Tiger Balm is touted as a multipurpose product that may be used for a wide range of issues, especially pain. Here are 18 potential uses: You will feel a heat-like sensation in the area where the balm is applied, as the active ingredients encourage blood flow in the area to support pain relief, muscle relaxation, and healing. How does Tiger Balm Help with arthritis pain? Little specific evidence supports the use of Tiger Balm to relieve joint pain. However, many people use the balm to ease aches and pain related to osteoarthritis. Non-arthritic joint pain : Menthol and camphor may help treat this type of pain when it’s related to exercise and other activities. In a 2013 study, 14 people who inhaled a 1 percent menthol solution before being exposed to capsicum, a cough-inducer, took longer to cough than those who did not use the menthol solution.

Camphor acts as a mild expectorant, nasal decongestant, and cough suppressant. Menthol may help soothe irritated nasal passageways, helping to relieve stuffy noses. Schattner, P., & Randerson, D. (1996, February). Tiger Balm as a treatment of tension headache. A clinical trial in general practice [Abstract]. Australian Family Physician, 25(2), 216, 218, 220Lapane KL, et al. (2012). Use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with radiographic-confirmed knee osteoarthritis. DOI: Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Stomach pain: Anecdotally, camphor and menthol are sometimes applied to the abdomen to help treat stomach pain, but this is not yet supported by research. Stomachaches : Some people claim menthol and camphor help treat stomachaches when applied to the abdomen, but research is needed.

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Sports Rub: This form contains the same amount of menthol (11%) and camphor (11%) as the ultra-strength formula, but it comes in a larger tin. Haw C, Wolstencroft L. A study of the prescription and administration of sedative PRN medication to older adults at a secure hospital. Int Psychogeriatr. 2014;26(6):943-51.Headaches: Research has found Tiger Balm to be as effective as Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches. Authors of a study from 1996 found that applying Tiger Balm to the forehead was more effective at relieving tension headaches than a placebo. It was almost as effective as taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). This pain ointment can be used for temporary relief of stiff muscles, minor aches, and pains associated with: