Tiger Balm, the world-renowned ointment known for its soothing relief, has been a trusted name for over a century. From its humble beginnings in a family-run apothecary in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar), to a global household staple, Tiger Balm’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a commitment to natural healing. This balm’s journey is intertwined with the lives of two brothers, Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, who transformed a traditional herbal remedy into a worldwide brand.
The Early Beginnings: The Legacy of Aw Chu Kin
The story of Tiger Balm begins in the 1800s with Aw Chu Kin, a young herbalist from Xiamen, in China’s Fujian Province. Driven by a desire to practice traditional Chinese medicine, Chu Kin left China for Rangoon and established a small apothecary, Eng Aun Tong (永安堂), or the Hall of Everlasting Peace. His apothecary provided relief and healing to the local community and became a cornerstone of his family’s livelihood.
Chu Kin’s two sons, Aw Boon Haw, the “gentle tiger,” and Aw Boon Par, the “gentle leopard,” inherited their father’s knowledge and his legacy after his death in 1908. Although initially hesitant to take over the practice, Boon Par soon called upon his elder brother, Boon Haw, to join him in Rangoon, and together, they set out to refine their father’s formulas, blending traditional herbal knowledge with an ambitious vision.
The Creation of Tiger Balm: A Formula of Ancient Origins
The formula that would become Tiger Balm traces its origins to the time of Chinese emperors, who sought relief from the aches and stresses of courtly life. Aw Chu Kin revived this ancient formula, creating a balm that quickly became popular in his apothecary. However, it was his sons, Boon Haw and Boon Par, who took this remedy to the next level.
Working from their mother’s kitchen, Boon Par tirelessly perfected the formula, while Boon Haw organized and marketed the product. They called it “Ban Kim Ewe” (万金油), meaning “Ten Thousand Golden Oils,” signifying its potential to address multiple ailments. Soon, customers visiting their shop wouldn’t leave without a jar of this golden ointment. As demand grew, Boon Haw, with his entrepreneurial instincts, took to the streets, convincing local shops to stock the salve and expanding its reach across Rangoon.
Expanding to New Markets: The Rise of Tiger Balm in Southeast Asia
In 1909, Boon Haw trademarked their product as “Tiger Balm,” incorporating his own name, which symbolized strength and healing. The balm quickly became synonymous with natural relief, and by 1920, Aw Boon Haw was the wealthiest Chinese in Rangoon. Never one to shy away from bold ventures, he set his sights on expanding beyond Burma.
In 1926, Boon Haw established a new production facility in Singapore, then a bustling hub of commerce. This move allowed Tiger Balm to expand its reach significantly, increasing production capacity by tenfold and bringing the balm to a much larger audience. Aw Boon Haw traveled across Malaya, distributing samples from his custom-made car, which featured a tiger head on the hood and a roar that sounded when the horn was honked. His unique marketing approach won him customers from the small towns and kampongs, embedding Tiger Balm further into the lives of Southeast Asians.
Establishing a Global Empire
By the mid-20th century, Tiger Balm had achieved widespread success, with factories and distributors set up across Malaya, Hong Kong, Batavia (now Jakarta), Thailand, and China. Its distinctive tiger logo became a recognized symbol for natural pain relief. After the passing of Boon Par in 1944 and Boon Haw in 1954, Boon Par’s son, Aw Cheng Chye, took over, continuing the family tradition. Under his leadership, the brand expanded further, and in 1969, the family consolidated its businesses under Haw Par Brothers International Limited, which was later renamed Haw Par Corporation Limited in 1997.
Tiger Balm’s Global Reach and Cultural Adaptations
Today, Tiger Balm is sold worldwide and is known by various names, adapted to resonate with local languages and cultures. In Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, it’s called “Pomada Del Tigre,” while in France, it’s “Baume Du Tigre.” Across Europe and Asia, the name Tiger Balm has been translated to match regional languages, making it a truly international brand. Despite these cultural variations, the product remains consistent—a small jar of powerful, natural relief.
The Enduring Appeal of Tiger Balm
What has kept Tiger Balm relevant for over a century? Its effectiveness, derived from a simple yet potent blend of ingredients such as camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, and clove oil, continues to resonate with people seeking natural alternatives for pain relief. Athletes, office workers, and individuals of all ages use it for everything from muscle aches to headaches, valuing its versatility and deep-rooted efficacy.
The Legacy Continues
Tiger Balm is more than just a product; it’s a symbol of heritage, a story of innovation grounded in tradition, and a testament to the lasting impact of visionary entrepreneurship. The Aw family turned a humble herbal remedy into a global legacy, blending East and West in both medicine and marketing.
As the brand evolves, it remains committed to the original vision of Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par: to bring natural, effective relief to people worldwide. Over a hundred years since its inception, Tiger Balm is still trusted by millions, proving that some remedies truly stand the test of time.
