Coat Tonic

How it works

Arthritis Relief is based on a Chinese herbal formula called Si Miao San or Si Miao Wan, used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the lower body.

Human clinical studies and research into Si Miao San or Si Miao Wan have demonstrated efficacy in cases of arthritis, gouty arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, dermatitis and fungal infections. The formula can be used both internally, and externally as a topical herbal wash. Veterinary clinical applications include osteoarthritis, polyarthritis, cellulitis, infectious or immune-mediated forms of arthritis (e.g. associated with Lyme disease), canine rheumatoid arthritis, feline military dermatitis, polymyositis, spondylosis, perianal and perivulvar dermatitis, chronic urinary tract infection, recurrent pyoderma and equine scratches. Due to its broad scope, this is one of the most commonly used formulas in veterinary medicine. 

Traditional understanding

Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis clears heat and dries dampness from the lower body. Rhizoma Atractylodis strengthens the digestive function to dry dampness and reduce the impact of dietary-associated inflammatory factors. Semen Coicis promotes urination and strongly drains dampness and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae enhances the Liver and Kidney function to strengthen the tendons and bones.

In Chinese Medicine inflammation in the lower body is often a result of damp-heat accumulation. Dampness refers to stagnant or thickened pathological fluids, and heat refers to the inflammatory process. Dampness, especially when chronic, tends to manifest in the lower body, as it is heavy and sinking in nature. Those affected tend to feel heavy, sore and inflamed. The urogenital region is also prone to damp-heat pathologies, resulting in scanty or cloudy yellow urine, vaginal discharge or dermatitis.

Combinations

When the appetite is affected, or there is fatigue, weight loss or persistent low-grade fever, combine with Herbal Creatures Appetite Boost

Ingredients

Directions for use

Take 3 spoons (9 grams) once daily in wet food.
Acute symptoms: Take 3 spoons (9 grams), 3 times daily in wet food.

• For all ages and weights, an extra dose may be taken to enhance results or as professionally advised.
• Always consult with a qualified veterinary practitioner before taking herbal medicines and nutritional supplements.
• Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your veterinary practitioner.

The formula can be used both internally, and as a topical herbal wash, by cooking up the herbs and soaking in the solution.

References

Scheid, Volker et al (Chinese herbal Medicine Formulas and Strategies 2^nd Ed), 2009; 961-964

How it works

Anger Management is based on a Chinese herbal formula called Wen Dan Tang, used to treat disharmony in the body that primarily manifests in behavioural disorders. The formula is particularly useful if the behavioural disorders are accompanied by digestive upset. One of the primary herbs, Caulis Bambusae In Taenia has antibacterial, anti-emetic and expectorant properties, and another, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, is a potent digestive system regulator. Human clinical studies and research have demonstrated positive results in the treatment of vertigo, various psychiatric disorders and epigastric pain.

Traditional understanding

Wen Dan Tang, although suitable for the treatment of anger and other behavioural disorders that most likely stem from an underlying anxiety or fear, is not a sedative formula by any means. The formula addresses a deeper cause, which in this case involves stagnation (a lack of flow in the body, such as may occur from emotional or behavioural suppression), the generation of heat, and a weakening of the digestive system. As is often the case in Chinese medicine, the digestive system is at the core of this pattern, and the behavioural disorders ultimately arise as result of poor digestive function.

Ingredients

Directions for use

• Take 3 spoons (9 grams) once daily in wet food.
  Acute symptoms: Take 3 spoons (9 grams), 3 times daily in wet food.
• For all ages and weights, an extra dose may be taken to enhance results or as professionally advised.
• Always consult with a qualified healthcare veterinary practitioner before taking herbal medicines and nutritional supplements.
• Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.

References

• Scheid, Volker et al (Chinese herbal Medicine Formulas and Strategies 2^nd Ed), 2009;
• Chen, John K et al (Chinese Herbal Formulas for Veterinarians), 2012; pp 986-989
• Reid, Tony (Black Pearl Pill Range Clinical Guide), 2012; pp 136-137

How it works

Cardiovascular Support 1 is based on a Chinese herbal formula called Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, used to treat symptoms arising as a result of poor blood circulation and thick or stagnant blood. The formula is valued for its ability to invigorate blood circulation without consuming blood, and to dispel blood stasis while encouraging the production of new blood.

The combined biomedical actions of the formula include vasodilatation, antispasmodic, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-platelet and anti-coagulation effects.

Human clinic studies and research show beneficial use of the formula in the treatment of cardiac ischemia, bradyarrhythmia, pneumothorax, phlebitis, concussion, stroke, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidaemia and endometriosis.

Traditional understanding

Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae sinensis Radix and Paeoniae Radix rubra all invigorate blood circulation and dispel blood stasis, with the first three herbs having a stronger focus on the upper body, and the latter two the lower body with an additional function to nourish and moisten the blood. Rehmanniae Radix (SDH) nourishes and cools the blood, clearing heat and inflammation. Cyathulae Radix (CNX) improves circulation by eliminating blood stasis and inducing the downward movement of blood. Bupleuri Radix (CH) supports the Liver and relieves constraint.

Platycodi Radix (JG) and Aurantii Fructus (ZK) expand the chest and promote the intake and movement of qi (oxygen), and Glycyrrhizae Radix (GC) aids in the absorption of, and function of, the rest of the formula. 

Combinations

For cardiovascular issues in the middle parts of the body combine with Cardiovascular Support 2

For cardiovascular issues in the lower parts of the body combine with Cardiovascular Support 3

For systemic cardiovascular issues in all parts of the body combine with Cardiovascular Support 2 and Cardiovascular Support 3

Ingredients

Directions for use

• Take 3 spoons (9 grams) once daily in wet food.
  Acute symptoms: Take 3 spoons (9 grams), 3 times daily in wet food.
• For all ages and weights, an extra dose may be taken to enhance results or as professionally advised.
• Always consult with a qualified veterinary practitioner before taking herbal medicines and nutritional supplements.
• Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your veterinary practitioner.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

References

Scheid, Volker et al (2009) Chinese herbal Medicine Formulas and Strategies 2^nd Ed, pp 564-568.

Chen, John K et al (2012) Chinese Herbal Formulas for Veterinarians, Art of Medicine Press, California, pp 700-705.

McLean, W. and Taylor, K. (2003) The Clinical Manual of Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines, 2^nd Ed, p252.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164128/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24731911

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4620751/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15516749