Tiger Balm Products for Joint and Muscle Pain

Medically Reviewed by Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS on July 01, 2025
3 min read

Tiger Balm products are used to treat joint and muscle pain, including back painneck painshoulder painarthritisstrains, sprains, and bruises. The main active ingredients in Tiger Balm products are camphor and menthol. Some products may also contain methyl salicylate or capsicum. When applied to the skin, these ingredients act as counterirritants. This means they produce a warming or cooling sensation on the skin that distracts from the pain making the pain less noticeable.

There are Tiger Balm products for adults and children as young as 12 years old.

Most people don't have serious side effects, but some mild side effects can happen. Stop using the product if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Some possible side effects include.

  • Stinging, burning, or tingling sensation of the skin.
  • Redness or irritation where the medicine was applied.

Do not use Tiger Balm products on wounds, damaged skin, or irritated skin. Do not get Tiger Balm products in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or nose, and do not swallow the medicine. When using Tiger Balm products, do not bandage or wrap the area (where you apply the product) or use a heating pad on top of where you applied the product. Do not use Tiger Balm products one hour before or 30 minutes after bathing or showering. 

Stop using Tiger Balm and ask your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Your condition worsens
  • Symptoms last for seven days or more
  • Symptoms go away and come back within a few days
  • Severe skin irritation

Ask your health care provider before using a Tiger Balm product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have sensitive skin. 

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Tiger Balm product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.

Use the table below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.

Symptoms

Recommended Products (Active Ingredients)

Arthritis and joint pain

Tiger Balm Extra Strength Ointment for Arthritis & Joint Pain (camphor, menthol)

Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub (camphor, menthol)

Tiger Balm Liniment Oil for Pain (menthol, methyl salicylate)

Back pain

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment for Muscle Pain (camphor, menthol)

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch (camphor, capsicum extract, menthol)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray (camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate)

Muscle aches

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment for Muscle Pain (camphor, menthol)

Tiger Balm Regular Strength Ointment (camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, clove oil, dementholized mint oil)

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch (camphor, capsicum extract, menthol)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub (camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray (camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Gel (menthol, methyl salicylate)

Neck and shoulder aches

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment for Muscle Pain (camphor, menthol)

Tiger Balm Regular Strength Ointment (camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, clove oil, dementholized mint oil)

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch (camphor, capsicum extract, menthol)

Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub (camphor, menthol)

Sprains and strains

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch (camphor, capsicum extract, menthol)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub (camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray (camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate)

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Gel (menthol, methyl salicylate)

Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Ointment for Muscle Pain (camphor, menthol)