As promised, here’s a review about Tiger Balm, a heat rub from Singapore.  I’ve been using it for about two weeks now as a muscle rub before and after my runs in conjunction with an Epsom salt/baking soda bath.

Don’t let the cute Asian packaging fool you. This is some serious shiitake mushrooms! It works!

I’m training for my first half and all of these high mileage weeks are killing me.  I was advised by a massage therapist that I needed something to get the trapped lactic acid out.  He brought out a rub and it smelled so much like something my grandparents used when they were alive… Tiger Balm.  I asked my husband to buy some for me and he came home with Tiger Balm Red.  You can also find it on AsianBalm.com. It comes in a cute Asian looking .63 ounce bottle.

The first thing you notice is the smell of Tiger Balm.  It smells like Christmas candles to me and it doesn’t really have a chemical smell.  It’s pleasing to me.  The consistency is, funny enough, like lip balm.  I rubbed it on and I didn’t immediately feel the effects, but when I did , the spot got really cold.  You have to be careful not to put too much because it can give you the chills something serious!  The cool feeling is soothing and I could feel my muscles relaxing.  I like running with Tiger Balm on, and rubbing some afterwards.  The effects last about 5-6 hours which is pretty good when you’re recovering.

One thing that people might not like about Tiger Balm Red is that IT STAINS.  I placed some on my calves and then covered my calves with neon green compression sleeves.  It left an orange stain on the inside of the sleeves which I’m hoping will come off in the wash.  The company recommends that you use Tiger Balm White if you don’t want stains.  I don’t mind too much.  All of my clothes are dark.

Another warning is that you shouldn’t use it 30 minutes prior to taking a shower, and you have to wait an hour to apply after a shower.  I think this is for people with swelling.  It also says that you shouldn’t cover or bandage the rubbed area.  I don’t know about that because I LOVE the feeling when I use my compression sleeves over Tiger Balmed calves.  Ooohhhh yeeeaaahhhhh…..

In conclusion, I will continue to use Tiger Balm Red because it’s working for me.  I don’t mind the stains and my legs feel great and recovered.  Speaking of which…  *opening jar, rubbing the right IT band*