Recommended by holistic veterinarians, Jing Tang Si Wu Tang - also known as Four Substances Decoction - is one of the most foundational formulas in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) for nourishing and regulating Blood. Used for over 900 years, this classic blend supports pets experiencing Blood deficiency patterns, including dryness, poor coat quality, muscular discomfort, and reduced vitality in dogs, cats, and horses. Available in concentrated powder, concentrated capsules, and teapills. Dosing varies by species, body weight, and health condition; your authorizing veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose following a TCVM evaluation.
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What It Supports
- Blood nourishment: Replenishes Blood deficiency to support overall vitality, coat health, and tissue nourishment in dogs, cats, and horses.
- Blood regulation: Promotes smooth Blood circulation and addresses stagnation patterns associated with Blood deficiency.
- Musculoskeletal comfort: Supports pets experiencing discomfort or stiffness rooted in Blood deficiency failing to nourish the tendons and muscles.
- Immune and general vitality: Helps restore internal balance and overall wellness in pets with Blood deficiency patterns.
- Coat and skin health: Blood deficiency often manifests as dryness or poor coat quality; Si Wu Tang addresses the root cause.
TCVM Principles
- Primary action: Nourish Blood and regulate Blood.
- Important note: Avoid in patients with Qi Deficiency or stagnation of Damp.
- Classical antecedent: Si Wu Tang from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era), written by Chen Shi-Wen et al. in 1080.
Available Forms
- 90g Concentrated Powder: Highly concentrated granule format; mix into food for easy daily administration. Comes with a double-sided scoop. One 90g bottle lasts approximately 2 weeks.
- 0.5g Concentrated Capsules (100 Count): Pre-measured capsule format for precise, convenient dosing.
- Teapills (200 Count): Traditional small pill format; can be hidden in food or a soft treat for easy administration.
Ingredients
Active ingredients: Bai Shao Yao (Paeonia lactiflora) - White peony root, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) - Sichuan lovage rhizome, Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) - Dong quai root, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) - Prepared rehmannia root.
Inactive ingredients: Depending on the preparation, inactive ingredients may include gluten-free maltodextrin, bovine gelatin, activated carbon, botanical wax, or talcum.
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Active Ingredient TCVM Actions
Each herb in Si Wu Tang plays a distinct role in nourishing and regulating Blood:
- Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) - Prepared rehmannia root: The chief herb; strongly nourishes Blood and replenishes Yin, providing the foundational substance for Blood production.
- Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) - Dong quai root: Nourishes and invigorates Blood, promotes circulation, and moistens dryness associated with Blood deficiency.
- Bai Shao Yao (Paeonia lactiflora) - White peony root: Nourishes Blood, softens the Liver, and calms Liver Yang to support smooth Blood flow and muscular comfort.
- Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) - Sichuan lovage rhizome: Invigorates Blood, moves Qi, and prevents stagnation, ensuring the nourishing herbs in the formula circulate effectively.
Potential Drug Interactions
Si Wu Tang contains Blood-nourishing and Blood-moving herbs (Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao Yao) that may interact with certain medications. Pets on prescription medications should use this formula under veterinary supervision, as herb-drug interaction research in dogs and cats remains limited.
Medication categories warranting extra caution include anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, hormone-modulating drugs, immunosuppressive medications, and pets managing multiple concurrent prescriptions. Your veterinarian can determine appropriateness based on your pet's condition, current medications, and laboratory results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions is Si Wu Tang used for in TCVM?
Si Wu Tang is the foundational TCVM formula for Blood deficiency patterns. Holistic veterinarians commonly recommend it for dogs, cats, and horses showing signs of Blood deficiency such as dryness, poor coat quality, pale mucous membranes, muscular weakness or discomfort, and reduced overall vitality. It is also used to regulate Blood circulation in pets with mild Blood stagnation rooted in deficiency. Note that this formula is not appropriate for pets with Qi Deficiency or Damp stagnation patterns - your veterinarian will confirm whether it is the right fit for your pet.
How is Si Wu Tang administered, and what are the recommended doses?
Dosing varies by species, body weight, and health condition; your authorizing veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose following a TCVM evaluation. For dogs and cats using 0.5g concentrated capsules, the general guideline is one capsule per 20 to 40 lbs of body weight twice daily. For small dogs and cats under 10 lbs, one 0.2g capsule once daily is typical. For the 90g concentrated powder, the dose for dogs and cats is 0.1g to 0.25g per 10 to 20 lbs twice daily - the included small scoop holds approximately 0.3g. For horses, the standard dose is 3g (approximately 2.5 large scoops) twice daily.
How long does it take to see results with Si Wu Tang?
Response time varies depending on the individual pet, the severity of the Blood deficiency pattern, and the format used. Many pet owners begin to notice improvements in coat quality, energy, and comfort within 3 to 6 weeks of consistent use. The manufacturer recommends use as needed for up to 6 months. For chronic or long-standing Blood deficiency conditions, your veterinarian may recommend a longer course of treatment before evaluating results. Regular follow-up with your holistic veterinarian is recommended to monitor progress and adjust dosing as needed.
Can Si Wu Tang be combined with other TCVM formulas or medications?
Si Wu Tang is frequently used as a base formula in TCVM and is sometimes combined with other formulas to address more complex patterns, but combination use should always be guided by your authorizing veterinarian. If your pet is on prescription medications - particularly anticoagulants, hormone-modulating drugs, or immunosuppressants - your veterinarian will evaluate whether Si Wu Tang is appropriate given your pet's full health picture and current treatment plan. Avoid this formula in pets with Qi Deficiency or Damp stagnation patterns.