Balm star ⭐ for headaches and migraines: application points

Historical reference

The composition of the well-known balm was developed by Vietnamese pharmacological specialists.

The ointment was produced in large quantities in the country's factories, which led to the name “Vietnamese Star” being assigned to it. A literal translation from the native language, carried out by American pharmacists, offers a different interpretation: “Golden Star Balm.”

An odorous ointment appeared on the shelves of pharmacies in the USSR in the 70s. 20th century and quickly gained popularity thanks to a triad of advantages: effectiveness (sometimes even irreplaceability), versatility and affordable price. According to another version, the authors of the product were Soviet scientists, from whom Vietnam borrowed production technology. Then factories in China got down to business, where the characteristics of the product were improved, so you can often hear about the “Chinese star”.

Another common name is “Tiger Ointment.”

Interesting fact. At a certain point, the balm disappeared from pharmacies in the Soviet Union. But Russian pharmacologists, impressed by its healing properties, contributed to its return to sale.

Mechanisms of action

Composition components and their properties

Crystal menthol and peppermint oil are responsible for the cooling and analgesic effect.
Rosehip and eucalyptus oils have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Camphor is known for its local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Cinnamon oil stimulates blood circulation and has a calming effect on nerve endings.
Clove oil with characteristic antiseptic, antispasmodic, strengthening properties. When applied locally, it relieves pain and regulates temperature.
Paraffin, beeswax and lanolin together create an ointment consistency that is easy to apply and improves absorbent properties.

Initially, there was no eucalyptus oil in the “Vietnamese Star” composition. But, after adding it as an experimental component, many noted an increase in the healing properties of the balm.

Table: composition of the “Golden Star”

Substance	Availability (+/–)
Substance	Pencil for inhalation	Ointment	Liquid balm
menthol crystal	+	+	+
camphor	+	+	+
peppermint oil	+	+	+
Eucalyptus oil	+	+	+
clove oil	+	+	+
cinnamon oil	+	+	+
Vaseline oil	+	+	+
petrolatum	—	+	—
beeswax	—	+	—
paraffin	—	+	—
anhydrous lanolin	—	+	—

What kind of headache will it help with?

It is believed that Golden Star ointment can relieve headaches of any etiology. Here it is necessary to remember that the remedy only alleviates the symptoms of the disease, but does not cure it, so a visit to the doctor is necessary if you experience frequent pain.

The use of the balm is especially effective for the following types of pain:

Pulling in the area of the back of the head and neck (a likely sign of osteochondrosis).
Throbbing in the temples (usually a sign of migraine).
In the frontal part of the head (a symptom of respiratory diseases).
Shingles, accompanied by a general feeling of heaviness (consequences of stress and overwork).
As a result of injury.

Attention! During a hypertensive crisis, the substance should be rubbed in with caution - mechanical action can lead to an even greater increase in pressure, which will provoke increased pain.

If there are pathological neoplasms (benign or malignant) in the brain, the use of “Zvezdochka” for pain relief is ineffective.

Effect on migraine

Differences
Common headache	Migraine
Moderate girdling pain, bilateral	The pain is severe and throbbing, one-sided (alternating)
Localized in the temples, crown, back of the head	Localized in the area of the eyes, forehead, temple
Appears after stress on the nervous system as a result of fatigue	Appears at any time
Physical activity does not affect the degree of pain	Strengthens even with light load
Heredity doesn't matter	In most cases, hereditary

Characteristic manifestations of migraine:

a veil before the eyes;
impaired coordination and balance;
the pain may last for several days;
often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

The essential oils in Zvezdochka, penetrating through the skin, have an anesthetic effect during a migraine attack and dilate the arteries of the brain.

Cinnamon oil stimulates blood flow.
Rosehip oil, menthol and mint are responsible for a healing cooling effect and soothe nerve endings.
Clove oil normalizes blood supply to the brain and relieves spasms.
Camphor relieves pain.

Reference. “Star” can be used to relieve migraine symptoms both externally (by rubbing into certain areas or points) and in the form of inhalation. When inhaling volatile vapors, beneficial substances will penetrate the body through the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx.

How to get rid of migraines with ginger.

