[Sca-cooks] Tiger Balm ingredients

[DeeWolff at aol.com]

It appears that camphor may be the culprit. It is not recommended for infants
in greater than 5% concentrations due to toxicity problems. Cajuput oil
appears to be safe....  Andrea (also a nurse)



 Camphor
Latin name: Cinnamomum camphora
Other name: Cemphire
A Remedy For

*   Blood pressure problems
*   Bronchitis
*   Cough
*   Irregular heartbeat
*   Rheumatism
*   Weak heart

In Asia, Camphor is also used for asthma, indigestion, inflammations, and
muscle pain.
What It Is; Why It Works
Camphor is an active ingredient in such familiar over-the-counter remedies as
Vicks VapoRub and Mentholatum ointment. Rubbed on the skin, Camphor
stimulates circulation. Its inhaled vapors reduce bronchial secretions. When
taken internally, it combats bronchial spasms, improves breathing, and
promotes circulation.
   In years past, cakes of Camphor were used as a moth-repellent. It was once
popular as a remedy for stomach and bowel complaints, but fell out of favor
due to the danger of overdose, which can easily prove fatal. It was once
believed to prevent infectious disease, a fallacy that probably sprang from
its strong odor.
   Camphor is an import from Japan and Taiwan, where it's distilled from the
wood of the camphor tree, a large evergreen.
Avoid If...
There are no medical conditions that preclude the use of Camphor by adults,
but Camphor salves should not be used on infants.
Special Cautions
External application of Camphor can cause skin irritation and even lead to
poisoning through inhalation. Eczema (a skin inflammation) occasionally
appears after application of oily salves containing camphor.
Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How To Prepare
Camphor is used primarily in salves. However, solid and liquid preparations
can be used for inhalation or taken internally.
Typical Dosage
For external use, concentrations of Camphor in salves should not exceed 25%
for adults and 5% for children. When taken internally, the usual daily dosage
is 30 to 300 milligrams.
Overdosage
As little as 1 gram can be lethal for a child. In adults, a dose of 20 grams
can prove fatal. Symptoms of overdose, particularly in children, include
intoxication, delirium, spasms, and breathing disturbances. If you suspect an
overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

 Cloves
Latin name: Syzygium aromaticum
A Remedy For

*   Bronchitis
*   Colds
*   Cough
*   Dental pain
*   Fever
*   Sore throat
*   Tendency to infection

In Asian medicine, Cloves are also used for stomach ailments, bad breath, and
skin diseases, but their effectiveness for these purposes has not been
confirmed.
What It Is; Why It Works
An extremely aromatic plant (the entire tree smells of Cloves), this familiar
herb grows in tropical regions such as Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil. The
medicinal element, oil of Cloves, is extracted from the plant's flower buds,
leaves, and fruit. Boasting antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and
pain-killing effects, it is used primarily as a local anesthetic, especially
for toothache.
   The Cloves found in the typical kitchen spice rack are flower buds picked
at the embryo stage. (If picked when mature, they lose their pungency.) They
appeared in Europe as early as the 4th Century A.D. In India and Indonesia,
they are still smoked in cigarettes
Avoid If...
No known health conditions preclude the use of Clove oil.
Special Cautions
In concentrated form, Clove oil can be irritating to mucous membranes.
Allergic reactions, although rare, have been known to occur.
Possible Drug Interactions
No drug interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How to Prepare
Cloves are used as a powder, ground herb, or whole herb.
Typical Dosage
A solution of 1 to 5% essential oil can be used as a mouthwash. Undiluted oil
of Cloves is used for pain relief in dentistry
Overdosage
No information on overdosage is available.

Cajuput Oil
Latin name: Melaleuca leucadendron
Other names: Paperbark Tree, White Wood
A Remedy For

*   Rheumatism

Cajuput Oil eases the discomfort of rheumatism, pulled muscles or ligaments,
sprains, bruises, muscle tension, slipped disk, low back pain, and sciatica.
What It Is; Why It Works
Cajuput Oil works by stimulating the circulation around the point of
application. It also shows antiseptic properties in laboratory tests.
   The oil is distilled from the fresh leaves and twigs of a large tree
native to southeast Asia and the tropical regions of Australia. Historically,
it has been used to help loosen phlegm and relieve spasms. It has a pleasant
fragrance reminiscent of camphor and eucalyptus.
Avoid If...
No known medical conditions preclude the use of Cajuput Oil.
Special Cautions
Skin inflammation is a possibility. When using the oil on infants and small
children, avoid the facial area. Application near the nose could cause throat
spasms and interfere with breathing.
Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How To Prepare
Available as a steam-distilled oil.
Typical Dosage
Follow the manufacturer's directions.
Overdosage
No information on overdosage is available.


menthol

Miller-Keane Medical Dictionary, 2000

(men´thol)  an alcohol from various mint oils or produced synthetically, used
locally to relieve itching and by inhalation for treatment of upper
respiratory tract disorders.