Posted by Frank Griffo on Aug 7th 2025
Topicals Mox and Aquos
AQUOS & MOX — Griffo Botanicals Topicals
Topicals are a new addition for Griffo. We are excited to bring you these powerful options for treatment. We hope this article helps distinguish between these two families of products and sheds some light on new ways to think about and use these classic formulas.
AQUOS – Cooling Clarity
Inspired by the traditional Zheng Xie Gu Shui (often translated as “Bone-Knitting Water”), AQUOS blends classic herbal craft with a sleek, mess-free rollerball for targeted, quick-dry application. The name unites Aqua (water) + Os (bone), nodding to the classic name for this circulation-focused formula used for pain and injury.
We are proud to say this version of Bone Water will not leave your skin orange and won't make you feel like you stink of herbs the next day at the office. It leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and fresh and crisp with just the right amount of menthol and camphor to provide relief without overwhelming.
What AQUOS Is Great For
- Cooling areas that feel hot, overused, painful or fatigued after activity
- Everyday recovery rituals following workouts, bodywork, or long days on your feet
- Traditionally used to promote healthy circulation, ease soreness, and reduce the appearance of bruising and swelling
Application Instructions
- Roll over the desired area, rub in lightly, and let dry.
- Repeat 2–3× for best effect.
- Allow to absorb before covering with tight clothing.
MOX – Modern Moxibustion
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion (moxa) is the therapeutic use of Ai Ye (mugwort) for warming and invigorating the body. It’s widely used in acupuncture clinics to tonify yang and raise the energy. It can also be a self-care practice. In traditional usage, it’s chosen for patterns associated with cold and stagnation, and to support circulation and vitality.
Benefits of Moxa
- Cold & stagnation: feelings of sluggish digestion, low energy, cold hands/feet
- Comfort for monthly cycles and everyday muscular tension
- General resilience and warmth; circulation support
Modern research explores moxibustion’s effects on circulation and the immune system; classical texts highlight its role in promoting longevity and vitality.
What is “Liquid Moxibustion”?
To deliver moxa’s traditional warmth without smoke or ash, we extract Ai Ye into three topical formats. These let you enjoy the practice cleanly and conveniently—no burning required.
- MOX Spray — Quick coverage for larger areas like the lower back (mingmen) or lower abdomen (dantian). Shop MOX Spray
- MOX Drops — Precise application to individual points or with a cotton tip. Shop MOX Drops
- MOX Balm — Smooth, direct application for points or small regions with a nourishing finish. Shop MOX Balm
How to Use
- Apply to the desired area or acupuncture point and allow to absorb.
- Reapply as needed; many users find 2–3 applications helpful.
- Optional heat therapy: follow with gentle heat (TDP lamp or heating pad) for ~20 minutes to deepen the warming sensation.
Use Guidance & Contraindications
- Best suited for presentations that feel cold, sluggish, or stiff.
- Avoid on irritated or inflamed skin, and avoid use in hot weather or very warm environments if it feels uncomfortable.
- If pregnant, seek professional guidance before use.
- As with any topical, patch-test first and discontinue if irritation occurs.
Choosing Between AQUOS and MOX
| Goal | Choose AQUOS (Cooling) | Choose MOX (Warming) |
|---|---|---|
| After activity | Quick, clean, cooling finish | Optional if a gentle warmth still feels good |
| Before activity | Less typical unless you prefer a cool start | Warm up areas that feel tight or sluggish |
| General feel | Crisp, fresh, fast-dry | Cozy, penetrating warmth |
Try both, match the moment
Keep both on hand—AQUOS for a cool reset; MOX for gentle warmth—so you can tailor the sensation to the situation. Clinicians: recommend AQUOS post-treatment and MOX pre-activity or on cooler days.
These statements describe traditional uses and modern best practices and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are for external use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow package directions and consult your practitioner with questions.