The article ‘Natural Decongestant Balm’, part of the series Natural Decongestants and Allergies, will consider:
- How a balm differs from a lotion, cream, ointment, gel and salve.
- Why confusion exists concerning the term balm and decongestion.
- Tiger Balm; a popular product often cited as a useful decongestant.
What is the Difference Between a Balm, Lotion, Cream, Ointment, Gel and Salve?
The term ‘balm’ is one that is commonly confused with other terms such as lotion, cream, ointment, gel or salve. Although appearing to be somewhat of a grey area, in reality, each term is distinct when based on their respective technical and medicinal uses. For example:
| TERM | CHARACTERISTICS |
| BALM | Also known as a liniment or embrocation, a balm is a topical medication that is generally used to relieve arthritis, back and joint pain, muscular soreness and stiffness. Balms typically have a consistency similar to a lotion and must be rubbed into the skin in order to work effectively. |
| LOTION | Typically water-based and a liquid. Medicinal or cosmetic skin preparation – due to rapid evaporation of the water-base, a lotion usually provides the fastest delivery of active ingredients compared to a cream or ointment. |
| CREAM | Water/oil-based (approx. 1:1 ratio water to oil) with a creamy consistency. Medicinal or cosmetic skin preparation – due to the consistency and reduced rate of evaporation of the water present in the water/oil-base, a cream provides a slower delivery of active ingredients compared to a lotion but faster than an ointment. |
| OINTMENT | Oil-based (approx. 4:1 ratio oil to water) and highly viscous or semisolid consistency. Medicinal or cosmetic skin preparation – due to being largely oil-based and subsequent low rate of evaporation of any water present, an ointment provides the slowest delivery of active ingredients compared to a cream or lotion. |
| GEL | Viscoelastic, jelly-like coagulated colloidal liquid that behaves more like a solid. Colloidal means microscopic particles that do not dissolve but remain suspended i.e. they do not settle out rapidly and are not readily filtered. Various industrial and medicinal uses e.g. pharmaceuticals and drug delivery mediums, wound treatment, tissue engineering etc. |
| SALVE | Oil-based and adhesive nature. Primarily a calming, soothing or healing analgesic or medicinal ointment commonly applied to sores and wounds. |
Confusion Concerning the Term Balm and Decongestion
If we apply the term balm in a strict manner, its role for acting as a decongestant would initially appear tenuous i.e. “typically used to relieve arthritis, back and joint pain, muscular soreness and stiffness”. However, given that a balm must be rubbed into the skin to work effectively, it could be argued (when viewed in light of Natural Posture, Pressure and Movement Decongestants) that the manipulation and physical movement required to release the balm’s aromatic vapors, may prove beneficial in tackling congestion. Realistically though, common usage of the term balm in the context of decongestion is somewhat erroneous, as what is implied is a decongesting salve i.e an ointment that contains aromatic plant extracts.
Adding to the confusion is that the term balm is also applied to numerous plants related to the mint family e.g. Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), Monarda (Bee Balm), Collinsonia canadensis (Horse Balm), Elsholtzia ciliata (Vietnamese Balm) and various oily, aromatic medicinal resins obtained from certain trees, shrubs and related plants e.g. Commiphora opobalsamum (Balm of Gilead).
Furthermore, a number of popular products on the market contribute to the problem. For example, the waxy preparations used to relieve chapped or dry lips which are typically found in lipstick-like applicators, should more accurately be termed lip salves and not by the misnomer of lip balm. Additionally, the brand name ‘Tiger Balm’ applies to a range of products that vary in consistency from a traditional balm/liniment lotion consistency through to semi-solid ointments. Given the popularity of this brand in certain locales and that some of its products have attracted a reputation around the internet as useful decongestants, we will look at this in more depth below.
Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm products are made from herbal mixtures that contain the active ingredients camphor and menthol. Additional ingredients vary depending on the product in question but they commonly include permutations based on cajuput or eucalyptus, cassia oil, clove bud oil or mint oil together with a paraffin base.
Although the brand names for its products can differ depending on one’s locale, the manufacturer suggests that Tiger Balm White or Tiger Balm Soft (with its lavender fragrance) provides cold and nasal congestion relief. If these products are not available, Tiger Balm Regular may provide an alternative. However, for the more ‘hardcore’ out there, both Tiger Balm Extra and even Tiger Balm Ultra, have reportedly been used as decongestants but whatever option is chosen, the user should always apply due diligence and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for correct usage.
How to Use Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm can be used as a decongestant in ways similar to those outlined in How to Use a Natural Decongestant Salve, namely:
- Inhaled (directly from jar, applied to a paper towel, added to hot water).
- Applied as a compress or rubbed into back, chest or throat.
- Some people suggest applying it as a tiny dab below each nostril. However, this is not suitable for children, and furthermore, if an adult chooses to do so having read the precautions noted below, they should only do so with extreme care.
Precautions When Using Tiger Balm
It is important to note that the combined concentrations of essential oils used in Tiger Balm products are significantly stronger than those used in standard aromatherapy. As an example, Tiger Balm White contains 49.5% essential oils (Menthol 8%, Camphor 11%, Dementholised mint oil 16%, Cajuput oil 13%, Clove bud oil 1.5%), whereas aromatherapy typically uses essential oils whose strength is in the range of 0.5% – 5%. Therefore, the following points should be noted:
- Before applying to a large area of skin always patch test a smaller area first in order to ascertain one’s skin sensitivity to Tiger Balm.
- Although Tiger Balm produces a significant cold/hot numbing sensation when applied to the skin, the effect when it comes into contact with mucous membranes can be painful and distressing. Therefore, Tiger Balm must never be ingested and avoid bringing it into contact with the:
- Anus
- Ears
- Eyelids and eyes
- Genitalia
- Lips and mouth
- Nostrils – unless specified by the manufacturer’s product.
- Some people apply Tiger Balm using a disposable rubber glove. However, it is always advisable to wash your hands thoroughly using a nail brush with soap and hot water after applying.
- Because Tiger Balm products contain concentrated oils and a paraffin base, the greasy nature means that treated areas can ‘cross contaminate’ untreated areas. For example, if an individual has Tiger Balm rubbed into their chest, some of it may rub off onto their hair, clothing or bedding. They, or someone else who comes into contact with it, may then inadvertently touch their eyes, mouth or genitals.
- Due to the greasy nature of the products, Tiger Balm may not wash out of all fabrics that come into contact with it. Also, a product such as Tiger Balm Red may not only color-stain clothing but it may also temporarily stain the area of skin treated.
- Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for correct usage, only use externally on adults and children over 12 years of age, and if in doubt, consult a medical practitioner.
Note: All references to Tiger Balm in this article imply Tiger Balm®
