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Posted
April 19, 2025
In the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), few remedies are as iconic and time-honored as Zheng Gu Shui, a potent herbal liniment known colloquially — and somewhat ominously — as Evil Bone Water. Behind the peculiar nickname is a rich tapestry of history, martial arts medicine, and even imperial intrigue.
Today, the legacy of this powerful formula lives on in handcrafted versions like Zheng Gu Zhi, created by Shen Alchemy in Australia, offering a clean, modern take on an ancient classic.
Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind Zheng Gu Shui — where it came from, how it earned its devilish nickname, and how it’s used today to support muscle and bone wellness in a modern context.
What Does “Zheng Gu Shui” Mean?
The literal translation of Zheng Gu Shui (正骨水) is “Bone-Setting Water.” In TCM, it refers to a liquid (shui) used to correct (zheng) or realign bones (gu), particularly in the treatment of trauma, injuries, and pain involving bones, joints, and connective tissue.
It was traditionally used by martial artists, soldiers, and bonesetters to help “set” injuries and support recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and nourishing sinews.
So Why is it Called “Evil Bone Water”?
The nickname Evil Bone Water has several origin stories — but the most enduring and dramatic one involves an emperor and a stolen secret.
🐉 The Legend of the Stolen Recipe
According to folklore, a humble TCM bonesetter created a miraculous liniment used to mend injuries and broken bones. Word of this healing formula spread across the empire, eventually reaching the ears of the Emperor himself.
The Emperor demanded the recipe — but the bonesetter refused, wanting to keep it within his lineage. Furious, the Emperor sent guards to seize the formula. When he finally got his hands on it and saw its potency firsthand, he is said to have exclaimed:
“This is evil medicine — it fixes even the most broken bones as if they were never injured!”
Though he meant evil in an awestruck, almost superstitious way (as in unnaturally effective), the name stuck. It became known among the people as Evil Bone Water — a nickname that has endured for generations.
In this context, “evil” doesn’t mean bad or harmful — it’s more like saying “wicked powerful.” Think of it as the bone-mending equivalent of a “killer track.”
From Martial Arts to Medicine
Historically, Zheng Gu Shui was part of Dit Da (跌打) or “fall-strike” medicine — a branch of TCM developed by martial artists and bonesetters to treat injuries sustained in combat and training. Whether it was bruising, dislocations, fractures, or sprains, Dit Da liniments like Zheng Gu Shui were essential for keeping fighters on their feet.
Commonly used herbs included:
- Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria) – literally “mender of shattered bones”
- Xu Duan (Dipsacus) – “restore what is broken”
- Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) – blood-nourishing and pain-relieving
- San Qi (Notoginseng) – stops bleeding, reduces swelling
- Hong Hua (Safflower) – invigorates blood, dispels stasis
The base was typically high-proof alcohol, which both preserved the herbs and drove the active constituents deep into tissues when massaged into the skin.
Traditional Uses of Zheng Gu Shui
In classical TCM settings, Zheng Gu Shui has been used to support healing in:
- Bone fractures and dislocations (post-realignment)
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Sprains, strains, and joint swelling
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Deep bruising and hematomas
- Overuse injuries from training, farming, or manual labor
Its warming, blood-invigorating action made it especially useful for conditions rooted in Blood Stasis, Qi stagnation, and Cold-Damp obstruction, as described in TCM theory.
Modern-Day Revival: Artisan Formulations
Today, many commercial versions of Zheng Gu Shui exist — but some contain synthetic fillers, dyes, or petroleum derivatives, straying from the clean, natural formulations of the past.
In response, new brands have emerged that bring back the purity and potency of traditional Zheng Gu Shui, crafted with care and high-quality ingredients.
One of the most exciting modern versions is Zheng Gu Zhi by Shen Alchemy, made right here in Australia.
Zheng Gu Zhi by Shen Alchemy — Ancient Wisdom, Modern Craftsmanship
Zheng Gu Zhi (正骨止) is Shen Alchemy’s reimagined take on Evil Bone Water. The name means “Bone-Setting Stop” — a nod to both its lineage and its role in halting pain and inflammation.
Handmade in small batches using traditional techniques, Zheng Gu Zhi is:
✅ Australian-made
✅ Infused with traditional herbs
✅ Powered by camphor and menthol for a penetrating sensation
✅ Free from synthetic dyes, parabens, or petrochemicals
✅ Suitable for muscles, joints, and connective tissue support
Unlike factory-produced versions, Shen Alchemy’s formula is slow-infused to preserve the spirit of Chinese herbalism — combining deep respect for tradition with modern skin-friendly standards.
Whether you’re an acupuncturist, athlete, or just someone dealing with chronic tightness or soreness, this liniment is a true ally.
How to Use Zheng Gu Zhi
- Massage a small amount into the area of discomfort
- Use 2–3 times daily for best results
- Ideal for tight necks, sore backs, bruises, and overworked joints
- Do not apply to broken skin
Where to Buy
Zheng Gu Zhi is available exclusively through Shen Alchemy’s official website.
In Summary
Zheng Gu Shui — or Evil Bone Water — is more than a muscle liniment. It’s a story. A legacy. A whispered tale of emperors, bonesetters, and centuries of herbal wisdom packed into a humble bottle.
Thanks to modern makers like Shen Alchemy, the spirit of this ancient remedy continues to evolve — clean, powerful, and made with integrity. Whether you’re treating yourself or your patients, Zheng Gu Zhi invites you to step into the lineage of healing that spans dynasties.
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