Many years ago I sailed with a Maltese chap who always used Tiger Balm for many ailments and one thing that always attracted me to it was the lovely aroma of menthol and cloves that it gives off.

The balm, developed in China in the 19th century, originally contained tiger bone, an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine dating back 1,500 years to treat pain, inflammation and to strengthen muscle, but Tiger Balm now consists purely of herbal ingredients.

Back in my sailing days, the balm was almost unknown in Ireland and was very hard to get.

Nowadays, almost every pharmacy stocks it. Over the years, I always managed to get a little jar, which I used from time to time for minor injuries, such as sprains or aches and the result was always good.

A few years back I was asked to get a couple of jars for a few friends and I got them in a martial arts store in Aungier Street; the chap there asked me if I knew how to use it properly.

I said what I did was just rub it in well to the affected area, give it a few days and then I was usually ok. He explained the way to get the full benefit from Tiger Balm was to apply the balm, cover the affected area with a towel then put a hot water bottle on top for as long as you can bear it.

He was right, the result is amazing! If you do this for a couple of hours what happens is the hot water draws the blood to the affected area and when you remove it the blood retreats and you get a fantastic warming hit of menthol and clove to ease your pain.

In the last few months I have used it on my shoulders after I got a few twists while swimming. I would heartily recommend it for any muscular aches and pains, not just for the relief it brings but also for the lovely aroma. Tiger Balm costs around €10 for a small jar.