Herbs for Dogs: Feel Young Again

As an animal ages, the Qi (energy) and vital essences begin to weaken. This causes their normal flow to become inhibited. Many symptoms an older dog experiences come from a complex picture of Qi and blood that is both weak and stuck.

At the center of this picture is a deficiency of Qi in the Spleen and Stomach. This results in general weakness and fatigue which may or may not be accompanied by digestive problems.

A further continuation of weakness from aging is when the deficiency affects the Kidney meridian. The Kidney is the source of Yin, Yang, and Jing (essence). Weak Kidney essence leads to difficulty hearing. The Kidneys govern the low back and knees and weakness can result in back and knee pain. Herbs that benefit Kidney yang strengthen the sinews and the bones which may be painful and creaky. Extreme fatigue comes from weak Kidney qi.

In addition, a key aspect of treating older dogs is to move (or quicken) the blood. This resolves blood stasis that can come from various causes, and is nearly always present in elderly animals. It can result in pain, impaired movement, and is always present in enduring illnesses. The blood may also be weak and deficient resulting in dry, brittle fur and nails and weak vision. For the blood to move, it also needs to be nourished. Blood nourishing herbs benefit the eyesight, skin, fur and nails.

The Chinese medicine treatment principles of the blend are to -
* Supplement the Spleen & Boost the Qi
* Quicken the Blood
* Supplement Kidney Yin, Yang, and Jing
* Nourish the Blood

Feel Young Again Blend is made with these highest quality ingredients:

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei), Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chi Shao (Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae), Hong Hua (Flos Carthami Tinctorii), Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), Shan Yao (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae), Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis), Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii Chinensis), Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni Officinalis), Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), and Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae ) in a base of pure vegetable glycerine, water, and organic alcohol (total alcohol content less than 4%)

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.

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.

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.