Tiger Balm is a product sold over the counter in France. In other countries, it has been subject to bans on sale. However, athletes swear by this miracle balm. Is it risky to use it?
Tiger Balm claims to relieve muscle aches, and other minor aches. It does this by numbing the skin, like a painkiller. It is for this reason that it is subject to prohibitions: the camphorcontained in the balm would be dangerous for the central nervous system. Fortunately, nothing to worry about for those you find in France: they contain a reduced dose of camphor, with only 10%.
What is Tiger Balm? What are its benefits and how to use it? What are theprohibitions related to its use?
What is Tiger Balm and why is it banned?
Active and inactive ingredients
Tiger Balm contains several active and inactive ingredients. The active ingredients typically include:
- Methyl salicylate: it acts as an analgesic and numbs the skin.
- Du menthol : Helps constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation and induce a therapeutic cooling sensation.
- Camphor: It improves circulation and can cool or warm the skin.
- essential oils : they vary depending on the balm. Mint, cassia, clove, cajeput, wintergreen and eucalyptus oils are generally found.
Forms of use
Tiger Balm comes in different forms. Generally, it is sold as a balm, but you can also find it in the form of creams, ointments, liniments or adhesive skin patches.
Depending on its formulation, there are also different levels of cconcentration. The addition of perfume is not mandatory. Tiger balm can be dangerous and therefore prohibited if it is too concentrated in camphor and essential oil. An article about it: Top 9 essential oils to relieve muscle pain
Indeed, these active ingredients are harmless to our body in small doses. But they can cause unexpected side effects if consumed too much.
The Benefits of Tiger Balm Not Subject to Ban
Reduction of pain and tension
The ingredients in Tiger Balm, such as camphor, increase blood flow to the surface of the skin, creating a warming sensation that can distract from pain. Camphor and menthol can also redirect blood flow to the muscles, potentially speeding up healing time and reducing inflammation.
Methyl salicylate acts as an analgesic and numbs the skin, which reduces tension. Tiger Balm adhesive patches can also be helpful for targeted muscle pain and tension as they can work for an extended period of time.
Some versions of Tiger Balm contain capsicum, the active ingredient found in chili peppers. Capsicum blocks the nerve receptors that transmit pain impulses, creating a warm sensation that can reduce the intensity of muscle pain.You can also consult: How to use massages in crossfit and bodybuilding?
It is because of its influence on the nervous system that the balm is subject to belly bans in some countries
Decongestion
Tiger Balm contains ingredients that may help relieve sinus and chest congestion. Some have been used for centuries in oils, ointments and inhalants to relieve nasal congestion due to colds and allergies.
For example, camphor acts as a mild expectorant, nasal decongestant and cough suppressant. Menthol can help soothe irritated nasal passages and stuffy noses.
For more effectiveness, favor formulations without cough inducers, such as capsicum and clove oil. These formulas are generally not subject to prohibition.
Back Pain Relief
People frequently use Tiger Balm to relieve back pain, especially lower back pain. Sometimes, some athletes manage to feel relief with this treatment when they have tried dozens of others before.
After application of Tiger Balm on the painful area, the pain subsides. In the long run, it may even help to improve your health. The only prohibition for this use concerns real injuries: in this case, you must quickly go to see a doctor. We advise you to also read: What are the benefits of skipping rope and how to take advantage of them?
Tiger Balm is not a cure for deep wounds.
Relax neck and shoulders
Tiger Balm can help reduce stiffness in the neck and shoulders. In one study, 105 men and women with mild to moderate muscle strain on these areas used patches containing a formulation of 10% methyl salicylate and 3% menthol.
Twelve hours after applying their patches, participants experienced, on average, a 40% reduction in pain. Participants who used the placebo experienced no changes.
In another 2017 study, 29 people with neck pain applied menthol Tiger Balm to the area before undergoing cervical chiropractic manipulation.
Those who used the gel reported significantly greater pain reduction after treatment than those who did not. Where the use of the balm is advised by a healthcare professional, no prohibition applies.
Soften the joints
Using Tiger Balm can also relieve joint pain. Many people use it in particular to treat ailments linked to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes bones to lose density and weaken them over time, leading to joint pain. An article on this subject: Joints in bodybuilding: prevention, risks and remedies
Regularly rubbing Tiger Balm on the painful joint helps to relieve the stiffness of the joint. The active ingredients numb the area and reduce inflammation of damaged tissue.
Prohibitions related to tiger balm
Proscribed situations
Since Tiger Balm acts deeply on the tissues of the body and can impact the nervous system, there are cases where its use is subject to prohibition:
- 1 hour before or 30 minutes after exposing the skin to hot, humid conditions, including a hot shower, sauna, or hot tub;
- on injured skin or open wounds;
- on irritated, inflamed, reddened, chapped or dry skin;
- on mucous membranes, such as those of the mouth, nostrils, or genitals;
- on inner ears;
- on burnt skin;
- on skin already warmed by other products, such as heating pads;
- on children under 12
Causes of dangerousness
If you have never used Tiger Balm, it is best to test a small amount on your forearm before full application. Wait a full day and check for reactions before applying the balm to a larger area.
It is then best to see a doctor for aches, pains or health problems that last more than a few days, get worse or come back. Tiger Balm is not intended to treat underlying medical conditions or for long-term use.
The active ingredients can be harmful if a person ingests them, even in small doses. Camphor, for example, is toxic to humans if it is ingested or enters the bloodstream in excessive amounts.
This danger is where most of the bans come from. This is why you should favor a formulation without health risks, such as Tiger Balm™ from Fitness-Superhuman™ . This version will give you all the benefits of the balm, without the side effects.
In summary: the benefits and prohibitions of tiger balm
Tiger Balm is therefore only subject to a ban in the event of improper use or formulation. If the quantity of camphor contained is not too high, and the application is carried out according to safety rules, it presents no danger for humans.
Tiger Balm has multiple benefits. It can help reduce pain and tension, promote nasal decongestion, relieve back pain and relax neck and shoulder muscles, as well as soften joints.
The application must be targeted by area and be done on an ad hoc basis. If you have any doubts about whether or not a practice involving Tiger Balm is prohibited, always ask a doctor or healthcare professional.
Indeed, there are situations in which the ban on Tiger Balm is definitive: those listed earlier in this article. This could have negative consequences on your health. This is why you should choose a balm that is well formulated and safe for humans, such as Tiger Balm™ from Fitness-Superhuman™.
Now you know all about the benefits of Tiger Balm and the reasons for its partial ban!
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