Herbs for Dogs: Anti-Parasite

Anti-Parasite Blend is based on a classical Chinese formula which was originally used in young children with intestinal parasites. It is therefore gentle to the digestive system, balancing anti-parasitic herbs with herbs that strengthen and protect digestion. It is broad spectrum and used for a variety of parasitic infestations.

An important aspect of this herbal blend is the balance of two energies. The anti-parasitic herbs are used to kill the invading parasite, dispersing and moving the energy (or "Qi") to eliminate the parasite from the digestive tract. Other herbs in the blend are used to disperse stagnant food, ensuring that food is properly digested, and to strengthen and build the Qi of the Spleen.

In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is considered to be the key organ to regulate digestion. Keep in mind that the Spleen in Chinese medicine theory is not the same as its western counterpart. Each Chinese "organ" has a number of functions throughout the body having to do with an anatomical structure as well as corresponding emotions, tissues, sensory organs, and elements.

The main function of the Spleen is to transform food and drink into Qi. The Spleen is also responsible for transporting the Qi throughout the body. It separates "clear essence" which becomes Qi from "turbid waste" which is excreted. When the Spleen is functioning well, digestion will be good and energy will be strong.

The Chinese medicine treatment principles of the blend are to -
* Kill parasites
* Fortify the Spleen
* Disperse Stagnant Food
* Clear Heat

Due to the life cycle of intestinal parasites, a 30 day course of treatment is necessary even if the dog appears to be symptom-free after several days. Follow up courses of 7 days per month may be necessary in some cases. Anti-parasite blend is designed for the long term use necessary to completely rid the dog of worms. By harmonizing the dispersing and fortifying energies of the herbs in this blend, dogs should experience a free flow of energy without side effects.

Anti-Parasite Blend is made with these highest quality ingredients:
Ku Lian Pi (Cortex Radicis Meliae Azerdachis), Bing Lang (Semen Arecae Catechu), Shen Qu (Massa Medica Fermentata), Rou Dou Kou (Semen Myristicae Fragrantis), Mai Ya (Fructus Germinatus Hordei Vulgaris), Mu Xiang (Radix Auklandiae Lappae), Shi Jun Zi (Fructus Quisqualis Indicae), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis), in a base of pure vegetable glycerine, water, and organic alcohol (total alcohol content less than 4%)

Treatment Course - 30 days. Due to the life cycle of intestinal parasites, a full course of treatment is necessary even if all parasites appear to be gone after several days. If needed, follow up with treatment for seven days per month following the full initial course of treatment.

Mix blend into food. 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.

Not for use during pregnancy, nursing, or by puppies under 6 months unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Consult a vet before combining this product with any other medication. If side effects occur or symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.

Herbal remedies are not intended as a replacement for professional veterinary care. If you think your dog may have a health problem, please consult a veterinarian. If side effects occur or symptoms persist, please discontinue use and consult your vet.

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.