Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment - Red Strength
Haw Par Healthcare Ltd, 1870s-present
Glass, paper, camphor, menthol, oils, paraffin base
3 x 5.5 x 5.5 cm
Purchased from Singapore booth, Canadian National Exhibition
Personal collection
Since the advent of human civilization, there has been a deep connection between nature and healing. As such, many salves, teas, and herbal balms have been developed in order to combat various issues of pain, or other peripheral issues. Although the modern climate has tended to consistently rely on contemporary innovation in order to address the health issues of the current times, I believe that there are still many very effective natural remedies that can aid in more minor issues dealing with pain. One of such remedies is the Tiger Balm. Tiger Balm was developed by Chinese man Aw Chu Kin and his sons, Haw and Aw Boon Par about 150 years ago, using medicinal ingredients traditionally used for pain relief (Chamikutty, n.d.). Tiger Balm eventually moved its center to Singapore, where the company has remained until today.
Tiger Balm is an over-the-counter treatment that can aid in the easing of pain caused by muscle cramps or joint pain, wherein the balm is applied to the effected area and subsequently absorbed into the skin. Tiger Balm is made of natural plant extracts that are emulsified by paraffin oil. The menthol, eucalyptus, and various naturally-derived oils serve to relieve the superficial pain by inducing distracting sensations that are soothing and cooling to the skin (Eustice, 2019). Of course, this remedy is certainly not to be utilized for more severe or serious medical issues. In my own life, I have found it to be extremely useful for aiding in relieving back pain caused by scoliosis. It can be difficult navigating how to manage chronic pain for such issues, and I have found great peace in using Tiger Balm, as it is a natural remedy that I do find to be effective.
In the current global climate, where the COVID 19 pandemic affecting every person on the planet, it is even more so important for us all to keep what comforts us close. For me, this means surrounding myself with items and stimuli that is comforting to me. The strong menthol and cinnamon oil of the Tiger Balm create a scent that I have come to find both soothing and reminds me of home. In addition, I find the beautiful packaging something that brightens up my medicine cabinet and serves as a small bit of beauty in my home to remind me of the wonderful inventions and products created all around the world that only make my own life better, and of course less painful.
Teresa Kern