Kan Essentials Harmonize the Stomach (Ping Wei San) is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to expel Damp Cold stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach and tonify Spleen Yang. First described in the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era nearly a thousand years ago (circa 1085 A.D.), this classical formula addresses Damp Cold stagnation in the Middle Burner secondary to Spleen Yang deficiency; the Damp accumulation obstructs normal Stomach Qi movement, causing it to rebel upward. In dogs and cats, this pattern is commonly associated with over-consumption of high-starch, grain-laden diets. 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
- Damp Cold expulsion: Dries and expels Damp Cold stagnation from the Spleen and Stomach to restore normal Stomach Qi descent and address occasional nausea, vomiting, and acid regurgitation
- Spleen Yang tonification: Tonifies Spleen Yang to address the underlying deficiency driving Damp accumulation and digestive weakness
- Digestive comfort: Addresses belching, occasional abdominal distension, loss of appetite, diarrhea and/or constipation associated with Damp Cold obstruction in the Middle Burner
- Energy and vitality: Addresses occasional lethargy and heavy limbs associated with Damp Cold accumulation and Spleen Yang deficiency
TCVM Principles
- Pattern addressed: Spleen Yang deficiency; Damp Cold stagnation in the Middle Burner; Stomach Qi deficiency
- Primary actions: Expel Damp Cold stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach; tonify Spleen Yang
- Tongue: Slightly purple
- Pulse: Slightly forceful
- Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy; consult your TCVM veterinarian to confirm the appropriate pattern diagnosis
- Approach: Combines two primary Damp-drying herbs (Cang-Zhu Atractylodes, Magnolia Bark) with a Qi-moving herb (Tangerine Dried Rind) that also cuts Damp, and Spleen and Stomach tonics (Ginger Rhizome, Red Jujube Fruit, Chinese Licorice Root) that tonify without being cloying; Chinese Licorice Root additionally harmonizes the formula as a whole
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: Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea), Common name: Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome; Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata, peel), Common name: Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit; Hou Po (Magnolia officinalis, bark), Common name: Magnolia bark; Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, red fruit), Common name: Red jujube fruit; Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Common name: Chinese licorice root and rhizome; Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried), Common name: Ginger rhizome.
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 Stomach is selected for its specific role within the TCVM framework. Together, they dry Damp, disperse stasis, move Qi, and tonify Spleen and Stomach Yang to address Damp Cold obstruction in the Middle Burner.
- Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea), Cang-Zhu Atractylodes Rhizome: The chief herb; strongly dries Damp, warms the Spleen and Stomach, and expels Wind Damp; the primary Damp-drying and Spleen-warming herb in this formula
- Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata, peel), Tangerine Dried Rind of Mature Fruit: Moves Qi in the abdomen, dries Dampness, and assists in cutting through Damp accumulation to restore normal Stomach Qi descent
- Hou Po (Magnolia officinalis, bark), Magnolia Bark: Dries Damp and additionally disperses stasis from the abdomen to relieve occasional distension, fullness, and abdominal discomfort
- Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, red fruit), Red Jujube Fruit: Tonifies Spleen Qi and nourishes the Stomach without being cloying; moderates the drying action of Cang Zhu and Hou Po
- Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chinese Licorice Root and Rhizome: Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi, harmonizes the formula as a whole, and moderates the actions of the drying herbs
- Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried), Ginger Rhizome: Warms the Middle Burner, disperses Cold, and tonifies Stomach Yang without being cloying; addresses the Cold component of the Damp Cold pattern
Potential Drug Interactions
Harmonize the Stomach contains strongly Damp-drying and Qi-moving herbs with known gastrointestinal activity. Because herb-drug interaction research in dogs and cats is limited, use this formula under veterinary supervision if your pet is taking prescription medications. Avoid use during pregnancy.
Extra caution may be appropriate for pets receiving gastrointestinal medications, antacids, prokinetics, or multiple prescription medications. Your veterinarian can determine whether Harmonize the Stomach 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 Stomach used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Harmonize the Stomach (Ping Wei San) is used to expel Damp Cold stagnation from the Spleen and Stomach and tonify Spleen Yang. It is indicated for patterns of Spleen Yang deficiency with Damp Cold stagnation in the Middle Burner, and is commonly used to support healthy digestion, appetite, and gastrointestinal comfort in dogs and cats, particularly those on high-starch or grain-laden diets.
How is Harmonize the Stomach administered?
Harmonize the Stomach 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 digestive comfort and appetite relatively quickly, while those with more chronic or established Spleen Yang deficiency and Damp Cold accumulation 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 Stomach be combined with other medications or supplements?
Always consult your veterinarian before combining Harmonize the Stomach with other medications or supplements. Key interactions to discuss include gastrointestinal medications, antacids, and prokinetics. Your authorizing veterinarian will monitor for potential interactions through routine lab work and diagnostic testing. See the Potential Drug Interactions section above for details.