Herbs for Dogs - Stop Itch

According to the theories and principles of Chinese medicine, there are several pathogenic influences which can invade the body. One of these is "wind" which causes itching.

Commonly, wind comes about when there is a deficiency of blood that fills and nourishes the vessels and meridians. The blood described here is different from the blood we think of in Western medicine. A blood deficiency pattern does not mean the dog is anemic, but rather describes a pattern where the body and skin are not being sufficiently nourished by a vital "yin" essence of Chinese medicine. This may leave the skin looking flaky and dry. The lack of blood allows wind to make its way through the unfilled meridians and dried tissues. Deficiency of blood may come from heredity, poor diet, or environmental factors.

The source of wind can be from outside or inside the body. An example of the wind invading from outside the body would be if itching comes from exposure to an allergen or an irritant. Wind that is generated from within the body may come from a reaction to certain foods, from stress, or from an auto-immune response when there is an underlying deficiency of blood. Stressors for the dog may include fighting or illness in the household, frustration from being at home alone for long periods, and boredom.

The Chinese medicine treatment principles of Skin Soothe Itch are to -
* Stop Itch
* Extinguish Wind
* Nourish Blood
* Moisten Dryness in the tissues
* Harmonize Spleen and Stomach (to protect digestion)
* Calm the Spirit
* Move the Blood freely through the channels and meridians.

Herbs to calm the spirit are used to address the exasperation the dog experiences once itching has set in.

Skin Soothe Itch - Internal Blend is made with these highest quality ingredients -
Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi), Zhen Zhu Mu (Concha Margaritiferae), He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori), Bai Xian Pi (Cortex Radicis Dictamni Dasycarpi), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chuan Xiong (Radix Ligustici Wallichii), Chi Shao (Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae), Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae), Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae Tenuifoliae), Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Mu Xiang (Radix Auklandiae Lappae), Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi), Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae), and Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) in a base of pure vegetable glycerine, water, and organic alcohol (total alcohol content less than 4%).

Skin Soothe Itch Topical Ointment is made with these highest quality ingredients -
She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii monnieri), Bai Bu (Radix Stemonae), Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis), Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalysis), and Bing Pian (Borneol) in a base of Organic Aloe Vera Gel (food grade), water, and organic alcohol (total alcohol content less than 15%). Made with 100% food-grade ingredients and will not harm dogs if licked.

Internal Blend
Treatment Course - As a general rule, the longer a dog has suffered with a health problem the longer it takes to resolve. Some conditions heal within a week or two. Others require longer treatment. If treatment is given for more than two weeks, we recommend treating for 8 days on and two days off.

Mix blend into food. Refrigerate when open.

Because of the sweet flavor of the glycerine in our blends, most dogs enjoy the taste. Some dogs may need the herbs to be mixed into wet food.

Dosage
1-25 pound dogs - 10-15 drops, 2-3x/day.
26-60 pound dogs - 20-40 drops, 2-3x/day.
61 pounds and up - 1-2 dropper-fulls, 2-3x/day.
A squeeze of the dropper bulb fills it about half way up. This is considered a "dropper-full". One dropper is approximately 45 drops.

OINTMENT

Before use, test on a small area of skin to assess reaction. If there are no unwanted effects, apply to larger areas as necessary.
Apply directly to itchy areas of skin up to 5 times per day. This topical blend is made with only food grade ingredients and is safe for internal use if licked off the skin. Most dogs will choose not to lick this formula due to the bitter nature of the herbs.

For best results, use Skin Soothe Itch Internal Blend together with Skin Soothe Topical Ointment.

When treating skin conditions with Chinese medicine, herbal formulas are generally prescribed both internally and topically.

This topical ointment contains herbs which stop itching, heal skin, and penetrate the skin to regenerate flesh.

Chinese herbal medicine has been used in the treatment of humans and animals for over 2,000 years. It is based on combining herbs together to promote balance and healing. We call our herbal formulas "Qi Blends" since they are blended together to promote health and restore harmony to the "Qi" (or vital energy) of dogs.

The aim of any treatment with Chinese herbs is to bring the body and emotions into balance. We've identified the areas of imbalance that most often lead to health problems in dogs and chosen herbs to address them.
Balance is achieved in Chinese medicine by addressing:

* Yin & Yang -
Yin and Yang are opposites. Symptoms can be looked at in terms of yin/yang parameters. For example, dampness is yin and dryness is yang. Cold is yin and heat is yang. An herbalist's job is to apply the theories of yin and yang to the patient. For a dog with sores on the skin - are they wet looking or dry? Are they red (indicating heat) or white (indicating cold)? Similarly with a cough - does it sound wet and phlegmy or dry? Is the dog hyperactive (indicating heat) or lethargic (indicating cold)?

* Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids -
Qi (vital energy), blood, and body fluid are fundamental substances that sustain health. Imbalances in these three areas can cause a variety of imbalances for a dog. Qi, blood, and body fluids can be weak and deficient, in which case they are unable to nourish the body and function properly. Deficient qi can cause fatigue or dull achey pain. Deficient blood and body fluids can lead to dry, itchy skin. On the other hand - qi, blood and body fluids can be excess and overflowing in which case they become stuck or stagnant. Qi and blood that are stuck can cause a sharp, fixed pain that may be severe. On the emotional side, stuck qi can cause frustration and irritability. To attain balance, these three vital substances need to be strong and healthy in their flow.

* Channels and Collaterals -
The channels and collaterals are considered to be a series of connecting passages through which qi and blood flow. The primary channels are indicated by the lines that are shown on acupuncture charts such as the one shown below. (insert chart pic) Eleven of the 12 primary channels are named for organs they are associated with. It's important to note that these organs in Chinese medicine are not the same as their western counterparts. The Chinese Kidney, for example, may have some of the same functions as the western Kidney, but it is a much broader concept than simply the anatomical organ. Chinese organs have emotions associated with them. The Chinese kidney is associated with fear. They also have an associated tissue and orifice. The tissue of the Chinese kidney is bone and the orifice is the ear. Therefore, hearing problems, brittle bones, and a feeling of fear indicate imbalance in the Kidney meridian. The anatomical kidney may be perfectly healthy in this scenario, but herbs are required to treat the Kidney meridian.

At Qi Blends, we've created a line of herbal remedies just for dogs! We've researched their most common ailments and formulated herbal blends which best treat them.

Our aim is not only to heal dogs, but also to educate their human companions about Chinese medicine and our products. Take a look through our website for further information and articles.

Dedicated to Quality
* Highest Quality Chinese Herbs - Sulfur free, from GMP-certified distributors, each batch undergoing stringent testing for purity.
* Pure vegetable glycerine - for a sweet taste dogs enjoy.
* Organic alcohol - Our internal blends contain a small amount of alcohol (less than 4%) to ensure thorough extraction of all herbal components.
* Rapid Absorption - Our Internal blends are made into liquid tinctures to ensure rapid absorption.
* Food-grade Ingredients - Even our topical blends are 100% food grade and safe if licked. Our Skin Soothe Itch Ointment uses a base of organic aloe vera gel (food grade), organic alcohol, and Chinese herbs. Skin Repair - for Hot Spots & More consists of 100% powdered Chinese herbs.