Evil Bone Water (Zheng Gu Shui): the story behind a traditional herbal liniment
Updated: 2 days ago
Evil Bone Water: a traditional herbal liniment with a memorable name
In the world of Chinese herbal traditions, few products have a name as memorable as “Evil Bone Water”. Despite the ominous name, it is simply an alcohol-based herbal liniment: a blend of herbs steeped in alcohol, made for use on the skin only.
I use it in my clinic and also keep the stock in my clinic shop, patients often ask what it is, so this post explains the name, the story, the ingredients and how to handle it safely.
The name and its background
Zheng Xie Gu Shui, usually translated as “bone-setting water”, is a well-known Traditional Chinese medicine formula. It is believed to date back centuries, with variations of the remedy appearing in classical Chinese medical texts. Originally used by martial artists and traditional healers, it was formulated to address the common injuries sustained during training and daily physical labour.
The peculiar English name "Evil Bone Water" likely emerged as a mistranslation or marketing adaptation when the product began appearing in Western markets. The dramatic name may reference its powerful effect on "evil" pain or the intense sensation it produces upon application.
How Evil Bone Water came about
Evil Bone Water was created by Mark Brinson, a Chinese medicine physician (DOM, LAC) in the USA. In an interview with the Journal of Chinese Medicine, he explains that he was introduced to Zheng Gu Shui by the Chinese doctors who taught at his acupuncture school, where it was a familiar sight in clinics, often sold in a red box. He used it in his own clinic for many years. He then spent around six months researching older versions of the formula and began making his own in small batches. Today it is made by Saint Apothecary and sold wholesale to practitioners.
Source: Brinson M, Maxwell D. ‘Mr Evil Bone Water’: An Interview with Mark Brinson. Journal of Chinese Medicine, Issue 137, February 2025, pp. 8–13.Composition and
Formulation
A bottle of Zheng Xie Gu Shui contains a precise blend of herbs suspended in an alcohol base.
According to the maker, the current formula contains:
Tian Qi / San Qi (San-Qi Ginseng)
Gui Pi (Cinnamon bark)
Zhang Nao (Camphor)
Bo He Nao (Menthol)
Hu Zhang (Japanese knotweed root)
E Zhu (Zedoary)
Bai Zhi (Angelica)
Ji Gu Xiang (Croton)
Qian Jin Ba (Flemingia root)
Bai Nui Dan (Elecampane)
190-proof (95%) potable grain alcohol, and water
The maker states that it is made with non-GMO ingredients, no additives or fillers, no artificial fragrance or colour and no animal-derived ingredients, and that the herbs are tested for heavy metals and pesticide residues. Formulas can change between batches, so always check the label on your own bottle.
The strong, medicinal smell comes largely from the camphor and menthol, and many people notice a cool feeling on the skin followed by warmth.
Handling it safely
External use only. Do not swallow.
Patch test on a small area of skin first, and stop using it if skin becomes irritated.
It contains about 95% alcohol and is highly flammable. Keep it away from flames and heat.
It can cause a strong tingling, cooling or numbing sensation, especially at first. If this is uncomfortable, rinse the area with water and stop using it.
Do not apply to broken skin, wounds, eyes, mouth or mucous membranes.
Do not cover with plastic or an airtight dressing.
Do not use over the abdomen or lower back (sacrum) during pregnancy.
Keep out of reach of children. It is not for babies or young children, so ask your GP or pharmacist before using it on an older child.
Wash your hands after use. It may stain skin and fabric.
If you would like to buy a bottle, you can find it in my shop.
This post is for general information only and is not medical advice.
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