Advantages over drugs

Naturalness. All components of the ointment are of natural origin. Even the excipients are made without the participation of dangerous chemical compounds.
Complex effect. When used correctly, “Zvezdochka” can not only relieve troubling local pain, but also improve overall well-being.
Positive effect on the nervous system. Unlike many medications, Vietnamese balsam will only benefit the nervous system. Its composition helps reduce fatigue, prevents the negative effects of stress, and helps you relax after a hard day.
Activation of thought processes is to increase performance, improve memory and accuracy of perception (perception).
Availability. Anyone can afford this simple remedy. It differs from many drugs in its low price and wide availability in pharmacy chains.
No harmful effects on the body. Most painkillers (especially tablets) harm the stomach, liver, and kidneys; worsen the condition of the mucous membranes; undermine the functioning of entire systems. This will not happen with Zvezdochka.

Useful video

Watch this video on how to properly use the “Star” balm:

During pregnancy

Many women use this balm during pregnancy, as they consider it safe compared to pills or injections.

There are no strictly regulated contraindications while carrying a child, but caution is still needed. Sensitivity to the components of the drug may worsen, which will lead to the development of an allergic reaction. And this is undesirable for a pregnant woman and her fetus.

In the early and late stages (in the first and third trimester), applying the product to certain points can provoke an increase in the overall tone of the body, including the uterus, as a result of which the risk to the fetus increases.

It is noteworthy that individually, almost each of the essential oils in the composition is prohibited for use in the first trimester.

That is why most doctors agree that it is better to refrain from using ointment during pregnancy.

Important! If a woman gets sick during pregnancy, “Zvezdochka” can be a relatively safe remedy to alleviate the condition. But you must first consult a doctor - he will determine whether the benefit for the mother exceeds the level of possible risk for the child.

How to open

Opening a flat jar with thin walls can be difficult, but you can use one of the following methods:

remove the cap using a small kitchen knife;
place the container with the balm on its side and roll it like a wheel, eventually both halves will separate;
take the base in one hand and try to unscrew the lid with the other, turning it back and forth and pulling up.

In the most severe cases, you have to use pliers to open.

In childhood

The use of the balm is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age. This is due to the increased sensitivity of children's skin and respiratory tract to the components of the drug.

For fidgets over two years old, care should be taken:

First of all, you need to conduct an allergy test: apply a little product to the crook of your elbow or wrist. If no severe redness or itching is noted within three hours, you can use “Star”.
The quantity should be minimal.
It is important to ensure that the child does not harm himself by carelessly handling the ointment: does not transfer traces of it to sensitive areas of the skin, does not bring it into the eyes, etc.

Reference. To treat children, “Golden Star” is most often used in the form of inhalations: a small amount of the substance is injected into boiling water and the child is allowed to breathe in the healing vapors.

Why is it useful?

The asterisk has been used for a long time because it is useful for several properties:

disinfects;
enhances local blood circulation;
makes breathing easier;
warms up the muscles;
nourishes the skin, eliminating the stratum corneum;
relieves itching;
eliminates pain;
relieves increased irritability;
stops nausea and dizziness.

In each case of illness, the remedy is used differently. Sometimes the smell of the balm is enough to feel an improvement.

Instructions for use

10 application points

Infographic: oxanakot.

Slightly above the outer edge of the eyebrows.
Center of the temporal fossa on both sides of the head.
Above the bridge of the nose, between the inner edges of the eyebrows is the so-called “third eye”.
On the temporal bone, 2 cm above the upper edge of the ear.
The place where the first and second metacarpal bones meet (between the index finger and thumb).
Just above the carpal fold is a depression between the ulna and radius.
Two centimeters from the nail on the second toe.
1 cm above the depression between the little finger and the 4th toe.
A depression near the highest point of the arch of the foot, on its inner side.
1 cm above the shin bone, on the inside of the leg.

Rules of acupressure

Rubbing is done in a circular motion clockwise.
The areas located on the head are treated first. Here, short point pressure is sufficient, without active circular movements or rubbing.
Symmetrical points are massaged either simultaneously or alternately, but in one approach.
In one session, 3–5 points are affected.

Attention! Apply the product carefully and in small quantities to areas near the eyes. Make sure that the ointment does not accidentally get on the mucous membranes and does not leave a burn.

