Herbal medicine is one of the more popular alternative treatments in the veterinary world. As more dog owners recognize the values of this alternative, commercially available products are becoming easier to find and more diverse in nature. Four Marvels is one such supplement for dogs.
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Identification
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Four Marvels, or Si Miao San, is a powder or capsule containing four distinct herbs: Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes root), Yi Yi Ren (also known as coix seed) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron bark).
History
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Four Marvels supplements are rooted in the traditional Chinese philosophy of the five elements. These elements describe the relationship of natural phenomena, including the body. When these five elements are out of balance in a dog, problems ensue.
Function
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Si Miao San seeks to treat an imbalance of what is known in traditional Chinese medicine as "damp heat." There is too much of the "water" element in the dog's body, as well as too much heat or energy.
Uses
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The use of Four Marvels supplements is said to reduce the workload of a dog's kidneys, liver and spleen. It also is used to alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases due to its proposed properties of water reduction and circulatory stimulation.
Considerations
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Dogs should be under the care of a licensed veterinary care professional before the use of any supplementation or alternative treatment.
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