Kan Traditionals Calm Dragon Formula (Chai Hu Jia Gu Mu Li Tang) is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal formula that harmonizes the Shao Yang level, calms the Ethereal Soul (Po) and Spirit (Shen), cools Liver Heat, and subdues Yang. Recommended by holistic veterinarians, this classical formula addresses patterns of Liver Yang rising and unsettled Shen with Heat. Available in liquid and tablet forms. Dosing varies by species and body weight - your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance. Veterinary authorization required.
What It Supports
- Shen and Po calming: Settles the Spirit (Shen) and Ethereal Soul (Po) to support emotional and behavioral calm
- Liver Yang subduing: Cools Liver Heat and subdues rising Yang to address restlessness and agitation
- Shao Yang harmonization: Addresses blockage at the Shao Yang level to restore internal balance
- Heat clearing: Cools Heat patterns associated with unsettled Shen and Liver Yang excess
TCVM Principles
- Primary action: Harmonizes the Shao Yang level, calms the Ethereal Soul (Po) and Spirit (Shen), cools Liver Heat, and subdues Yang
- Pattern addressed: Liver Yang rising, unsettled Shen with Heat, blockage of all three Yang levels
- Approach: Combines Shao Yang-harmonizing, Shen-calming, and Yang-anchoring herbs to address excess patterns at multiple levels
Cautions and Contraindications
- Use with caution during pregnancy
- Not for use in patterns of deficiency - this formula is indicated for excess patterns only; 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
- 2 oz Liquid: Larger liquid supply for ongoing use
- 8 oz Liquid: Bulk liquid supply for extended use or multi-pet households
- 60 Tablets - 500mg: Convenient tablet format; can be given directly or hidden in food
- 120 Tablets - 500mg: Mid-size tablet supply for ongoing use
- 300 Tablets - 500mg: Largest tablet supply; ideal for long-term use
Ingredients
Chai Hu (Bupleurum root), Ban Xia - Jiang Zhi (Ginger-cured Pinellia rhizome), Da Zao (Red Jujube fruit), Zhi Zi (Gardenia fruit), Mu Li (Oyster shell), Fu Ling (Poria), Gui Zhi (Chinese Cinnamon twig), Huang Qin (Chinese Skullcap root), Ren Shen - Bai (White Asian Ginseng root and rhizome), Dai Zhe Shi (Hematite), Long Gu (Dragon bone), Gan Jiang (Ginger rhizome)
Potential Drug Interactions
As with all potent herbal formulas, Calm Dragon Formula may interact with certain conventional medications. Always inform your veterinarian of all supplements your pet is receiving. Your authorizing veterinarian will monitor for potential interactions through routine labwork, bloodwork panels, and other diagnostic testing as appropriate for your pet's condition. Key interactions to discuss include:
- Sedatives and anxiolytics (trazodone, gabapentin, alprazolam, phenobarbital): This formula has Shen-calming properties that may enhance the effects of sedative medications; monitor for excessive sedation
- Cardiac medications and digoxin: Gui Zhi and Long Gu may have mild cardiovascular effects; use with caution alongside cardiac medications
- Immunosuppressants and corticosteroids (prednisone, cyclosporine): Huang Qin has immune-modulating activity that may interact with immunosuppressive therapy
- Chemotherapy agents: If your pet is undergoing chemotherapy, ensure all treating veterinarians are aware of this supplement - a conversation between your TCVM veterinarian and the veterinarian managing chemotherapy is strongly recommended
- Anticoagulants: Some herbs in this formula may have mild Blood-moving properties; discuss with your veterinarian if your pet is on anticoagulant therapy
- Pregnancy: Use with caution - some herbs in this formula are contraindicated or require careful monitoring during pregnancy
This list is not exhaustive. Your authorizing veterinarian is the best resource for evaluating interactions specific to your pet's health history and current medications.
Veterinary Authorization Required - Get Authorization
Active Ingredient TCVM Actions
Each herb in Calm Dragon Formula is selected for its specific role within the TCVM framework. Their combined actions harmonize Shao Yang, anchor Yang, calm the Shen, and clear Heat.
- Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense) - Bupleurum root: Harmonizes the Shao Yang level, soothes Liver Qi stagnation, and releases Heat from the half-interior/half-exterior level
- Ban Xia - Jiang Zhi (Pinellia ternata, ginger-cured) - Pinellia rhizome: Transforms Phlegm, descends rebellious Qi, and dries Dampness
- Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba) - Red Jujube fruit: Tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Blood, and moderates the actions of harsh herbs
- Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) - Gardenia fruit: Clears Heat, drains Fire, and calms restlessness associated with Heat
- Mu Li (Ostrea gigas) - Oyster shell: Anchors Yang, calms the Shen, softens hardness, and dissipates nodules
- Fu Ling (Poria cocos) - Poria: Leaches out Dampness, strengthens Spleen function, quiets the Heart, and calms the Shen
- Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia, twig) - Chinese Cinnamon twig: Warms and unblocks the channels, harmonizes Ying and Wei, and supports Heart Yang
- Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) - Chinese Skullcap root: Clears Heat, drains Fire, and addresses Heat at the Shao Yang level
- Ren Shen - Bai (Panax ginseng, white) - White Asian Ginseng root and rhizome: Tonifies Yuan Qi, strengthens the Spleen and Lung, and supports overall vitality
- Dai Zhe Shi (Haematitum) - Hematite: Anchors Yang, subdues Liver Yang rising, and calms the Shen
- Long Gu (Os Draconis) - Dragon bone: Anchors Yang, calms the Shen, and prevents leakage of fluids
- Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried) - Ginger rhizome: Warms the middle, disperses Cold, and harmonizes the formula
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calm Dragon Formula used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Calm Dragon Formula (Chai Hu Jia Gu Mu Li Tang) is used to harmonize the Shao Yang level, calm the Shen and Ethereal Soul (Po), cool Liver Heat, and subdue rising Yang. It is indicated for excess patterns including Liver Yang rising, unsettled Shen with Heat, and blockage of all three Yang levels.
How is Calm Dragon Formula administered?
Calm Dragon Formula is available in liquid extract (1 oz, 2 oz, or 8 oz) or 500mg tablets (60, 120, or 300 count). Liquid can be mixed into food or administered directly; tablets can be given directly or hidden in food. 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 relatively quickly, while those with more established excess patterns may require several weeks of consistent use. Your authorizing veterinarian can help set appropriate expectations based on your pet's TCVM diagnosis.
Can Calm Dragon Formula be combined with other medications or supplements?
Always consult your veterinarian before combining Calm Dragon Formula with other medications or supplements. Your authorizing veterinarian will monitor for potential interactions through routine labwork and diagnostic testing. Key interactions to discuss include sedatives, cardiac medications, and immunosuppressants. See the Potential Drug Interactions section above for details.