Herbal inhalers in Singapore
Just a couple of years ago, herbal inhalers were seen as something only aunties and uncles use. You can almost picture a caricature of them taking comically deep whiffs to clear their nasal packages, and this is part of the overall package which includes clearing their throats super loudly, and sitting cross-legged or kiao kah at the kopitiam.
Well, just as how the once aunty-esque claw clip is now a fashion staple, herbal inhalers seem to be a must-have accessory for Millennials and Gen Zs. We delve into how they experienced a surge in popularity – spoiler alert: it has to do with K-Pop! – and bring you a comprehensive list of the best herbal inhalers you can get in Singapore.
Table of Contents
- Herbal inhalers in Singapore
- What are herbal inhalers & why are they so popular?
- Where to buy herbal inhalers in Singapore
- 1. Hong Thai
- 2. Poy-Sian
- 3. Tiger Balm
- 4. Vapex
- 5. Siang Pure
- 6. Axe Brand
- 7. Eagle
- 8. Pastel
- 9. Dumble
- 10. GO2
- 11. Green Herb
- 12. Golden Cup
- 13. Cher-Aim
- 14. Green Seven
- 15. Inh
- 16. Peppermint Field
- 17. Vicks
- 18. Hurix’s
- 19. Cap Lang
What are herbal inhalers & why are they so popular?
Herbal inhalers are pocket-sized tubes or tubs containing a blend of natural herbs and essential oils. Users inhale them for quick and easy relief of symptoms such as nausea, blocked nose, sinus irritation, and headache without having to rely on medication.
Due to their highly portable nature and the fact that they usually cost around just $2 per stick, herbal inhalers are an affordable everyday companion to combat symptoms of discomfort.
In recent years, it has exploded in popularity largely because of Lisa from Blackpink waxing lyrical about it on various variety shows.
FYI, “ya dom” is the Thai term for nasal inhaler. “Ya” means medicine, and “dom” means to smell. The more you know!
Image adapted from: @pinksdom__ via Instagram
She was also photographed at an event holding a herbal inhaler from the brand, Hong Thai. That tiny detail led to Hong Thai’s stocks flying off the shelves in its home country of Thailand, and the popularity spread throughout the Southeast Asian region.
Fun fact: Lisa is also the one who kicked off the massive Labubu trend, so her influence is no joke.
Where to buy herbal inhalers in Singapore
Majority of herbal inhaler brands are from Thailand, including Hong Thai, which is arguably the most prominent one with its signature green tubs. It makes sense that you can find a huge selection at the Thai Supermarket at Aperia Mall. On our visit, we found more than 10 different brands among their shelves.
You can also find them at pharmacies, be it online or in-store:
- Watsons has Axe (local), Tiger Balm + Vapex (Thailand), GO2 (Britain), and Vicks (USA)
- Guardian has Eagle Brand (local), Peppermint Field + Siang Pure + Tiger Balm (Thailand), and Vicks (USA)
In fact, Vicks is such a household brand that you can find it at pretty much all supermarkets and department stores in Singapore.
Besides carrying all the brands mentioned above, Shopee also has regional brands like Hurix’s from Malaysia and Cap Lang from Indonesia that aren’t commonly found in local stores.
1. Hong Thai
One of the most popular brands, in iconic green tub
Image credit: @cici_cupu via Instagram
Hong Thai is probably the most popular and commonly spotted herbal inhaler, known for its tub form instead of the usual tube sticks. Its formula contains menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor. Fans claim that its sharp aroma is able to perk up their senses and help them focus when lethargy sets in. They also take some whiffs whenever they’re in environments with unpleasant smells, to mask stale odours.
Image credit: Shopee
Besides the original scent in the green tub, Hong Thai also has white and yellow variants. They comprise different herbal blends, so you can explore and see which is your fave.
Image credit: @defit_shop1 via Shopee
Meanwhile, the Hong Thai inhaler that Lisa was famously photographed with is the tube version.
Price: From $2.69 for tub, from $2.29 for stick
Get Hong Thai inhaler from Shopee.
Hong Thai inhaler review: “The Thai herbal smell is great, and it’s easy to carry in your handbag. Good to combat giddiness or vertigo when travelling.” – Shopee customer
2. Poy-Sian
Distinct colour strips to differentiate among users
Image credit: @mustgavinph via Instagram
Poy-Sian is another popular brand from Thailand that has made waves throughout Southeast Asia. The cool double-sided design has an inhaler stick on one end plus an essential oil dispenser on the other to apply directly to your wrists and temples.
