Herbsmith Rx Pe Min Gan Wan is a classical Chinese herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to quickly clear nasal congestion due to wind-cold, relieve sneezing and runny nose, and open the nasal orifices in dogs, cats, and horses. This eleven-herb wind-cold-dispersing, nasal-opening formula addresses wind-cold invading the lung and nasal passages, obstructing the lung's diffusing function and the nasal orifices' ability to remain clear, and producing the sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and upper-body wind-cold signs characteristic of the wind-cold nasal obstruction pattern. Xin Yi Hua is the principal nasal-opening herb, unblocking the nasal orifices and dispersing the wind-cold accumulation in the nasal passages; Cang Er Zi opens the nasal orifices and disperses wind-damp from the head and sinuses; and a strong group of wind-cold-dispersing herbs targeting the head and upper body - Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, Gao Ben, Chuan Xiong, and Gui Zhi - disperses the wind-cold from the exterior, head, and nasal region to restore the lung's diffusing function and the nasal passages' normal clarity. Well suited for dogs, cats, and horses presenting with wind-cold upper respiratory signs, including sneezing, clear or white nasal discharge, nasal congestion, possible watery eye discharge, sensitivity to cold or wind, and the wind-cold exterior signs of a floating, tight pulse and absence of thirst or heat signs. Available as a concentrated powder mixed into food; cats and dogs use the Canine Blend, while horses use the Equine/Horse Blend. Dosing varies by species and body weight, and your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
What It Supports
- Nasal congestion clearing and nasal orifice opening: Clears nasal congestion and opens the nasal orifices using Xin Yi Hua as the principal nasal-opening herb and Cang Er Zi's nasal-orifice-opening and wind-damp-dispersing action, directly addressing the wind-cold obstruction in the nasal passages that produces the congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge characteristic of the wind-cold nasal obstruction pattern in dogs, cats, and horses.
- Wind-cold dispersal from the exterior, head, and upper body: Disperses wind-cold from the exterior and head using the combined wind-cold-releasing action of Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, Gao Ben, Chuan Xiong, and Gui Zhi, releasing the exterior wind-cold constraint that is the root cause of the nasal congestion and sneezing, and specifically targeting the head, forehead, nasal region, and upper body channels where the wind-cold is lodged and producing the upper respiratory and nasal signs.
- Lung diffusing function restoration and sneezing and discharge relief: Restores the lung's diffusing function and relieves sneezing and nasal discharge by dispersing the wind-cold obstruction that is disrupting the lung's normal qi diffusion through the nasal passages, relieving the sneezing and clear or white nasal discharge that arise when wind-cold blocks the lung's ability to diffuse the wei qi and keep the nasal passages open and clear.
- Head-clearing and upper jiao wind-cold resolution: Clears the head and resolves the wind-cold obstruction in the upper jiao using the formula's multiple ascending and head-targeting wind-dispersing herbs - Sheng Ma raises yang qi and assists the upward dispersion of the wind-cold from the head and nasal region, Man Jing Zi clears wind from the head, and Chuan Xiong moves qi and blood in the head and disperses wind - working together to clear the wind-cold accumulation from the upper jiao, head, and nasal passages comprehensively.
TCVM Principles
- Primary action - wind-cold dispersal with nasal-orifice opening through a coordinated eleven-herb exterior-releasing and nasal-opening strategy: Addresses wind-cold invasion of the lung and nasal passages using a multi-herb exterior-releasing and nasal-opening strategy organized around two principal nasal herbs (Xin Yi Hua and Cang Er Zi) and a strong group of warming, wind-cold-dispersing exterior-releasing herbs targeting the head and upper body (Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, Gao Ben, Chuan Xiong, Gui Zhi). The formula is specifically formulated for the wind-cold nasal pattern, with most herbs being warm or acrid to disperse cold and release the exterior wind constraint at the root, while the two principal nasal herbs simultaneously address nasal orifice obstruction at the branch. This combined root-and-branch strategy - dispersing the exterior wind-cold while directly opening the nasal passages - gives the formula its rapid action in relieving nasal congestion and sneezing from the wind-cold nasal obstruction pattern.
