You’ll want to wash your hands again after handling Tiger Balm to remove any lingering residue.
Start with a pea-sized bead to avoid leaving your skin greasy. You can apply more if you need to cover a particularly broad area or desire even more warming relief. Tiger Balm is also sold as a cream, gel, liniment, and spray, making it easy to find a product that suits your individual needs.
Have someone else help you work the ointment into hard-to-reach spots, such as your lower back or the spot between your shoulder blades. Your skin may become slightly flushed or red after applying Tiger Balm. This is totally normal. The improved circulation created by topical ointments like Tiger Balm may help speed up the healing process for minor injuries like bruises and sprains. [3] X Research source
Applying Tiger Balm too frequently may lead to prolonged numbing, which can be uncomfortable in itself. Prolonged numbing isn’t dangerous, but it is temporarily unpleasant!
Keep in mind that Tiger Balm may not be effective for treating migraines or more serious, persistent headaches.
Be careful not to spread the ointment too close to your nostrils or the inside of your nose itself.
Tiger Balm is less than half the price of other, similar products commonly used to treat head and chest colds.
The pungent combination of camphor and menthol can also double as a natural insect repellent. Throw a jar of Tiger Balm into your gear bag the next time you go hiking, camping, or fishing.
If you happen to get the ointment somewhere it’s not supposed to be, flush the area thoroughly with cool water. Avoid applying Tiger Balm to any open wounds or areas with signs of infection since it could impede the healing process.
This also goes for saunas, hot tubs, and other places where conditions are hot and humid.
Covering the ointment could also partially rub it off, preventing it from being fully absorbed. If you wear a supportive brace or sleeve on a part of your body where you’ve just applied Tiger Balm, wait about an hour before putting it on to ensure that the ointment has had a chance to begin working.
