Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Yunnan Baiyao, herbal support, ordering products, and caring for your pet naturally.

FAQ:

Yunnan Baiyao

What is Yunnan Baiyao and how does it work?

Yunnan Baiyao is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that's been used for over 100 years.

Originally developed for battlefield injuries to stop bleeding, it has become widely recognized for supporting pets with cancer, tumors, bleeding disorders, and other serious illnesses.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan Baiyao works by:

  • Moving blood and breaking up stagnation (which is how TCM views tumor formation)
  • Stopping internal and external bleeding (hemostatic properties)
  • Supporting healthy circulation throughout the body
  • Promoting the body's natural healing processes


The exact formula is proprietary and has never been fully disclosed, but it contains herbs known for their blood-moving and healing properties.

What matters most: it has a long track record of helping both humans and animals facing serious health challenges.

Learn more on our Yunnan Baiyao FAQ Page.

Is your Yunnan Baiyao authentic? Is there an official distributor?

There is no single "official" or exclusive US distributor of Yunnan Baiyao. There is one manufacturer in China (Yunnan Baiyao Group), and all legitimate US retailers—including us—source from the same manufacturer.

My dog has cancer. Can Yunnan Baiyao help?

Yunnan Baiyao has helped countless dogs with cancers and bleeding disorders. To know if Yunnan Baiyao is right for your pet, and how to dose it properly, it's best to talk to your veterinarian.

We also recommend downloading our Free Guide to Yunnan Baiyao for Dogs. 

Can I combine other herbal products with Yunnan Baiyao?

Yes, Yunnan Baiyao works well alongside other supportive herbs, depending on your pet's symptoms.

Some common combinations are:

Many pet owners create a "care kit" combining Yunnan Baiyao + Dissolve Mass + Milk Thistle for comprehensive cancer support.

For specific combination guidance, consult with a holistic vet or TCM practitioner familiar with your pet's diagnosis.

Is Yunnan Baiyao safe for cats, horses, other animals?

Yes! Yunnan Baiyao is safe for dogs, cats, horses, birds, chickens, and other animals. The herbs themselves are species-neutral, but you will need to dose it according to your pet's species and weight. When in doubt, consult with a holistic veterinarian who has experience with your pet.

FAQ:

Tinctures & Herbal Supplements

Why do your tinctures contain alcohol and is that safe for pets?

Our tinctures use alcohol extraction because it's the most effective method for capturing the herbs' medicinal properties. Alcohol extracts compounds that water alone can't access, resulting in more potent and bioavailable herbal medicine. Basically, it makes them most effective.

This is safe for pets when used as directed, because the amount of alcohol per dose is very minimal. If you're concerned about giving alcohol to your pet, simply place the tincture dose in a few tablespoons of boiling water, then let it cool before adding it to your pet's food or water bowl. The hot water evaporates the alcohol content. 

How do I dose herbal tinctures for my pet?

Each tincture bottle includes a suggested dosing on the label, which is typically based on your pet's weight.

Do your products have expiration dates?

Yes, and no. Your herbal supplements will come with an expiration date on the package, because it's required by law. But, herbal medicines don't "go bad" the same way that food does. Instead, the potency can gradually reduce, or increase in some cases as with tinctures. That said, we recommend using your products before their expiration date for best results.

Are your herbs organic or gluten-free?

Organic: We source organically when possible, but the nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs means this isn't always feasible or practical.

Why? Many Chinese herbs require years to reach maturity for harvest. Farmers use pesticides to protect crops during these long growth cycles, because losing an entire harvest that took 5-10 years to grow would be devastating. Additionally, wild-harvested herbs (which are often higher quality) can't be certified organic since they're not farmed.

We always seek out wild-harvested when available (often highest quality), then organically or sustainably farmed as the next best option. Our herbs are always sourced from reputable suppliers with good growing practices.

Gluten-free: Most of our herbal tinctures and capsules are naturally gluten-free since they contain only herbs and extraction medium (alcohol or vegetable glycerin). However, we don't test for cross-contamination, so if your pet has severe gluten sensitivity, please check the label for specific product information.

My pet is picky. How do I get them to take their supplement?

