Ointments, gels and balms
Thai balms, ointments and gels — which colour does what
Thai herbal balms are the classic thing to bring back from a trip: a small jar that fits in a pocket and helps with insect bites, bruises, back pain, headaches and a blocked nose. Over 100 products: Wangprom Herb, Mae Kularb, Thai Label Balm, Cher Aim, 108 Herbs, Cobra, Tiger Balm, Counterpain creams and Abhai Herb herbal gels. The colour of a Thai balm tells you what it does.
The colours
- Green — cooling, based on Barleria lupulina or Clinacanthus: insect bites, itching, bruises, minor burns, headache;
- Red — warming, with galangal and chilli: back, joints, muscles after exercise;
- White — mildly warming, menthol and camphor: colds, chest and back rubs;
- Yellow — plai (Thai ginger) and turmeric: sprains, swelling, joints;
- Blue / pink / orange — cooling with menthol and essential oils: headache, travel sickness, nose;
- Black — concentrated herbal blends (108 herbs, cobra): chronic joint and muscle pain.
Good to know
Balms are external products with essential oils, menthol and camphor: keep away from mucous membranes and broken skin, do not combine with a heating pad. Red and black balms are strongly warming — test on a small area first. For children under 3, in pregnancy, with asthma or salicylate allergy — ask a doctor first. A balm relieves the symptom, not the cause.
Questions and answers
Which balm is the most universal?
Green — bites, bruises, headache, minor burns. Add a red one for the back.
How long do balms keep?
2–3 years in a closed jar at room temperature; softening in the heat is normal.
How is the order shipped?
From our warehouse in Thailand with a tracking number; jars are packed tightly and do not leak.