Tiger Balm was birthed by Chinese Herbalist Aw Chu Kin in the late 19th century. Auw Chu Kin left the Emperor’s Court to establish an apothecary in Rangoon, or present-day Yangon.  His shop, called Eng Aun Tong, or “Hall of Everlasting Peace” was where he sold his special oil that supposedly cured all aches and pains. This oil is what became the Tiger Balm we know today.

          Aw boon Haw and Aw Boon Par began to market the ointment in the 1870s, transforming it from a simple demulcent to the widely known product known as Tiger Balm. Tiger Balm’s name highlights the potency and strength of the ointment and is accompanied by an image of a tiger which symbolizes vitality and protection in Chinese culture. Tiger balm is composed of a distinct blend of herbal ingredients and essential oils that provide its unique aroma. It's key ingredients include menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate.

 

MENTHOL

          Menthol is a chemical that is found naturally in mint plants and is known for the cooling sensation that it provides. While Menthol itself doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties, it can help provide a sense of relief by activating cold receptors when applied to the skin.

 

CAMPHOR

          Camphor is a natural substance that is distilled from the woods of camphor trees. Similar to menthol, it provides a cooling sensation but can also create a warm sensation to dilate blood vessels. By dilating the blood vessels it can help stimulate blood circulation to potentially relieve muscle stiffness and reduce pain.

 

METHYL SALICYLATE

          Methyl Salicylate, also known as wintergreen oil, is an organic compound produced by many species of plants, the most notable being wintergreens. It can reduce muscular pain by acting as a counterirritant when applied as a topical treatment. Counterirritants are substances that create mild inflammation in one location, such as the skin, that resultingly lessens the inflammation that may be causing pain in another location nearby.