Evil Bone Water: Summer’s Secret Weapon
With summer—and mosquitos—arriving with such force this year, I find myself wanting to spread the word about Evil Bone Water. Erin and I use it for almost everything. We keep a bottle in each car, in the shed, in the kayak bags, in the first aid kit—and I always bring one into the clinic.
It’s the kind of thing that seems almost too good to be true, until you start using it. Then you find yourself reaching for it constantly: after hikes, after treatments, after bites, burns, or bruises. It’s earned a permanent place in our home, our work bags, and our travel kits.
Despite its ominous name, Evil Bone Water is one of the most beloved and effective external liniments in the Chinese medicine world. Based on the classical formula Zheng Gu Shui (正骨水), or “bone-setting water,” it was originally developed to support martial artists and manual laborers recovering from injury. But the modern formulation—crafted in small batches by a licensed herbalist and acupuncturist—has become a trusted staple for practitioners, parents, athletes, and anyone who moves through the world with curiosity, vulnerability, or physical strain.
What It’s Used For
Evil Bone Water isn’t just for “evil bones”—it’s a trusted tool for daily discomforts, healing support, and those odd little ailments that creep in with modern life. Based on the classical Zheng Gu Shui formula, it moves Qi and Blood, eases pain, calms inflammation, and clears heat from the surface—all in a fast-absorbing, deeply penetrating liniment.
Here are just some of the ways I’ve used and recommended it in clinic, at home, and in wild places:
Muscles & Joints
Sore neck and shoulder tension from sleep, stress, or screen time
Achy knees, ankles, hips—especially with arthritis or damp weather
Post-workout fatigue or delayed-onset soreness
Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff strain, tennis or golfer’s elbow
Sciatica, IT band tightness, low back pain (with or without disc involvement)
Tendonitis, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis
Injury & Recovery
Bruises, contusions, sprains, and minor strains
Pulled muscles or overstretched ligaments
First-aid support for minor cuts and scrapes (after bleeding stops)
Healing support for shallow burns (kitchen burns, sunburns, friction burns)
Post-op care: once the wound is closed, apply around the area to soften scar tissue, reduce tightness, and promote circulation
Head, Nerves & Sensory Relief
Tension headaches—dab on temples or back of neck
Sinus congestion or jaw tension—apply lightly near sinuses or along jawline
Nerve pain—sciatica, post-herpetic neuralgia, numbness, tingling
Skin, Bites & Summer Troubles
Mosquito, spider, or ant bites—immediate relief for swelling and itch
Mild rashes, poison ivy, skin irritation (test first for sensitivity)
Chafing or irritation under heat and humidity
Natural bug repellent—dab on pulse points or lightly mist on clothing
Digestive & Prenatal Uses
Nausea, especially during pregnancy—apply to PC6 (inner wrist), behind the ears, or simply inhale from the cap
Feet, Circulation & Sleep
Rub into the soles of the feet before bed for leg cramps, foot pain, or to soothe overworked legs
Use along the calves or thighs to support lymphatic flow and move stagnation
A gentle ritual for people on their feet all day—or in recovery from illness or depletion
Prenatal & Postpartum Support
Evil Bone Water is also a valuable ally during pregnancy and postpartum recovery—when treatment options are limited, but the body is working overtime.
During pregnancy, I often suggest it for:
Morning sickness or queasiness – A drop on the inside of the wrist (at PC6), behind the ears, or simply inhaled from the cap can help ease nausea. The aromatic herbs calm the Stomach and help redirect rebellious Qi.
Always avoid using it on the lower abdomen, any open skin, or over contraindicated acupoints (like SP6). And as always, check in with your provider before use if you're unsure.
Postpartum, Evil Bone Water supports:
Neck and shoulder tension from nursing, holding, and baby-wearing.
Post-C-section support – Once the incision is fully closed and healed, it can be applied to surrounding tissue to reduce tightness and improve circulation.
General muscle fatigue – Rub into tired legs, sore feet, or wherever your body is calling for attention.
Many of my patients end up sharing their bottle with their partners, teenagers, or parents—because once it’s in the house, everyone seems to find a use for it.
What’s In It (and How It Works)
Evil Bone Water is crafted with meticulous attention to quality—handmade in small batches with ethically sourced, imperial-grade herbs, ultra-pure water, and potent grain alcohol. The result is a clean, effective, and trustworthy liniment that delivers real results.
Ultra-pure water base: Each batch begins with water that has been filtered, softened with natural salt, UV-sterilized, and ionized to support optimal herbal extraction.
High-proof alcohol: The formula uses 190-proof, food-grade grain alcohol—not denatured or cosmetic-grade ethanol—which allows the herbs to penetrate deeply and act quickly.
Imperial-grade herbs: Every herb is selected for its potency and purity, grown with care or responsibly wildcrafted. Highlights include:
Tian Qi (San-Qi): Reduces swelling, stops bleeding, and alleviates pain.
Gui Pi (Cinnamon bark): Warms the channels, relaxes muscles, and promotes healthy circulation.
Camphor & Menthol: Derived from natural sources (not synthetic), these aromatic compounds move Qi, clear heat, and deliver cooling warmth with a pleasant tingle.
Hu Zhang (Japanese knotweed), E Zhu (Zedoary), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Qian Jin Ba, and Bai Niu Dan: Traditional herbs known to break up stagnation, reduce inflammation, clear dampness, and support detoxification.
Every ingredient is tested for authenticity, cleanliness, and strength—resulting in a liniment that is as safe as it is potent.
This isn’t just a cooling rub or sports spray. Evil Bone Water is a medicinal liniment rooted in centuries of East Asian trauma care—designed to do more than soothe. It activates circulation, reduces swelling, and brings the body’s own healing intelligence to the surface.
Deep tissue delivery: The alcohol and water base allows the herbs to reach beyond the skin, into muscles, fascia, and joints.
Circulation booster: Key herbs activate local blood flow, helping to disperse stagnation and bring nutrients into injured or tight tissue.
Inflammation relief: Botanical compounds address swelling and heat at the source, rather than masking it.
Pain support: Camphor, menthol, and warming resins offer fast-acting comfort while the deeper herbs work to resolve the root.
The result is a bottle you’ll reach for again and again—not just because it works, but because your body recognizes it as medicine.
How to Use It
Shake the bottle well before use. Apply a small amount directly to the area of concern and massage gently. Let it dry before covering with clothing.
Use up to three times daily for acute issues, or as needed for general aches and recovery. You can store a bottle in your fridge for an extra cooling effect in the summer, or layer it with heat for chronic, cold-sensitive conditions like arthritis.
Do not apply to broken skin, mucous membranes, or the face. Do not ingest. Keep out of reach of children. And always consult your practitioner before using in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
Where to Find It
Evil Bone Water is now available through Line & Needle, for $45 per 4oz bottle. You can choose flat-rate shipping ($5) or local delivery within 15 miles of Richmond, VA.
If you’re already a patient, you’ll also find it stocked at the clinic—just ask at your next visit, or reach out to coordinate pickup or delivery.
It’s a small thing that can make a big difference, and I’m glad to finally offer it directly.
Why It Belongs in Every Bag
It’s easy to think of herbal liniments as something reserved for clinics or athletic trainers, but Evil Bone Water is one of those rare things that straddles both worlds: it’s serious medicine, and it’s also a daily tool. That’s part of what makes it so valuable. It fits in your hand, it works in minutes, and it supports the body in doing what it does best—heal.
If you’re curious about it, feel free to ask me at the clinic or explore the shop. I’m always happy to share more about how we use it, why we trust it, and how to get a bottle into your hands. It’s one of the few things I recommend without hesitation.
