What Is the Best Combo for Pain? How to Choose the Right Topical Relief

Willard Sheppy Dipl. OM, LAc, BS
Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder of Valley Health Clinic specializing in using Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions, and to improve sports performance and rehabilitation.
Table of Contents
What is the best combo for pain?
Blood Bone Combo
The Blood & Bone Combo pairs two of the most powerful topical remedies in the store. Perfect for climbers, CrossFit athletes, martial artists, and anyone seeking faster, more complete recovery.
Blood Bone Combo
Best For: Injury recovery, wound healing, skin repair, bruising, post-surgical healing.
Key Ingredients We Are Highlighting
When to Choose Blood Bone Combo
- You have a recent injury such as a sprain, strain, or contusion.
- You are recovering from surgery.
- You want bruising to resolve faster.
- You have a wound or skin damage that needs to heal.
- You have chronic skin issues such as rough or cracked hands.
- Your pain is accompanied by visible swelling or discoloration.
Pain Power Combo
Combine the synergistic effect of our two best-selling topicals. They work together in separate but complementary ways to quickly eliminate your pain. These two products are the Yin and Yang of pain relief.
Pain Power Combo
Best For: General pain relief, multiple pain types, nerve pain, when unsure of cause.
Key Ingredients We Are Highlighting
Why This Combination Works
- Evil Bone Water provides fast-acting, sensation-based relief through counter-irritancy.
- Corydalis Relief Salve provides slower, longer-lasting relief through central nervous system modulation.
- Together, the pair works like a sprinter and a marathon runner on the same team.
When to Choose Pain Power Combo
- You have general aches and pains without a specific injury.
- You are not sure exactly what is causing your pain.
- You have nerve pain or neuropathic symptoms.
- You want relief without intense heating or cooling sensations.
- You prefer a gentler, more calming approach.
- You want both immediate and sustained relief.
Fire and Ice Combo
The Fire & Ice Combo pairs two opposing forces for fast, complete pain relief. Red Emperor’s Immortal Flame brings warming circulation and energy flow. Evil Bone Water brings cooling anti-inflammatory power. Together they cover both sides of pain
Fire and Ice Combo
Best For: Strong heating/cooling relief, stubborn muscle pain, when other products are not strong enough.
Key Ingredients We Are Highlighting
The Added Heat
Wintergreen (Methyl Salicylate)
Activates TRPV1, TRPM8, and TRPA1. In the skin it converts to salicylic acid, so you get both counter-irritancy and anti-inflammatory action.
Cayenne (Capsaicin)
Creates genuine, long-lasting changes in pain nerves, from initial TRPV1 activation to nerve terminal retraction and substance P depletion.
Mustard Seed (AITC)
The most potent natural TRPA1 activator known, causing intense and persistent activation.
Ginger
Provides gentler warming through TRPV1 and TRPA1 while also inhibiting COX-2 and NF-kB pathways.
When to Choose Fire and Ice Combo
- You respond well to strong heating and cooling sensations.
- You like to feel products working.
- You have stubborn muscle pain that has not responded to milder products.
- You are an athlete or do physical labor.
- Previous products have not felt "strong enough."
A word of caution: This is a strong combo. If you have sensitive skin, start with a small test area. The mustard and cayenne components are not mild.
Trifecta Combo
Introducing the Ultimate Pain Relief Bundle, an exclusive combination package that brings together three of our most sought-after pain relief solutions: Evil Bone Water, Red Emperor Immortal Flame, and Corydalis Relief Salve.
Trifecta Combo
Includes: Evil Bone Water + Red Emperor’s Immortal Flame + Corydalis Relief Salve
Best For: Everything – maximum coverage, severe or complex pain situations
The Three-Base Advantage
| Product | Base | Apply | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evil Bone Water | Alcohol + water | First | Fastest acting; alcohol evaporates and drives menthol and camphor in quickly |
| Red Emperor's Immortal Flame | Olive oil | Second | Breaks up the skin barrier; delivers warming agents; medium-duration release |
| Corydalis Relief Salve | Beeswax + coconut oil | Last | Slowest, most sustained release; seals everything in; adds central modulation |
How to Use the Trifecta
- Apply Evil Bone Water first. Let the alcohol evaporate until the skin feels dry, about 30-60 seconds.
- Apply Red Emperor's Immortal Flame second. This doubles down on skin sensations by adding wintergreen, cayenne, ginger, and mustard to the menthol and camphor already in play.
- Apply Corydalis Relief Salve last. This adds the central nervous system component and seals everything in with its occlusive base.
When to Choose Trifecta Combo
- You have severe or complex pain.
- Other products or combos have not provided enough relief.
- You want maximum coverage of all pain mechanisms.
- You have multiple types of pain simultaneously.
- You want the "full treatment" experience.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Combo | Main Focus | Sensation Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Bone | Healing & repair | Moderate | Injuries, bruising, wounds, surgery recovery |
| Pain Power | Broad pain relief | Gentle to moderate | General pain, nerve pain, when unsure of cause |
| Fire and Ice | Maximum sensation | Strong | Stubborn muscle pain; people who like to feel it working |
| Trifecta | Everything | Strong + sustained | Severe pain, complex situations, maximum coverage |
Personal Recommendations
My Personal Favorite: Evil Bone Water + Red Emperor's Immortal Flame
What I Would Use for a Thrown-Out Back
- Apply Evil Bone Water.
- Follow with Red Emperor's Immortal Flame.
- Then put a medicated patch over the whole area and go to bed.
If You Are New to Our Products
Questions and Disclaimer
A Note on Expectations
Topical products are one tool in a larger toolkit. They work best as part of a comprehensive approach to pain management that might include acupuncture, physical therapy, appropriate rest, and addressing underlying causes.
These combos offer meaningful relief through time-tested herbal formulas backed by modern research. The herbs in these products are not random. They are chosen based on centuries of clinical use and increasingly validated by scientific studies on their mechanisms.
Everyone's body is different. What works beautifully for one person might not be the perfect fit for another. That is why there are multiple options.
Questions?
Will Sheppy, L.Ac., DAc, NCCAOM Diplomate,
Valley Health Market,
shop.valleyhealthclinic.com
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Share on

By Will Sheppy, L.Ac
Recent Posts

Shu Hong Red Relief Skincare
Learn how your gut microbiome affects your teeth and gums and how improving your digestion can

How Corydalis Works for Pain: Internal and External Uses
Verified Willard Sheppy Dipl. OM, LAc, BS Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder

Mike: Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Founder of Emily Skin Soothers
Verified Willard Sheppy Dipl. OM, LAc, BS Willard Sheppy is a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) and Founder




