ABOUT TIGER BALM
In the late 1870s, Aw Chu Kin, a Chinese herbalist set up a small medicine shop called Rangoon, China. There he made and sold his own ointment for pain relief.
When he died in 1908, his business was left to his surviving sons: Aw Boon Par and Aw Boon Haw (meaning ‘gentle tiger,’ and the man who named the ointment) and Aw Boon Par.
The business was reestablished in Singapore and the ointment that became known as Tiger Balm took off in surrounding countries.
TIGER BALM ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
CAMPHOR This waxy solid has a strong aromatic odor. It is found in the wood of the evergreen tree Cinnamomum camphora; Dryobalanops aromatica; Ocotea usambarensis; and dried rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis).
It is a large contributor to the product's scent, but it is also easily absorbed through skin and produces a cool-feeling like menthol.
MENTHOL
Speaking of menthol, this organic compound is made synthetically or obtained from mint oils.
Menthol stimulates the transient receptor potential channel melastatin 8 (TRPM8). This receptor is responsible for the well-known cooling sensation it provokes when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin.
Menthol also has weak analgesic (pain-killing) effects due to select activation of the κ-opioid receptor. This receptor is a protein that mediates a variety of effects including changing our perception of pain, consciousness, motor control, and mood.
METHYL SALICYLATE
Also called wintergreen oil, this organic ester is naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens.
Wintergreen oil is also a salicylate, as evident by its proper name: methyl salicylate. Salicylates are compounds related to aspirin. By using them topically, it may help a patient avoid most of the negative side effects of taking aspirin or aspirin-related compounds by mouth, such as:
ulcers of the stomach and small intestine,
abdominal pain,
nausea,
gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
A study published in 2014 on collagen-induced arthritis in mice concluded, "[methyl salicylate] has great potential to be developed into a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis." But, in its pure form, methyl salicylate is toxic, particularly when taken internally. People should never exceed the directions on the label due to the risk of salicylate toxicity (aspirin poisoning). A single teaspoon (5ml) of methyl salicylate contains 7g of salicylate, which is equivalent to more than twenty-three 300 mg aspirin tablets. It has proven fatal to small children in doses as small as 4ml.
Every rose has its thorn, right? To lighten things up (literally), when mixed with sugar and dried, methyl salicylate is triboluminescent. Which is almost as fun to say, as it is to see. It's an optical phenomenon in which light is generated through the breaking of chemical bonds in a material when they are pulled apart, ripped, scratched, crushed, or rubbed. Next time you've got some Wintergreen Life Savers and a dark room, try it out.
TIGER BALM SIDE EFFECTS
There are no known major side effects for using Tiger Balm topically (on the skin, external use only). Although one should seek medical attention if severe allergic reaction occurs. Not a good idea to use on broken or damaged skin, and be sure to keep it clear of the eyes - ouch.
PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS:
Methyl Salicylate (wintergreen oil) might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin or other salicylate compounds, or have asthma or nasal polyps. Use wintergreen with caution if you have one of these conditions.
Wintergreen oil can be poisonous for children. Taking 4-10 mL of wintergreen oil by mouth can be deadly. So keep away from the kiddos and do not use wintergreen oil on the skin of children less than 2 years old.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, wintergreen is safe in amounts found in food, but there's inconclusive evidence to know if it's safe in the larger amounts internally or topically. Either clear usage by your doctor, or select a topical gel that does not include wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) in the ingredients label on the back of the box.
SUMMARY
I found an established body of research that may suggest the use of menthol for mild pain relief. Given the very low risk and very limited side effects, it would seem worth a try for individuals seeking a complementary and/or off-the-shelf product for pain relief.
You can purchase Tiger Balm at most major pharmacies. You can also find it on Amazon in both the jelly ointment and large patch versions.
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