You may have noticed that their tubes come with a series of cute coloured bands. When I first spotted them, I asked the retail staff if different colours meant different scents. She explained that they all have the same scent, and that the colours are for various members of the family to be able to differentiate which is theirs. You know it’s legit when everyone in the family owns one!
Price: $1.80
Get Poy-Sian inhaler from Shopee.
Poy-Sian inhaler review: “Smells really strong, exactly like the one I bought in Thailand. The inside is not dried up and the manufacturing date is just 3 months from when I received it.” – Shopee customer
3. Tiger Balm
Inhaler version of the beloved ointment scent
Image credit: @skinternational.ph via Instagram
Tiger Balm ointments are such a fan favourite that travellers stock up on them to bring home as souvenirs. If what you’re after is the soothing fragrance, get the herbal inhaler to savour it on the go. That way, you don’t have to worry about any oily and sticky residue from the ointment application.
Similar to the Poy-Sian design, the tube contains an inhaler as well as an essential oil dropper for topical application.
Price: $1.59
Get Tiger Balm inhaler from Shopee.
Tiger Balm inhaler review: “Ever since mask-wearing measures were relaxed post-Covid, my sense of smell has been very sensitive, especially on the MRT after work. I use this to overpower the odours.” – Shopee customer
4. Vapex
Double-ended applicator with eucalyptus-based formula
Image credit: Shopee
Known for its eucalyptus-based ointment that provides quick relief for headaches and nausea, the Vapex inhaler stick gives you the best of both worlds. It has an inhaler on one end and an ointment applicator on the other.
Try applying the ointment on your inner wrists for a soothing fragrance that lingers – good for situations where you might not be able to keep pulling out the inhaler.
Price: $1.83
Get Vapex inhaler from Shopee.
Vapex inhaler review: “Apart from using it when I’m sick, I hope that I can rely on it to quit smoking altogether. Of course it’s not made for that purpose, but so far it has worked well for me, coming from a heavy smoker.” – Shopee customer
5. Siang Pure
Inhaler version of the most popular medicated oil brand in Thailand
Image credit: @yuehwasingapore via Instagram
Siang Pure is the #1 most popular medicated oil brand in Thailand. They’re famed for having white, yellow, and red variations of their signature medicated oil, which are always bought as souvenirs for the fam.
The inhaler stick version gives you quick and convenient relief without worry of the glass breaking or oil spilling.
Price: $1.48
Get Siang Pure inhaler from Shopee.
Siang Pure inhaler review: “I like the 2-in-1 function, and the fact that I can refill the oil. The smell is not that strong, but overall not bad.” – Shopee customer
6. Axe Brand
Famous homegrown brand known for their medicated oil
Image credit: Red & Green Pharmacy via Facebook
Also a brand that’s renowned for its medicated oil, Axe Brand has its very own herbal inhaler series. This homegrown brand is a medicine cupboard staple across countless Singapore households.
The inhaler stick is a fan favourite for pocket-friendly relief of blocked and stuffy noses. Use it to support local!
Price: $1.75
Get Axe Brand inhaler from Shopee.
Axe Brand inhaler review: “Suitable for people who like the smell of Axe brand medicated oil. For me it’s a great smell, and it’s able to clear the blockage in my nose.” – @nightkids7118, Shopee
7. Eagle
Local brand with over 100 years of heritage
Image credit: Shopee
Another Singaporean brand, Eagle has over a century of heritage. They first made a name for themselves with their range of medicated oils and soothing balms.
The old-school design of the brand’s inhaler stick is an indicator of its tried and true efficacy, trusted for generations. It’s also super economical, priced at just $1.21 per stick online and from local pharmacies.
Price: $1.21
Get Eagle inhaler from Shopee.
Eagle inhaler review: “It has a strong smell. I’ve been using it for colds and I love to inhale it to clear my blocked nose.” – @estherzn, Shopee
8. Pastel
Wide range of colours & unique flip-out design
Image credit: @niichy_89 via Instagram
Pastel is for those who want a herbal inhaler that matches their aesthetic; ‘cause let’s face it, most of the designs are quite obiang. Besides coming in cute and colourful shades, including pastels like its name suggests, they also feature a cool flip-out design that resembles correction tapes from our secondary school days.
