• Black resealable pouch of Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin traditional Chinese herbal powder, 100 gm, by Integrative Veterinary Products, with a white product label.

By Integrative Veterinary Products

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

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Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is a traditional Chinese herbal formula in powder form based on the classical prescription. It is traditionally used to subdue rising Liver Yang, calm Internal Wind and support the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood.

In veterinary practice, this formula is commonly considered for animals showing signs of Liver Yang rising, particularly when associated with underlying Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. These animals may present with restlessness, irritability, excessive heat, tremors or other signs of internal agitation and disturbed regulation.

In Australia, certain traditional Chinese herbal formulas can only be dispensed by a registered veterinarian.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is most effective when the formula is selected for the individual animal. An in-person assessment with an integrative veterinarian is ideal, but telehealth can provide access when this is difficult or not possible.

If you would like to access Integrative Veterinary Products practitioner-dispensed herbal formulas, you can book a 15–30 minute phone or video consultation with Dr Tanya Meares BVSc.

Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete a form providing background information about your animal and their health concerns.

Consultation: $80
If herbal treatment is recommended, you will receive a $40 credit towards your first herbal order.

These formulas require practitioner dispensing under current regulatory guidelines.

How it Works

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liver Yang should remain balanced and anchored by Yin, allowing Qi and Blood to circulate smoothly throughout the body. When Yin becomes insufficient or Liver Qi movement is disturbed, Yang may rise excessively, generating Heat and Internal Wind.

Animals showing this pattern may develop restlessness, irritability, excessive heat, tremors, muscle twitching or other signs of disturbed nervous system regulation. Poor circulation and Blood stasis may also contribute, particularly in chronic conditions.

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is traditionally used to calm rising Liver Yang, extinguish Internal Wind and clear Heat. It also supports the movement of Qi and Blood while gently nourishing the Liver and Kidney systems.

Rather than acting as a strong Yin tonic, the formula focuses on settling excessive Yang activity while addressing some of the underlying deficiency and circulatory imbalance.

In modern veterinary practice, this TCM pattern may be considered in animals with neurological signs, tremors, restlessness or chronic conditions involving Heat, poor circulation and disturbed regulation.
Ingredients

Gastrodia rhizome
Uncaria stem with hooks
Abalone shell
Gardenia fruit
Chinese skullcap root
Cyathula root
Eucommia bark
Chinese motherwort herb
Mulberry mistletoe stem and leaf
Fo-ti vine stem
Poria with pine root
Dosing

Dogs up to
5 kg – Give 1/8 of a teaspoon twice daily

5-10 kg –
Give 1/4 a teaspoon twice daily

10-15 kg –
Give 1/2 of a teaspoon twice daily

15-20 kg –
Give 3/4 teaspoon twice daily

20-30 kg –
Give 1 teaspoons twice daily

30-40 kg –
Give 1 1/2 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?

Xiao Chai Hu Tang can have significant anti-inflammatory effects, but it is more than simply an anti-inflammatory formula. In TCM it is considered a regulatory and harmonising formula, particularly suited to Shao Yang patterns where inflammation may be recurrent, fluctuating or poorly regulated. This is why the overall pattern is important when deciding whether Xiao Chai Hu Tang is appropriate.
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.