Yunnan Baiyao is a prized Chinese Herbal Medicine used primarily to stop bleeding (both internally & externally).
In What Way is Yunnan Baiyao Used?
Yunnan Baiyao is commonly used to extend the life of dogs (and cats) with bleeding cancers such as hemangiosarcoma or nasal cancer (nosebleeds). Some treatments for cancer, such as Chemotherapy, tend to promote bleeding; it makes sense that giving a supplement to promote blood clotting would be a benefit.
It is believed that Yunnan Baiyao works by activating the platelets, which are the small blood components that help make the blood clot. Blood clots are the first step in a scab. They are like little plugs or corks in the way that they stop hemorrhage.
It can be used externally on open cuts, wounds and tumors; or, Yunnan Baiyao can be used internally for severe bruising, bleeding ulcers, blood or urine in stools, nosebleeds, tumors and post surgery. Yunnan Baiyao is also used to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, to tonify the blood (snake bites) and promote healing
What are Possible Side Effects of Yunnan Baiyao?
If the dosage is too high, your dog may experience symptoms similar to dehydration: diarrhea, frequent urination, increased thirst, dry or cracked nose and paws. In very rare instances, there may be an allergic reaction. If you observe that in your dog, please discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.
Dosage Instructions for Yunnan Baiyao
Every dog and every case is unique. Ultimately, you want to find the lowest dosage needed to control bleeding; for some dogs this will be 1 capsule every other day, for others it may be 4 capsules 4x a day.
Please consult with a veterinarian about the appropriate dosage for your pet.
Here are the general dosing guidelines:
- For dogs under 10 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth one time a day
- For dogs 10 to 30 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth two times a day
- For dogs above 30 but less than 60 lbs, give 2 capsules two times a day
- For dogs about 60 lbs, give 2 capsules three times a day
Amount: 1 package contains 16 capsules, plus one "magic" red capsule (traditionally used for emergencies). The red capsule is located under the foil directly in the middle of the package; it is not in one of the blisters. Each capsule is 250mg or .25g.
*Do not give Yunnan Baiyao on an ongoing basis. It is best to give it on alternating days, or for a 5-day on, 5-day off cycle that repeats. There is some possible evidence that this medicine may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time.
**It is recommended to use in conjunction with Milk Thistle, which provides liver support.
Ingredients Found in Yunnan Baiyao:
The formula for Yunnan Baiyao is considered a national treasure by the Chinese government and is guarded as a top medical secret. On the original labels of Yunnan Baiyao batches that were previously exported to the USA, the following ingredients were provided; this information is no longer printed on the current packages.
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Radix Notoginseng, (田七) - 200 mg
- Ajuga Forrestii Diels, (散瘀草) - 85 mg
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Rhizoma Dioscoreae (淮山药) - 66.5 mg
- Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae, (穿山龙) - 57.5 mg
- Herba Geranii & Herba Erodii, (老鹤草) - 36 mg
- Dioscoreae Parviflora Ting, (苦良姜) - 30 mg
- Herba Inulae Cappae, (白牛胆) - 25 mg*