Other than the OG menthol scent, they also have a Fresh & Fruity series. Scents include lemongrass, mango, mixed berries, orange, and vanilla.
Price: $1.60 for original, $2.90 for Fresh & Fruity
Get Original Pastel inhaler or Fresh & Fruity Pastel inhaler from Shopee.
Pastel inhaler review: “It smells good. The flip-out design means you don’t have to worry about losing the cap.” – Shopee customer
9. Dumble
Collectible animal characters & double-tube design
Image credit: Face And Body
For a herbal inhaler that’ll definitely start conversations, go for Dumble. Their eye-catching design features cute animals and, although the scents are all the same, you’ll be tempted to collect all the available characters. They have wholesome names like Bob, Taffy, Cole, and Chaba. You could even trade with your friends to form a whole set!
They also have a unique double-tube design which allows you to inhale through 2 nostrils at once. We love the efficiency.
Price: $3.95
Get Dumble inhaler from Shopee.
Dumble inhaler review: “Despite the packaging which makes it seem like it’s suitable for kids, the herbal smell is quite strong. Seems to be more suitable for adults.” – Shopee customer
10. GO2
British brand with energy boosting & relaxation scents
Image adapted from: The Original GO2 via Facebook
A British brand enters the arena, largely dominated by Thailand and other ASEAN countries. GO2 goes beyond wellness, claiming to be an “energy stick”. Their formula comprises a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass, which aims to clear your breathing, stimulate focus, and combat fatigue.
On the flip side, they also have a B.Calm scent formulated with lavender, bergamot, and cardamom. It’s supposed to soothe and relax you with a few whiffs.
Price: $9.90
Get GO2 inhaler from Shopee.
GO2 Energy inhaler review: “It smells great but whether they actually give you energy, I’m not so sure.” – Ben Howard, Trustpilot
11. Green Herb
Minty formula with a cooling medicated oil
Image credit: Shopee
With its array of coloured bands, you might mistake Green Herb for the iconic Poy-Sian. After all, it’s also 2-in-1, with both an inhaler and a medicated oil applicator. What sets it apart is the fact that the formula contains peppermint, which Poy-Sian’s does not.
The herbal inhaler portion is great for those who enjoy a minty and invigorating kick when sniffing. And if you’re applying it topically, you’ll get a nice cooling sensation for relief on hot and sunny days.
Price: $1.41
Get Green Herb inhaler from Shopee.
Green Herb inhaler review: “It smells really good and minty, quality is exactly the same as the ones I bought from Bangkok.” – Shopee customer
12. Golden Cup
Comes in lavender & lemon scents
Image credit: The Face Holic
Golden Cup sports the handy 2-in-1 design as well. Unlike most brands which have just 1 herbal formula, their inhaler sticks come in 2 flavours: lavender and lemon.
Those who are familiar with lavender scents know that it’s practically synonymous with relaxing, often used in massage oils or sleep aids to soothe muscles and ease nerves. Meanwhile, the sharp citrusy notes of lemon are ideal for when you need a zesty energy boost.
Price: $1.90
Get Golden Cup inhaler from Shopee.
Golden Cup inhaler review: “The lemon scent is refreshing and strong. The lavender one has quite a “faded” scent, smells more like a regular herbal inhaler.” – Shopee customer
13. Cher-Aim
Potent formula to combat nausea & motion sickness
Image credit: Shopee
As one of the Thai brands that is more popular among the older crowd, Cher-Aim is known for its complex formula making use of various prized herbs and woods from the region. These include galangal, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, anise, and agarwood.
The resulting fragrance is extra potent and might take a while to get used to. This brand has been said to be especially effective in combatting nausea and motion sickness though, so it’s worth tahan-ing the strong aroma if you want to reap the wellness benefits.
Price: $2.99
Get Cher-aim inhaler from Shopee.
Cher-aim inhaler review: “The smell is the super strong herbal type. Anyone who is not used to this will find it overpowering.” – @sieu.thi.be.kemmm, Shopee
14. Green Seven
Tub form that can be used as an air freshener
Image credit: Dashuri Shop via Facebook
Taking a break from the tubes, let’s talk tubs. With its green design, you might mistake it for Hong Thai. Green Seven is also from Thailand, and it’s a popular pick for soothing nasal and chest congestion. This will stave your symptoms as you get over a bout of cold and flu!
Drivers also like to leave an open tub in their car to perfume the interior and make the air less stale.
