We’ve always been a fan of the brand Himalaya, which sells a suite of personal care products, from its popular vegetarian toothpase to shampoo to skincare products. One of our favourite products is the Himalaya Cold Balm which we use frequently on baby. The Himalaya Cold Balm is soothing and is popularly used to relieve nasal and chest congestion. Unlike many minty balm products which tend to be very spicy in its scent, the Himalaya Cold Balm is mild and gentle and smells refreshingly minty.
Whenever baby has any nasal congestion, we rub some of this balm onto his chest and back. He normally feels better not long after. It could also be the soothing scent that helps to ease him into sleep. Sometimes, we also use this balm to rub onto his tummy when we sense that he’s having any tummy upsets.
Here are the ingredients of this balm and how they can help in several conditions:
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Mentha arvensis (Mint, Pudina) – The oil of the herb is an antineuralgic when applied externally and a febrifuge in fevers.
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Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor, Karpur) : The oil extract acts as a skin stimulant and counterirritant when applied externally.
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Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine, Sarala) : Turpentine oil extracted from the plant is used in many ointments and liniments for treating minor aches and colds when applied externally. It acts as counterirritant and rubefacient.
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Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum Tree, Nilgiri Taila) : The oil is easily absorbable and is locally used as massage oil. Eucalyptol is used as a dry inhalant.
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Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg, Jatiphalam) : The oil extract of the tree is used as a counterirritant and stimulates blood flow to the area applied.
The Himalaya Cold Balm is so useful that we actually store a few jars of this balm at home. No doubt it is just a little jar (it retails in only one size at 10g), but each application does not require a lot to be used. You can find this balm at all Himalaya outlets, and sometimes even in personal care stores like Guardian and Watsons. I can’t remember the exact price of this balm, but it’s around RM5. Cheap but good remedy to keep at home for the family.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi little mommy,
From one fan of this balm to another, nice discovery this one, isn’t it
If anyone is lazy to run to the dictionary….
wow…rubefacient=cause redness (i think you mean anti-rubefacient; febrifuge = reduce fever; and i think anti beuralgic = calms the nerves.
Cheers!
Thanks for the correction and explanation
I’m a fan of this balm from the influence of you-know-who! 