There are many over-the-counter creams and ointments for pain relief, so why should you use Chinese medicated oil for sore muscle relief? Other than the fact that they work as promised, the main reason Chinese medicated oils are preferable is that they are safe to use. Drugstore remedies can be dangerous. The FDA has warned consumers about several popular products that cause chemical burns.
Chinese Medicated Oil
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has made use of herbs and oils for thousands of years with safe and proven results, so if you're looking for remedy that won't do damage to your skin or leave toxins in your body, here are three types of Chinese medicated oil for sore muscle relief that will have you pain free in no time at all.
Po Sum On Medicated Oil
Po Sum On is a warming liniment. It increases circulation which relieves pain and reduces swelling. The oil contains no synthetic chemicals and is infused with the following herbs:
- Peppermint oil - antispasmodic and analgesic
- Tea oil - the base oil of this formula that is similar to olive oil
- Dragon blood - a resin that promotes blood circulation, tissue regeneration, and relieves pain
- Cinnamon oil - warming and aids with circulation
- Scute & Licorice - both herbs remedy inflammation
Wong Lop Kong Medicated Oil
This herbal pain oil offers temporary relief of muscle aches and spasms, although people use it to remedy migraines and other off-label problems. It contains menthol, camphor, turpentine, cinnamon, peppermint, and methyl salicylate (aspirin) along with a proprietary blend of herbs. Due to the menthol and camphor in this remedy, you'll find it clears your sinuses as well. It's not 'hot' so older folks and those that are sensitive to heat should like it. The oil contains:
- Safflower - relieves pain
- Peppermint - diminish inflammation
- Frankincense - reduces swelling
- Myrrh - circulation, pain relief
- Angelica - promotes circulation
- Danshen - alleviates pain
- Chuanxiong - alleviates pain
- Dragon's blood resin - stops bleeding (topically), alleviates pain
- Camphor - antiseptic and cooling
White Flower Oil
White Flower Oil has been around for almost 100 years, and is probably the most well known of healing oils in this class. It only takes a few drops to be effective. Apply it topically to relieve muscle pain and headaches. It's also a remedy for nose and chest congestion. Just apply some directly to your chest or to a tissue and inhale. The oil contains menthol and camphor as well as a blend of essential oils:
- Lavender - anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic
- Eucalyptus - analgesic, antiseptic
- Wintergreen - relieves rheumatic symptoms, analgesic
- Peppermint - antispasmodic, stimulant
Want to learn more about how to treat your aches and pains with Chinese medicine? Get your hands on a copy of Shaolin Secret Formulas for the Treatment of External Injury. The Kung Fu masters know a thing or two about treating sore muscles.