Balsem Harimau

The easiest way to get around a head splitting migraine is to rub some Tiger Balm on your temples, tie a towel around your head, switch off the lights and close your eyes for an hour or so.

The rest of the stuff will still do it, but the Tiger speeds up the healing by leaps and bounds!

My daddy was and is a big fan of Tiger Balm. So were all the folks on his side of the family. My mothers dad on the other hand would just crush some camphor with Tulasi leaves (Holy Basil) and keep that near my nose and my headache would go.

When I was old enough to read ingredient labels, found that the main ingredients in Tiger balm are not far from Camphor + crushed Tulasi and it all made sense.

Little wonder then that Hanuman temples were my favorite hangout during hot migraine prone summer days. The smell of the temple was just so soothing!

Anyways, back to the balm. MIL realized that the small vintage bottles that are currently in use are from as early as 1999 and was shocked. The bottles are so old that the labels are smudged and the expiration date isn't exactly obvious. So on her way here, she picked up a nice new bottle for me.

It has been a long time since the last bottle was purchased and the packaging sure has come a long way while the bottle still retains its old world charm. Saw the instructions in many languages inside the bottle and started laughing..

Indications: Effective in relieving headaches, stuffy nose, insects bites, itchiness, muscular aches and pains, sprains and flatulence.

Directions : Apply TIGER BALM gently on affected areas.

Yes.. at first I read it and said "hmmm.. doesn't flatulence mean...?" It has been a long time since those damn GRE practice tests and had to google to confirm the hunch.

One question leads to another.

So, you rub tiger balm on your tummy and you can get rid of gas?

Has anyone actually tried this trick?

Please do share your experiences.

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