Price: $5.44
Get Green Seven inhaler from Shopee.
Green Seven inhaler review: “I like the mild, minty scent. It’s a good gift especially for middle-aged people like myself who want something practical that can be used every day.” – Shopee customer
15. Inh
Premium inhaler tub with exotic ingredients
Image credit: The Go Go Thailand
At $11.90 per tub, this is definitely the priciest herbal inhaler on the list by a long shot. Inh’s formula comprises camphor, cinnamon, cardamom, sandalwood, orange, and lotus root. These premium ingredients go toward its very premium price tag, and it’s said to boast additional benefits as well.
Beyond just clearing your nasal passages and providing relief for symptoms like headache and nausea, its composition is also said to help improve blood circulation, which alleviates fatigue. We weren’t able to find reviews of it online, but it’s sold at the Thai Supermarket if you have twelve bucks to spare and are curious if it’s really that special.
Price: $11.90
Get Inh inhaler in-store from Thai Supermarket at Aperia Mall.
16. Peppermint Field
Aesthetic rainbow set perfect for gifting
Taking a leaf out of Poy-Sian and Green Herb’s books, Peppermint Field also has different coloured bands on their tubes to differentiate between users. Additionally, they also have an orange scent for those who prefer a refreshing citrus fragrance.
Their handy Rainbow Set of 7 original scented sticks are the perfect gift idea for the herbal inhaler addict in your life. If you’re wondering why the price is so steep and certainly a lot more than the price of an individual stick multiplied by 7, it’s because the set is limited edition and only available via overseas imports.
Price: $2.50 for individual stick, $26.64 for Rainbow Set
Get Peppermint Fields inhaler and Peppermint Fields Rainbow Set from Shopee.
Peppermint Fields inhaler review: “Helps with not just my sinus but stress relief as well.” – Shopee customer
17. Vicks
OG flu & allergies relief, in inhaler stick form
Image credit: @sblackbaq via Instagram
Vicks is arguably the brand that’s synonymous with cold and flu relief. You probably associate the smell of VapoRub with childhood nostalgia, and the VapoDrops lozenges are a reliable remedy whenever a sore throat hits.
Now you can savour the relieving effects of Vicks in inhaler form, wherever you are. In fact, it’s sold with a keychain attachment so you can have it by your side at all times.
Price: $3.70
Get Vicks inhaler from Shopee.
Vicks inhaler review: “Works wonders for my blocked or stuffy nose.” – @reenaerhh, Shopee
18. Hurix’s
Traditional herbal remedies brand from Malaysia
L-R: Cool, Morelief, Coldaway
Image adapted from: Hurix’s
Hurix’s is a pioneering herbal remedies brand from Malaysia. Their signature inhaler stick is loved by generations for being able to ease sinus congestion so you don’t sniffle the day away.
Besides the good ol’ original inhaler stick called Cool, they also have a Morelief formula which is more intense, to combat strong headaches and nausea. Plus, a Coldaway formula specifically targeting blocked or runny noses.
Price: From $3.82
Get Hurix’s inhaler from Shopee.
Hurix’s inhaler review: “The smell is more herbal than minty. Good as a nasal decongestant.” – Shopee customer
19. Cap Lang
Indonesian version of Eagle brand
Image credit: @berlinowner via Instagram
From the Indonesian arm of the Eagle brand, which is called Cap Lang, comes a product aptly named Inhaler Lang. I personally make sure to always cop a stick or two on my Batam trips; it does a great job to alleviate seasickness on the ferry rides back.
Although it comes from the same parent company, it’d be fun get your hands on each version to see if you can make out any differences in their aromas.
Price: $2.73
Get Cap Lang inhaler from Shopee.
Cap Lang inhaler review: “Very cooling and relieving to inhale it. Especially on warm days, smelling it makes it “winter” in your nose.” – Shopee customer
Best herbal inhalers to try in Singapore, available online & in stores
There you have it, a comprehensive list of all the herbal inhalers you can buy in Singapore. Do you prioritise age-old remedies, or cute aesthetics that won’t cramp your style with each whiff? There are herbal inhalers of all sorts, to suit every need and preference. In fact, they’re so affordably priced that you can stock up a varied stash and have an inhaler flight of sorts.
Check out our other product listicles:
Cover image adapted from: @pinksdom__ via Instagram, @defit_shop1 via Shopee, Face And Body