Herbs for Dogs: Serenity

Serenity Blend is a calming formula for those dogs suffering from general anxiety symptoms as well as those who are easily frightened or startled. It is also appropriate for use during stressful situations such as thunderstorms, July 4th fireworks, trips to the vet, competitive events, or traveling. Many dogs respond well to Serenity Blend when there is stress in the home from fighting, grieving, or illness. It has a soothing effect after a traumatic event such as a dog fight, and can be taken on a short-term or long-term basis.

Serenity Blend calms the emotions by balancing the meridians of the Heart, Spleen, and Liver. An imbalance in all three of these together is a common picture in nervous dogs.

In Chinese medicine, the Heart meridian is said to house the spirit. The spirit encompasses both emotions and mental functioning. As a reminder - Chinese organs are not the same as their western organs of the same name. The Chinese Heart moves the blood, but also controls the emotions. Emotional change can damage the Qi (energy) and blood of the Heart or can come about if the Heart Qi and blood are already weak.

Excessive worry in Chinese medicine damages the Spleen meridian which makes Qi (energy) from food. This can leave the dog feeling lethargic or having weak digestion. Qi is also the mother of blood. So if there is a lack of Qi, then there will also be a lack of blood to nourish the Heart. Heart blood deficiency and Spleen Qi deficiency lead to a susceptibility of fear.

Chinese medicine teaches that stress and "unfulfilled desires" cause the Qi of the Liver meridian to become stuck or stagnant. Like humans, dogs also have unfulfilled desires. Sometimes they are alone more than they'd like or they are unhappy because of noises from storms or fireworks. It may make them frightened to go in the car to see the vet or they may pick up on stress from people in their homes. Any of these situations result in stagnant Liver Qi.

Serenity Blend brings balance to all three of these meridians, bringing healing to the dog regardless of the initial cause of anxiety or stress.

The Chinese medicine treatment principles of this blend are to -
* Alleviate Pain
* Invigorate the Blood
* Move the Qi
* Invigorate Yang, Strengthen Tendons and Bones
* Promote regeneration of Damaged Tissues
* Calm the Spirit

Serenity Blend is made with these highest quality ingredients -

Mu Li (Concha Ostreae), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei), Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fu Shen (Sclerotium Pararadicis Poriae Cocos), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae), Mu Xiang (Radix Auklandiae Lappae), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Yu Jin (Tuber Curcumae), Da Zao (Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae), Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae), Long Yan Rou (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae), Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalysis), 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.

Not for use during pregnancy or if taking blood thinning medication.

Consult a veterinarian before combining this product with any other medication.

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.