The Origins and History of a Global Remedy
Tiger Balm's story begins not with tigers, but with a Chinese herbalist named Aw Chu Kin in the 1870s [1.4.6, 1.4.4]. Working in the Chinese Emperor's court, he developed a soothing ointment to relieve aches and pains [1.4.3]. Later, he left China and set up a small medicine shop in Rangoon, Burma, where he sold his unique preparation [1.4.3, 1.4.6].
After his death in 1908, his sons, Aw Boon Haw (meaning "gentle tiger") and Aw Boon Par ("gentle leopard"), took over the family business [1.4.1, 1.4.3]. The brothers refined their father's formula and began marketing the product, which Boon Haw named "Tiger Balm" after himself in 1909 [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. They moved the business to Singapore in 1926, building a larger factory to meet growing demand and expanding to Malaysia, Thailand, and China [1.4.1, 1.4.3]. The brand became a staple in households for treating a variety of ailments like muscle aches, headaches, and cold symptoms [1.4.2].
Core Ingredients: The Powerhouse Components
Contrary to its name, Tiger Balm contains no tiger-derived ingredients. The name comes from one of its founders, Aw Boon Haw [1.4.2]. Its efficacy lies in a specific combination of active and inactive ingredients. The base for the ointment is typically a mix of paraffin and petroleum jelly, which helps lock in the active components and allows for deeper penetration [1.2.5, 1.3.3]. The key active ingredients are camphor and menthol, supplemented by a blend of essential oils [1.3.1].
Active Ingredients and Their Functions
- Camphor: Found in most Tiger Balm products, camphor is a key player. It acts as a counterirritant, which means it produces a sensation (like warmth or coolness) that distracts from the deeper pain [1.3.1]. It increases blood flow to the surface of the skin, which can help reduce pain and swelling [1.3.1, 1.3.7]. Concentrations vary by product and country, but can be as high as 25% [1.2.5]. Scientific studies suggest camphor has analgesic effects and can alleviate hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain models in mice [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
- Menthol: Derived from mint oils, menthol provides an initial cooling sensation that is often followed by warmth [1.3.1, 1.3.5]. This helps to temporarily relieve minor pains from arthritis, backaches, and muscle strains [1.3.1]. It may cause blood vessels to constrict, which can reduce pain and inflammation [1.3.5]. Studies have shown that topical menthol can be more effective than ice for reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) [1.7.6].
- Methyl Salicylate: Found in some Tiger Balm products like the Liniment and Active Muscle Rub, this ingredient is derived from the wintergreen plant [1.5.3, 1.3.5]. It acts as an analgesic, numbing the skin and reducing inflammation to relieve muscle and joint pain [1.3.4, 1.3.7].
- Capsicum Extract: This component, derived from chili peppers, is found in Tiger Balm's Pain Relieving Patches [1.3.1, 1.5.3]. It works by blocking nerve receptors that transmit pain signals, creating a warm sensation that lessens the intensity of muscle aches [1.3.4].
Inactive Essential Oils
While not officially recognized as "active ingredients" by the FDA for topical pain relief, a blend of essential oils contributes to the balm's signature scent and therapeutic effects [1.3.1].
- Cajuput Oil: A traditional remedy with antiseptic and analgesic properties [1.3.3].
- Cassia Oil (Cinnamon): This oil provides a warming sensation and is responsible for the reddish color of Tiger Balm Red [1.2.4, 1.3.3]. It may also have an anti-inflammatory effect [1.3.5].
- Clove Oil: Possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, enhancing the balm's pain-relieving effects [1.3.3].
- Dementholised Mint Oil: Offers a milder cooling sensation that complements the primary menthol [1.3.3].
- Eucalyptus Oil: Found in Tiger Balm White, this oil is used to help with respiratory issues like congestion [1.2.2].
Tiger Balm Variations: A Comparison
Tiger Balm comes in several formulations, each tailored for specific uses. The most common are Red, White, and Ultra Strength [1.5.1].
| Feature | Tiger Balm Red | Tiger Balm White | Tiger Balm Ultra Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sensation | Warming [1.5.1] | Cooling [1.5.1] | Both warming and cooling [1.5.2] |
| Key Difference | Contains cassia oil (cinnamon), which adds warmth and its reddish color [1.2.4]. | Contains eucalyptus oil [1.2.2]. | Non-staining and the strongest formulation with higher menthol content [1.5.2, 1.5.3]. |
| Best For | Deeper muscle and joint pain, arthritis [1.5.2]. | Headaches, stuffy nose, insect bites [1.2.2, 1.5.2]. | Post-exercise soreness, intense muscle and joint aches [1.5.2, 1.5.4]. |
| Staining | Can stain clothes and sheets due to the cassia oil [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. | Non-staining [1.5.1]. | Non-staining [1.5.2]. |
Beyond these ointments, the product line includes liniments, gels, sprays, and patches, each with slightly different ingredient concentrations for various applications [1.5.3, 1.5.6]. For example, the Active Muscle Rub contains 15% methyl salicylate, 5% menthol, and 3% camphor, making it ideal for muscle strains [1.3.6].
Safety and Precautions
Tiger Balm is for external use only and should never be ingested [1.6.2].
Important Usage Guidelines:
- Do not apply to open wounds, irritated skin, eyes, or mucous membranes [1.6.2, 1.6.3].
- Avoid covering the treated area with a tight bandage or using a heating pad, as this can increase the risk of side effects [1.6.3].
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application [1.6.3].
- Do not use immediately before or after bathing or activities that increase body temperature, like intense exercise [1.6.2, 1.6.7].
- Test on a small patch of skin first to check for irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin [1.6.2].
Potential side effects include redness, stinging, or burning at the application site [1.6.1]. Stop use and consult a doctor if you experience severe skin irritation, blistering, swelling, or if the pain persists for more than 7 days [1.6.1, 1.6.3]. Individuals allergic to aspirin or salicylates should consult a doctor before use [1.6.2].
Conclusion
Tiger Balm is made of a powerful combination of plant-derived ingredients that have been trusted for generations. Its primary active components, camphor and menthol, work as counterirritants to increase blood flow and create warming or cooling sensations that distract from pain [1.3.1, 1.3.7]. Supported by a blend of aromatic essential oils, the various formulations offer targeted relief for everything from muscle aches and arthritis to headaches and congestion. While generally safe when used as directed, it is a potent topical medication that should be used with care and awareness of its proper application and potential side effects.
For more information on the active ingredients, you can visit the DailyMed site from the National Library of Medicine.
