Generic Name: Tiger Balm (camphor-menthol-topical)
Tiger Balm Reviews
For Pain "When I get occasional back pain, Tiger Balm always works fast. It's so effective, I forget all about the pain and can get back to doing what I want to. It's a zillion percent better than any other pain rub or patch out there."
For Pain "I bought Tiger Balm over the counter to help ease my shoulder and neck pain and possibly to try on my back as I get stiff and feel constant pain due to a previous back injury. I use this on top of strong medication (after consulting the GP) to help my muscle pain. It leaves a cold, tingly feeling if you use it on a large area, but it doesn't last long. Helped the flexibility in my back and eased off the muscle pain in my neck and shoulders. It lasts for a few hours and doesn't smell too bad. I have the red ointment one with cinnamon in, and it's not an unpleasant smell. The balm does stick to your fingers a bit and takes a bit of scrubbing to get off. But overall, a very good option for topical pain/joint medication. Would recommend trying!"
For Pain "My back pain in the lower flank was to the point of barely moving without yelling. The next day I tried old jar of Tiger Balm I didn't know I had in back of drawer from 2012. The next day it was like my back was back to normal."
For Pain "Muscle pain/stiffness. I've used heating pads, icy hot, Bengay cream, screaming toast... Tiger Balm doesn't get hot like Bengay cream does, but there is a nice tingling, and it lasts for about five hours. Increases flexibility and reduces pain. Smells awful unless you have a cold, and then it clears the sinuses! Even if it is not hot, DO NOT get in eyes or other mucous membranes!!"
For Pain "I used Tiger Balm one time on June 21st 2019 for pain in my wrist. By the next morning my wrist has broken out with a red rash that burns. I have tried several things and nothing is clearing it up so far. Please beware of this ointment."
For Pain "As a long term sufferer of back problems I've tried just about everything on the market. I recently found an old jar of Tiger Balm that my Pop had in his medicine cabinet with a manufactured date 21/12/89, that's 33yrs old and it still works great ! The problem now is, I'm not sure whether to keep using it, or donate it to a museum."
For Pain "I have used Tiger balm for many years for headaches, but recently use white Tiger Balm. Applied small amount to right temple and forehead resulting in swelling and painful stinging to right eye and hives on my forehead and on skull under my hair. Had to attend emergency clinic as couldn't see, advised antihistamines and cold compress. Feels like a burning sensation, eye still swollen and painful but improving, skin feels like prickly heat. Always extra careful when using topical products so no mistakes but still got a painful reaction. Do not advise."
For Pain "I prefer the white tiger balm ointment because it does not stain. Been using Tiger Balm for over 50 years. Very effective against cramps and muscle pain, headaches, insect bite itch. I had to order online today because the white 30 g tiger balm jar sold out everywhere because lockdown and less physical activity caused muscle cramps."
For Pain "Used for tennis elbow, the pain was waking me up in the middle of the night, used tiger balm before bed. I was able to get a full night sleep and some relief from the pain. Applied again in the morning and after a few days, was alot better."
For Pain "In the past I have found Tiger Balm very effective for pain in my joints. Recently I have have suffered intense pain in my neck and shoulder and when all else failed I tried the balm again. Unfortunately, this time, although the pain subsided a bit I suffered an allergic reaction. My skin broke out in little sores and I was nearly screaming with the itch. I am an 87 year old woman"
"I still love Tiger Balm but after using it on my face for congestion it worked well at first but caused severe swelling of my lips. Not painful but when I looked in the mirror. I resembled Donald Duck. Note: I did not look like Donald Duck prior to the reaction. Earlier in the day I had also used my inhaler. I was a heavy user of Chapstick and have not had the reaction since avoiding Tiger Balm and Chapstick. Bye bye to old friends."
For Pain "I used tiger balm ointment for upper arm pain I now have a horrible pretty large itchy burning and extremely blistered rash I used it sparingly twice and now have to see my doctor for either a severe chemical burn or severe allergic reaction"
For Pain "I broke my foot in a car accident and developed arthritis in my foot. I tried tiger balm red extra strength, the first two times I used it it worked well. However, the third time I used it, it took away the pain but the next morning my foot was itching terribly and when I rubbed my foot with my hand there were all these tiny bumps all over my foot. I guess I'm having an allergic reaction to it. Disappointing because it really took the pain away but I can’t use it anymore."
For Pain "When I used this product I put in on my temple for a headache but it only burns now yes I couldn't feel the head ache because my face was on fire. Not the best, I could have hurt myself for free with out buying this"
"I have used a number of products for joint or back pain. Tiger Balm is the best I have used , physio said high menthol content is very effective in pain relief; I have found that to be true - and I have tried almost everything !"
For Dermatitis "I've been using Tiger Balm for a week for an unexplainable itch on my upper arm under the surface of my skin. It's the only thing that has helped relieve the itch and bring the rash to the surface and heal."
For Pain "Tiger balm red and white are both excellent for muscle pain in my neck and shoulders; but the main purpose I use if for my migraines. Apply a small amount on the temple, forehead, and cheekbone; and let me tell you it works wonders. The red I can no longer use on my face (although it smells heavenly) as I started breaking out after years of using in the above mentioned areas. The white that I now use mainly doesn’t have that nice smell as the red one does, but it work to relieve my constant pain. Both are great and I’m awaiting the ultra version as stated earlier, the red ones causes me to break out. Highly recommend Tiger Balm! :)"
For Pain "I had muscle pain and had bought Tiger Balm patches. I am so impressed, it worked so well. I even received a sample of a different brand and tried it to compare them, and the Tiger Balm worked so much better. So the next time I have muscle pain, I will always know what to use."
For Pain "I have used Tiger Balm for years. I have had arthritis for over 20 years now and have tried many products. I try not to use any one product too much but when I hurt the most this is what I use"
For Dermatitis "I use Tiger Balm for everything from sunburns, mosquito bites, tired, achy muscles, cramps, bruises, sinus headache, congestion, razor burn, and anything that itches."
For Pain "For muscle pain this is the best treatment there is. I had an impinged shoulder and since have had pain in my back and shoulders. I cannot recommend tiger balm enough"
For Pain "I recently had spine surgery and the extensive wear of the neck collar caused pain in my shoulders. After using Tiger Balm on a regular basis the pain in my shoulders has stopped."
For Pain "works for pain, especially a stiff neck but only lasts maybe 20 minutes. Smells good in my opinion."
For Pain "I have arthritis in my neck which effects my shoulder back and arms when I having a bad day rush this into my shoulder and neck help relaxes my muscles with it warm heat 10/10"
For Pain "I use tigre balm rubbed into my forehead and temples to telieve a headache its also excellent for relieving a migraine"
More about Tiger Balm (camphor / menthol topical)
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Drug class: topical rubefacient
- En español
Patient resources
- Tiger Balm drug information
- Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub
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Other formulations
- Tiger Balm Ultra Strength
- Tiger Balm Extra Strength
Related treatment guides
- Dermatitis
- Pain