- Secondary action - yang qi raising, head wind clearing, and formula harmonization: Raises the yang qi and assists the upward dispersion of wind-cold from the head with Sheng Ma, clears wind from the head and eyes with Man Jing Zi (providing a slight heat-clearing counterbalance in the head for a predominantly wind-cold formula), and harmonizes the formula's multiple acrid, warming, and dispersing herbs with Gan Cao, moderating their collectively dispersing and warming nature and coordinating the formula's combined nasal-opening and exterior-releasing action to be well tolerated throughout the acute treatment course needed to resolve the wind-cold upper respiratory obstruction pattern.
Available Forms
- Powder - Canine Blend (for dogs and cats): Available in 75 g, 150 g, 500 g, 900 g, and 1200 g sizes; mix into food at the recommended dose for your pet's weight. Cats and dogs both use this blend.
- Powder - Equine/Horse Blend (for horses only): Available in 150 g, 500 g, 900 g, and 1200 g sizes; mix into grain at the recommended dose for your horse.
Suggested Use
For Dogs (Canine Blend Powder):
- Under 30 lbs: ½ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
- 30-80 lbs: 1 tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
- 80-120 lbs: 1½ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
- Over 120 lbs: 2 tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
For Cats (Canine Blend Powder): ¼ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
For Horses (Equine/Horse Blend, 1,000 lb horse): Two tablespoons twice daily for 20 days, then two tablespoons once daily in grain. If the horse initially refuses, start with a small amount mixed into grain and gradually increase until the horse is accustomed to the taste. Most horses will readily accept the herbs in their grain.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower) 14%, Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root) 12%, Bai Zhi (Fragrant Angelica Root) 9%, Cang Er Zi (Xanthium Fruit) 9%, Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Root) 9%, Fang Feng (Siler) 9%, Gao Ben (Chinese Lovage Root) 9%, Man Jing Zi (Chaste Tree Fruit) 9%, Sheng Ma (Chinese Cimicifuga Rhizome) 9%, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 6%, Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) 5%
Inactive Ingredient: Flaxseed
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Active Ingredient TCVM Actions
Pe Min Gan Wan is an eleven-herb formula addressing wind-cold invasion of the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract through two coordinated herb groups: a nasal-opening group that directly opens the obstructed nasal orifices and disperses wind-cold from the nasal passages, and a wind-cold-releasing group that disperses the exterior wind-cold from the head, upper body, and nasal region at the root of the obstruction:
- Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower) - Magnolia Flower Bud (14%): Principal herb; opens the nasal orifices, disperses wind-cold, and relieves nasal congestion; the primary nasal-opening herb of the formula and the highest-proportion ingredient, directly unblocking the nasal orifices and dispersing the wind-cold accumulation in the nasal passages through its acrid, warm, and ascending nature that carries the formula's wind-dispersing action specifically into the nasal orifices and upper nasal passages, providing the most direct relief of the nasal congestion and obstruction that is the formula's primary treatment target.
- Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root) - Notopterygium Root (12%): Releases the exterior, disperses wind-cold, and alleviates musculoskeletal stiffness; the primary exterior wind-cold-releasing herb, strongly dispersing wind-cold from the exterior and the upper body through its powerful acrid and warm properties that release the exterior constraint at the root of the nasal wind-cold obstruction, working as the lead herb of the exterior-releasing group to disperse the wind-cold from the greater yang channel and the upper back and neck region where wind-cold typically invades first.
- Bai Zhi (Fragrant Angelica Root) - Dahurian Angelica Root (9%): Disperses wind-cold, opens the nasal orifices, relieves forehead stiffness, and reduces swelling; the second nasal-opening herb and a key wind-cold-dispersing herb that specifically targets the yang ming channel and the forehead and nasal region, providing both exterior wind-cold-releasing action at the root and direct nasal-opening action at the branch alongside Xin Yi Hua and Cang Er Zi, with particular effectiveness for the forehead heaviness, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge of the wind-cold nasal obstruction pattern.
- Cang Er Zi (Xanthium Fruit) - Cocklebur Fruit / Xanthium Fruit (9%): Opens the nasal orifices, disperses wind-damp, and relieves nasal congestion; the second principal nasal-orifice-opening herb, working alongside Xin Yi Hua to directly open the nasal passages and disperse the wind-damp accumulation in the sinuses and nasal passages, particularly effective for the nasal obstruction and discharge associated with wind-damp and wind-cold nasal patterns. Note that Cang Er Zi has a narrow therapeutic window and is used at measured doses within the formula's balanced composition under veterinary supervision.
- Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Root) - Ligusticum / Sichuan Lovage (9%): Moves the qi and blood, disperses wind, and alleviates head stiffness; a blood-moving and head-targeting wind-dispersing herb that invigorates the blood and qi in the head and upper body to assist the formula's wind-cold-dispersing herbs in clearing the wind-cold obstruction from the channels of the head, face, and nasal region, and moving the blood and qi stagnation that accumulates alongside the wind-cold obstruction in the nasal passages and head.
- Fang Feng (Siler) - Siler Root / Ledebouriella Root (9%): Releases the exterior, disperses wind-cold and wind-damp, and relieves itching; a gentle exterior-releasing and wind-dispersing herb that works with Qiang Huo to release the exterior wind-cold at the root, providing broad wind-dispersing action across the exterior and upper body without the stronger dispersing intensity of Qiang Huo, and addressing any wind-damp component of the nasal obstruction pattern alongside the formula's primary wind-cold-dispersing strategy.
- Gao Ben (Chinese Lovage Root) - Chinese Lovage Root / Ligusticum Sinense (9%): Disperses wind-cold, alleviates head stiffness, and targets the governing vessel and vertex of the head; the head-and-vertex-targeting wind-cold-dispersing herb that specifically targets the governing vessel and the top of the head through its ascending and strongly dispersing acrid-warm nature, dispersing wind-cold from the vertex, forehead, and nasal region and working with Bai Zhi's yang ming-channel nasal targeting to comprehensively clear wind-cold from the head's channels and nasal passages.
- Man Jing Zi (Chaste Tree Fruit) - Vitex Fruit / Chaste Tree Fruit (9%): Clears wind-heat from the head and eyes, relieves head heaviness, and clears the sensory orifices; the wind-heat-clearing head herb that provides a slight cooling counterbalance to the formula's predominantly warm and acrid wind-cold-dispersing composition, clearing any wind-heat component from the head and sensory orifices and relieving the head heaviness and clouded sensory clarity that can accompany both wind-cold and wind-heat head patterns, ensuring the formula addresses the full range of wind-obstruction signs in the head alongside the primary wind-cold-dispersing strategy.
- Sheng Ma (Chinese Cimicifuga Rhizome) - Bugbane Rhizome / Cimicifuga (9%): Raises the yang qi, clears heat and toxin, and releases the exterior; the yang qi-raising herb that assists the formula's ascending and head-targeting dispersion of wind-cold by raising the yang qi of the spleen and stomach upward to support the exterior-releasing action and the upward dispersion of the wind pathogen from the head and nasal region, and providing secondary heat-clearing and toxin-relieving action to address any heat component that may accompany the wind-cold pattern in the upper body.
- Gan Cao (Licorice Root) - Licorice Root (6%): Tonifies the spleen qi, clears heat and toxin, and harmonizes the formula; the harmonizing herb that moderates the interaction between the formula's multiple acrid, warm, and strongly dispersing wind-releasing herbs, preventing the collectively dispersing nature of the ten active principal herbs from injuring the spleen qi or the body's wei qi during the acute treatment course, and providing gentle spleen qi support to ensure the formula is well tolerated as the wind-cold is dispersed from the nasal passages and exterior.
- Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) - Cinnamon Twig (5%): Releases the exterior wind-cold, warms the channels and vessels, and assists the yang qi; the warming exterior-releasing herb that warms the channels and releases the exterior wind-cold constraint through its sweet, acrid, and warm nature, supporting the formula's exterior wind-cold-releasing strategy by warming the exterior channels and assisting the wei qi in expelling the wind-cold pathogen, and providing the warmth needed to ensure the wind-cold obstruction in the nasal passages is released outward through the exterior as the formula's multiple wind-dispersing herbs open the nasal orifices and disperse the pathogen from the head and upper body.
