Red Tiger Balm — The Original Warming Relief for Muscle Pain and Rheumatism, 30g

The world's best-selling topical warming balm since 1870: Red Tiger Balm, a 30g balsamic balm made from camphor, clove, menthol, and essential oils of mint and cinnamon. The powerful, warming version of Tiger Balm—it provides deep relief for muscle pain, aches, and rheumatism through thermal counter-irritation. The Asian original, unchanged since its creation in 1870 in Canton.

Why is Red Tiger Balm more powerful than the White version?

The essential difference between the red and white balm lies in their active ingredient profiles: the red contains clove (eugenol, ~25%) and cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde, ~3%), which are absent from the white. The eugenol in clove is a powerful local analgesic that acts by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels in sensory neurons and blocking TRPV1 receptors—a mechanism comparable to local anesthetics like lidocaine, but through a natural topical route. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon activates TRPA1 receptors (thermoreceptors for intense heat) to reinforce the warming counter-irritant effect. The camphor concentration is generally higher in the red (~25% vs ~25% in the white), but it is primarily the addition of these two extra active ingredients that creates the deep warming effect characteristic of the red version.

Benefits of Red Tiger Balm

• Deep muscle pain relief: the combination of camphor + clove + cinnamon + menthol creates a powerful thermal counter-irritation that saturates nociceptive fibers and blocks the transmission of pain to the cortex. More effective than the white version for intense muscle pain, deep contractures, and severe post-exertion myalgia.
• Relief for rheumatism and superficial osteoarthritis: the eugenol in clove locally inhibits pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (COX-1 and COX-2) through a topical mechanism. The heat generated by the camphor and cinnamon improves joint microcirculation and reduces stiffness linked to cold and inactivity.
• Muscle preparation before exercise: applied via massage before a sports session or competition, Red Tiger Balm prepares muscles through local vasodilation, superficial warming, and proprioceptive stimulation. Reduces the risk of strains and pulls by improving muscle extensibility.
• Analgesic action of clove eugenol: eugenol blocks Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 sodium channels, the nociceptive channels for chronic pain. A local analgesic action comparable to that of topical NSAIDs but without their risk of systemic gastrotoxicity.

Composition

Who is this balm for?

• Athletes suffering from significant post-exertion muscle pain, deep contractures, or tendonitis
• People suffering from lower back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and chronic rheumatism
• People exposed to cold or humidity suffering from morning joint stiffness
• People seeking a natural alternative to topical NSAIDs for mild chronic pain

How to use Red Tiger Balm?

Precautions and contraindications

• Damaged skin: do not apply to wounds, burns, eczema, or irritated skin.
• Children under 12 years: contraindicated (camphor and menthol are convulsants in children).
• Pregnant women: not recommended without medical advice.
• Epilepsy: camphor is a convulsant—do not apply over large surface areas.
• Allergy to clove or aspirin: eugenol may cause cross-reactions.
• Do not ingest. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Wash hands thoroughly after application.

See our range: Discover Tiger Balm products

Learn more: Read the article: These natural active ingredients that gently calm inflammation