A sore shoulder after a workout. A tight back after a long day. A bruise that makes everyday movement uncomfortable. When pain interrupts your routine, you want to understand your options—not just collect another product for the medicine cabinet. A product deserves a place there when you understand why it’s being recommended and how to use it appropriately. At Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Matthews, NC, one topical product you may encounter during your visit is Evil Bone Water. Behind the distinctive name is a topical preparation rooted in Chinese herbal medicine. Garrett Krause, licensed acupuncturist and owner of Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center, uses it frequently as a complement to care for patients experiencing pain.
What Is Evil Bone Water?
Evil Bone Water is a topical Chinese herbal preparation associated with the traditional formula Zheng Gu Shui. “Topical” means it is applied to the skin rather than taken by mouth.
The manufacturer, Saint Apothecary, describes its version as handcrafted in the United States using carefully sourced herbs and high-quality alcohol. For Garrett, using the formula alongside acupuncture and other treatments for patients with musculoskeletal discomfort brings a long-standing herbal tradition into everyday patient care.
Why Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center Uses Evil Bone Water
For Garrett, the appeal starts with his experience using the formula in practice. He applies it to nearly every patient who comes through the door with pain. He discusses muscle strains, sprains, bruising, and other musculoskeletal discomfort as reasons he reaches for it.
Patients also have the option to purchase Evil Bone Water from Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center for home use. That makes the product they encounter during treatment available between visits, too. If you’re interested in taking a bottle home, just ask during your next visit to the office.
A Complement to Personalized Treatment
Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center’s approach begins with listening to your story and understanding your goals. The clinic offers customized treatment plans and several modalities, including acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, shockwave therapy, taping, and heat therapy.
Within that plan, Evil Bone Water is a topical option used alongside treatment. For a recurring shoulder problem, for example, the conversation includes symptoms, function, and reassessment—not just where to apply the product. Understanding why the area hurts helps guide a thoughtful plan, with clear expectations about each part of care.
The Practitioner Behind the Formula
Behind Evil Bone Water is Dr. Mark T. Brinson, the company’s founder and an acupuncturist and herbalist with more than 30 years of experience in manual medicine, human performance, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. As a practicing acupuncturist, he focuses on pain and injury rehabilitation and human performance.
Dr. Brinson, a colleague of Garrett’s, introduced him to the product after experiencing success in his own practice with it. Garrett preferred this preparation to those he previously used and began incorporating it into his own practice.
Use With Guidance
Garrett describes the product as helpful for pain, inflammation, and bruising. The manufacturer’s FAQ also lists muscle and ligament discomfort, joint pain, bruising, and sprains among common uses.
For patients taking Evil Bone Water home, the next step is understanding how to apply it. During their appointments, they can learn how the product relates to the discomfort being addressed and discuss any questions about ingredients, skin sensitivity, and application.
A Product With a Personal Connection
Garrett also appreciates supporting a business that is a member of the Veteran Owned Business Project, as well as a company that manufactures in the United States. Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness works with the Community Care Program at the VA to provide free acupuncture to veterans; supporting a veteran-owned company is thereby especially meaningful.
Curious about whether Evil Bone Water belongs in your care plan? Contact Queen City Acupuncture & Wellness Center at 980-498-2895 or ask about it during your next visit. The team can discuss why it is used, what to expect, and whether a topical option makes sense for your concerns.