DIY Natural Tiger Balm Recipe: Pure Relief Without Petroleum Jelly

Recently, I visited my trusted acupuncturist for some much-needed relief. She recommended a white Tiger Balm for my tense legs and neck.

I'd never tried it before, but the refreshing tingle won me over instantly—pure bliss for sore muscles.

What turned me off was the ingredient list: mostly petroleum jelly with a dash of essential oils. Not the clean formula I prefer.

• Ingredients
• How to Make It
• The Results

Back home, I researched authentic Tiger Balm components: essential oils of cajeput, menthol, camphor, mint, clove, and cassia (in the red version).

I sourced high-quality ingredients and whipped up my own all-natural version, free from petroleum jelly. The outcome? Instantly clear sinuses and deeply relaxed muscles. Here's the recipe I've refined through personal use:

Ingredients

• 5 grams camphor essential oil (about 200 drops or 1 teaspoon + 40 drops)
• 6 grams cajeput essential oil (about 240 drops or 1.5 teaspoons)
• 4 grams menthol essential oil (about 160 drops or 1 teaspoon)
• 1 gram clove essential oil (about 40 drops)
• 8 grams mint essential oil (about 320 drops or 2 teaspoons)
• 1 gram vitamin E
• 10 grams beeswax
• 10 grams coconut butter
• 3 grams emu oil
• 3 grams andiroba oil

How to Make It

1. Combine the carrier oils (beeswax, coconut butter, emu oil, and andiroba oil) in a small saucepan.
2. Heat gently over low heat until fully melted—keep the temperature low.
3. While heating, measure the essential oils into a separate heat-safe container.
4. Add the essential oils and vitamin E to the melted carrier mixture.
5. Stir thoroughly to combine.
6. Pour into a clean container, allowing any impurities to settle at the bottom.
7. Let cool completely before use.

The Results

Your homemade Tiger Balm is ready! It's simple to make and far superior to commercial versions.

Apply to sore muscles or achy areas and massage in. Within minutes, enjoy that signature cooling sensation, delivering natural pain relief you can trust.