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Original poster

White tiger balm - how did I not know about this years ago?

98 replies

EverySporkIsSacred · 05/12/2023 10:27

I get quite frequent migraines. Sometimes no painkillers touch them. It may be only temporary but OMG the relief of white tiger balm on my temples is amazing!
Just really wanted to share a I've only discovered it in the past year. It's like that 4head stuff on steroids.
Also when the migraine comes with neck and shoulder pain, the red tiger balm (or any other heating muscle stuff) works wonders.

The only issue is remembering through the pain and brain fog to actually use them!

Anyone else got any "wonder products" they want to share?

OP posts:
ChoupetteTheCat · 05/12/2023 10:31

Yes it's amazing stuff and I've used it for years for headaches. I have a pot of the red one but rarely use it plus I find that it stains.

I had a really bad tooth infection and was crying in pain. Out of desperation I put white tiger balm along my jaw and it numbed the pain.

ssd · 05/12/2023 10:32

Thats great to know, thanks

MrsSkylerWhite · 05/12/2023 10:32

Is this from china? Nothing to do with actual tigers, I hope?

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ChoupetteTheCat · 05/12/2023 10:32

It's also good if your nose is all bunged up. I just put a dab on the end of my nose, it works wonders.

Badlylitdescent · 05/12/2023 10:33

It’s brilliant stuff for sinuses (rubbed on externally obviously) and I agree op fantastic for those headaches that are on one side of the face, or behind the eye. It’s like it distracts your mind by taking it from one pain to a different sensation.

Scampuss · 05/12/2023 10:34

Tiger balm is good on bug bites too.

TheWetBandits · 05/12/2023 10:34

MrsSkylerWhite · 05/12/2023 10:32

Is this from china? Nothing to do with actual tigers, I hope?

Only in name

It's sold in most chemists and is amazing

ChoupetteTheCat · 05/12/2023 10:34

Get the original Tiger balm though. There are many cheaper versions but they are not as good.

White tiger balm - how did I not know about this years ago?
Original poster
EverySporkIsSacred · 05/12/2023 10:35

Well it looks shall we say "Chinese inspired" but definitely no tigers in it - it's quite like Vicks but not decongestant.

OP posts:
Original poster
EverySporkIsSacred · 05/12/2023 10:36

@ChoupetteTheCat yes, I agree. I'd only tried the cheaper versions and they just don't do the same job.

OP posts:
MarmiteWine · 05/12/2023 10:36

Vick's Vaporub also works for headaches and is easier to get hold of. Rub on the temple or the nape of the neck, depending where the pain is.

Original poster
EverySporkIsSacred · 05/12/2023 10:41

LOL no wonder I think it's "like Vicks" MarmiteWine if it does the same job! I find the tiger balm smells less though and I am quite smell sensitive, especially when I have a migraine.

OP posts:
DupontsYellowDressingGown · 05/12/2023 10:47

As someone had already mentioned watch out for staining - think I had it from both white and red. Am I imagining that you get a blue one too? Maybe I saw it abroad.

LoreleiG · 05/12/2023 10:53

I used to use this as a teenager and had forgotten about it but think the tin I had was red. Everyone at school had one.

seymourhoffwoman · 05/12/2023 10:56

Love it. I once found a bottle of liquid white tiger balm which was insanely good. Never found it again

MarilynBoo · 05/12/2023 10:56

Ooh thanks for the tip OP!

Flyinggeesei234 · 05/12/2023 10:56

I agree OP, it’s really good. I get horrendous hormonal headaches and find if I use Tiger Balm and lie on my ‘bed of nails’ acupressure mat, it really helps. Plus Anadin Extra!

LadyDanburysHat · 05/12/2023 11:02

Love white tiger balm. Came across it accidentally a couple of years ago when buying a pot of the red one. It is so good for headaches, and avoids me taking painkillers.

CascaChan · 05/12/2023 11:03

I would like to recommend the red tiger balm for chilblains on feet. Only thing that works for me.

Strokethefurrywall · 05/12/2023 11:04

Kwan loong oil is another Chinese product we've used for years in my family.

It's a decongestant but we use for mosquito bites, headaches, broken bones, bruises, headaches, period pains. I swear by it and always have several bottles in the house.

My dad has used tiger balm for his migraines since the 80s, one of my earliest memories is him rubbing tiger balm on my head when I had a cold... can still smell it!

CanOfGerms · 05/12/2023 11:04

You need to try dragonbalm. Not sure if you can get it in the uk.

oakleaffy · 05/12/2023 11:13

seymourhoffwoman · 05/12/2023 10:56

Love it. I once found a bottle of liquid white tiger balm which was insanely good. Never found it again

Oh goodness yes! I remember that...It was like liquid fire.
Like olbas oil, but stronger.

Haven't seen it outside of Chinatown , London.

I didn't find it any good for migraines, sadly- but if some people do, that's great.

It's a menthol smelling substance, mainly. Possibly has clove oil in it?

Edit...Just googled contents:

Each little jar of Tiger Balm White provides an alternative way to relieve the pain of tension headaches.

  • 11% Natural Camphor.
  • 8.0% Menthol.
  • 1.5% Clove Oil.
  • 13.0% Cajuput Oil.
  • Also contains: Dementholised Mint Oil, Yellow Soft Paraffin and Hard Paraffin.
penjil · 05/12/2023 11:14

Tiger Balm has more herbs and medicinal properties in than Vicks.

It's the only thing that'll touch my migraines and headaches too.

I slather it on, and put it up my nostrils too.....sheer bliss!!

Original poster
EverySporkIsSacred · 05/12/2023 11:20

With red tiger balm (the one I use on neck/shoulders) I haven't noticed any staining but I* *wear a lot of dark clothing so maybe wouldn't notice.

@oakleaffy yes it does have clove oil in it. Good guess. It only works for a temporary reprieve from migraines for me, but really good for any stress/eye strain headaches in between the migraines as well. Yes, I get a lot of headaches.

OP posts:
ChoupetteTheCat · 05/12/2023 12:03

EverySporkIsSacred · 05/12/2023 11:20

With red tiger balm (the one I use on neck/shoulders) I haven't noticed any staining but I* *wear a lot of dark clothing so maybe wouldn't notice.

@oakleaffy yes it does have clove oil in it. Good guess. It only works for a temporary reprieve from migraines for me, but really good for any stress/eye strain headaches in between the migraines as well. Yes, I get a lot of headaches.

Yes the staining from the red was on white sheets but I don't think you would notice with darker colours. It did wash out though so not permanent