What is lion ointment for?: Traditional uses, ingredients, and safety

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

With a history spanning over 160 years, Burgess' Lion Ointment is a long-standing traditional herbal remedy. People use the product for its antiseptic and healing properties, which help address various minor skin issues, including boils and splinters.

Quick Summary

Lion Ointment, particularly the traditional Burgess' formulation, is used for minor skin conditions, wounds, splinters, and boils. Different products with similar names serve different purposes, such as pain relief or acne treatment.

Key Points

Drawing Agent: Traditional Lion Ointment is effective at "drawing out" splinters and boils, bringing them to the surface for easier removal.
Antiseptic and Healing: The ointment possesses antiseptic qualities that promote the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and skin abrasions.
Soothes Skin Irritations: It provides relief for various minor skin issues, including dry, cracked skin, and discomfort from conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Brand and Ingredient Variation: The term "Lion Ointment" is used for multiple products, with traditional herbal formulas differing from modern medicated versions for pain relief or acne.
Safety Precautions: Users should perform a patch test, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and not apply to broken skin. Petroleum-based formulas carry a fire risk.

The historical roots of Lion Ointment

Burgess' Lion Ointment has a rich history as a traditional herbal remedy, with records dating back over 160 years. Originally developed by Edwin Burgess, the product was advertised with sweeping, and in some cases untruthful, claims as a 'cure-all' for a vast number of skin diseases and other ailments in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, with increased health regulations, the product was reformulated, and its claims became more aligned with its actual function as a topical antiseptic and healing ointment for minor issues.

What is lion ointment used for today?

The modern version of the traditional Lion Ointment, and products using similar names, are applied to the skin for several minor conditions. While the specific ingredients and uses vary by manufacturer, the traditional product is known for a few key applications.

Drawing out splinters and boils

One of the most praised traditional uses of Lion Ointment is its "drawing" ability, which helps to bring splinters and boils to the surface of the skin. The ointment is typically applied to the affected area and covered with a plaster or bandage. Customer testimonials suggest this process can effectively make deeply embedded foreign bodies visible for removal within a day or two.

Relieving minor skin conditions

Lion Ointment is a common remedy for various minor skin irritations. Its soothing properties can provide relief for dry, cracked skin, and some customers find it beneficial for symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. It also helps protect and aid the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.

As a general antiseptic

With its traditional ingredients, Lion Ointment acts as a reliable antiseptic and healing ointment. While it's not a replacement for modern, sterile wound care for deep cuts or serious injuries, it is a useful item for the first-aid kit to help prevent infection in minor wounds.

Key ingredients in different lion ointment products

The formulation of "Lion Ointment" or "Lion Balm" can differ significantly depending on the manufacturer and the product's intended purpose. It's essential to read the label to understand what you are using.

Traditional formulas

Burgess' Lion Ointment: This traditional herbal remedy does not list its full formula publicly, but similar historical ointments often contain ingredients like lanolin, which creates a protective, moisture-retaining barrier on the skin.
Reavley Chemist's Lion Ointment: Described as a traditional, time-honored formula for minor skin conditions, it's categorized alongside other classic preparations.

Modern medicinal balms

Noble Lion Medicated Balm: This product is a topical analgesic, not a traditional herbal remedy. Its active ingredients are methyl salicylate and menthol, similar to other common muscle pain relief balms.
Lion Pair Acne Cream W (Japan): A popular Japanese product from Lion Corporation, this acne cream contains specific active ingredients, including ibuprofen piconol and isopropylmethylphenol, to treat spots and breakouts.
CBD Lion Balm: Other modern products, like some craft or natural wellness brand balms, may incorporate CBD and essential oils for pain relief or soothing properties.

Comparison: Lion ointment vs. other balms

It's easy to get confused by different topical products, so understanding the specific use cases can help you choose the right one. Here is a quick comparison of the traditional Lion Ointment versus popular alternatives.


Feature	Traditional Lion Ointment (e.g., Burgess')	Tiger Balm	Noble Lion Medicated Balm	Japanese Lion PAIR Acne Cream
Primary Use	Drawing splinters, boils, healing minor skin irritations	Topical analgesic for muscle and joint pain, headaches	Topical analgesic for muscle and joint pain	Treatment of acne and pimples
Key Ingredients	Traditional herbal formula, often lanolin-based	Camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, clove oil	Methyl salicylate, menthol	Ibuprofen piconol, isopropylmethylphenol
Type	Traditional herbal remedy	Over-the-counter pain reliever	Over-the-counter pain reliever	Medicated acne cream
Known For	"Drawing" properties for splinters	Heating/cooling sensation	Penetrating pain relief	Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties for acne

Important safety precautions

Before using any Lion Ointment, especially one with a historical formulation, it is crucial to take certain safety precautions:

External Use Only: Do not ingest the ointment. It is intended for topical application on the skin only.
Test for Allergies: Apply a small amount to a discreet patch of skin first to test for any allergic reactions.
Avoid Open Wounds: Do not apply to deep wounds, damaged skin, or mucous membranes unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
Not for Children: Consult a doctor before using medicated balms on children under 12.
Fire Hazard: Some petroleum-based ointments can be flammable. Avoid using with oxygen therapy or near open flames.
Discontinue Use if Irritation Occurs: If burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation develops, stop use immediately and consult a doctor.
Check Ingredients: Given the variations, always check the specific product's ingredients for potential allergens or contraindications.

Conclusion

Traditional Lion Ointment, such as the historic Burgess' formula, is a trusted traditional remedy primarily used for its "drawing" properties to remove splinters and boils, as well as its antiseptic and soothing benefits for minor skin irritations. However, the marketplace contains several products using the name "Lion" for different purposes, including muscle pain relief and acne treatment. It is essential to identify the specific product and its intended use, read the ingredients carefully, and observe safety precautions. For any serious or persistent skin conditions, consulting a healthcare professional is the recommended course of action.

For more information on traditional remedies and skin preparations, you can visit the Reavley Chemist website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional Lion Ointment, used for skin issues and splinters, is not the same as Tiger Balm, which is a topical analgesic for muscle pain. Different products use the “Lion” name, so it’s important to check the ingredients and purpose of the specific balm.

Some modern products branded as 'Lion Medicated Balm,' such as Noble Lion, contain methyl salicylate and menthol for muscle and joint pain relief. However, the traditional Lion Ointment is not intended for this purpose. Always check the label.

Customer reviews suggest that when applied with a plaster, the ointment can help draw out a splinter or boil within 24 to 48 hours, making it visible and easier to remove. Results may vary depending on the depth and nature of the foreign body.

Yes, there are several different products with similar names. Examples include the traditional Burgess' herbal ointment, Noble Lion Medicated Balm for pain, and Lion Pair Acne Cream from Japan. They have different active ingredients and uses.

A specific product, Lion Pair Acne Cream from Japan, is formulated for facial acne. However, the traditional Lion Ointment is not designed for facial use and may cause irritation. Always read the product label for specific application instructions and avoid using on sensitive areas unless explicitly stated as safe.

Traditional formulas are often based on time-honored herbal recipes, but specific ingredients are not always publicly listed. Some formulas, like those in similar products, use lanolin as a moisturizing and protective base.

While some users recount using it on children for splinters, specific modern products like medicated balms advise consulting a doctor before use on children under 12. Always test on a small area and seek medical advice when in doubt, especially for young children.