popular choice for consumers who prefer natural, pill-free pain relief products. Though currently headquartered in Singapore, Tiger Balm is sold in over 100 countries worldwide.

But what does Tiger Balm do, what are its uses, and how does it work?

Tiger Balm is an over-the-counter topical analgesic (pain-relieving) product that is commonly used to help relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as soreness and stiffness. It is made from a blend of natural herbs and aromatic essential oils, including camphor, menthol, and cajuput oil. 

When applied to the skin, the ingredients are absorbed through your skin, helping to relieve various conditions, such as arthritis, muscle strains, and headaches. Available in ointments, lotions, and patches, the pain-relieving properties of Tiger Balm can be experienced in various ways, depending on your preference.

Tiger Balm has several other benefits in addition to its pain-relieving properties. Some people use it to help soothe and relax tired muscles, while others use it to help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Tiger Balm is also sometimes used to help alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu, such as congestion, by providing a cooling sensation on the skin and increasing circulation by opening blood vessels. Some people also find that Tiger Balm’s ability to improve circulation can help reduce muscle fatigue and stiffness.

As mentioned, Tiger Balm is a topical analgesic that is commonly used to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as soreness and stiffness. Its ability to do so can be attributed to its signature blend of natural herbs and active ingredients, which work together to revitalise muscle and joint aches.

Some key active ingredients commonly found in Tiger Balm products include camphor, capsicum extract, and menthol. Camphor, for example, is found in most of our products and increases local blood flow. This reduces pain and swelling while simultaneously providing temporary relief for minor aches and pains.

Anyone experiencing pains and aches can use Tiger Balm as needed. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a medical professional before using Tiger Balm. It is also important to follow the instructions for use provided on our product packaging before application. 

Tiger Balm products come in different formulations, including muscle rubs and pain relief patches, making them a convenient and effective solution for everyday use. Here are some muscle and joint pain relief products that will be perfect for you:

Tiger Balm Red Ointment, also known as the arthritis rub, is designed for arthritis and joint pain. Boasting Tiger Balm’s unique formulation of herbal ingredients, this muscle rub provides fast, safe, and effective relief for minor muscular aches and pains caused by overexertion, backaches, arthritis, and joint pains.

This product is perfect for those seeking temporary relief from muscle and arthritis pain, rub the ointment onto the affected areas and revel in the relaxing and warm sensation upon application.

Tiger Balm White is one of our classic ointments that many worldwide have grown up with. Containing cajuput oil, clove oil, and mint oil, it is the go-to headache remedy. Tiger Balm White can also be used to soothe nasal congestion.

If you’re seeking extra-strength muscle and joint pain relief, Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment contains our strongest concentration of herbal ingredients. A single application of this non-staining ointment is all it takes for fast and comforting pain relief. Menthol provides an initial cooling sensation, while camphor provides warmth and reduces pain and swelling.

Beyond our muscle and pain relief rubs, we also ensure that you can enjoy Tiger Balm’s blend of herbal ingredients in the easiest way possible. This has led to the creation of the Tiger Balm Pain Relief Patches for back aches and neck pain. These back pain relief patches provide targeted muscle pain relief for hours by contouring to your body and alleviating the pain in the specific application area.

Experience targeted pain relief with Tiger Balm Muscle & Tension Lotion. This concentrated formulation features a unique applicator, allowing for effective and fast relief of muscle aches, sprains, and strains, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the neck, shoulders, and back.

With the Tiger Balm Muscle & Tension Lotion, you can enjoy the convenience of one-handed application, making this product especially ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities. The lotion also boasts a pleasant scent, a quick-drying and non-staining formula, and a non-sticky after-feel.

Tiger Balm is intended for topical use only to relieve general muscle aches and pains. Before application, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, apply the Tiger Balm product of your choice to the affected area and gently massage it into your skin until fully absorbed. Tiger Balm can be reapplied up to four times a day to manage recurring pain.

If you’re using our Tiger Balm White ointment for headache relief, you can apply a small amount of Tiger Balm to your temples and forehead. Then, gently massage it in using a circular motion and reapply as needed.

Similarly, if you’re using Tiger Balm for nasal congestion, you should apply a thick layer of Tiger Balm to your chest or throat in the morning and/or evening. You should also ensure your clothing is loose-fitting to allow the vapours to reach your nose and mouth and provide relief.

Remember to rewash your hands after use!

Tiger Balm is exclusively for external use. Hence, you must avoid contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive areas such as your ear canals, vagina, or rectum.

Additionally, Tiger Balm must only be applied to unbroken skin. Hence, you must avoid cuts, scrapes, or open wounds.

Before widespread application, it’s advisable to test the product on a small area of the skin to ensure you don’t experience any irritation. Skin irritation may manifest as pain, redness, or, in rare cases, bleeding.

If you observe any redness or irritation during use, discontinue use immediately. If the irritation persists or you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.

It is also best to avoid bathing immediately before or after applying Tiger Balm and wrapping the treated area tightly. It’s also recommended to avoid activities that elevate your body temperature, such as strenuous exercise.

If you have known allergies to aspirin, salicylates, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it is best to refrain from using this product or consult with a healthcare professional before use.

When it comes to back muscle pain relief, sore joint pain relief, and muscle pain treatment products, Tiger Balm remains unrivalled in the muscle pain relief market. Our range of muscle rubs and formulations help you soothe muscle and joint pains, even those caused by arthritis, so you can continue to live a full and active lifestyle. Find out where you can buy Tiger Balm products in Canada.

Can Tiger Balm be used before or after exercise?

Yes, Tiger Balm can be used before or after exercise to help warm muscles and relieve pain. However, it’s best to avoid using it immediately before strenuous activity, as it could cause a burning sensation if you sweat.

You can apply it 30 minutes before or after your workout for optimal results.

Where should I not use Tiger Balm?

Tiger Balm is for external use only and should not be applied to sensitive areas like your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or broken skin. You must also avoid using it on areas with rashes or open wounds. If you have sensitive skin, testing it on a small area is advised.

Are there any side effects of using Tiger Balm?

While generally safe, some people may experience mild skin irritation, redness, or burning. If this occurs, discontinue use. As with all topical products, allergic reactions can happen in rare cases. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

Is Tiger Balm safe for sensitive skin?

Tiger Balm is generally safe for most skin types, but those with sensitive skin may experience irritation. It’s recommended that you test it on a small area first. If you have any concerns, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Can I use Tiger Balm with other medications?

Tiger Balm may interact with certain medications, particularly those containing aspirin or other topical pain relievers. It’s best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Tiger Balm with other medications. You can find more information on our FAQ page.

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