Kan Essentials Open the Liver Canals (Xiao Chai Hu Jia Yu Jin Tang) is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to harmonize the Shao Yang level and relieve obstruction of the Triple Burner that interferes with the normal descent of Qi, producing stasis in the upper abdomen. This formula modifies one of the world's oldest and most widely used herbal formulas, Harmonize the Qi (Xiao Chai Hu Tang), adding Turmeric root tuber (Yu Jin) for an extra Qi- and Blood-moving effect, particularly in the vicinity of the Liver. 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
- Shao Yang harmonization: Harmonizes the Shao Yang level and relieves Triple Burner obstruction to restore the normal descent of Qi and address Qi stagnation in the upper abdomen
- Liver and hepatic support: Supports healthy liver enzyme function and addresses Qi and Blood stagnation in the Liver channel through the added action of Turmeric root tuber
- Digestive support: Addresses occasional fullness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, reduced appetite, and abdominal disharmonies associated with Triple Burner obstruction
- Immune and respiratory support: Supports a healthy immune system and addresses occasional shortness of breath and respiratory disharmonies in patterns of Shao Yang obstruction
- Neurological and urinary support: Addresses occasional loss of balance, tremors, muscle twitches, weakness, and occasional urinary incontinence associated with Triple Burner obstruction and Qi stagnation
TCVM Principles
- Pattern addressed: Triple Burner obstruction; Qi stagnation in the upper abdomen
- Primary actions: Harmonizes the Shao Yang level; relieves obstruction of the Triple Burner that interferes with the normal descent of Qi
- Tongue: Normal; lavender or purple
- Pulse: Strong, wiry, rapid, flooding; varies
- Contraindications: Avoid with Liver Yang rising; consult your TCVM veterinarian to confirm the appropriate pattern diagnosis
- Approach: Based on Harmonize the Qi (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) with key modifications; Bupleurum and Pinellia are reduced (high levels not needed for good effect, and Phlegm is not prominent in many animal cases) to allow relatively more Chinese Red Ginseng and Chinese Skullcap, increasing Qi-tonifying and calming effects; Turmeric root tuber is added for extra Qi- and Blood-moving action in the Liver channel
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: Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Common name: Bupleurum root; Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Common name: Chinese skullcap root; Hong Ren Shen (Panax ginseng, red), Common name: Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome; Yu Jin (Curcuma aromatica, root tuber), Common name: Turmeric root tuber; Fa Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata, licorice-cured), Common name: Licorice cured pinellia rhizome; Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Common name: Chinese licorice root and rhizome; Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried), Common name: Ginger rhizome; Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, red fruit), Common name: Red jujube fruit.
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 Open the Liver Canals is selected for its specific role within the TCVM framework. Their combined actions harmonize the Shao Yang, relieve Triple Burner obstruction, tonify Qi, and move Qi and Blood in the Liver channel to address stagnation and obstruction at multiple levels.
- Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense), Bupleurum Root: The chief Shao Yang-harmonizing herb; cool and pungent, it expels invasions lodged in the Shao Yang and soothes Liver Qi stagnation; reduced from traditional Xiao Chai Hu Tang levels, as high doses are not needed for good effect
- Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Chinese Skullcap Root: Bitter and cold; descends Yang from the Upper Burner to where it can reintegrate with the Lower Burner; increased from traditional levels to enhance the calming effects of the formula
- Hong Ren Shen (Panax ginseng, red), Chinese Red Ginseng Root and Rhizome: Tonifies Yuan Qi and Spleen Qi; increased from traditional levels to better address Qi deficiency that has occurred following the failure of Yang and Yin to merge
- Yu Jin (Curcuma aromatica, root tuber), Turmeric Root Tuber: The key modification from Xiao Chai Hu Tang; moves Qi and Blood, opens the Liver channel, and provides an extra Qi- and Blood-moving effect particularly in the vicinity of the Liver
- Fa Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata, licorice-cured), Licorice Cured Pinellia Rhizome: Transforms Phlegm obstructions of the Triple Burner that have stopped the merging of Yang and Yin; reduced from traditional levels as Phlegm is not prominent in many animal cases
- Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), Chinese Licorice Root and Rhizome: Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi, moderates the actions of other herbs, and harmonizes the formula
- Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale, dried), Ginger Rhizome: Harmonizes the Middle Burner and helps direct rebellious Qi downward to relieve occasional nausea and abdominal discomfort
- Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, red fruit), Red Jujube Fruit: Tonifies Spleen Qi, nourishes Blood, and addresses Qi deficiency that has occurred following Yin Yang separation; moderates the actions of other herbs in the formula
Potential Drug Interactions
Open the Liver Canals contains Qi-moving, Blood-moving, and Qi-tonifying herbs with known hepatic, gastrointestinal, and immune-modulating 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 rising Liver Yang.
Extra caution may be appropriate for pets receiving hepatic medications, immunosuppressive drugs, gastrointestinal medications, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, or multiple prescription medications. Your veterinarian can determine whether Open the Liver Canals 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 Open the Liver Canals used for in TCVM?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Open the Liver Canals (Xiao Chai Hu Jia Yu Jin Tang) harmonizes the Shao Yang level and relieves Triple Burner obstruction that interferes with the normal descent of Qi. It is a modification of the classical Harmonize the Qi formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang), with added Turmeric root tuber for enhanced Liver channel support. It is indicated for patterns of Triple Burner obstruction and Qi stagnation in the upper abdomen, and is commonly used to support liver, digestive, respiratory, and immune health in dogs and cats.
How is Open the Liver Canals administered?
Open the Liver Canals 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 digestive comfort and energy relatively quickly, while those with more chronic or established Triple Burner obstruction and Liver Qi stagnation patterns may require several weeks of consistent use. Your authorizing veterinarian can help set appropriate expectations based on your pet's TCVM diagnosis.
Can Open the Liver Canals be combined with other medications or supplements?
Always consult your veterinarian before combining Open the Liver Canals with other medications or supplements. Key interactions to discuss include hepatic medications, immunosuppressive drugs, and anticoagulants. Your authorizing veterinarian will monitor for potential interactions through routine lab work and diagnostic testing. See the Potential Drug Interactions section above for details.