Tiger Balm in pregnancy?

[icklemonster]

I have not been very well the last few days and last night I became terribly congested .

As I know I can't take usual decongestant medicine I was sniffing a pot of tiger balm - which really helped. Then I've read online this morning lots of conflicting advice abut tiger balm as it contains Camphor. Some places say don't use, others say it is ok in limited doses.

I can't find anything which says whether it is OK just to sniff it or if it's rubbing it on your skin which is bad. I'm even more confused after reading that vicks vapo rub is OK in pregnancy and that too contains Camphor. Does anyone know? Or has anyone been using it and everything been ok?
Thanks xxx

 

[MindUtopia]

I'm not sure about Tiger Balm because it has so many different essential oils in it (my midwife told me to try avoid using most essential oils during pregnancy unless recommended by a homeopath or someone trained in aromatherapy). I'd try to find an aromatherapy guide online and check out camphor and menthol, plus the other oils if you are really concerned. But I would imagine a few days of smelling it, if it helps you, isn't going to do much harm, especially as you aren't rubbing it on you in mass quantities.

But what about trying other things that will actually clear out your congestion? A saline nasal spray should be safe (with just saline, not the decongestant ones) or a neti pot. Those always work way better for me than Vicks ever did.

Feel better! I've been congested lately too (maybe it's fall allergies?). I might have to bust out the neti pot today.

 

[icklemonster]

Ooo just googled Neti Pot - had never even heard of one before. I can see you can buy them online, do you know if they sell them in pharmacies in high streets please?

 

[Skye1]

I use vicks nasel spray nearly everyday

 

[hopefulfor09]

Breathe right strips. I ave had a cold for almost 2 weeks and they are a life saver! I would stay away from essential oils but I don't think sniffing them has done any harm. Hope u feel better.

 

[Kissel]

I LOVE Tiger Balm. It is phenomenal for anybody with back pain. I used it every day when I sprained my back competing in athletics and I always felt good as new.

I really don't know how safe it is during pregnancy, though. Maybe menthol would be okay? Or some throat losenges have eucalyptus. Those clear everything right up! My logic says that the occasional whiff would be okay and so long as you aren't huffing the stuff it should be alright. That's just me, though. Vicks vapor rub or shower tabs might be good. They also made a humidifier where you can place the strips. I sends a gentle mist round the room-nothing very strong. I love it when I am sick. Make sure you drink lots of water to break up any mucous!

 

[1eighty]

If you search B&B for "Tiger Balm" you'll find a few threads on it. The general consensus is that it IS safe to use, but that you may be better using the white formulation (athletic) as the original may stain your skin and clothes.

Hope you feel better soon