Kan Essentials Harmonize the Qi (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to expel invasion of the Shao Yang level, promote the smooth flow of Qi, normalize Yang movement, tonify Qi, and transform Phlegm. One of the world's oldest, most important, and most widely used classical herbal formulas, it addresses the complex patterns of an invasion that is half in the Exterior and half in the Interior, and serves as the foundation for several other Kan Essentials formulas. Available in liquid and tablet forms. Dosing varies by species and body weight; your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
What It Supports
- Shao Yang harmonization: Expels invasion lodged at the Shao Yang level and normalizes Yang movement to address patterns that are half in the Exterior and half in the Interior
- Immune support: Supports a healthy immune system and addresses occasional weakness, loss of balance, and restlessness associated with Yang energy constraint and Triple Burner obstruction
- Liver and pancreatic support: Supports healthy liver and pancreatic enzyme levels and promotes the smooth flow of Qi through the Liver and Triple Burner channels
- Respiratory and digestive support: Addresses occasional shortness of breath, nausea, and possible vomiting associated with rebellious Stomach and Lung Qi in Shao Yang patterns
TCVM Principles
- Pattern addressed: Triple Burner obstruction; Yang energy constraint; rebellious Stomach and Lung Qi
- Primary actions: Expel invasion of the Shao Yang level; promote the smooth flow of Qi; normalize Yang movement; tonify Qi; transform Phlegm
- Tongue: Normal; slightly purple
- Pulse: Wiry, toned, and strong
- Approach: The formula's characteristic dual and seemingly self-defeating influence - cool and pungent Bupleurum root moves Yang upward and outward, while bitter cold Chinese Skullcap root descends Yang inward and downward - is typical of harmonizing formulas and gives Harmonize the Qi its well-established reputation for safety; Ginger-Cured Pinellia and Ginger Rhizome transform Phlegm and direct rebellious Qi downward; Chinese Red Ginseng, Red Jujube Fruit, and Chinese Licorice Root address Qi deficiency following the failure of Yang to return; consult your TCVM veterinarian to confirm the appropriate pattern diagnosis
Available Forms
- 1 oz Liquid: Concentrated liquid extract; easy to mix into food or administer directly
- 4 oz Liquid: Larger liquid supply for ongoing use
- 8 oz Liquid: Bulk liquid supply for extended use or multi-pet households
- 60 Tablets - 500mg: Traditional small pill format; can be hidden in food or a soft treat for easy administration
- 120 Tablets - 500mg: Mid-size tablet supply for ongoing use
- 300 Tablets - 500mg: Largest tablet supply; ideal for long-term use
Ingredients
Active ingredients: Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata, ginger-cured), Common name: Ginger cured pinellia rhizome; Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Common name: Bupleurum root; Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Common name: Chinese licorice root and rhizome; Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Common name: Chinese skullcap root; Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried), Common name: Ginger rhizome; Hong Ren Shen (Panax ginseng, red), Common name: Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome; Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, red fruit), Common name: Red jujube fruit.
Inactive ingredients vary by form; liquid extracts contain alcohol and water; tablets may contain excipients standard to tablet manufacturing.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Active Ingredient TCVM Actions
Each herb in Harmonize the Qi is selected for its specific role within the TCVM framework. The formula's characteristic dual action - simultaneously moving Yang upward and outward while descending it inward and downward - normalizes Yang movement regardless of how it is constrained, giving this formula its well-established reputation for safety.
- Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata, ginger-cured), Ginger Cured Pinellia Rhizome: Transforms Phlegm obstructions of the Triple Burner that interfere with Yang movement; descends rebellious Stomach Qi to address occasional nausea and vomiting
- Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Bupleurum Root: Cool and pungent; moves Yang energy upward and outward, expels invasions lodged in the Shao Yang, and soothes Liver Qi stagnation; one half of the formula's key harmonizing herb pair
- Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chinese Licorice Root and Rhizome: Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi, addresses Qi deficiency following Yang constraint, moderates the actions of other herbs, and harmonizes the formula as a whole
- Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Chinese Skullcap Root: Bitter and cold; descends Yang energy inward and downward; the other half of the formula's key harmonizing herb pair; together with Chai Hu, normalizes Yang movement at the Shao Yang level
- Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried), Ginger Rhizome: Assists Ginger Cured Pinellia Rhizome in transforming Phlegm and harmonizes the Middle Burner to help direct rebellious Qi downward
- Hong Ren Shen (Panax ginseng, red), Chinese Red Ginseng Root and Rhizome: Tonifies Yuan Qi and Spleen Qi to address Qi deficiency that has occurred following the failure of Yang to return; supports overall vitality and immune function
- Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, red fruit), Red Jujube Fruit: Tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Blood, and addresses Qi deficiency following Yang constraint; moderates the actions of other herbs in the formula
Potential Drug Interactions
Harmonize the Qi contains Qi-moving, Phlegm-transforming, and Qi-tonifying herbs with known hepatic, immune-modulating, and gastrointestinal activity. Because herb-drug interaction research in dogs and cats is limited, pets taking prescription medications should use this formula under veterinary supervision.
Extra caution may be appropriate for pets receiving hepatic medications, immunosuppressive drugs, gastrointestinal medications, or multiple prescription medications. Your veterinarian can determine whether Harmonize the Qi is appropriate based on your pet's condition, medications, and laboratory results.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harmonize the Qi used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Harmonize the Qi (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) is one of the most widely used classical formulas, traditionally used to expel Shao Yang invasion, normalize Yang movement, tonify Qi, and transform Phlegm. It is indicated for patterns of Triple Burner obstruction and Yang energy constraint, and is commonly used to support immune, liver, respiratory, and digestive health in dogs and cats.
How is Harmonize the Qi administered?
Harmonize the Qi is available in liquid extract (1 oz, 4 oz, or 8 oz) or 500mg tablets (60, 120, or 300 count). You can mix liquid into food or administer it directly; you can hide tablets in food or a soft treat for easy administration. Dosing varies by species and body weight; your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary by individual and the severity of the pattern. Some animals may show improvement in energy and digestive comfort relatively quickly, while those with more chronic or established Shao Yang obstruction patterns may require several weeks of consistent use. Your authorizing veterinarian can help set appropriate expectations based on your pet's TCVM diagnosis.
Can Harmonize the Qi be combined with other medications or supplements?
Always consult your veterinarian before combining Harmonize the Qi with other medications or supplements. Key interactions to discuss include hepatic medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and gastrointestinal medications. Your authorizing veterinarian will monitor for potential interactions through routine lab work and diagnostic testing. See the Potential Drug Interactions section above for details.