Black Ghost Pain Relieving Oil

Black Ghost Oil, also known as Hak Kwai oil, is a penetrating massage oil made by Koong Yick. It is used for temporary relief of deep bone bruises, aches in muscles and joints, backache, arthritis, and strains. It contains very potent oils, and it is for external use only, never to be taken by mouth.

In TCM terms Black Ghost Oil is said to expel wind-dampness from the muscles, move Qi, disperse phlegm, open the orifices, and create warmth. That warming, moving quality is why it is favored for deep, achy, stubborn soreness, including the kind that feels worse when it is cold or damp.

The ingredients are medical grade turpentine oil (50 percent), wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate), thymol oil, citronella oil, and thyme oil. This combination is what gives the oil its strong, penetrating, warming feel on the skin and its distinctive medicinal scent.

Apply a small amount to the sore area and massage it in. Use it no more than 3 to 4 times daily. Because it is so potent, a little goes a long way. Wash your hands well afterward and keep it away from the eyes, mouth, and other sensitive areas.

Children under 2 years old should see a physician before using it. Do not apply it to broken or irritated skin, and avoid it if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates, since it contains methyl salicylate. Avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and check with your doctor if you take blood thinners. Do not cover the area tightly or use it with a heating pad.

Both are external Chinese liniments for aches and injuries, but they feel different. Black Ghost Oil is a strong, warming oil favored for deep bone bruises and achy, wind-damp type soreness. Zheng Gu Shui is an herbal liniment traditionally used to move stagnant blood after strains, sprains, and bumps. Many martial artists keep both on hand.

Yes. It is mentioned in Tom Bisio's well-regarded book, A Tooth From the Tiger's Mouth, which covers how Chinese martial artists have traditionally cared for training injuries. In that tradition, oils like this are a key part of the herbal training formulas used for the bruising that comes with hard practice.

Yes, expect a strong medicinal scent from the turpentine and wintergreen oils, with herbal notes from the thyme and citronella. Most people find it fades as the oil absorbs. The bottle holds 1 fl oz (30 ml), and since you only need a small amount at a time, it lasts a good while.