Tiger Balm is a brand-name topical typically used to alleviate pain. Its primary ingredients include camphor and menthol, which help relieve muscle and joint discomfort while providing a cooling sensation.

Tiger Balm has been around for over a century. The brand’s current offerings in the United States include a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers in the form of:

  • creams
  • gels
  • ointments
  • patches
  • sprays
  • oils

Although Tiger Balm is marketed as a natural remedy, it’s important to remember that these products are technically topical medications.

OTC medications aren’t always evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they must adhere to certain FDA policies and regulations to be eligible for sale.

In the United States, Tiger Balm products target:

Although pain relief products make up the bulk of Tiger Balm’s global offerings, there are a few outliers. You may be able to find products targeting nasal congestion, itching, fever, and more, depending on your location.

All Tiger Balm products contain a blend of herbal ingredients. The exact mix and concentration vary based on the country of sale.

Most products contain menthol, which is extracted from mint oils, and camphor, which is found in the wood of certain trees. These ingredients are considered “active” because they provide the intended therapeutic effects.

Additional active ingredients in the United States product line include methyl salicylate, which is derived from wintergreen, and capsicum extract, which is derived from chili peppers.

All other ingredients are considered inactive. Common inactive ingredients include:

The scientific study of Tiger Balm is limited. However, some research suggests that ingredients commonly found in Tiger Balm products can help alleviate a variety of aches and pains.

Camphor, for example, may promote healing by boosting blood flow to the affected area. It may also have cooling and warming effects that can help relieve muscle soreness.

Menthol and methyl salicylate can produce a cooling or numbing sensation that may help with stiffness, whereas capsaicin works by creating heat.

Topical Tiger Balm products are for external use only. Many people apply them to the:

  • abdomen, hips, and lower back
  • biceps, triceps, and forearms
  • calves, hamstrings, and quads
  • neck, shoulders, and upper back
  • wrists, elbows, and knees

The manufacturer recommends massaging the product into your skin until it’s fully absorbed or adhered for maximum benefit. Patches may be worn for up to 8 hours, while other topicals can be applied up to four times daily.

Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands after application. Severe side effects are possible if Tiger Balm enters sensitive mucous membranes, such as:

  • eyes
  • nose
  • mouth
  • ears
  • genitals
  • anus

You should also avoid application to irritated or damaged skin, including:

  • acne
  • burns
  • cuts
  • scratches
  • sores
  • wounds

Hot baths or showers can increase skin sensitivity, so the manufacturer recommends waiting at least an hour before and at least 30 minutes after to apply Tiger Balm to dry skin.

Using other heat or cold therapies alongside Tiger Balm increases the risk of injury and irritation, so it’s important to stick to one product at a time. Do not cover or wrap the application area with bandages.

Tiger Balm is unlikely to cause side effects when used as directed.

Still, it’s a good idea to test the product on a small area of skin — like the inside of your elbow — to check for any adverse effects. This includes:

  • burning or stinging
  • discoloration
  • hives
  • itchiness or irritation
  • swelling

Discontinue use if you develop new or unusual symptoms within 24 hours of application.

Patches cannot be tested like this, so be sure to monitor them closely after application and remove them at the first sign of discomfort.

Anaphylaxis may occur in rare cases. If you have difficulty breathing or develop facial swelling, seek emergency medical care.

Tiger Balm is recommended for people aged 12 and older.

Consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional before using any Tiger Balm product if you:

  • are pregnant or nursing
  • have pain after a surgery or procedure
  • have persistent or worsening arthritis, knee, or joint pain
  • take blood-thinning medications

In some cases, new or worsening symptoms could be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if:

  • bowel or urinary incontinence occurs
  • leg cramps or muscle spasms are frequent
  • numbness, tingling, or weakness occurs in the feet or legs
  • pain occurs alongside swelling, discoloration, or limited mobility
  • pain is accompanied by fever and unexpected weight loss
  • pain lasts longer than a week or reappears after a few days

In the United States, the Tiger Balm brand includes a range of OTC pain relievers. All Tiger Balm products contain camphor or menthol, but the other ingredients may vary.

Follow the directions on the packaging and discontinue use if irritation or other unusual symptoms occur.