• Xiao Chai Hu Tang Chinese herbal formula – Integrative Veterinary Products

By Integrative Veterinary Products

Xiao Chai Hu Tang

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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula in powder form based on the classical prescription. It is traditionally used to harmonise the Shao Yang pivot and restore regulatory balance in animals showing both excess and deficiency patterns.

In veterinary practice, this formula is commonly used in animals with inflammatory conditions that fluctuate over time rather than remaining fixed or predictable. These patients often show a mixture of excess and deficiency signs, with symptoms that wax and wane, worsen seasonally or fail to fully stabilise.

Rather than strongly tonifying deficiency or aggressively clearing excess, Xiao Chai Hu Tang helps restore smoother flow between the internal and external body, allowing regulation to become more stable over time.

 

Currently in Australia, certain traditional Chinese herbal blends are only allowed to be dispensed by a registered veterinarian.

As with all Traditional Chinese Herbal blends, the best results are likely to occur when prescribed by an integrative veterinarian who can examine your animal in person. Telehealth consultations however, can be used when access to an appropriate veterinarian is difficult or not possible.

If you would like to access the Integrative Veterinary Products Herbal blends, please book an appointment to access a telehealth (phone or video) appointment with Dr Tanya Meares BVSc.

Before the appointment, you will be asked to submit a form with background information about your animal and their health issues.

The cost of the 15-30 minute telehealth appointment is $80 but you will receive a discount of $40 on your first order of any an herbal blend in the shop (if any are suggested).

These formulas require practitioner dispensing under current regulatory guidelines.

How it Works

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body constantly moves between Yin and Yang states throughout the day and across seasonal change. Xiao Chai Hu Tang is used when this regulatory “pivot” becomes stuck, preventing smooth movement of energy and circulation between the internal (organs) and external (skin and joints) body.

When this occurs, animals often develop fluctuating patterns where signs of excess and deficiency may coexist. Symptoms may wax and wane, worsen seasonally or appear inconsistent over time.

Rather than strongly tonifying deficiency or aggressively dispersing excess, Xiao Chai Hu Tang helps restore smoother ascent and descent of Qi so that regulation becomes more stable over time.

In modern veterinary practice, this pattern frequently manifests as inflammatory disease that fails to fully stabilise, often with waxing and waning symptoms, changing presentations or mixed inflammatory patterns.
Ingredients

Ginger cured pinellia rhizome

Bupleurum root

Chinese licorice root and rhizome

Chinese skullcap root

Ginger rhizome

Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome

Red jujube fruit
Dosing

Dogs up to 5 kg Give ¼ of a teaspoon twice daily

5-10 kg Give ½ a teaspoon twice daily

10-15 kg Give ¾ of a teaspoon twice daily

15-20 kg Give 1 teaspoon twice daily

20-30 kg Give 1 ½ teaspoons twice daily

30-40 kg Give 2 teaspoons twice daily

It is advised to start on a lower dose and work up to the full dose over a week or so to check it is a good fit for your dog. The above dosing guidelines can be adjusted. For animals that have had benefit from the herbs, a lower dose may be required to maintain or wean off the formula. Conversely, animals may be given more frequent or higher doses when the effect is required more quickly and the formula choice is certain.

Ways to get herbs into pets.
Most dogs with a good appetite will simply eat herbal mixtures in their food. If animals have a weak appetite or are otherwise picky with their choices there area few other ways to entice them.
Mix herbs with a small amount of a high value treat – eg mince, sardines, cheese.
Mix herbs into a bone broth and pour over food.
If owners are still having trouble, gelatin food capsules can be bought inexpensively and herbs put into them. Owners then need to give the capsule either directly into the mouth or again, mixed in food.

Shipping

We currently ship only to Australia. Contact us if you are in NZ and interested in getting our products.  (Not Canada or USA)

For more information, click here >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shao Yang disharmony?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Shao Yang is described as a pivot between the exterior and interior of the body. When this pivot is not functioning smoothly, signs may fluctuate, recur or seem to move between different parts of the body. Xiao Chai Hu Tang is traditionally used to harmonise the Shao Yang and restore normal movement and regulation.
What signs might suggest Xiao Chai Hu Tang is appropriate?


A characteristic feature is a waxing and waning or changeable presentation. Signs may improve and then return, alternate in severity, or involve more than one body system. The animal may seem relatively well between episodes rather than showing a consistently severe or progressively worsening pattern.
Why is Xiao Chai Hu Tang often considered for recurrent or fluctuating problems?


Rather than simply clearing Heat or tonifying a deficiency, Xiao Chai Hu Tang is a harmonising formula. From a TCM perspective, it helps restore normal regulation when the body's response has become poorly coordinated. This makes it particularly relevant when problems repeatedly settle and flare again.
Is Xiao Chai Hu Tang an anti-inflammatory formula?

Chinese herbal formulas are often used as part of an integrative treatment plan alongside conventional veterinary care. However, suitability depends on the individual animal, its medications and underlying conditions. Veterinary advice is recommended, particularly for animals receiving prescription medications or treatment for significant disease.
Can Xiao Chai Hu Tang be used alongside conventional medications?

Chinese herbal formulas are often used as part of an integrative treatment plan alongside conventional veterinary care. However, suitability depends on the individual animal, its medications and underlying conditions. Veterinary advice is recommended, particularly for animals receiving prescription medications or treatment for significant disease.
When might Xiao Chai Hu Tang not be the right choice?

Xiao Chai Hu Tang is most appropriate when the overall presentation fits a Shao Yang pattern. A problem that is consistently hot and inflammatory, strongly deficient, or dominated by Dampness, Blood stagnation or another clear pattern may require a different formula. The pattern and behaviour of the condition over time are often more useful than the diagnostic label alone.