That was the comment Liu Chi-chou, DOH director of pharmacology, made when reporters told him that muscle cream had killed a U.S. track star.

Ariele Newman died of methyl salcylate poisoning. The chemical is contained in the muscle cream she constantly used to relieve an aching leg. Methyl salcylate is a painkiller. People apply methyl salcylate pads where it aches or rub in muscle-relaxing creams such as Bengay.

In Taiwan, more people use Hunghua Yu or Red Flower Oil or Tiger Balm to ease pain. Both contain methyl salcylate.

Liu said, “But proper dosage — that is, if you don’t use it too often or too long — can never lead to death. It’s not fatal.”

Liu cautioned against drinking too much grapefruit juice and applying too much muscle cream too often — and at the same time. “They will have a synergetic effect,” he added.

On the other hand, the pharmacologist warned, parents shouldn’t get children hooked on Tiger Balm or Red Flower Oil.

Some catchphrases for the popular pain-killing balm and oil are “rub it on the chin when a tooth aches” and “rub it on the belly when the stomach aches.”

“It’s effective in easing aches,” Liu went on. “But,” he cautioned, “don’t let children swallow either Tiger Balm or Red Flower Oil.”

For chronic aches, Liu added, people should see a doctor and get a prescription. “Follow the doctors’ orders,” he said, “and you’ll always be safe.”

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