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Does Tiger Balm repel mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the warmer months. Their bites can leave itchy, red welts on the skin. In some cases, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Zika virus. This makes finding an effective mosquito repellent an important health consideration for many people.

Tiger Balm is a popular over-the-counter product marketed to relieve muscle aches and pains. Some people also claim it can repel mosquitoes when applied to the skin. But does it really work for this purpose? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.

What is Tiger Balm?

Tiger Balm is a topical analgesic cream. It contains herbal ingredients like camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, and clove oil. These provide a cooling, tingling sensation when applied to the skin that helps temporarily relieve muscle and joint pains.

Tiger Balm was developed in the 1870s by a Chinese herbalist named Aw Chu Kin. It became popular in China and Southeast Asia as a folk remedy. Today it is marketed and sold worldwide as an over-the-counter liniment.

Does Tiger Balm Repel Insects?

On its own, Tiger Balm does not contain any ingredients that are registered as insect repellents with health agencies like the EPA or CDC. However, some of its herbal ingredients do seem to have insect-repelling properties.

Camphor

Camphor is one of the main active ingredients in Tiger Balm. It makes up about 16% of the product. Studies show camphor oil can effectively repel mosquitoes when applied to the skin:

  • One study found that a 20% camphor oil formulation provided over 90% protection from mosquitoes for up to 4 hours.
  • 5% and 10% camphor formulations provided over 80% protection for up to 4 hours.
  • Pure camphor oil provided 96% protection for up to 3 hours.

Camphor’s insect repelling effects are likely due to its strong aroma, which mosquitoes find unpleasant and avoid.

Menthol

Menthol makes up about 10% of Tiger Balm’s formulation. While less research has been done on menthol, one study did find that 0.05% menthol provided over 90% protection from mosquitoes for 2 hours when applied to the skin as part of an essential oil formulation. However, menthol’s repellency seemed to fade quicker compared to other ingredients.

Clove Oil

Clove oil makes up about 5% of Tiger Balm. Studies suggest it provides effective mosquito protection when applied topically:

  • One study found 0.5% clove oil provided over 90% protection for 1 hour.
  • Another found 2% clove oil provided 96-98% protection for up to 3 hours.

The EPA has approved clove oil as an insect repellent ingredient but notes requirements for efficacy testing and proper labeling for products containing it.

Other Oils

Small amounts of other herbal oils like cajuput, cinnamon, and mint are also present in Tiger Balm. While not thoroughly studied, they may lend some mosquito-repelling effects as well.

Does Concentration Matter?

Overall, studies show the active ingredients in Tiger Balm can repel mosquitoes. However, commercial insect repellents typically contain higher concentrations of these ingredients:

Ingredient Tiger Balm Repellents
Camphor 16% 10-20%
Menthol 10% Up to 100%
Clove oil 5% 2-10%

This suggests that Tiger Balm may need to be reapplied more frequently than commercial insect repellents since it contains lower amounts of the active ingredients.

What Research Says

Very few scientific studies have looked at how effective Tiger Balm is at repelling mosquitoes specifically.

One study from 2019 tested several over-the-counter products, including Tiger Balm ointment, for repellency against Aedes mosquitoes. They found Tiger Balm provided over 95% protection for 2 hours. After 2 hours, repellency dropped to around 40-60%.

Another study in 1993 tested Tiger Balm against mosquitoes in a jungle environment in Malaysia. They found it provided an average of 123 minutes of protection when applied every 2-3 hours.

Overall, the limited research available suggests Tiger Balm can provide short-term mosquito repellency of 1-2 hours when applied topically. However, more rigorous studies are needed to determine its efficacy.

Other Considerations

When using Tiger Balm as a mosquito repellent, keep the following factors in mind:

Skin Reactions

Some people may develop skin irritation, redness, or rash from Tiger Balm, especially if they have sensitive skin. Test a small amount on your arm first.

Heat Sensation

The warming sensation of Tiger Balm may make you feel hot, especially in warmer weather. This could be uncomfortable in very hot, humid climates.

Eye Contact

Avoid getting Tiger Balm near your eyes, as it can cause stinging and irritation. Wash immediately if product gets in eyes.

Respiratory Effects

Breathing large amounts of camphor vapors may cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, confusion and other effects. Use Tiger Balm in well-ventilated areas.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The safety of Tiger Balm when pregnant or breastfeeding is unknown. Check with your doctor before using.

The Verdict

Based on the available evidence, Tiger Balm does seem to provide some protection against mosquitoes due to its camphor, clove oil and menthol ingredients. However, it may need to be reapplied frequently – as often as every 1-2 hours – to maintain effectiveness.

Tiger Balm may help deter mosquitoes in a pinch if you don’t have bug spray handy. But for prolonged protection, specialized mosquito repellents likely remain a better choice.

As always, remember to take appropriate precautions when traveling to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are a significant threat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tiger Balm toxic?

When used as directed, Tiger Balm is safe for adults and children over 6 months old. Ingesting large amounts could potentially cause poisoning due to the camphor. Keep it out of reach of young children.

Does Tiger Balm scar mosquito bites?

There is no evidence that applying Tiger Balm to mosquito bites prevents scarring. The menthol and camphor may provide a cooling sensation that temporarily soothes itch and irritation.

Can Tiger Balm be applied under clothes?

Yes, Tiger Balm can be applied under clothing to repel mosquitoes. Take care around sensitive skin areas, as it may cause irritation for some people.

Is Tiger Balm safe for pregnant women?

There is insufficient research on Tiger Balm’s safety for pregnant women. Check with your doctor before using.

Can Tiger Balm be applied to the face?

Avoid applying Tiger Balm to the face, especially near the eyes and mouth. The camphor and menthol can be irritating to these sensitive areas.

Does Tiger Balm expire?

Properly stored Tiger Balm has a shelf life of 4-5 years. If it changes color or texture, it may have expired and should be discarded.

Can Tiger Balm be used on dogs?

No, Tiger Balm should never be used on dogs or other pets. Camphor is extremely toxic to dogs.