Looking for a small, light gift that grandparents and parents in Vietnam will actually use every day? Eagle Brand medicated oil, the green “Con Ó” bottle many Vietnamese families grew up with, is a classic choice, alongside Salonpas patches and Bengay cream. Below: how the Eagle Brand versions differ according to their labels, how to match them to the person you are gifting, and how to pack them safely for shipping to Vietnam.
Why Eagle Brand medicated oil is still a go-to gift for elders
For many Vietnamese families, a little green bottle of dầu gió in grandma’s pocket is a familiar sight. The maker itself describes the product as a household staple for generations, known for its signature green color and herbal scent. When you are sending a care package home from the US, it also makes practical sense:
- Small and light: a 12-bottle pack fits into the gaps of almost any box.
- Easy to share: one pack can be split among grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors, which is perfect for Tết.
- Already familiar: older relatives usually know how they like to use it.
- Child-proof cap: according to the labels, the green versions and the 24 ml lavender eucalyptus bottle come with a child-proof cap, helpful in homes with grandchildren.
Eagle Brand medicated oil versions compared
All versions in the TCS Global store are sold in 12-bottle packs. Here is a quick comparison based on product labels:
| Version | Size | Label highlights | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green classic, 24 ml | 24 ml × 12 | Signature green oil, herbal scent, child-proof cap | The “original” elders know; sharing |
| Green classic, 36 ml | 36 ml × 12 | Same green formula, larger bottle | Keeping at home |
| Green roll-on, 8 ml | 8 ml × 12 | Rollerball applicator, no oil on your hands | Pockets and handbags |
| Yellow Refresh, 24 ml | 24 ml × 12 | Yellow oil with peppermint and clove bud | People who like a warmer scent |
| White lavender eucalyptus, 24 ml | 24 ml × 12 | Lavender and eucalyptus scent, child-proof cap | Those who find classic oil too strong |
| White aromatic roll-on, 8 ml | 8 ml × 12 | Roll-on with lavender and eucalyptus | Compact and gentle-smelling |
Stock changes from time to time, so check availability on each product page.
Bottle or roll-on?
The classic bottle is what most grandparents know. The roll-on applies oil precisely without getting it on your hands, ideal for people on the go. Unsure? Send a few of each.
On scent, the maker describes the white version as calming and less overpowering than classic oil, so it is usually the easier pick for anyone sensitive to strong smells.
Patches and creams: Salonpas, Eagle Brand plaster, Bengay
Many elders also rely on patches or rubs, all external pain-relief products with their own directions on the box.
- Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch, 140 Patches: the label lists three active ingredients (camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate) for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches such as backache, strains, sprains and bruises. The maker states up to 8 hours per patch, with stretchy fabric and rounded corners.
- Eagle Brand Medicated Plaster Extra Strength: a 5-patch pack from the same Eagle brand, labeled for muscle and joint pain associated with strains, sprains, backache and bruises. Easy to tuck into a gift box.
- Ultra Strength Bengay cream: a non-greasy topical cream with camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate, two 4 oz tubes per pack. Good for people who prefer a cream over oil or patches.
- Nanogize Longevity Essential Oil: 21 ml bottles in a 6-pack with gold packaging, described on the label for minor muscle and joint aches.
Matching the gift to the person
There is no single “best” option, so ask what your parents already use: green 24 ml bottles to share plus a few 36 ml bottles for home for classic fans, roll-ons for people on the go, a Salonpas box or Eagle Brand plaster for patch users, and Bengay for those who prefer a cream. Building a bigger wellness box? See our guide to US multivitamins for people over 50.
Use as directed
Medicated oils, patches and pain-relief creams are for external use. A few general reminders worth passing on:
- Read the Directions and Warnings on the package and follow them.
- Keep the products away from eyes and mucous membranes, and do not use them on broken skin if the label says so.
- Store out of reach of children, even with a child-proof cap.
- Anyone taking medication, with a health condition, pregnant, or using it on a child should ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
- If pain persists or gets worse, see a doctor.
Tip: labels are in English, so write the key directions in Vietnamese on a note and tape it to the box for your grandparents.
Quick takeaway: green for the classic scent, yellow Refresh for a warmer note, white for a softer smell, roll-ons for pockets. Salonpas, Eagle Brand plaster and Bengay make good add-ons. All are for external use only, exactly as the label directs.
Shipping medicated oil and patches to Vietnam
Medicated oil is a liquid in small bottles and a pain-relief product, so ask TCS before sending larger quantities. TCS may refuse items that are prohibited or restricted by law, customs or the airline; see what can and cannot be shipped to Vietnam.
- Keep bottles in their original packs, caps tight, standing upright.
- Seal each pack in a zip bag so a leak will not stain clothes or food.
- Place them in the middle of the box, cushioned by clothing or paper.
- Patches and Bengay tubes are light and fill the remaining gaps nicely.
More detail on liquids, glass and food is in our packing guide.
TCS Global flies 4 times a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). Estimated delivery is 5–10 days to Ho Chi Minh City and 10–14 days to other provinces, with door-to-door delivery anywhere in Vietnam. Every package gets its own tracking number for the tracking tool. Cost depends on weight (lb) and destination province; get a free estimate on our ship to Vietnam page. Optional insurance is 5% of declared value. For Tết 2027 (Lunar New Year’s Day is Saturday, February 6, 2027), ship early, ideally by early-to-mid January; see our Tết 2027 gift guide.
Buy directly from the TCS Global store (prices are on each product page; you just need a free account), use US proxy shopping for items from other retailers, or create a shipping label online if you live in another state.
Related products
- Eagle Brand Medicated Oil-24ml-Pack 12
- Eagle Brand Medicated Oil 36ml, 12-Pack
- Eagle Brand Medicated Oil Roll-On 8ml, 12-Pack
- Eagle Brand Medicated Oil Refresh-Peppermint Clove Bud, 24ml, 12-Pack
- Eagle Brand Medicated Oil Lavender Eucalyptus 24ml, 12-Pack
- Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch, 140 Patches
- Eagle Brand Medicated Plaster Extra Strength, 5 patches
- Ultra Strength BENGAY, Non-Greasy Topical Pain Relieving Cream, 8 Ounces
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between green and white Eagle Brand oil?
Mainly the scent. Green has the traditional herbal smell; white uses lavender and eucalyptus and is softer. Both are for external use; check each label for directions.
Can I ship medicated oil from the US to Vietnam?
Because it is a liquid and a pain-relief product, contact TCS first for advice on quantity and packing. Items restricted by regulations may be refused.
How long does one Salonpas patch last?
The label states up to 8 hours per patch. Follow the box directions on how many patches to use and how often.
Need help choosing or shipping? Call TCS Global at (714) 379-8787, message us on Zalo at (949) 979-6888, or visit 15131 Weststate St, Suite B, Westminster, CA 92683. Our bilingual team is happy to help you get these familiar comforts to your family.
