Essential Embrocation and Liniment Oil Brands in the Philippines

     I’m not sure when was the exact day that I heard the words Tito and Tita essentials but when these became word of the mouth a couple of years ago, there are a few things that we associate with them. One of the most popular essentials that have been linked to a Tito and a Tita is embrocation or liniment oil, yes?! These essentials are a must-have in every Tito’s bag or Tita’s purse and prolly you will agree that we (yes, I’m a certified Tita) can never have too many embrocation and essential oils at home. 

     If my memory serves me right, I’ve been using embrocation and liniment oils since I was in high school because of vascular headaches and migraine attacks. I’m not new to these essentials and I have tried many brands in the past already. I have a love-hate relationship with some brands because of minor side effects like an intolerable burning sensation when applied to the temples of my head or skin irritation. Other than that, I love the cooling, relaxing, and comforting feeling whenever I use or apply them for aches and pains. Sharing a short feature of the brands that became a mainstay in my Tita essentials stash below.

     Embrocation or Liniment (from Wikipedia) is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Sometimes called a heat rub, liniments may be water-like in viscosity or formulated as a lotion or balm and are usually rubbed in to allow for penetration of the active ingredients. Patches, sticks, and sprays are also available. Here in the Philippines, there are different kinds available that can be purchased over-the-counter in leading drugstores, department stores, convenience stores, and online. Here are my highly recommended 7 Essential Embrocation and Liniment Oil Brands: 

1. YogaLove Cooling Cream– my favorite all-around ‘pamahid’ for all things body pain. There are so many things to love with YogaLove Cooling cream because of its versatility. The creamy texture is easy to apply during body massage. It absorbs quickly and gives a soothing effect on tired muscles and joint pains. I also use this whenever I have a vascular headache and when I feel dizzy. 

2. Golden Cup Oil– my so-called tiny but mighty oil for severe headache attack. Golden Cup offers a range of products in different form factors and for different usage scenarios. Golden Cup Balm, the flagship product, has been the trusted product of the company for over 70 years. Golden Cup Oil is a product equally as effective as the famous balm but due to being a liquid is able be offered as a spray or a roller too. The nature of the liquid shape also allows for Golden Cup Oil to evaporate faster, providing a quicker solution for nasal congestion. I have tried both the balm and the oil but the oil wins in terms of absorption and strength. 

• features: Effectively relieves muscular pain, insect bites, headaches, dizziness, nasal congestion, and more; uses naturally sourced and high-quality ingredients, features a unique fragrant scent; packed in a light and travel-friendly tin, safe for both children and adults, FDA and Halal certified
• ingredients: Each ml contains: Menthol (266.4 mg), Camphor (88.8 mg), Methyl Salicylate, Eucalyptus Oil, Cajuput Oil, Clove Oil (4.4mg), Peppermint Oil (266.4 mg), and Cinnamon Oil
• instructions for use: Massage the balm well onto the affected area to relieve muscle pains or cramps. Apply the balm on the base of the nostrils and inhale to relieve nasal congestion. For headaches, dizziness, and faintness, massage the balm onto your temples. Can also be applied directly to areas affected by insect bites. For external use only. Do not use on open wounds.
• size: 3ml and 7ml
• price: P54 and P103
• place bought: online at BeautyMNL

4. White Flower Embrocation- a no-brainer embrocation that’s so popular in the Philippines. I saw this inside my grandmother’s purse, my aunt’s bag, my mother’s drawer. It is indeed a legend when it comes to soothing relief for headaches, stuffy nose, muscle pain, dizziness, motion sickness, and insect bites. The aroma of white flower is unique that my uber-sensitive nose can tell in an instant if a person has applied or been applying White Flower whenever they’re near me.

5. POY-SIAN Pim Saen Balm Oil- if you’re familiar with or using POY-SIAN Mark II Inhaler then this will be another favorite. This oil is the liquid on the other end of your Mark II Inhaler. Get this if the oil in your Mark II Inhaler runs out fast. 

• features: A refreshing aromatic balm that provides relief for a stuffy nose as well as minor aches and pains. Formulated with eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, and borneol; provides relief for headaches, body pain, colds, flu, cough, insect bites, and vertigo; made from 100% natural ingredients.
• ingredients: Eucalyptus, Menthol, Camphor, Borneol
• instructions for use: Apply a few drops on your temples or napes. Can be inhaled directly from the bottle or place a few drops in the handkerchief.
• size: 10ml and 20ml
• price: P175 and P334
• place bought: Available in all leading drugstores nationwide.