Po Sum On (保心安) Medicated Oil
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto — registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner (BAcC, RCHM) with over 25 years’ clinical experience.
Po Sum On — “Protect the Heart and Bring Peace” — is a warming Chinese medicated oil kept in many households for rubbing on aches, bruises and a cold, crampy stomach. It is a topical herbal liniment for external use (with a traditional practice of a few drops internally in some regions, which is not advised without guidance). It is self-care for minor aches, not a substitute for medical advice.
On this page
- What it is
- What it is used for
- Key ingredients
- How it is used
- Safety and cautions
- Frequently asked questions
- Related pages
1. What it is
Po Sum On is a traditional Chinese medicated oil — a warming, aromatic herbal liniment applied to the skin. Made in Hong Kong since the early 1900s, it is one of the best-known Chinese household oils, used to warm, move and soothe.
2. What it is used for
Applied externally, it is traditionally used to warm and relieve:
- Muscle aches, stiffness and tension
- Minor joint aches and cold, achy limbs
- Bruises and minor knocks (on unbroken skin)
- A tension headache, rubbed sparingly on the temples
- A cold, crampy, windy stomach, rubbed on the abdomen
- Itchy insect bites and travel aches
3. Key ingredients
It is an aromatic oil of warming and moving botanicals, typically including menthol, camphor, cinnamon and ginger oils and herbal extracts such as dragon’s blood resin, in a light oil base. It contains no animal products. Formulations vary by product — read the label, especially for camphor and menthol content.
4. How it is used
For external use: apply a few drops to the affected area and massage in gently, up to a few times a day. Keep well away from the eyes, broken skin and mucous membranes, and wash your hands after use. Follow the directions on the bottle.
5. Safety and cautions
- External use. Although some traditions take a few drops internally, do not swallow medicated oils without professional guidance — concentrated camphor is toxic if ingested.
- Babies and young children: camphor- and menthol-containing products can be dangerous for infants and young children, especially near the face — do not use on them without medical advice.
- Broken skin, eyes and mucous membranes: avoid; it will sting and irritate.
- Pregnancy: check with a professional before regular use.
- Skin reactions: stop if the skin becomes red, itchy or blistered; patch-test first if you have sensitive skin.
6. Frequently asked questions
What is Po Sum On oil used for?
Po Sum On is a warming Chinese medicated oil rubbed on the skin for muscle aches and stiffness, minor joint aches, bruises on unbroken skin, tension headaches (on the temples) and a cold, crampy stomach (on the abdomen). It is external self-care for minor aches.
Can you take Po Sum On internally?
Some regional traditions take a few drops internally, but this is not advised without professional guidance — concentrated camphor is toxic if swallowed. Treat it as an external oil unless a qualified practitioner directs otherwise.
Is Po Sum On safe for children?
Camphor- and menthol-containing oils can be dangerous for babies and young children, particularly near the face. Do not use it on infants or young children without medical advice.
Can I use it on my stomach for cramps?
It is traditionally rubbed gently on the abdomen for a cold, crampy, windy stomach. Use it externally only, keep away from broken skin, and see a doctor for severe or persistent abdominal pain.
