Make an Easy DIY Tiger Balm
Oh, the sweet nectar of Tiger Balm. Have you ever used this lovely gooey-ness that is so great for aches and pains? It’s the best and I love this stuff for my neck and back and thought it was about time to make my own homemade version.
If you’re not familiar with Tiger Balm, it’s essentially a brand-name topical medication for the skin used to alleviate muscle and joint pain while providing a super fun cooling sensation. The ointment essentially creates a heating and cooling effect on the skin that I swear, helps relieve pain. If you do already know about Tiger Balm, did you also know it can help treat common colds, congestion, flu-related symptoms, headaches, and Rheumatoid arthritis pain? Just rub the salve on your pain or congestion issues and feel the soothing relief.
You can find this stuff at any drugstore or health store, but where’s the fun in that? Let’s learn how to make your own.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice. Everything I share here is based on my own experience. I am simply a gal who loves to research herbal remedies online and share the beautiful wealth.
First let’s talk about the ingredients in this bundle of pain support.
Camphor Essential Oil
The bark of the camphor tree is the part used for medicinal purposes. It has both cooling and warming effects which is what helps to soothe nerves and ease pain. It can calm inflammation and improve circulation, further helping muscle pain.
Menthol Crystals
Made from mint extracts, menthol is also known for its cooling sensation and healing properties and along with pain relieving and anti-inflammatory capabilities it can also help aid colds and congestion when inhaled.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Used for a topical use, and when applied to the skin, peppermint oil has tremendous uses like helping with headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil can be used as a medicine to treat common diseases and conditions like nasal congestion or asthma and is great for treating coughs and colds. Diluted eucalyptus oil can also be applied directly to the skin as a remedy for health problems such as arthritis and skin ulcers.
Clove Essential Oil
Derived from clove trees, clove oils can be used as an antimicrobial, to help kill bacteria. It can also be used as a pain reliever for conditions such like muscle pain and to relieve respiratory conditions like cough and asthma.
Cinnamon Essential Oil
Cinnamon bark oil is derived from the plant and has a long and interesting background. It was highly valued by ancient Egyptians and has been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practitioners in Asia for thousands of years. In this recipe it is great for its anti-inflammatory effects and for soothing arthritis and other inflammatory pain.
How to use your homemade Tiger Balm
To use Tiger Balm, apply a small amount of the salve to the part of your body where you’re experiencing pain. Massage into your skin until it is fully absorbed. Wait for a minute or so and you will begin to feel the cooling effect.
If you’re using it for colds and congestion, apply to your chest and forehead.
You can repeat this process up to 3-4 times a day. Please note if your skin reacts to Tiger Balm, stop using it immediately
How to make your own Tiger Balm
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice. Everything I share here is based on my own experience. I am simply a gal who loves to research herbal remedies online and share the beautiful wealth.
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons beeswax pastilles
1 tablespoon menthol crystals
12 drops camphor essential oil
11 drops peppermint essential oil
9 drops eucalyptus essential oil
7 drops clove essential oil
7 drops cinnamon essential oil
Double boiler
4 oz glass jar for storage
Instructions
Using a double boiler, melt the beeswax, menthol, and olive oil until fully melted.
Allow the mixture to cool for 2 minutes minutes, then add your essential oils.
Stir the mixture well then pour into your tin or jar.
Allow the mixture to set and harden completely before using.
Use a small amount for pain where needed.
Tips and Cautions To Read:
IMPORTANT: Do not rub Tiger Balm on open wounds, irritated, sunburned or chapped skin. The menthol can cause further irritation.
Avoid getting this mixture in your eyes or mouth, so be sure to wash your hands after applying. Trust me, you don’t want to accidentally rub your eyes with this still on your hands. I learned that one the hard way!
Use the recommended amount of essential oils in this recipe as they are very potent and can cause burning sensations if used in excess.
Peace & Love,
Nikki