This $8 'magic' bottle of green oil has been my family's secret to pain relief for generations (2024)

My family swears by this top-rated pain relieving oil on Amazon—and they’re not alone.

Growing up, anytime I got hurt, whether it was a bruise or a stomachache, my mom would pull out her tiny green “magic” bottle of oil. It smelled of potent mint and took away the pain. She would dab a tiny bit of the oil on my skin where it hurt and it always did the trick. As I grew older, I found out that the tiny green bottle in her purse and in our medicine cabinet was Eagle Brand Medicated Oil. She rubbed it around her temples anytime she had a headache, around her joints and wrists for aches and soreness and bug bites too. She’s in her 60s now and still swears by it.

This $8 'magic' bottle of green oil has been my family's secret to pain relief for generations (1)

It turns out, this green oil was the go-to pain reliever for my entire family while they lived in Vietnam, where it’s considered a staple. It was easily accessible and sold in all the shops. Now, since my family has long since immigrated to California, they buy it there, in SoCal, where it’s readily available in Vietnamese grocery stores and boutiques. It’s continued to be an intergenerational staple among my family and other Vietnamese households.

As I dug deeper, I found out this medicated oil was created by German chemist, Wilhelm Hauffmann, in 1935, for a Chinese merchant named Tan Jim Lay. Its ingredients include menthol, methyl salicylate and eucalyptus oil. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was first introduced to Vietnam, and it’s grown in popularity since then. According to Eagle Brand, there was an investment plan to “start a manufacturing facility to produce the ‘Green Oil’ in Vietnam in the 1970’s [but] was aborted due to the outbreak of the Vietnam War in 1975.” Even so, demand continued to persist in areas where Vietnamese immigrants settled — in North America, Europe and Australia. Today, over 6 million Eagle Brand Medicated Oil bottles are produced annually.

This green oil has stayed in my family’s home for years, and little did I know others swear by it, too. A quick scroll through the oil’s Amazon page shows that it’s top-rated, with over 200 reviews for an average of 4.2 stars.

“This is one of my very favorite oils. It contains high levels of menthol and methyl salicylate and is very good for sore muscles. I also found it to be very helpful for migraines. Putting a couple of drops on a tissue and inhaling it is a pleasant and effective way to decongest your nose or relieve a headache. I also find it very relaxing to put it next to my pillow as a sleep aid, but that may be because I love the beautiful scent,” wrote one 5-star-reviewer.

Loyal fans have proven to stick by it, too. “Have been using this oil for probably 25 years due to a friend’s recommendation. First it was for preventing a migraine. Then found it was good for aches and for breathing at night if there were allergies. Also, for bug bites, joint pain.”

One customer summed up the bottom line brilliantly: “Literally the magical healing potion for anything skin or muscle pain related.”

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This $8 'magic' bottle of green oil has been my family's secret to pain relief for generations (2)

Shop it: $8, amazon.com

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This $8 'magic' bottle of green oil has been my family's secret to pain relief for generations (2024)

FAQs

What is Chinese green oil used for? ›

Uses. Fengyou Essence is mainly used after mosquito bites to preventing further itching, for easing headaches or dizziness due to a cold, and for carsickness, pain relief, cooling, and reducing rheumatic pains.

What are the ingredients in Vietnamese green oil? ›

It's continued to be an intergenerational staple among my family and other Vietnamese households. As I dug deeper, I found out this medicated oil was created by German chemist, Wilhelm Hauffmann, in 1935, for a Chinese merchant named Tan Jim Lay. Its ingredients include menthol, methyl salicylate and eucalyptus oil.

What does Green Eagle Oil do? ›

Made with premium-grade natural eucalyptus oil, Eagle Brand Medicated Oil will help you to get rid of headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. The classic Eagle Brand Green Medicated Oil now comes in even more convenient packaging- an 8ml bottle with stainless steel rollerball!

Does medicated oil really work? ›

Medicated oils can be used to relieve minor muscle and joint pains. Active ingredients like methyl salicylate found in the oil work as an analgesic and rubefacient which help reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation [1]. This helps to speed up the healing process, providing great pain relief as well.

Can you drink Chinese medicated oil? ›

Medicated oils containing methyl salicylate pose the threat of rapid-onset, severe salicylate poisoning if swallowed.

What is green oil made from? ›

First, green oil is oil made from reclaimed motor oil. Instead of using new resources, you're using oil that has already been used at least once. Drivers in the United States produce about 1.3 billion gallons of used motor oil each year -- so there's not a lack of product available.

What is green elixir of longevity? ›

Green Chartreuse, the king of liqueurs, has a bright green colour and complex flavour. It is an ancient herbal liqueur produced by Chartreuse monks in France.

What is in Tiger Balm? ›

Most forms of Tiger Balm contain camphor and menthol. Tiger Balm products may also contain other ingredients like cajuput oil, clove oil, and others. Camphor works by increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin and creating a warming sensation.

What food oil is green? ›

Arugula Oil is a condiment, dressing, drizzle or sauce that adds brightness, fresh flavor and gorgeous green color to just about anything!

What is green medicine for pain? ›

DEFENAC P GREEN TABLET helps in relieving pain and inflammation where Diclofenac and Paracetamol are Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which works by inhibiting the production of a chemical called prostaglandins in the body which are responsible for causing pain and swelling in the body.

Can you drink medicated oil? ›

1 These products are mainly intended for the topical treatment of musculoskeletal aches and pains. After ingestion, they can cause severe, rapid-onset salicylate poison- ing.

Who owns Eagle Brand Medicated Oil? ›

Borden Company (Private) Limited is a consumer healthcare manufacturing company based in Singapore. Globally, Borden Company (Private) Limited is best known for producing the popular Eagle Brand Medicated Oil which has become synonymously known as the “Green Oil”.

What is the most powerful healing oil? ›

1. Lavender - best overall. Lavender oil is a versatile, “do-it-all” essential oil. It can fight skin infections, reduce inflammation, alleviate depression symptoms, relieve stress, and much more.

Which oil has the most healing properties? ›

Here are a few essential oils that are often considered highly healing:
  • Lavender Oil: Lavender is renowned for its calming, soothing, and healing properties. ...
  • Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is well-known for its powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
May 22, 2020

Which oil has best healing properties? ›

As per studies and research, lavender essential oil is known to carry the most calming, soothing, and healing scent among all essential oils. It not only relaxes your mind and body but also promotes sleep, fights insomnia, releases tension, and tackles anxiety and stress like a PRO.

What are the spiritual benefits of green mandarin essential oil? ›

Emotional & spiritual benefits

It refreshes the psyche and brings about friendly feelings of joy. It can help to lift the mood when feeling sullen whilst easing nervousness and anxiety. It is encouraging without overstimulating, promoting a calm and content presence.

What are the benefits of green tea oil? ›

Benefits of Using Green Tea Essential Oil
  • For healthy hair. ...
  • It is an antioxidant. ...
  • Moisturizes the skin. ...
  • Prevents oily skin. ...
  • As an astringent. ...
  • Gives a sense of serenity. ...
  • Reduces dark under-eye circles. ...
  • Prevents hair loss.

What are the benefits of wintergreen oil? ›

Wintergreen oil is made by steam processing of warmed, water-soaked wintergreen leaves. The leaves and oil are used to make medicine. Wintergreen leaf is used for painful conditions including headache, nerve pain (particularly sciatica), arthritis, ovarian pain, and menstrual cramps.

Is Green oil good for your hair? ›

Green tea oil, also known as camellia oil or tea seed oil, is known to be rich in antioxidants and catechins that help reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can shrink your hair follicles.

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