Homemade Tiger Balm: natural relief

Joint and muscle pain — tension, aches, tendinitis, or discomfort associated with osteoarthritis — can quickly impact daily life. Fortunately, effective natural solutions exist to soothe them.

Among them, Tiger Balm is a must-have. Inspired by an ancient formula from traditional Chinese medicine, used for generations to relieve pain and tension, this 100% natural remedy acts as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant.

Why use homemade Tiger Balm?

This natural balm is ideal for:

• Relieving joint and muscle pain

• Soothing tendinitis, sprains, and tension

• Relaxing muscles after exertion

• Stimulating circulation in cases of heavy legs

Thanks to the synergy of essential oils, it acts quickly on painful areas while respecting the body.

Homemade Tiger Balm Recipe (100% Natural)

Ingredients (for 100 g)

• 18 g of beeswax

• 44 g of apricot kernel oil or arnica oil

• 8 g of menthol crystals

Essential oils:

(1 ml of essential oil = approximately 25 drops)

• 12 ml of camphor essential oil

• 2 ml of peppermint essential oil

• 7 ml of cajeput essential oil

• 5 ml of true lavender essential oil

• 3.5 ml of clove essential oil

• 0.8 ml of Ceylon cinnamon essential oil

• 0.2 ml of vitamin E

Step-by-step preparation

1. Melt the beeswax with the vegetable oil in a double boiler.

2. Off the heat, mix vigorously, then add the menthol crystals.

3. Let cool to about 40°C.

4. Incorporate the essential oils and vitamin E, mixing well.

5. Pour into a clean jar and let harden.

How to use this Tiger Balm?

Apply a small amount in a local massage on the painful area:

• joints (knees, shoulders…)

• back, neck

• calves or tired muscles

👉 Use 1 to 3 times a day as needed.

The benefits of essential oils

This balm works through a powerful synergy:

• Menthol & peppermint: cooling, analgesic effect

• Camphor & cajeput: stimulate circulation

• Wintergreen: anti-inflammatory

• Lavender: soothing and relaxing

• Clove & cinnamon: warming and tonic effect

Result: a complete action on pain, inflammation, and muscle recovery.

Precautions for use

⚠️ For external use only
⚠️ Not recommended for:

• pregnant or breastfeeding women

• children under 7 years old

👉 Always test on a small area of skin before use.

An effective natural remedy for daily use

Making your own Tiger Balm is choosing a natural, economical, and effective alternative to care for your joints and muscles.

Integrated into your wellness routine, this treatment helps you regain flexibility, comfort, and mobility, gently.

To go further, discover our other articles on joint health:

• 👉 Plants to relieve joint pain
• 👉 Joints: what to eat to suffer less?
• 👉 Essential oils: the joint pain reliever

And if you want to take action, discover our Joint Comfort Herbal Tea — a blend of 5 carefully selected plants to gently support your joints. 

Sources:

• Tendinitis, arthritis, allergies… Mastering the fire of inflammation. Plantes & Santé, N°267, May 2025.

Under no circumstances should the information and advice offered on the MerveilleNature website be considered a substitute for a consultation or diagnosis made by a doctor or health professional, who alone are able to adequately assess your state of health.