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Frequently Asked Questions
A: Po Sum On Oil is a medicated herbal oil for external use that helps relieve aches, pains, and other minor ailments. It originated in Hong Kong over a century ago and has been trusted since 1907. The name “Po Sum On” comes from Cantonese, roughly meaning “to keep the heart at peace,” reflecting the founder’s goal of assuring family well-being. In other words, it’s all about bringing comfort and peace of mind through effective relief.
A: Po Sum On’s formula is entirely natural, made from medicinal plant extracts and oils. The key ingredients include peppermint oil (provides natural menthol for cooling pain relief), cassia (cinnamon) oil (for warming and circulation), Dragon’s Blood resin (a red tree resin valued for reducing inflammation and pain), Scutellaria (Baikal Skullcap) root and Licorice root (herbal extracts that in TCM support healing and reduce “heat”/swelling), all in a base of tea oil (camellia seed oil) and beeswax (in the balm). The formula contains no artificial chemicals or preservatives – it’s crafted by traditional herbal decoction to extract the full essence of the herbs.
A: Po Sum On is very versatile. It’s primarily used for temporary relief of muscular and joint pain –such as backaches, neck and shoulder tension, arthritis pain, sprains, bruises, and general soreness from exercise. Many users also apply it for tension headaches (massage a small amount onto the temples – avoid contact with eyes), for motion sickness or dizziness (inhale the peppermint aroma or rub gently on the abdomen), for stomach discomfort like mild cramps, and even for itchy mosquito/insect bites or mild skin irritations. Some use it on the chest and bottoms of the feet to help relieve coughs and congestion (thanks to the aromatic vapors). Important: While these are traditional uses supported by generations of experience, in the U.S. the product is sold as an OTC topical analgesic for muscle and joint pain. Always use it externally and consult the directions. If symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical advice.
A: Po Sum On Oil and Balm are safe for most people when used as directed. They are meant for external use only – do not ingest them or apply to open wounds or damaged skin . Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive areas. A slight reddening or warming of the skin at the application site is normal (due to increased circulation), but if you experience excessive irritation or rash, discontinue use. Age precautions: For children under 2 years old, do not use (their skin is too sensitive); for children over, use sparingly and under adult supervision . If you are pregnant or nursing, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before use (due to the potent essential oils). Po Sum On is free of synthetic chemicals, so side effects are rare; however, anyone with specific allergies to menthol, cinnamon, or other listed ingredients should patch-test or consult a doctor. As with any remedy, if your condition worsens or doesn’t improve after a week of use, stop use and consult a physician . Store the bottles/jars tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children (the aromatic smell might tempt kiddos, but it’s not a toy).
A: Absolutely. Po Sum On has over a century of trust, and quality is our top priority. Our manufacturing facility in Hong Kong is certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), a rigorous
standard for cleanliness, ingredient quality, and consistency . In fact, we earned an Australian TGA GMP certification as early as 1998 , and our products meet Hong Kong Department of Health requirements (HK GMP certified in 2012) . The formula’s herbal ingredients are even listed in the
Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, a testament to their recognized medicinal value. In the United States, Po Sum On Medicated Oil is registered as an OTC topical analgesic (National Drug Code 54155-052) following FDA guidelines, so you can be confident it’s compliant with U.S. safety regulations. Every batch undergoes quality control to ensure purity and potency, delivering you a safe product. We take pride in our legacy of quality and continue to uphold those standards in every bottle and jar we sell.
A: We’re here to help! You can reach out to our customer support anytime. Visit our Contact Us page for details on how to get in touch (email, phone, and our online contact form are available). We also have a community of Po Sum On users on social media – feel free to drop us a question on Instagram or Facebook. Additionally, our website’s How It Works section (above) and the rest of this FAQ are great resources to learn more. Your wellness is our priority, and we’re happy to assist with any concerns.