Kan Essentials Liver Support Formula (Bu Gan Tang) is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal formula formulated to nourish Liver Yin and Blood and subdue Liver Yang to support emotional wellbeing, healthy skin, musculoskeletal comfort, and liver enzyme levels. Recommended by holistic veterinarians, this classical formula has been in use for over 250 years since its original publication by Wu Qian in 1742 in Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition (Yi Zong Jin Jian). It is particularly well-suited for dogs, who are more prone to Liver Blood deficiency. Available in liquid and tablet forms. Dosing varies by species and body weight - your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance.
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What It Supports
- Liver Yin and Blood nourishment: Tonifies Liver Blood and Yin to address the root deficiency driving Liver Yang rising and associated behavioral and physical symptoms
- Liver Yang subduing: Subdues ascending Liver Yang to address occasional irritability, agitation, noise sensitivity, territoriality, and mild fear aggression
- Musculoskeletal support: Relaxes occasional muscle spasms and tightness through increasing peripheral Blood circulation; addresses tight or bunched muscles, neck spasm, and occasional muscle twitches
- Skin and hepatic support: Supports healthy skin, addresses fine powdery dander and low-grade itch, and supports healthy liver enzyme levels in patterns of Liver Yin and Blood deficiency
TCVM Principles
- Primary action: Nourishes Liver Yin and Blood and subdues Liver Yang
- Pattern addressed: Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Liver Yang rising; not recommended for animals with signs of Dampness - consult your TCVM veterinarian to confirm the appropriate pattern diagnosis
- Approach: Built on Four Substances (Si Wu Tang) as its Blood-tonifying core, with added Heart-nourishing herbs (Ophiopogon tuber, Sour Jujube Seed, Licorice) and Chinese Quince Fruit for muscle relaxation; the mixing of sweet and sour herbs produces a potent Yin-tonifying and nourishing effect
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: 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
Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa, prepared), Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora, white), Dang Gui Shen (Angelica sinensis, root body), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles speciosa), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chao Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba, dry-fried seed), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus)
Inactive ingredients vary by form; liquid extracts contain alcohol and water; tablets may contain excipients standard to tablet manufacturing.
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Active Ingredient TCVM Actions
Liver Support Formula is built on Four Substances Decoction (Si Wu Tang) as its Blood-tonifying core, with added Heart-nourishing and muscle-relaxing herbs. The mixing of sweet and sour herbs produces a potent Yin-tonifying and nourishing effect throughout.
- Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa, prepared) - Prepared Rehmannia Root: The chief Blood and Yin tonic; nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin and Blood; one of the four herbs of Si Wu Tang
- Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora, white) - White Peony Root: Nourishes Blood, softens the Liver, and moderates Liver Yang; one of the four herbs of Si Wu Tang; its sour taste contributes to the formula's Yin-tonifying effect
- Dang Gui Shen (Angelica sinensis, root body) - Dong Quai Root Body / Chinese Angelica: Tonifies and nourishes Blood; one of the four herbs of Si Wu Tang; the root body form emphasizes Blood nourishment
- Mu Gua (Chaenomeles speciosa) - Chinese Quince Fruit: Relaxes occasional muscle spasms and tightness by increasing peripheral Blood circulation; addresses tight or bunched muscles, neck spasm, and occasional forelimb weakness
- Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) - Sichuan Lovage Rhizome / Chuanxiong: Invigorates Blood, moves Qi, and prevents the Yin tonics from becoming cloying; one of the four herbs of Si Wu Tang
- Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) - Chinese Licorice Root: Sweet-tasting; tonifies Heart Qi, moderates the actions of other herbs, and harmonizes the formula; its sweetness contributes to the formula's Yin-tonifying effect
- Chao Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba, dry-fried seed) - Dry-Fried Sour Jujube Seed: Sour-tasting; nourishes Heart Yin, calms the Shen, and supports Yin; its sour taste contributes to the formula's potent Yin-tonifying effect
- Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus) - Ophiopogon Tuber / Lilyturf Root: Sour-tasting; nourishes Heart and Lung Yin, clears Empty Heat, and addresses Heart Yin deficiency; its sour taste further enhances the formula's Yin-tonifying action
Potential Drug Interactions
Liver Support Formula contains several potent Chinese herbs, including Blood-nourishing, Yin-tonifying, and Blood-invigorating herbs with known hepatic, cardiovascular, and neurological activity. Because herb-drug interaction research in dogs and cats is limited, pets taking prescription medications should use this formula under veterinary supervision. Avoid use in animals with signs of Dampness.
Extra caution may be appropriate for pets receiving hepatic medications, sedatives or anxiolytics, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, or multiple prescription medications. Your veterinarian can determine whether Liver Support Formula is appropriate based on your pet's condition, medications, and laboratory results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liver Support Formula used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Liver Support Formula (Bu Gan Tang) is traditionally used to nourish Liver Yin and Blood and subdue Liver Yang. It is indicated for patterns of Liver Yin and Blood deficiency with Liver Yang rising, commonly used to support emotional calm, healthy skin, musculoskeletal comfort, and liver enzyme levels - particularly in dogs, who are more prone to Liver Blood deficiency.
How is Liver Support Formula administered?
Liver Support Formula is available in liquid extract (1 oz, 4 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. Blood and Yin deficiency patterns often require consistent use over several weeks to months before significant improvement is seen. Some animals may show improvement in emotional calm and muscle comfort relatively sooner. Your authorizing veterinarian can help set appropriate expectations based on your pet's TCVM diagnosis.
Can Liver Support Formula be combined with other medications or supplements?
Always consult your veterinarian before combining Liver Support Formula with other medications or supplements. Your authorizing veterinarian will monitor for potential interactions through routine lab work and diagnostic testing. Key interactions to discuss include hepatic medications, sedatives, and anticoagulants. See the Potential Drug Interactions section above for details.