By LawInspectsWell, it could be that, of late, you must be hearing a lot about the use of Tiger Balm right here in the United States, correct? That’s because the FDA has put out a kind of warning regarding this balm, and that is why it has got a lot of people talking. While it is not particularly and entirely illegal in the United States to buy and use Tiger Balm, there are some versions of it that you should not be using or are banned here in the country. Let’s get to that and see why that’s the case.
What is Tiger Balm, Exactly?
Tiger Balm is a cream that people usually use for muscle pain, joint aches, headaches, or even nasal congestion, because it can be applied topically. It was in vogue over a hundred years ago, and it is still popular worldwide.
Various types of Tiger Balm are there to meet your needs, such as Red and White versions. One of them has a warm effect, and the other has a cool feeling. Besides being in a jar, it can also be in balm, gel, or roll-on form. Though it is used as a natural solution for the problem, it is more like a kind of medication that needs to be rubbed on the skin.
Why Is There Hype Around It?
The primary components of Tiger Balm that are responsible for the product’s effectiveness are camphor and methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil). These chemicals interact with the skin to generate a feeling of either hot or cold, thus relieving the pain by diverting the brain’s attention from the pain itself.
While that has certain consequences, in case the substances are applied in higher doses or the incorrect method, the ingredients are harmful. Camphor and methyl salicylate must be spared of too many quantities and avoided from entering the body through careless means, otherwise, they can have adverse effects. On the other hand, Methyl salicylate also is hazardous in the case of a large number of doses and thereafter may cause poisoning through absorption into the body. This is the reason why certain countries, including the U.S., have the strictest restrictions on it.
Is Tiger Balm Illegal in the U.S.?
Basically, no, Tiger Balm is not illegal in the United States. You can buy it from the neighborhood/local pharmacy, or you can get it from trusted web-based platforms. But (and this is important) not all varieties of Tiger Balm have the necessary approval to be sold in the U.S.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) stated that they have put a limit on topical products, which says that not more than 11% camphor is acceptable. In the event a product features an excess beyond that, it is not legally allowed to be sold. Plain and simple! Some new products in international markets have higher levels, and that is the main reason they cannot be considered legal here.
So, if you purchase Tiger Balm from an international e-shop, the version you get may not actually comply with U.S. safety regulations; that’s the way we can put it simply.