Vietnamese balm, also widely known as the “Golden Star,” is a product familiar to generations of people living in the former Soviet Union. For decades, this extraordinary balm was present in almost every household, school bag, travel kit, or workplace. Even today, despite the abundance of modern pharmaceutical products, the Golden Star balm remains extremely popular due to its effectiveness, accessibility, and all-natural composition. With the growing interest in natural and traditional remedies worldwide, this balm has regained leading popularity and is once again recognized as a simple yet powerful multifunctional remedy.
One of the key reasons for its long-lasting success is its versatility. The Golden Star balm can be used by almost every member of the family, with the exception of infants and toddlers. Its range of applications is remarkably broad, making it useful for treating various symptoms, from congestion and sinusitis to headaches, cough, insect bites, and even mild muscle aches. When used correctly, it can provide significant benefits for overall health and well-being.
Many people genuinely enjoy its strong, distinctive aroma—an intense blend of menthol and essential oils. This scent alone often gives the impression that the nasal passages are already opening. In fact, this sensation is not just psychological: the balm’s unique mixture of volatile oils directly stimulates the nasal mucosa, helping to relieve nasal congestion almost instantly. This effect is the main reason it is widely used for inhalation therapy during colds, sinusitis, and various forms of rhinitis.
The Golden Star balm is made entirely from natural plant-based ingredients. Its formula contains a powerful combination of essential oils with therapeutic properties. These oils have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and analgesic effects. The balm works by gently irritating sensitive nerve endings at the application site, increasing blood flow and triggering a sensation of warmth. As a result, discomfort, itching, pain, or congestion gradually decrease. This mild irritant effect also plays a role in its “distraction mechanism,” where the brain focuses on the sensation caused by the balm rather than the original pain, providing noticeable relief.
The antiseptic qualities of the essential oils in the balm make it particularly effective when used for inhalations. The volatile components penetrate the inflamed areas of the respiratory tract, helping to reduce inflammation, soften irritated mucous membranes, and lower the risk of swelling and blockage. This explains why many people use the balm for both dry and productive coughs, as well as during the early stages of respiratory infections.
The classic Golden Star formula contains the following key ingredients:
• Menthol
• Peppermint oil
• Clove oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Paraffin
• Beeswax
• Vaseline oil
• Anhydrous lanolin
These components work together harmoniously. The oily base—paraffin, lanolin, beeswax, and petroleum jelly—helps the balm stay on the skin for a long time, preventing quick evaporation. At the same time, the essential oils gradually penetrate the skin, providing prolonged therapeutic action. The result is a long-lasting, consistent effect that makes the product reliable in many different situations.
Although the product is almost entirely natural, this does not mean it is suitable for absolutely everyone. Natural ingredients can sometimes cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or sensitivities to essential oils. For this reason, it is recommended to test the balm on a small area of skin before using it for the first time. If no redness, itching, or irritation appears within a few minutes, it is safe to apply more generously.
In its home country—Vietnam—the Golden Star brand includes several different product varieties, all serving specific purposes. The most popular ones include:
• Classic solid balm
• Liquid balm
• Specialized inhalation solution
• Cooling effect plaster
• Syrup for respiratory symptoms
• Nasal drops
• Herbal tincture
• Aerosol spray
Each version has unique characteristics, allowing users to choose the most suitable form depending on their symptoms. For example, the liquid balm absorbs faster and is easier to apply on larger surfaces, while the solid balm is ideal for applying directly under the nose or on the temples. The inhalation solution, on the other hand, is specifically designed to be added to hot water to create steam inhalations.
Despite its benefits, the Golden Star balm must be used carefully. It should always be kept out of reach of small children. If the balm accidentally gets into the eyes, it can cause irritation, burning, and redness. In some cases, it may even trigger an allergic reaction. Additionally, the product is not recommended for children under two years old, as their skin and respiratory systems are still extremely sensitive, and strong essential oils may cause discomfort or breathing difficulties.
The Golden Star balm has stood the test of time because it provides quick, noticeable results without synthetic additives or complicated instructions. Whether someone is suffering from sinus pressure, headache, toothache, persistent cough, or the discomfort of a cold, this balm serves as a reliable home remedy. It is inexpensive, widely available, and incredibly easy to use—qualities that make it a favorite across generations.
Many people consider it a symbol of natural healing, a small but powerful remedy that proves you don’t always need expensive pharmaceutical solutions to feel better. The strong aroma, warming sensation, and natural composition make it an iconic product that continues to help millions of people around the world.
Ultimately, the Golden Star balm is more than just a simple ointment—it is a part of cultural memory, a traditional remedy that has earned trust through decades of consistent results. Its simplicity, effectiveness, and natural origins ensure that it will continue to be used for many years to come.
