Is Tiger Balm Dangerous?

According to Greater Green, Tiger Balm is a pain-relief ointment that presents no reported dangers to adults when applied topically, although it should not be ingested by children.

History

• Tiger Balm was created nearly 100 years ago from ancient Chinese herbal formulations, and today it is manufactured and distributed by Haw Par Healthcare Ltd.

Ingredients

• According to Alternative Health Supplies, Tiger Balm contains camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, clove oil and mint oil.

Dangers

• Camphor, if swallowed in large enough doses, can be fatal to younger children, who lack sufficient liver enzymes to break it down, according to Greater Green.

Warning

• According to Chiroeco, Tiger Balm Muscle Rub and Tiger Balm liniment contain the compound methyl salicylate, which in high doses contributes to heart arrhythmia.

Precautions

• Greater Green recommends that Tiger Balm not be applied even topically to young children because of the danger of accidental ingestion.