In a small 2014 study, nine adults who applied petroleum jelly that contained 5, 10, or 20 percent camphor to their forearms experienced increased blood flow to their skin and muscles. Tiger Balm contains ingredients that may help relieve sinus and chest congestion. Some have been used for centuries in oils, ointments, and inhalant form to ease congestion from colds and allergies.

Kulkarni, Y. A., Suryavanshi, S. V., Auti, S. T., & Gaikwad, A. B. (2017). Chapter 9 - capsicum: A natural pain modulator. Nutritional Modulators of Pain in the Aging Population, 107–119 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. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=845a4ead-f9c0-4009-bcae-b17cd388439b&type=display 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.Joint pain: Tiger Balm is often used to treat joint pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that affect the joints. Colds and cough: Applying this medication to your chest may help cough and cold symptoms. Do not apply directly under the nose or use for cold symptoms in children under the age of 2. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. 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: Other ingredients in Tiger Balm, such methyl salicylate, act as analgesics and numb the skin, which may reduce stiffness and aches.

Johar, P., Grover, V., Topp, R., & Behm, D. G. (2012, June). A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 7(3), 314–322 Fattori V, Hohmann MS, Rossaneis AC, Pinho-Ribeiro FA, Verri WA. Capsaicin: Current understanding of its mechanisms and therapy of pain and other pre-clinical and clinical uses. Molecules. 2016;21(7):844. doi:10.3390/molecules21070844 A 2012 study that included 2,679 people with osteoarthritic knee joint pain found that 352 of the participants used rubs, such as Tiger Balm, to reduce the pain. Mosquito bites : Menthol may treat and repel these bug bites (but using a physical repellant, like bed nets, alongside menthol is best). Kulkarni YA, et al. (2017). Chapter 9: Capsicum: A natural pain modulator. Nutritional modulators of pain in the aging population. DOI: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). Millqvist, E., Ternesten-Hasséus, E., & Bende, M. (2013, March). Inhalation of menthol reduces capsaicin cough sensitivity and influences inspiratory flows in chronic cough. Respiratory Medicine, 107(3), 433–438 Tiger Balm Active Muscle Pain Reliever Spray: This spray version is intended for use on hard-to-reach parts of the body. Its active ingredients are 25% methyl salicylate, 16% menthol, and 7% camphor. Stretch marks : Proponents of Tiger Balm say its blood flow and cooling effects can improve stretch marks, but research is need

Poor circulation: Because the active ingredients in Tiger Balm help increase blood flow, this medication may help treat circulation problems, though more research is needed before it can be recommended for this purpose. Tension headaches are not life threatening, though if you think you suffer from chronic tension headaches, you should speak to a healthcare professional. Kotaka, T., Kimura, S., Kashiwayanagi, M., & Iwamoto, J. (2014, December). Camphor induces cold and warm sensations with increases in skin and muscle blood flow in human. Biological Pharmacy Bulletin, 37(12), 1913–1918

Tiger Balm is not intended to treat underlying medical conditions, nor is it meant for long-term use.