Chasing Life — “Can Tiger Balm Help With Aches and Pains?”

Host: Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Date: October 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Chasing Life, Dr. Sanjay Gupta addresses listeners’ health queries, focusing on the effectiveness and safety of Tiger Balm for aches and pains—a traditional remedy widely used in many Asian households. The conversation delves into what Tiger Balm is, how it works, when it should (and shouldn't) be used, and the evidence supporting its efficacy. Later in the episode, Dr. Gupta tackles a question about whether taking antibiotics can prevent you from catching bacterial infections like pneumonia.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Is Tiger Balm and How Does It Work?

[02:58–04:30]

• Product Overview: Tiger Balm is an over-the-counter topical ointment originating from East Asia in the late 1800s and now widely available in the West.
• Usage: Commonly applied for muscle soreness, strains, aches, or minor injuries; familiar as an immediate go-to remedy in many Asian families, including Dr. Gupta's.
• Main Ingredients:
  • Menthol: Extracted from mint oil, provides a cooling or warming sensation that distracts from pain, decreases inflammation, and increases blood flow.
  • Camphor: Originally from the camphor tree (now often synthetic); produces similar effects as menthol.
• How It Works: Both menthol and camphor act as counterirritants—creating a sensation (cool/warm) that temporarily “distracts” the brain from the underlying pain.

“They are what are known as counter irritants, which are pretty much like what they sound in some ways. They provide a counter irritation, which may work by distracting you.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [03:35]

2. Scientific Evidence and Applications

[04:30–05:40]

• Effective For:
  • Muscle/joint pain (arthritis, backache, bruises, cramps, strains/sprains).
  • Some evidence for tension headaches—a recent study showed Tiger Balm to be more effective than placebo.
• Less Clear Evidence:
  • Nasal congestion: No strong studies support its use here, but the cooling sensation may "trick" the brain into feeling like breathing is easier, even if the airflow isn't actually improved.

“There was a recent study which showed a statistically significant difference in tension headache relief between Tiger Balm and placebo.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [05:15]

3. Safety, Cautions, and Best Practices

[05:40–07:20]

• When You Should NOT Use Tiger Balm:
  • On broken skin or open wounds.
  • On mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes).
  • Children under 12: consult your physician; be especially careful around infants due to transference/inhalation risks.
• Test First: Patch-test before wider application; everyone reacts differently.
• Product Variations: Other strengths/forms may include “methyl salicylate,” which acts like aspirin—check labels carefully, especially if allergic to aspirin/salicylates.

“Don’t use this on broken skin or open wounds. That probably goes without saying. Don’t use it on any area of the body with mucous membranes. And be careful around the eyes, the mouth and the nose. This stuff can last a long time and you will feel a sting for a long time.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [06:11]

4. Bottom Line: Does Tiger Balm Work?

[07:20–07:39]

• For muscle pains, mild strains, and even tension headaches: There’s some evidence it helps—“at least a little.”
• For stuffy noses and other claims: More likely a function of sensory experience than physical change.
• Not a miracle cure, but not snake oil either; can be a handy tool if used responsibly.

“Tiger Balm is not a miracle cure, but it’s not snake oil either. Used correctly, it can be a helpful tool in your pain relief kit. Again, just be mindful of where and how you apply it.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [07:36]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Traditional Remedies:

  “I come from an Asian family that if there is an injury to the skin to the muscle, immediately we bring out the tiger balm and start rubbing the heck out of it until it gets pretty hot.”
  — Erica, listener [00:32]

• Summary Advice:

  “For things like muscle aches, sprains, even tension headaches, there is evidence it can help at least a little… Tiger Balm is not a miracle cure, but it’s not snake oil either.”
  — Dr. Sanjay Gupta [07:27]

Additional Q&A: Antibiotics & Preventing Infections

[09:15–14:41] (Included here for completeness and context)

• Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but do NOT prevent you from catching infections like bacterial pneumonia from others.
• They are not interchangeable—must match to the specific bacteria.
• Vaccinations and hygiene are the true preventatives.
• Careless antibiotic use can cause harm and contribute to resistance.

“Point being, don’t go digging around in your medicine cabinet looking for any old medication to take. You could actually do more harm than good. Misusing antibiotics can lead to side effects… and you might have heard of antibiotic resistance.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [13:43]

Recommended Listening Segments:

• Tiger Balm discussion: [02:58–07:39]
• Antibiotic clarification: [09:15–14:41]

Tone & Language

Candid, friendly, evidence-driven, and approachable; Dr. Gupta combines medical expertise with relatable personal anecdotes, creating a trustworthy atmosphere for listeners seeking actionable health advice.

Final Takeaway

Tiger Balm, rooted in tradition and bolstered by some scientific evidence, offers mild relief for muscle and joint pains and tension headaches—if used cautiously and as directed. Not a panacea, but a potentially useful tool in your home remedy kit.

For more listener questions or to submit your own, send a voice memo or email to asksanjaynn.com!