There are products that you can smell even without having them under your nose.
One of these is definitely Tiger Balm, a balsamic ointment with pain-relieving effects first devised in China.
Let's look in detail at the uses and benefits of this portentous balm.
History and interesting facts about Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm was created in the 19th century by a Chinese herbalist working at the Chinese imperial court.
After his death, his sons spread the product internationally, marketing it with great success.
Soon the product became a symbol of traditional Chinese medicine, famous worldwide for its analgesic and soothing properties.
The name should not mislead: it contains no animal ingredients, but is simply meant to recall the strength and vigor it imparts.
The Ingredients Tiger Balm
The ingredients of Tiger Balm are mainly essential oils and herbs with medicinal properties.
Some elements remain the same, others may vary slightly depending on the individual herbalist.
Our Tiger Balm contains no synthetic ingredients and its formula consists of:
- Menthol: for a cooling and analgesic effect, often used to soothe pain and itching;
- Tea Tree oil: with anti-inflammatory properties, useful for reducing inflammation and swelling;
- Thyme oil: traditionally used to relieve respiratory ailments due to its expectorant action;
- Camphor oil: to stimulate blood circulation and improve healing;
- Clove oil: with a natural analgesic effect, useful for pain relief;
- Peppermint oil: with 'calming and cooling effect, especially in cases of muscle pain.
Uses and Benefits of Tiger Balm
Tiger balm because of its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties lends itself to many applications:
- Muscle and joint pain: helps relieve sprains, muscle strains, arthritic pain, rheumatism, and back pain.
- Headaches: massaged onto the temples, it helps reduce headaches due to the cooling and soothing properties of menthol and peppermint.
- Nasal congestion and colds: rubbed on the chest or inhaled, can relieve symptoms of colds, congestion and breathing difficulties.
- Insect bites: applied to the affected area, it helps reduce itching and swelling caused by stings.
- Fatigue: Some also use it to stimulate the body in situations of fatigue or to relieve muscle tension.
The important thing is not to apply it to open wounds, cuts or irritated areas of the skin, as it can cause burning.
It should be applied to the affected area and gently massaged until fully absorbed.
After application, it is advisable to wash hands to avoid bringing the balm into contact with eyes or other sensitive mucous membranes