Standing in front of the shelf of a Thai herbal pharmacy, one question always comes up: among the eight colours of Wang Prom balm, which one matches my problem? Each jar — green, yellow, blue, gold, purple, pink, white or orange — combines a flagship plant with a clearly defined family of properties. This guide helps you choose the right balm without guesswork, by cross-referencing colour, dominant plant and the symptom to soothe.
Wang Prom: a legacy of Thai herbal medicine
Wang Prom (วังพรหม) is a Thai brand specialising in massage balms with essential oils, formulated according to the principles of traditional Thai medicine. Where Tiger Balm relies on a single camphor-menthol base, Wang Prom breaks its recipes down into distinct colours: each embodies a flagship medicinal plant, chosen for its specific properties. The result is a true pharmacological rainbow, where the shade of the balm literally serves as a therapeutic compass.
The 50 g jars come in two price ranges: €11.88 for references based on local ingredients (green, yellow) and €14.88 for the enriched formulas (blue, gold, purple, pink, white, orange). All are designed for external use, massaged in circular motions onto tense areas.
Selection table: which colour for which symptom?
| Colour | Dominant plant | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Barleria Lupulina | Insect bites, bruises, damaged skin |
| Yellow | Plai (Zingiber cassumunar) | Bruises, muscle fatigue, dizziness |
| Blue | Clove | Blocked nose, difficult digestion, dizziness |
| Gold | Warming ginger | Arthritis, lower back, cold back |
| Purple | Lemongrass | Anti-itch, insect repellent |
| Pink | Menthol + Patchouli | Neck-shoulder tension, headaches |
| White | Methyl salicylate + camphor | Joints, respiratory tract |
| Orange | Patchouli + Cryptolepis | Bruises, mild muscle fatigue |
The eight Wang Prom balms reviewed
Green — Barleria Lupulina, the "first aid" balm
The Wang Prom Green owes its colour to Barleria lupulina, an acanthus plant traditionally used in Thailand against insect bites and stings. It is the all-rounder par excellence: it helps soothe itching and minor bruises and supports skin repair. One to slip into your travel kit.
Yellow — Plai, the athletes' balm
Its saffron colour comes from Plai (Zingiber cassumunar), a Thai "fresh ginger" renowned for its action on micro-traumas. The Wang Prom Yellow is favoured by Muay Thai practitioners for recovery after training. It can also help ease mild dizziness linked to fatigue.
Blue — Clove, the respiratory all-rounder
The Wang Prom Blue relies on essential oil of clove, rich in eugenol. This warming molecule has been used for centuries for its decongesting effects. Applied as a dab beneath the nostrils (never inside) or massaged onto the chest, it contributes to respiratory comfort. Some families also use it as an abdominal massage after a heavy meal.
Gold — Ginger, the deep-warming balm
The Wang Prom Gold concentrates classic ginger (Zingiber officinale) to produce a deeply felt warmth. It is the recommended choice for chronic joint pain such as osteoarthritis of the fingers or knees, and for a stiff lower back on waking. Avoid it on overheated skin or in a heatwave: it intensifies the sensation of heat.
Purple — Lemongrass, the mosquito shield
Recognisable by its mauve tint, the Wang Prom Purple contains 57% lemongrass, a record in the range. Lemongrass is used as a natural repellent and skin soother. Ideal for tropical areas, summer evenings on the terrace, or to relieve itching after a bite. Creamier texture than the other versions.
Pink — Menthol and Patchouli, the "heavy head" balm
The Wang Prom Pink combines cooling menthol and relaxing patchouli. This pairing targets tension in the neck, the trapezius and the temple area in particular. Massage it in circular motions at the base of the skull after a day in front of a screen, or dab it on the temples to accompany a feeling of a heavy head.
White — Methyl salicylate, the reference joint balm
The Wang Prom White takes its name from its formula based on methyl salicylate and camphor, two compounds widely studied for their effect on joint and muscle pain. It is the balm closest in spirit to Counterpain or White Tiger Balm: applied to sensitive joints, massaged into the trapezius, and to clear the airways.
Orange — Patchouli and Cryptolepis, the newcomer
Launched more recently, the Wang Prom Orange pairs patchouli with Cryptolepis buchananii, a vine used in Thai medicine for its action on skin and minor bruises. It is a "gentle" balm for skin that tolerates the warming formulas of Gold or White poorly.
How to use a Wang Prom balm
Whatever the colour, the method remains the same:
- Take a pea-sized amount onto clean, dry skin.
- Massage in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes until fully absorbed.
- Wash your hands after applying, especially if you then touch your face.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day depending on how persistent the discomfort is.
For enhanced comfort, you can cover the area with a dry cloth or warm clothing after applying. However, avoid airtight occlusive dressings, which can cause skin irritation.
Precautions and contraindications
Wang Prom balms are for external use only. They are not recommended:
- for children under 6 (and with caution in children up to 12, on medical advice).
- for pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless approved by a doctor.
- on damaged, burned or very irritated skin.
- near the eyes, mucous membranes or open wounds.
If pain persists beyond a few days or if you notice unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. These balms contribute to comfort; they do not replace medical advice.
Discover the whole collection
If you would like to try several colours before settling on your choice, the Wang Prom Discovery Set brings together all eight balms for €85 (i.e. €10.63 per jar, versus €11.88 individually). You can also browse our collection of traditional natural balms, which includes Counterpain, Tiger Balm, Phoyok and Siang Pure.
FAQ
Which Wang Prom colour should you choose first?
If you are a beginner and hesitating, go for Green (versatile for bites and bruises) or White (the joint reference). These are the two most universal balms in the range.
Can you combine two Wang Prom balms?
It is best to apply only one balm to a given area to avoid overloading it with essential oils. You can, however, use two colours on separate areas the same day (for example Gold on the back, Pink on the temples).
What is the difference between Wang Prom and Tiger Balm?
Tiger Balm relies on a camphor-menthol base common to all its jars (red or white depending on the warmth). Wang Prom, on the other hand, breaks down into one flagship plant per colour, allowing finer targeting of the symptom. The two ranges complement rather than compete with each other.
Is Wang Prom Gold dangerous at a normal dose?
No, provided you respect external use, the dose (pea-sized) and the frequency (2 to 3 times a day maximum). The sensation of warmth is normal and signals the activity of the ginger. In case of excessive redness or intense tingling, rinse with lukewarm water.
How long does an opened jar keep?
An opened jar keeps for about 24 months if it is sealed tightly after each use and stored at room temperature, away from direct light. The texture may harden slightly in the cold: simply warm the jar in the palm of your hand.
In summary
The strength of the Wang Prom range lies in its clarity: one colour, one plant, one main use. Whether you are looking for a joint balm (Gold, White), a respiratory one (Blue), an anti-bite one (Green, Purple) or muscle relaxation (Yellow, Pink, Orange), there is a suitable shade. The discovery set remains the most economical way to explore the range before settling on two or three colours in your home kit.
This article contributes to general wellbeing and is in no way a substitute for medical advice. In case of persistent or unusual pain, consult a healthcare professional.