Thai medicine is a well-known branch of national traditional Eastern medicine. Thailand is famous for its massage, but among packaged medicinal products you can also find many interesting things. Many locals, as well as people who live in Thailand for a long time, and even residents of other countries who order Thai medical products online or buy them while traveling, use Thai balms and ointments.
Thai balms and ointments can be divided into many types. They differ by their effects (warming, cooling, neutral, warming-cooling, or mixed), as well as by their healing properties, but the most common classification is “by color”.
Herbal dyes are used for coloring. There are also tiger balm and cobra venom balm.
The most popular manufacturers:
- Wangphrom
- Samunpraitaksin
- SAMBHESAJ
- Tiger Balm
- KONGKA HERB
- Hamar Osoth
- Novolife
- Namman Muay
- Green Herb
- Taisho Counterpain
What are balms and ointments used for? The scope of Eastern medicine remedies is very wide, and when used correctly they can be a useful supplementary product in any first-aid kit:
- Pain relief — for example, joint or muscle pain. People doing sports often use traditional Thai remedies.
- Anti-inflammatory effect — for example, relieving irritation after insect bites.
- Cold and flu relief.
- Massage product (not necessarily Thai massage).
- Bactericidal effect.
- Improving blood circulation.
- Anti-swelling effect.
- Relief from motion sickness and headaches.
- Anti-fungal effect.
- Used for inhalations.
This is not a complete list of what traditional Thai medicine can help with. Thais have used medicinal herbs for centuries, and these balms are remedies created long ago and tested by many generations. They truly have beneficial properties, and a breakdown by colors and types will help you understand which balm is best to have in your home first-aid kit.
| Name | Mass | Price (THB) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Balm (Wangphrom) | 50 g | 45 THB | $1.25 |
| Black Sesame Thai Balm | 150 g | 120 THB | $3.35 |
| White Balm (Wangphrom) | 50 g | 45 THB | $1.25 |
| Yellow Balm | 50 g | 40 THB | $1.10 |
| Pink Balm | 50 g | 45 THB | $1.25 |
| Blue Balm | 50 g | 50 THB | $1.40 |
| Tiger Balm | 25 g | 120 THB | $3.35 |
| Red Thai Balm “Chili Formula” RED HERB | 50 g | 55 THB | $1.50 |
| Traditional Red Thai Balm OSOTIP 100 ml | 100 ml | 90 THB | $2.50 |
Thai Black Balm
This ointment is one of the strongest Thai medicinal products. It should be used carefully because it has a very powerful effect and, in case of incorrect use or individual intolerance, may even cause discomfort. It is warming. It often contains snake venom. It quickly penetrates deep into the painful area. One of the well-known brands is Mho Shee Woke, with an image of a Thai monk on the jar. A 100-g jar in Moscow would cost about $3–$3.75.
When and how black balm helps:
- anti-swelling effect;
- reducing pain and inflammation in the musculoskeletal system;
- help with sports injuries, useful for extreme sports enthusiasts;
- help with salt deposits;
- local pain relief.
Thai White Balm
The white balm is very different from the black one — it is one of the mildest. It can be used even on sensitive skin. It contains whale oil and other natural ingredients. It has a cooling or warming-cooling effect. A well-known white balm is Wangphrom. It is sold in 20–50 g jars and in Moscow costs around $2.50.
When and how white balm helps:
- used in massage to relieve muscle tension;
- effective for colds — can ease a runny nose or sore throat;
- helps with neuralgia;
- can be used for inhalation for respiratory issues;
- helps relieve itching after insect bites and skin irritation.
Thai Red Balm
Red Thai balm has warming properties. It often contains oils from Thai herbs and vines. A popular brand is Ya Mong Sud Pai Red. Jars range from 100 to 200 g. Small jars may cost less than $1.25, while large ones can reach about $4.40 in Moscow.
When and how red balm helps:
- traditional treatment for musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, arthrosis, etc.;
- helps when rubbing tired joints;
- some varieties are used in massage to relieve muscle pain.
Regular use is important — effects appear after several days. It increases blood flow and is very helpful for elderly people suffering from chronic pains.
Thai Orange Balm
Orange balm is similar to red balm and has warming properties. It typically contains Cryptolepis Buchanani. A 50-g jar by Wangphrom costs about $3.75 in Moscow.
When and how orange balm helps:
- reduces swelling in legs;
- relieves joint and muscle pain, warming effect;
- helps with back pain;
- may help with headaches (not always, according to reviews).
Thai Yellow Balm
Yellow balm comes in many brands: Yellow Siang Pure Balm, Kongka, “Golden Cup”, etc. Depending on the specific product, it may contain ginger, cajeput oil, menthol, turmeric, and other natural ingredients. Jar sizes vary from 12 to 400 g. Moscow prices range from $1.25 to $5.
When and how yellow balm helps:
- used in massage and joint/muscle rubbing;
- for bruises and minor injuries (as supplementary treatment);
- for motion sickness (to inhale);
- for fungal infection prevention;
- helps with rheumatism;
- relieves itching from insect bites.
Thai Green Balm
Green balm has cooling properties. It typically contains camphor, eucalyptus, thyme, and other herbs. Popular brands: Wangphrom, Osotip. Jar sizes 50–380 g. Moscow prices range from $1.25 to $5.
When and how green balm helps:
- effective within the first day after an injury — quick pain relief (10 minutes);
- reduces swelling;
- helps with sports injuries;
- relieves muscle pain, including during massage;
- may help with headaches.
Thai Blue Balm
Cooling blue balm contains a high percentage of menthol, plus camphor and clove. It cools the painful area effectively and gently. Wangphrom also produces this balm. A 50-g jar in Moscow costs around $3–$3.75.
When and how blue balm helps:
- cooling and pain relief for bruises and hematomas;
- used for tired legs;
- may help with varicose symptoms (not a cure, but reduces discomfort);
- helps with dizziness and weakness;
- can be used at the first signs of a cold.
Thai Pink Balm
Pink balm is similar in softness to white balm. The balm itself is white; only the jar is pink. It can even be used for children’s skin (with caution and pre-testing). It may contain lotus oil. Produced by Wangphrom and Kongka. A 50-g jar in Moscow costs about $3.75–$4.40.
When and how pink balm helps:
- anti-inflammatory for colds;
- can be used as a mild fever reducer before sleep;
- helps with neuralgia and muscle pinching;
- may help with mild sun irritation (use carefully).
Thai Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm is made from herbs and medicinal oils; it comes in white (cooling) and red (warming) versions. Produced by Tiger Balm company. A 20-g jar in Moscow costs around $5–$5.60.
White tiger balm is used for nasal and respiratory issues, and muscle pain. Red tiger balm is used slowly with rubbing, helping with musculoskeletal pain and numbness.
Thai Cobra Balm
Cobra balm contains ingredients derived from the snake: skin, bone, venom. The jar usually has a cobra image and the text Cobra Balm (Kobra Balm). A 50-g jar in Moscow costs about $3.75. It should be applied to painful joints and muscles several times a day (2–4 times). It has pain-relieving, anti-swelling, and anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition to the main types, there are Thai ointments with special additives — for example, one contains chili pepper and coconut oil (recommended for cellulite), others have pleasant aromas such as lemongrass or rose oil.
