Golden Star Aromatic Balm

Golden Star Balm, locally known as Cao Sao Vàng, is an iconic Vietnamese aromatic balm that gained international fame during the late 20th century. Originally developed in the late 1960s based on traditional herbal medicinal formulas, it was mass-produced by state-owned pharmaceutical companies in North Vietnam to serve as a versatile remedy for headaches, colds, and insect bites.

The product is primarily manufactured in Vietnam, specifically by the Danapha Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company. It is composed of a blend of essential oils including camphor, menthol, peppermint, cajuput, and cinnamon.

Today, the brand remains a symbol of Vietnamese heritage. While it was once a staple of Soviet-era trade agreements and became highly popular in Eastern Europe, it has seen a modern resurgence as a global cult-classic health product. The ultimate ownership lies with Danapha, a major player in the Vietnamese pharmaceutical industry based in Da Nang.