We were gifted a bottle of Thai Green Balm by our Thai friend. It has a distinct, intense smell which made the entire night stand smelled a bit. Highly recommend storing it in a container. We had two suspicious looking bug bites that were itchy, so we remembered this bottle suddenly and applied it on our skin. There was no allergic reaction (we were nervous because it was unclear what are its ingredients. We cannot read the labels. You should do your own research and not use it unless consulted with your physician), and the itchiness stopped.
Despite the concern, I am personally very curious about remedies from around the world. For example, some herbs are unknown to the west, yet commonly used in the east, and sometimes the other way around : gooseberry is not well known at all in Asia, yet it's often served on fancy dinner tables in Europe. It made me curious about this "miracle" ointment and did some research on its ingredients.
"The active ingredients of this balm are Barleria, lemongrass, mint and menthol." https://doctorthailand.net/product/green-herb-balm-hop-headed-barleria
It can also contain these active ingredients Menthol, Methyl Salicylate and inactive ingredients such as camphor! Peppermint Oil, Camphor And Paraffin Petrolatum.
In fact, Asian anti-bug, ant-mosquito ointments often contain Camphor. While Camphor does have some usage, it can be poisonous in high dosage, and if used by children. Best to keep away. https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_camphor/drugs-condition.htm
I have a few Thai friends swear by this, and it helped me this time, I would still use it with caution and avoid using it all together during pregnancy. Might get one if I travel in Thailand during the summer. I personally hate mosquitos.
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