Kan Essentials Lift the Qi (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to supplement Original Qi, raise sinking Spleen Qi, and move Liver Qi. This classical formula was first published in the 13th-century Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach by Li Dongyuan; its incorporation of four herbs from the Six Gentle Pets (Liu Jun Zi Tang) formula speaks to its Spleen Qi and digestion-supporting effects. 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
- Spleen Qi tonification and raising: Tonifies Spleen Qi and raises sinking Spleen Qi to address occasional sluggishness, fatigue, tired limbs, loss of appetite, and occasional digestive disturbances including diarrhea and/or constipation
- Immune support: Boosts Wei Qi production through the combined action of Astragalus root and White Atractylodes rhizome to support a healthy immune system
- Liver Qi regulation and emotional support: Moves stagnant Liver Qi and nourishes Liver Blood to address occasional anxiety, depression, irritability, agitation, restless sleep, noise sensitivity, phobias, mild territoriality, and emotional sensitivities
- Energy and vitality: Supplements Original Qi to address fatigue, lethargy, and overall weakness associated with Spleen Qi deficiency and sinking
TCVM Principles
- Pattern addressed: Spleen Qi deficiency; Spleen Qi sinking
- Primary actions: Tonify Original Qi; regulate Liver Qi; raise sinking Spleen Qi
- Tongue: Pale or lavender
- Pulse: Toned
- Approach: Built on four herbs from the Six GentlePets (Liu Jun Zi Tang) formula (Chinese Red Ginseng, White Atractylodes, Tangerine Dried Rind, Chinese Licorice Root) as its Spleen Qi-tonifying core; Astragalus root together with White Atractylodes boosts Wei Qi production; Dong Quai nourishes Liver Blood weakened by flagging Spleen Qi; Bupleurum root moves Liver Qi stagnant from the lack of Blood; Cimicifuga rhizome helps mobilize stagnant Qi that has sunk down and become trapped in the lower abdomen; 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: Hong Ren Shen (Panax ginseng, red), Common name: Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome; Dang Gui Shen (Angelica sinensis, root body), Common name: Dong quai root; Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Common name: Astragalus root; Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), Common name: White atractylodes rhizome; Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Common name: Bupleurum root; Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata, peel), Common name: Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit; Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Common name: Chinese licorice root and rhizome; Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga foetida), Common name: Cimicifuga 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 Lift the Qi is selected for its specific role within the TCVM framework. Together, they tonify Original Qi, raise sinking Spleen Qi, boost Wei Qi, nourish Liver Blood, and move stagnant Liver Qi to address Spleen deficiency and sinking at multiple levels.
- Hong Ren Shen (Panax ginseng, red), Chinese Red Ginseng Root and Rhizome: Strongly tonifies Yuan Qi and Spleen Qi; the primary Qi tonic in this formula and one of the four Liu Jun Zi Tang herbs represented here
- Dang Gui Shen (Angelica sinensis, root body), Dong Quai Root: Nourishes Liver Blood that has been weakened by flagging Spleen Qi; prevents the Qi tonics from becoming too drying
- Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Astragalus Root: Tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi; boosts Wei Qi production together with Bai Zhu to support a healthy immune system; a key Qi-raising herb in this formula
- Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), White Atractylodes Rhizome: Tonifies Spleen Qi, dries Dampness, and boosts Wei Qi production together with Huang Qi; one of the four Liu Jun Zi Tang herbs represented here
- Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Bupleurum Root: Moves Liver Qi that has become stagnant from the lack of Blood; helps raise and lift Qi in combination with Sheng Ma
- Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata, peel), Tangerine Dried Rind of Mature Fruit: Regulates Qi, dries Dampness, and prevents the Qi tonics from causing stagnation; one of the four Liu Jun Zi Tang herbs represented here
- Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chinese Licorice Root and Rhizome: Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi, moderates the actions of other herbs, and harmonizes the formula; one of the four Liu Jun Zi Tang herbs represented here
- Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga foetida), Cimicifuga Rhizome: Raises and mobilizes stagnant Qi that has sunk down and become trapped in the lower abdomen; works with Chai Hu to lift and circulate Qi upward
Potential Drug Interactions
Lift the Qi contains Qi-tonifying, immune-modulating, and Liver Qi-moving herbs with known effects on immune, digestive, and hormonal function. 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 immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, gastrointestinal medications, sedatives or anxiolytics, or multiple prescription medications. Your veterinarian can determine whether Lift 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 Lift the Qi used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Lift the Qi (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) is used to tonify Original Qi, raise sinking Spleen Qi, and move Liver Qi. It is indicated for patterns of Spleen Qi deficiency and sinking, and is commonly used to support energy, healthy immune function, emotional well-being, and digestive health in dogs and cats.
How is Lift the Qi administered?
Lift 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 emotional calm relatively quickly, while those with more chronic or established Spleen Qi deficiency and sinking patterns may require several weeks of consistent use. Your authorizing veterinarian can help set appropriate expectations based on your pet's TCVM diagnosis.
Can Lift the Qi be combined with other medications or supplements?
Always consult your veterinarian before combining Lift the Qi with other medications or supplements. Key interactions to discuss include immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, 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.