Tiger Balm was invented more than 100 years ago by a Chinese herbalist named Aw Chu Kin, according to the Tiger Balm website. Its inventor was looking to create a balm that would alleviate common body aches and pains. Tiger Balm now has a variety of uses--perhaps far more than its creator originally anticipated.
Muscle Aches and Strains
The application of Tiger Balm to sore, aching muscles is one of its best-known uses. Camphor, one of the main ingredients in the ointment, is an analgesic and can block sensations of pain, according to Alternative Health. Clove bud oil, another ingredient, also helps to numb sore areas and reduce neural transmission of pain signals.
Arthritis
Alternative Health Supplies recommends Tiger Balm for the joint pain associated with arthritis. Mint oil and menthol, ingredients in Tiger Balm, have traditionally been used for arthritis and rheumatism, according to Alternative Health. The reason for this is that they are local anesthetics that reduce the ability of nerve cells to sense pain.
Exercise Warm-up
Alternative Health recommends Tiger Balm as a warm-up rub before exercising. Because warm muscles operate more effectively than cold ones (and are less injury-prone), athletes typically engage in gentle stretching or low-intensity exercise before increasing their efforts. Clove bud oil is an irritant and causes the dilation of blood vessels. This pulls blood toward the skin, and as blood flow to the periphery increases, muscles receive enhanced circulation and begin to warm up.
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