Po Sum On Oil: Natural Pain Relief with a Traditional Herbal Remedy

What is Po Sum On Oil?

Po Sum On Oil is a legendary all-purpose medicated oil formulated with a blend of Chinese herbs and essential oils. Originating in Hong Kong over a century ago (founded in 1907), it has deep roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This peppermint-based oil has been a trusted natural pain relief remedy for generations, used to soothe aches, pains, and discomfort without the use of harsh chemicals. Its fast-acting formula penetrates deep into the skin to warm up muscles, increase blood circulation, and alleviate pain rapidly.

Often nicknamed an "herbal tiger balm," Po Sum On Oil is applied topically to areas of pain or tension. Users immediately notice its pleasant cinnamon-mint aroma and a gentle warming sensation that provides deep, penetrative relief to muscles and joints . This remedy is rooted in TCM wisdom yet convenient for modern life – it comes in a small glass bottle that’s easy to carry and use whenever needed. Whether you're an athlete with sore muscles, an older adult with stiff joints, or anyone seeking a natural alternative to OTC pain relievers, Po Sum On Oil offers a proven way to find relief and support wellness.

Herbal Ingredients and How They Work

One of the key strengths of Po Sum On Oil is its potent herbal formulation. Each ingredient in this oil plays a specific role in pain relief and healing. The formula contains both an active ingredient (menthol) and several supportive herbal ingredients :

• Menthol (Peppermint Oil – 15% active): Menthol provides a cooling, tingling sensation that dulls pain on contact. Derived from peppermint, it acts as a natural analgesic – studies show menthol activates pain-relieving pathways in the body, offering effective non-opioid pain relief. This cooling mint also helps reduce inflammation and gives Po Sum On its signature soothing scent.
  
• Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin): A traditional anti-inflammatory herb, Baikal skullcap helps decrease swelling and pain in the muscles and joints when applied topically . It’s known in TCM for clearing “heat” and reducing inflammation, which can speed up recovery in injured tissues.
• Chinese Licorice Root (Gan Cao): Licorice root is included for its skin-soothing and harmonizing properties. In herbal medicine, it’s used to treat skin issues (burns, eczema, allergic reactions) and reduce irritation . In Po Sum On Oil, licorice helps calm the skin and inflammation, ensuring the formula is gentle even on sensitive skin while enhancing the effects of other herbs.
• Dragon’s Blood Resin (Xue Jie): This dark red resin has been used for centuries to invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain. By moving stagnant blood and qi (energy) around injured areas, Dragon’s Blood helps disperse bruises and speed healing of sprains or strains. It’s a key reason Po Sum On Oil is effective for trauma injuries like bruises and muscular pain.
• Cinnamon Oil (Cassia Oil): Cinnamon oil gives Po Sum On its warm, comforting sensation. It has natural warming and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe achy joints and muscle soreness . The warmth of cinnamon oil relaxes tight muscles (“dispels wind” in TCM terms) and improves circulation to cold, stiff areas – perfect for arthritis or chronic joint pain.
• Tea Oil (Camellia Oil): Extracted from the seeds of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), tea oil is a light, nourishing oil often used in Asian remedies. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative benefits, and in Po Sum On it acts as a carrier that helps the other herbs absorb deeply into the skin . Tea oil also moisturizes the skin, preventing dryness from the mint and cinnamon, and supports skin repair (it’s even famed for anti-aging properties). This unique combination of herbs – peppermint/menthol, skullcap, licorice, dragon’s blood, and cinnamon – works synergistically to provide both immediate and long-lasting relief. The menthol and cinnamon create an instant cooling-warm sensation to dull pain, while the Chinese herbs work to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing at the site of discomfort . It’s a carefully balanced formula that has remained virtually unchanged for decades because it works so well.