Many of our formulas come in easy-to-administer formats, like tinctures. Here are some tips:

  • Mix with a small amount of food or water
  • Add to bone broth for a simple treat
  • Mix with foods that have a strong smell, like peanut butter or wet pet food
  • Divide doses throughout the day when possible for steady support

FAQ:

Herbal Medicine & Pets

How is TCM different from Western veterinary medicine?

Western veterinary medicine focuses on diagnosing specific diseases and treating symptoms or targeting pathogens (bacteria, viruses, cancer cells). It's excellent for acute care, surgery, diagnostics, and life-saving interventions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on the body as an interconnected whole and aims to restore balance and support the body's natural healing capacity. It addresses root causes of imbalance rather than just managing symptoms.

The best approach? Integrative care that combines both. Use Western diagnostics and treatment for serious conditions while using TCM herbs to support overall health, reduce side effects, and promote healing.
Many holistic veterinarians practice integrative medicine, blending the best of both worlds.

What do these terms mean: Qi, Stasis, Yin, Yang?

Herbal medicine sometimes uses concepts that don't translate perfectly into English, but here are simplified explanations:

Qi (pronounced "chee"): Think of Qi as life energy, vitality, or functional energy. When an animal has good Qi, they're energetic, resilient, and healthy. When Qi is deficient, they're tired, weak, and struggle to heal. Herbs like Astragalus and formulas like "Strengthen Immunity (Qi Booster)" support Qi.

Blood Stagnation/Stasis: In TCM, "blood stagnation" doesn't just mean slow circulation. It refers to areas where blood and energy aren't moving properly, which can lead to pain, tumors, cysts, or poor healing. Herbs like Yunnan Baiyao and "Dissolve Mass" are used to move blood and break up stagnation.

Yin/Yang Balance: Yin represents cooling, nourishing, calming aspects. Yang represents warming, energizing, active aspects. Many health issues arise from imbalances between Yin and Yang.
You don't need to become an herbal expert to benefit from these herbs. Just know that they work with your pet's natural systems to restore balance and promote healing.

My vet has never heard of Yunnan Baiyao, so should I still use it?

Most conventional vets aren't trained in herbal medicine. Veterinary school focuses primarily on Western medicine - diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, surgery. Unless your vet has done additional training in holistic or integrative medicine, they may not be familiar with Traditional Chinese herbs at all. That doesn't mean these herbs don't work. It means they're outside your vet's area of expertise.

If your vet is unfamiliar with Yunnan Baiyao, there are many research studies you can share with them, or get a second opinion. Holistic or integrative veterinarians understand both conventional and herbal approaches and can help you make a well-rounded decision for your pet.

Important: Never stop conventional treatment without consulting your vet. But also know that you have options beyond what conventional veterinary medicine offers. 

FAQ:

Ordering, Shipping, & Returns

Where do you ship from and how long does shipping take?

We ship from the United States. This means you get:

  • Fast domestic delivery: Most orders are shipped within 1-2 business days, and arrive 3-5 days later with standard shipping.
  • No customs delays: Your package doesn't have to clear international customs
  • Prices include any tariffs: What you see is what you pay—no surprise fees or charges.

A note on shipping times: We understand that time is of the essence in many situations. We do everything we can to process and ship your order as quickly as possible, including expedited shipping options available at check-out. However, once the item is with the postal service, we no longer have control and unexpected delays can happen. 

Learn more about shipping here. 

How do I get free shipping?

Free economy shipping is available on orders $60, and typically takes 5-7 business days. 

What is your return policy?

We're happy to accept returns of unopened products within 90 days of purchase. All returns are subject to a $5 restocking fee.

Why a restocking fee? We're a small, independent business - not Amazon or Chewy. As a small business, we're trying to keep natural pet care affordable and do everything we can to keep costs as low as possible. If we absorbed all return costs, we'd have to raise prices across the board for every customer. That would mean everyone pays more upfront, even those who never need to return anything. By applying a restocking fee only when returns happen, we keep prices as accessible as possible for the majority of customers who are purchasing products they'll use.

Learn more about our return policy here. 

Why are certain products unavailable sometimes?

Availability can shift based on natural harvest cycles. Some herbs take years to grow and aren't always available from our trusted sources. When this happens, we may temporarily remove products or suggest alternatives with similar therapeutic properties. We'd rather wait for quality herbs than substitute with inferior options.