Yi Yi Ren Tang

Yi Yi Ren Tang is a classical formula traditionally used to address chronic Wind-Damp obstruction affecting the joints, muscles and channels, particularly where stiffness and fluid accumulation recur or fail to fully resolve.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, impaired digestion and fluid regulation may contribute to the internal accumulation of Damp within the body. Over time, chronic inflammatory disease, recurrent strain, ageing, reduced movement or highly processed diets may contribute to persistent fluid stagnation within the joints and soft tissues.

Unlike strongly cooling Damp-Heat formulas used for hot, intensely inflamed conditions, Yi Yi Ren Tang is more appropriate where chronic stiffness, recurrent fluid accumulation and incomplete recovery predominate.

This formula is selected when Damp obstruction becomes chronic or recurrent — particularly where fluid accumulation, stiffness or swelling fail to fully resolve between episodes.

Clinically, these animals often show recurrent “boggy” swelling, stiffness that improves with movement or persistent joint filling that is not intensely hot or acutely inflamed.

Clinically, this formula is commonly used in:

• recurrent joint filling or boggy swelling
  
• stiffness that improves with movement
  
• chronic arthritis with fluid accumulation
  
• musculoskeletal discomfort worse in cold or damp weather
  
• large breed dogs with recurrent orthopaedic strain
  
• chronic back pain with stiffness and restricted movement
  
• chronic polyarthritis where Damp predominates over strong Heat
  
• horses with persistent post-exercise filling or incomplete recovery
  

Animals suited to this formula often show:

• recurrent swelling that partially improves but returns
  
• stiffness without marked Heat
  
• damp weather sensitivity
  
• fluid accumulation around joints or soft tissues
  
• fluctuating restriction rather than explosive inflammation
  

Think: chronic Damp obstruction with recurrent stiffness, fluid accumulation and incomplete resolution.

This formula is generally less appropriate where:

• severe acute inflammatory Heat predominates
  

joints are intensely hot, red or acutely painful

• major trauma or acute injury are present
  
• strong fixed Blood stasis predominates without Damp accumulation.

Job’s tears seed,

Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome,

Dong quai root,

Chinese cinnamon twig,

White peony root,

Pubescent angelica root,

Chinese licorice root and rhizome.

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.