Equine Tonic

Horses will be vulnerable to developing infections when their immune system fails to protect them from their daily exposure to microbial pathogens. Some horse will suffer frequent bouts of infections, including influenza. A strong immune system will help protect against infections. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the horse's immune system is called Defense Chi or Wei Qi.

How can the animal keep from catching infections and inflammation? In TCVM's perspective, as long as the Defense Chi is strong enough to keep pathogenic factors (including viruses and bacteria) from invading the animal's body, it is considered as health. In other words, the immune defense system itself is emphasized while the viruses and bacteria are not major concerns. The viruses and bacteria which exist around the environment and even in the animal's body are unable to cause any pathological problems if the Defense Chi is strong enough to defend against them and prevent them. However, as soon as the Defense Chi is weak (or insufficient), the pathogenic factors, including bacteria and viruses, will easily invade the body and cause a disease. Failure of the host defense system is considered as Defense Chi Deficiency. Many recent research results show that the herbal medicines can increase and modulate the immune responses1.

EQUINE TONIC has been formulated to address the enhancement of immune functions, resulting in better general health and prevention. This herbal formula is designed for improvement of equine general health condition, for prevention of "flu" and treatment of immunodeficiency and disorders of immune functions.

Combine w Equine Antioxidant, probiotics in cases where travel is involved or stress to the gi tract, Immune Support if horse has been sick (pneumonia, colic or is on a poor level of nutrition.

WESTERN INDICATIONS

1. Immunodeficiency and chronic weakness, disorder of immune functions. Prevention of "flu" and other infectious diseases. Failure of normal vaccination.

TCM APPLICATIONS

Qi deficiency. Weakness, exercise intolerance, pale tongue and weak pulse.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Animal studies show that this formula increased the cellular immune response and intestinal absorption in rabbits, and inhibited the onset of gastric ulcers in guinea pigs2,3. In vitro studies showed that this herbal medicine had a dual regulating effect: preventing and alleviating the acetylcholine-inducing spasmodic intestinal contraction, and increasing the hypoactive intestinal peristalsis induced by atropine.CAUTIONAcute inflammation or infectious phase (high fever belongs to excessive heat pattern).

DOSAGE1/2 to 2/3 scoop, 2X day (9-11 g, 2X day). Fed by top-dressing on feed. Some horses may need applesauce or some other appealing substance added to their feed to disguise the taste.

COURSEAs needed. Can be used over many months. Can be used 1 to 3 months for immune disorders until the problem has cleared, or used for 2 months for prevention of "flu" and other infectious diseases.

CHINESE PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT

Tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen and regulates the stomach.

CLASSICAL ANTECEDENT

Shen Ling Ping Wei San, or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, "Ginseng Atractylodes Combination."

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