Tiger Balm & Arthritis

Tiger Balm is a topical pain-relieving salve containing a mixture of herbal ingredients. In some cases, Tiger Balm may help alleviate the joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Ingredients

• Active ingredients in Tiger Balm include camphor, cajuput oil, clove bud oil and menthol. Formulations aimed specifically at treating arthritis pain--such as Tiger Balm Joint Rub--may contain additional ingredients like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine and chondroitin.

Indications/Uses

• According to the Tiger Balm website, Tiger Balm is effective for relieving pain associated with arthritis and muscle sprains. It may also be helpful in treating stiffness or pain caused by overuse.

Effects

• Ingredients in Tiger Balm work by numbing nerve pain and creating a warming sensation to relax muscles. Clove bud oil acts as an irritant, desensitizing neurons and distracting the brain from other sources of pain such as arthritis.

Adverse Reactions

• Because it contains irritants, Tiger Balm may cause minor local skin irritation in the form of itching, redness or burning. According to Drug Information Online, Tiger Balm can also cause severe allergic reactions or painful irritation at the application site.

Warning

• Tiger Balm products may not be effective in relieving severe arthritis pain and are not intended to cure the condition. If you experience throat swelling, difficulty breathing or severe rash, discontinue use and seek emergency medical assistance.