Herbal Medicine FAQs
Herbal Medicine FAQs
How can herbal medicine help?
Herbal remedies are a valuable tool in both preventing and treating many of the issues that affect our pets. They can help slow down a disease process, remedy side effects of conventional medications and work to achieve balance and help your pet heal from the inside out. Herbal medicine is an arm of Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on the overall well-being of your pet.
What are the side effects of Herbal medicine?
Chinese medical formulas generally have few side effects if prescribed correctly. They are typically designed with multiple herbs included in one formula to all work together in harmony which helps to avoid side effects while increasing effectiveness. The most common being that the patient will refuse to take the herbs or the pet has a softer than normal bowel movement.
How quickly will I see a change in my pet?
With herbal formulas and diet changes, depending on the condition being treated, some relief may be noted quickly but often at least 2-3 weeks are needed to see the enhancement in their condition. Some herbal formulas are used for shorter periods of time while some may be used long term or even life long.
Chinese medicine is focused on the individual and the treatments recommended are based on the current state of your pet. Therefore, herbal formulas or acupuncture prescriptions may change with time and need to be modified based on your pet’s progress.
Why is acupuncture frequently combined with herbs?
Many acupuncturists choose to combine acupuncture with herbal medicine because of the use of herbs enhances the effectiveness of acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Medicine often uses a combination of food therapy, herbal medications, acupuncture and Tui Na (Chinese massage/body work).
How are Herbal medicine given to my pet?
Typically, formulas are used in a granular/powdered form, tablets or liquid extracts. There are some topical herbals used as well. We will discuss which form is best for your pet and will be easiest to dose. Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed from trusted companies with rigorous screening processes. We only use companies with products that we are comfortable using in ourselves and our families (furry and non-furry!).
Herbal remedies are a valuable tool in both preventing and treating many of the issues that affect our pets. They can help slow down a disease process, remedy side effects of conventional medications and work to achieve balance and help your pet heal from the inside out. Herbal medicine is an arm of Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on the overall well-being of your pet.
What are the side effects of Herbal medicine?
Chinese medical formulas generally have few side effects if prescribed correctly. They are typically designed with multiple herbs included in one formula to all work together in harmony which helps to avoid side effects while increasing effectiveness. The most common being that the patient will refuse to take the herbs or the pet has a softer than normal bowel movement.
How quickly will I see a change in my pet?
With herbal formulas and diet changes, depending on the condition being treated, some relief may be noted quickly but often at least 2-3 weeks are needed to see the enhancement in their condition. Some herbal formulas are used for shorter periods of time while some may be used long term or even life long.
Chinese medicine is focused on the individual and the treatments recommended are based on the current state of your pet. Therefore, herbal formulas or acupuncture prescriptions may change with time and need to be modified based on your pet’s progress.
Why is acupuncture frequently combined with herbs?
Many acupuncturists choose to combine acupuncture with herbal medicine because of the use of herbs enhances the effectiveness of acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Medicine often uses a combination of food therapy, herbal medications, acupuncture and Tui Na (Chinese massage/body work).
How are Herbal medicine given to my pet?
Typically, formulas are used in a granular/powdered form, tablets or liquid extracts. There are some topical herbals used as well. We will discuss which form is best for your pet and will be easiest to dose. Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed from trusted companies with rigorous screening processes. We only use companies with products that we are comfortable using in ourselves and our families (furry and non-furry!).