Key Benefits and Uses of Po Sum On Oil
One reason Po Sum On Oil is so popular is its versatility. This herbal medicated oil can address a wide range of common ailments and pains naturally. Here are some of the key benefits and use cases for Po Sum On Oil:

• Muscle Soreness and Recovery: If you’re dealing with post-workout soreness or muscle fatigue, Po Sum On Oil can help. The oil warms up the muscles and increases blood flow, which aids muscle recovery and eases aches after exercise. Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use it on sore legs, tight shoulders, or a stiff neck to loosen knots and improve flexibility. (It’s even useful before workouts – applying a bit to problem areas can warm the muscles and help prevent injury during exercise).
• Joint Pain and Arthritis Relief: For those with joint pain, stiffness, or arthritis, this oil provides comforting relief. The combination of anti-inflammatory herbs and warming oils helps to reduce joint swelling and improve mobility. Po Sum On is often applied to knees, wrists, fingers, and other arthritic joints to alleviate pain from arthritis or rheumatism. The warming sensation of cinnamon oil, in particular, is excellent for relieving arthritic pain that tends to worsen in cold weather or after inactivity.
• Backaches, Sprains, and Strains: Po Sum On Oil is an effective remedy for general aches and pains such as simple backache, muscle strains, sprains, and bruises . If you pull a muscle or wake up with a kink in your back or neck, rubbing a few drops of this oil on the area can bring quick relief. It penetrates deeply to relax muscle spasms and improve circulation to injured tissues, helping things heal faster. Users often describe it as feeling similar to popular analgesic rubs like Icy Hot – “a similar sensation to Tiger Balm or Icy Hot, but with a slightly more warming effect,” ideal for a stiff neck or back pain .
• Tension Headaches and Neck Tension: Thanks to its aromatic menthol and cinnamon, Po Sum On Oil can even help with headaches and stress tension. Rubbing a small amount on the temples, forehead, or the back of the neck can relieve a tension headache or dizziness by increasing circulation and providing a soothing cooling effect . Many users also inhale the soothing peppermint-cinnamon vapors – essentially using the oil as an aromatherapy– to ease an oncoming headache or clear mental fatigue . (Pro tip: for safety, avoid getting it too close to the eyes; a tiny dab on the temples or a sniff from a tissue works well.)
• Chest Congestion and Colds: In TCM, Po Sum On is known for its ability to "open the orifices" and relieve chest discomfort. If you have a stuffy nose or chest congestion from a common cold, rubbing a bit on your chest or even under the nostrils can help clear nasal passages and ease breathing. The menthol and herbal vapors act like a natural vapor rub. It’s also great for chest tightness or “oppression”, helping to refresh and open up the airways. Many people find it works wonders as a herbal alternative to commercial chest rubs.
• Stomach Aches and Motion Sickness: Surprising as it may sound, Po Sum On Oil is sometimes used for digestive relief. The peppermint and herbs have carminative properties (i.e. they ease gas and nausea). Rubbing the oil gently on the abdomen can alleviate mild abdominal pain or indigestion . It’s even used in cases of motion sickness or travel sickness – a little applied behind the ears or on the temples can help settle nausea during travel . The calming scent of peppermint and licorice’s stomach-soothing nature work together to ease queasiness.
• Insect Bites, Itching, and Minor Skin Irritations: Another traditional use for Po Sum On Oil is calming itchy or irritated skin. For mosquito bites, insect stings, or itchy rashes, a drop of the oil can relieve itching and reduce swelling . The cooling menthol eases itch, while the Dragon’s Blood and skullcap help with inflammation and healing of the skin. Some even use it on mild burns or scratches for its soothing, antiseptic qualities – though you should not apply it to open wounds or broken skin (only around the area).

As you can see, Po Sum On Oil is more than just a “muscle rub” – it’s truly a multi-purpose remedy. From sports injuries to everyday headaches, from stuffy noses to bug bites, this little bottle of oil is like a natural first-aid kit in many households. Its broad range of uses, combined with its gentle but effective herbal formula, make it a go-to solution in holistic wellness routines around the world .

Ready to try Po Sum On Oil for yourself? Explore our online shop to get your own bottle, or visit our store to learn more about this and other natural wellness products. Incorporating Po Sum On Oil into your routine could be the next step in your journey toward a healthier, pain-free life. Embrace the soothing power of this herbal medicated oil and feel the difference it can make, your body will thank you for it!