Tiger Balm

Tiger Balm is not illegal in the UK and is widely sold. The confusion comes from some countries limiting the amount of certain ingredients, such as camphor, and from older formulations - the products sold here meet UK rules.

Tiger Balm is a herbal balm applied to the skin to soothe muscular aches, pains and stiffness. Its warming or cooling sensation helps ease tension in tired or aching muscles and joints.

It is used for muscular aches and pains, stiffness, minor tension and, in the case of the White balm, to help with a blocked nose or headache. It is for external use on the skin only.

Many people find the warming or cooling sensation of Tiger Balm soothing for everyday muscular aches and tension. It eases the feeling of discomfort rather than treating an underlying condition.

Ingredients such as camphor and menthol create a warming or cooling feeling on the skin, which helps distract from and soothe aching muscles. It works on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed like a tablet.

It is best to check with your midwife, pharmacist or GP before using Tiger Balm in pregnancy, as strong ingredients like camphor are generally used with caution. Avoid broken skin, and do not use it on young children without advice.

Tiger Balm's key active ingredients include camphor and menthol, alongside traditional oils such as cajuput and clove; the exact blend differs between the Red and White versions. Check the pack for the full list of ingredients.

White Tiger Balm has a cooling feel and is often used for headaches and a blocked nose, while Red Tiger Balm is warming and tends to be used for muscular aches and stiffness. Choose based on whether you would prefer a cooling or warming sensation.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and massage it gently into intact skin a few times a day, then wash your hands. Keep it away from the eyes, broken skin and delicate areas, and do not cover it with a tight bandage.