Potential Drug Interactions
Pe Min Gan Wan contains Cang Er Zi (Xanthium fruit), which has a narrow therapeutic window and known toxicity at excessive doses; the measured dose within the formula's balanced eleven-herb composition is appropriate for veterinary use under supervision, but Cang Er Zi warrants awareness in animals with pre-existing hepatic concerns. Chuan Xiong has mild anticoagulant and blood-moving properties that warrant monitoring in animals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Gui Zhi's warming and channel-opening action may interact with anticoagulant medications and warrants monitoring. The formula's predominantly warm and acrid composition is appropriate for the wind-cold nasal pattern and is not suitable for wind-heat nasal presentations (yellow or green nasal discharge, fever, thirst, heat signs), where warming herbs may aggravate the pattern. Pets on anticoagulant medications or hepatic medications should discuss this formula with their veterinarian before use, and herb-drug interaction research in dogs, cats, and horses remains limited.
Medication categories warranting extra caution include anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (Chuan Xiong's and Gui Zhi's blood-moving and channel-warming properties), hepatically metabolized pharmaceuticals and medications requiring liver function monitoring (Cang Er Zi's narrow therapeutic window and hepatic considerations), and anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive medications (where the formula's wind-dispersing action may complement or interact with pharmaceutical upper respiratory treatments). Your authorizing veterinarian will determine appropriateness based on your animal's condition, current medications, and whether the presenting nasal pattern is the wind-cold pattern for which Pe Min Gan Wan is indicated.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions is Pe Min Gan Wan used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Pe Min Gan Wan is indicated for wind-cold invasion of the nasal passages and upper respiratory tract, presenting with sneezing, clear or white nasal discharge, nasal congestion, possible watery eye discharge, sensitivity to cold or wind, and the wind-cold exterior signs of a floating tight pulse and absence of thirst or heat signs. It is specifically formulated for the wind-cold nasal obstruction pattern and is most appropriate when the nasal and upper respiratory signs are accompanied by the clear, watery discharge and cold-sensitivity signs of wind-cold rather than the yellow or green discharge, fever, and heat signs of a wind-heat pattern, where a different formula would be indicated.
How is Pe Min Gan Wan administered to dogs, cats, and horses?
Mix the powder directly into food or grain at the dose recommended for your animal's species and body weight. Dogs and cats use the Canine Blend; horses use the Equine/Horse Blend. Dogs and cats receive the formula twice daily; horses receive two tablespoons twice daily for the first 20 days, then once daily in grain. If the horse initially refuses, start with a small amount mixed into grain and gradually increase until the horse is accustomed to the taste. Most horses will readily accept the herbs in their grain. Your authorizing veterinarian will confirm the appropriate dose and schedule for your individual animal and confirm that the wind-cold nasal pattern is the correct TCVM diagnosis, given the formula's warm, acrid composition specific to the wind-cold presentation.
How long does it take to see results with Pe Min Gan Wan?
Because Pe Min Gan Wan addresses an acute wind-cold exterior invasion rather than a deep constitutional deficiency, response to treatment is typically seen relatively quickly - often within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use as the wind-cold is progressively dispersed from the nasal passages and the lung's diffusing function is restored. For animals with recurrent wind-cold nasal presentations, the formula may be used at the onset of each episode and continued until the wind-cold is resolved, with the authorizing veterinarian determining whether constitutional treatment to strengthen the wei qi and reduce susceptibility to wind-cold invasion is also appropriate alongside the acute wind-dispersing treatment.
How does Pe Min Gan Wan differ from other TCVM upper respiratory formulas?
Pe Min Gan Wan is specifically formulated for the wind-cold nasal obstruction pattern, with a predominantly warm and acrid eleven-herb composition designed to disperse cold, release the exterior, and open the nasal orifices from a wind-cold pathogen. It is not appropriate for wind-heat upper respiratory presentations (yellow or green nasal discharge, fever, thirst, heat signs), which require a wind-heat-releasing formula with cooling herbs rather than the warming and dispersing herbs of Pe Min Gan Wan. Chronic nasal discharge or nasal congestion from internal patterns (such as lung qi deficiency, lung yin deficiency, or spleen damp producing nasal phlegm) requires formulas that address the internal deficiency root rather than the exterior wind pathogen. Your authorizing veterinarian will determine whether the presenting upper respiratory pattern is acute wind-cold invasion, for which Pe Min Gan Wan is indicated, or a different pattern requiring a different treatment strategy.