Tiger Balm Review: Is It Safe?
Expert rating:
3.4/10
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Tiger Balm is a pain relief topical aid used on the skin to help relieve tension, pain, and soreness. This is intended for both athletes and regular consumers who are suffering from pain.
Different versions of this exist with some used specially for arthritis and joint pain. The supplement most highly regarded by our review team for joint health was Flexitrinol. This works to help provide relief at the source, preventing pain, discomfort, and inflammation. More information about the possible benefits provided by Flexitrinol is offered in this full review.
COMPARE Tiger Balm WITH BEST JOINT PILLSHow does Tiger Balm work?
Only a small amount is needed and they advise rubbing into problem areas for about 3 to 4 times daily. It is advised to stop using it for longer than 7 days or if it worsens, the skin becomes irritated, and if pain comes back.
Because allergies have been seen in some, they recommend starting with a small amount and waiting to see if it is properly absorbed without side effects.
In general it is advised to not use it in to short time period before or after bathing, and to not cover up skin when applied. It is also advised to not use it on broken skin or near the eyes and mucous membranes where it can lead to side effects.
Top Benefits: Some of this ingredient can be helpful at reliving soreness in the muscles. There are many different versions of Tiger Balm offered for specific purposes.
Negatives: Not intended for more than 7 days of use. Only one version of this can affect joint health and it comes with commonly used additives.
The most effective joint health supplements are outlined in our top 10 list.
Who makes this supplement?
The company name is Prince of Peace Enterprises Inc. Their full contact information listed is:
Address: 3536 Arden Road
Hayward, CA 94545
Phone Number: (510) 887-1899
Email: [email protected]
No issues are found on their Better Business Bureau listing.
The FDA sent a warning letter in 2024 that claimed the company did not test its products enough. They also said that employees at the company were not properly trained, and that proper quality control procedures were not followed. There were issues with:
“labeling, testing, and manufacturing”
This is according to a news source at BioSpace.com. It’s impossible to know what a likely outcome may be and whether or not this is properly tested without the company explain if this has since been corrected.
The supplements in this list were considered to be the most effective at aiding joint health.
What’s inside of it and are there side effects?
Ingredients will vary depending on the specific version used, but common additives include:
Camphor: Oil taken from the camphor tree, this is often used in topical products as a way to help prevent pain and itching. This works by stimulant g nerve ending to help effect the way pain is experienced.
Web MD notes that this is potentially unsafe when taken in concentrations of 11% or more. This is due to the fact that it can be toxic.
They also recommend not applying it to any injured or broken skin since it can be absorbed by the skin, causing serious side effects. It is also highly important not to ingest this since toxicity is a possible symptom.
Menthol: Found naturally in mint, this is also made artificially when added to most products. It can provide anesthetic like effects, helping to relieve pain.
Cajuput Oil: Distilled tree extract used for many reasons including to prevent irritation, pain, and to provide relief. This may lead to breathing issues when inhaled or allergic reactions.
Cassia Oil: Cinnamon bark that is used to provide a warming sensation. Web MD says that this is possibly safe when used:
“in the short-term”
Clove Oil: A fragrant herb that is used to decrease stomach pain, nausea, and for overall pain reduction. This is also used to help regulate pain. A review by MedlinePlus claimed that the beneficial effects of this have not been proven, and although this has long been used, evidence is lacking.
The FDA has also stated that information about this and its potential benefits have not been clearly established in enough journals.
Paraffin Petrolatum: Common skincare ingredient that is used to protect skin and prevent the growth of fungus. Live Strong.com says that this can potentially cause symptoms such as:
- Skin suffocation, acne, and premature aging.
Dementholised Mint Oil: A specialized form of mint used to help treat arthritis pain. In the case of any kinds of side effects it is advised to discontinue use:
- Vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness.
Methyl Paraben: A food preservative that helps prevents the spread of unwanted microbes. This is regarded as a potential endocrine disrupting additive according to the EWG.com. They have rated it a 4 out of 10, meaning it has a moderate potential for dangerous side effects.
Parabens are some of the most common kinds of preservatives used in topical aids since they are cheap to source.
Propyl Paraben: Naturally found in both plants and insects, this is used as a way to preserve the formula and to stop the spread of toxins. In the Journal of Toxicology there were malignant tumors which had a high amount of parabens.
What’s good about Tiger Balm?
Many different options are available for targeted relief. A stronger dosage strength formula is also offered for consumers who require extra support.
The company also gives an easy to explain outline of who this is for and what expectations to have. You can find this in many different retail stores as well as online. The pricing often is consistent and each jar is tiny for easy transportation.
The company also has the exact percentage of the main active ingredients to help determine if it’s right for you.
Ingredients like menthol and camphor can be used to relieve muscle soreness and tension before and after workouts. This can be used for either athletes or regular customers who need to relieve their muscles.
What’s bad about Tiger Balm?
If the goal is lasting joint health this brand does not offer that much coverage. They advise only using it for a full week and seeking medical attention if the pain persists.
Their formulas are meant more as a general aid for pain relief, not as a way to help regenerate tissue or support joint function over time. Because it has such limited use it makes it impossible to trust this as a general joint health supplement.
This would be better described as being a simple topical aid mostly for general muscle soreness. Most user review also commented on how it only provided some superficial support, and that it was not useful for targeting inflammation which can trigger joint discomfort. The smell was too strong for some who said it was hard to breathe after applying it.
What do consumers think about Tiger Balm?
“Smell was good but it didn’t do anything for me, no reduction in pain at all and I didn’t like the feel of it”
“Take it after my surgery to help get rid of some of the painful spasms I had that made it hard to relax”
“You feel it when it is rubbed into sore muscles helps get rid of all the unease and pain I was having”
“Experienced some relief but it had a burning sensation which made it very uncomfortable to use”
Conclusion
There’s both good and bad things to say about Tiger Balm. This can potentially help prevent muscle soreness, but as far as targeted joint health, it seems highly unlikely. The brand is meant more as a short-term solution which is why they recommend not using it for longer than a 7 day period. Any longer use than this can increase the risk for unwanted side effects.
The product is also described as being a solution which should be discontinued if the pain does not go away. After 7 days if the pain is the same they advise seeking medical attention, and this is used more for general muscle pain and soreness. The blend of ingredients can be effective at treating muscle issues, but it’s not meant for long-term joint health support.
We saw that Flexitrinol offered the most supportive coverage for all-around joint health both in the short and long-term. Many customers have mentioned that their results were lasting and that it made it easier to stay mobile. For a close look into what made Flexitrinol our number 1 pick for joint health, follow the link here.
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