Quantity

For the face area, a volume of ointment comparable to a match head is sufficient. Excessive application will not enhance the effect, but will create discomfort: the vapors of the balm can cause lacrimation.
For points located on the limbs, you can use a little more “Star” (the amount should fit on the tip of your finger).

Important! In one session of pain-relieving massage, you should use no more balm than can fit on the tip of a teaspoon.

Timing

From the moment of application to the feeling of the effect of the procedure, it usually takes about 20 minutes.

For acupuncture points

The asterisk is also effective in treating various diseases using acupuncture:

for the flu, the ointment is rubbed into the points at the base of the thumb on the outside, on the back of the wrist, in the area of the cervical spine;
for abdominal cramps - above the navel and to the right of it, as well as on the leg below the kneecap;
for pain in the area of the facial nerve - on the forehead in the center above each eyebrow and above the upper lip;
if the elbow joint is bothering you – on its bend and wrist;
for ear pain, rub the product into a point above the tragus, massage the lobe, the base of the thumbs and toes;
for knee pain - in the bend of this joint, below the cup and in the middle of the calf;
for radiculitis, the ointment is rubbed into points above the coccyx and in the lower part of the thoracic spine, as well as the knee joint and on its bend.

Contraindications

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug. In case of allergic manifestations, it is necessary to stop using the product and wash off its residues from the skin with plenty of clean water.
Age up to two years.
Bronchial asthma or asthmatic bronchitis. Essential oils can provoke spasms in the bronchi.
Diseases and damage to the skin. If there are scratches, wounds (including pustular) or irritated areas on the skin (as a result of mechanical stress or any disease), the ointment can increase inflammation, cause discomfort and pain, and slow down regeneration.
Pregnancy with pronounced manifestations of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Individual components of the ointment have their own set of contraindications and can cause undesirable effects for some ailments:

Eucalyptus oil is contraindicated for atrophy of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
Peppermint oil and menthol, which have invigorating properties, can cause insomnia when used at night.
Cinnamon oil is not recommended for use during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Camphor is prohibited if you are prone to seizures or epilepsy.

For beautiful legs

The asterisk helps make your legs more beautiful because:

gently stimulates local blood circulation, normalizes lymph outflow, that is, makes veins less noticeable in the initial stage of varicose veins;
eliminates calluses, softening the skin, preventing excessive keratinization;
relieves fatigue.

Each problem has its own treatment method:

when tired, apply the product to the legs, calves in the direction of the lymph flow, massage lightly;
They do the same thing if small vessels are visible, heaviness bothers you;
apply a thicker layer to the calluses and put on socks (it’s more convenient to do this at night).

Solving related problems

Photo: Depositphotos.com. Author: ppl1958.

Often headaches are accompanied by other unpleasant sensations. “Golden Star” will help you cope with them too.

Cough, nasal congestion. Since a headache can occur as a result of a cold or acute respiratory viral infection, “Zvezdochka” will ease the course of the disease. Menthol and mint oil in the miraculous ointment will constrict blood vessels, helping to relieve swelling in the respiratory tract and, as a result, ease breathing. While eucalyptus, rosehip and camphor oils will soothe the cough center.
Increased body temperature. Clove oil, provided in the recipe, has thermoregulating properties.
Symptoms of stress and fatigue. The components of Vietnamese balm will calm the nervous system, relieve tension, and eliminate anxiety.
Increased performance. The drug has a beneficial effect on brain activity, improves memory and concentration, increases the speed of reaction and thought processes. In the morning, “Zvezdochka” can speed up your awakening no worse than a cup of strong coffee.

The main property of the legendary Golden Star balm is the ability to quickly relieve pain, coupled with the naturalness of the components and a small number of contraindications.

Are there any analogues

There are no complete analogues of the balm in composition, but there are products that are similar in effect for some diseases:

Fenistil for pain in muscles, joints, limb injuries;
Menovazin for the same problems;
Balm Strong for rhinitis, cough, sprains, migraines;
Vixactive for colds.

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“Golden Star” not only relieves discomfort and improves well-being, but also makes it possible to sometimes stop taking pills or reduce their number. But do not overestimate the medicinal properties of this remedy. And there is no need to enhance the positive effect of it by exceeding the dosage.