The smell of tiger balm has been burned into my memory for all time.
I will never forget how my dad used to keep a small jar of this miracle paste in his medical cupboard. I’ll also never forget the pungent odour released whenever he unscrewed the lid.
My dad would often use tiger balm if he was struggling with his body. He’d use it to remedy muscle pain, soothe back and leg aches and turn to it when he was sore.
Such was its use during my upbringing, that tiger balm is usually one of the first things I try when I have problems with my muscles.
As a result, I became curious when I saw that tiger balm could be used to fix a number of other things as well. Having been left impressed, I wanted to share these tips with you. Here are 14 reasons why you should always have a jar of tiger balm to hand at home!
What is tiger balm?
Tiger balm has a long and rich history. It first hit the scene in 1870, manufactured by Burmese Chinese botanist Aw Chu Kin. It was named after his son Aw Boow Haw, the name meaning tiger in Chinese.
What does tiger balm contain?
Carrier oils, mint oil, cajuput oil, camphor, menthol and clove bud oil.
How you can use tiger balm:
1. Help with bites
Have you been bitten by a mosquito? No problem. Apply tiger balm to the area to help relieve itching.
Take care not to scratch too much before the ointment is applied. The balm will help symptoms.
2. Preventing mosquitos and other insects
Do you want to get rid of mosquitos and other pesky insects when sitting outside on a warm summer’s eve? Try leaving a jar of tiger balm out, with the lid off.
Tiger balm has a very distinctive smell and, apparently, insects don’t like it.
3. Against sweating
Do you sweat a lot? Not problem. Apply some tiger balm to the areas under your arm. The menthol in the ointment helps to neutralise the smell … goodbye body odour.
4. Relieving joint pain
A 2007 Scandinavian study showed that blood flow can be increased after the application of tiger balm.
Have you been at work for a whole day, only to come home with aching joints? Massage some of the magic paste into the affected areas. You’ll notice a difference.
5. Removing stains
Somehow stained your hands? Got paint on them? Something else?
Wipe some tiger balm on the stains and then rub with a cloth.
6. Protecting furniture
Have problems with pets chewing on wooden furniture at home? Brush some tiger balm on the affected areas and the smell will put animals off taking a bite.
7. Fights sore throats
Let’s face it; sore throats are nobody’s idea of a good time.
Rubbing tiger balm on the outside of your neck and upper chest, however, can help relieve pain and clear your airways.
8. Fighting colds
Ok, so you haven’t got a sore throat, but you are congested? Don’t worry, tiger balm works for that, too.
Due to the menthol in the balm, rubbing a thin layer on your upper lip can clear your airways as soon as you start to have difficulty breathing. Be careful not to get any balm in your nostrils though!
9. Relieves headaches
Even though I’ve already tested this myself, it’s worth repeating: Research shows that tiger balm relieves headaches.
Spread some of the ointment on your forehead to avoid unnecessary pain. Be careful not to get any in your eyes, it will hurt.
10. Helps aching feet
Surprise, surprise, not taking care of your feet can leave them sore and addled with aches.
Again, rubbing balm on them can help blood circulation and serve as a pain reliever.
11. Warming cold feet
Cold feet? Look. No. Further. Tiger balm can help warm up your feet, helping blood flow and circulation to extremities.
12. Helps with nausea
Are you prone to travel sickness? Carry a small pot of tiger balm with you. Strange as it sounds, sometimes the smell can help quell sickness.
13. Smelly clothes
Ever opened a closet door and been hit by a stuffy smell? You probably have. Placing a small jar of tiger balm inside your closet can chase away bad smells.
14. Combatting stomach pains
Suffering from stomach ache? With tiger balm increasing blood circulation and offering a sense of warmth, it can be both pleasant and soothing if applied to areas causing a nuisance.
Yep, you guessed it; after reading this I’m certainly investing in some tiger balm. Who knew it had so many helpful properties?
Of course, there are other brands and products that contain the same things and so will promise similar effects! Shop around, find what’s best for you.
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