Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the 5 branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It involves the doctor making a “pattern diagnosis” and  formulating a prescription using a group of herbs aimed at treating the patient’s pattern.  The herbal prescription is aimed at treating an underlying condition, and not just the symptoms.  Herbal medicines are not supplements, and thus are prescribed for a specific amount of time.  The time frame runs from a couple of weeks for acute problems, to 6-12 months for long-standing problems.

The Chinese pharmacopeia contains over 10,000 natural substances including plants, minerals, and animal parts.  They are most often prescribed as a formula, rather than as singular herbs.  The formula provides a balanced medication whose components are also synergistic.  The herbalist also has the ability to add certain herbs to decrease the side effects of others.  The herbs can be taken as powders, capsules, pills, tinctures, or teas.  They can also be used topically.  In pets, we usually mix powders with home-cooked or canned foods. 

Most cultures have used local plants for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.  Most modern drugs are derivatives of the same plants.  Aspirin is derived from willow bark, digitalis from foxglove, etc.  The difference in the product is that many believe there are unknown substances in the whole plant which have a therapeutic effect on the body.  Western pharmaceuticals distill what is considered the “active” ingredient and only use that one substance in the medicine.  In general, herbal medicines have less toxic side effects than western pharmaceuticals.

Herbal medicines must be prescribed and purchased with safety in mind.  We buy our herbs from trusted sources such as Jing Tang Herbal and Kan Herbs.  These companies test all incoming raw herbs for toxins, molds, fungus, chemicals, etc. to ensure the safety of their products.   The other part of the safety issue is appropriate prescription.  Before we prescribe herbals for your companion animal, your pet will have a full physical exam, both eastern and western, appropriate diagnostic testing as is necessary, and a proper diagnosis.  We will review any current medications and make sure there are no interactions possible with the herbal prescription.  We will also schedule appropriate recheck exams to make sure your pet is responding as expected, and make any changes in formulation that may be necessary.

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