Every Thai home has a jar of ya mong (ยาหม่อง) – the Thai herbal balm. It gets rubbed into stiff shoulders after a day at the desk, sore calves after a long walk, and tired backs before bed. Thai massage therapists use it too. If you have ever stood in front of a shelf of green and yellow jars wondering which one to buy, this guide is for you.

What is Thai herbal balm?

Thai balm is a thick, aromatic ointment made from herbal extracts and essential oils in a wax or petroleum base. You massage a little into the skin, where it creates a cooling or warming sensation. It is used as a traditional topical product for tired, overworked muscles and as a relaxing massage aid.

Green balm vs yellow balm: what’s the difference?

Key herbs in Thai balm

• Plai (Zingiber montanum) – a ginger relative and the backbone of Thai massage preparations, with a warm, earthy aroma.
• Phaya yo (Clinacanthus nutans) – a leaf traditionally used on the skin in Thailand, common in green balms.
• Turmeric – often found in yellow, warming balms.
• Menthol, camphor, borneol and wintergreen – the aromatic compounds that create the cooling or warming feeling.

Our Thai balm picks

Cooling green balms

• Bodhi Tree Green Herbal Balm (3 x 50 g) – the classic household green balm
• Tamra Posot Phaya Yo Balm Formula 2 (50 g) – bright and cooling
• Pho Herb Green Balm (3 x 15 g) – small jars for the bag, car and desk

Warming yellow and plai balms

• Chon Thong Yellow Herbal Balm (90 g) – large, great-value jar
• Tamra Posot Hot Formula Plai Balm (50 g) – plai and turmeric
• Khun Yai Plai Herbal Balm (60 g)

All-rounders

• Watapo Traditional Thai Herbal Balm (50 g)
• Wang Wan Herbal Balm (8 g pocket size)

How to use Thai balm

1. Take a small amount – a little goes a long way.
2. Warm it between your fingertips.
3. Massage into the area with firm, circular movements until absorbed.
4. Wash your hands afterwards and keep them away from your eyes.
5. Use up to a few times a day, following the label.

Tip: apply after a warm shower, when muscles are relaxed – but never combine balm with a heating pad or tight bandage, as this can irritate or burn the skin.

Safety

• For external use only. Never swallow. Camphor and wintergreen are toxic if ingested.
• Keep out of reach of children. Do not use on babies or young children.
• Do not apply to broken skin, wounds, the face or mucous membranes.
• Patch test first if you have sensitive skin. Stop if redness or burning develops.
• Balms containing wintergreen (methyl salicylate) should be avoided by people allergic to aspirin, and those on blood thinners should ask a pharmacist first.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a doctor before use.

Thai balm FAQ

Is Thai balm the same as Tiger Balm?

Tiger Balm is one well-known brand of herbal balm. Thai balms are similar in format but use traditional Thai herbs such as plai and phaya yo, so the aroma and feel are different.

Should I choose green or yellow balm?

Choose green for a cooling, refreshing feel, and yellow for a warming, deeper feel on stiff muscles. Many Thai homes keep both.

Can I use Thai balm for headaches?

Many people rub a little on the temples for a refreshing feeling, but keep it well away from the eyes. For frequent or severe headaches, see a doctor.

How long does a jar last?

Kept closed and away from heat, a jar typically lasts until the expiry date printed on the pack.

This article is for general information only. These are traditional topical products and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.