Last Updated: March 2026
Ancient Care for Modern Pets: Chinese Herbs as Natural Remedies for Your Furry Friend
Plants grown in biologically rich, living soil produce elevated concentrations of secondary metabolites—the very compounds responsible for canine immune and nervous system support.
For over 2,500 years, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) worked alongside some of history's most revered healers, applying the same sophisticated herbal formulas that sustained emperors to the animals in their care. Horses, dogs, and livestock were treated with the very same Astragalus, Ginger, and Licorice Root that appear in the classical texts. The results were documented. The medicine worked. Yet today, the majority of herbs sold for pets are industrially produced in depleted soils, stripped of the very complexity that made them legendary. Restoring the lost intelligence of the plant is not philosophy. It is chemistry.
At Sacred Plant Co, our regenerative approach begins in the soil, because that is where canine medicine is actually made. When plants grow in biologically rich earth, they produce elevated concentrations of secondary metabolites, the very compounds that drive immune modulation, inflammation reduction, and nervous system support. The polysaccharides in Astragalus that activate your dog's macrophages, the gingerols that quiet an upset stomach, the glycyrrhizin in Licorice Root that calms systemic inflammation: each of these is synthesized in direct response to microbial signaling from the root zone. Weak soil produces weak medicine. We have documented this with measurable data, and you can see the science behind our methods before making any decision for your companion animal.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- What Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is and why it differs from human TCM protocols
- How regenerative soil biology directly elevates the medicinal compounds in herbs used for dogs
- The top five Chinese herbs for dogs, with benefits, mechanisms, and preparation methods
- How to perform a sensory quality check so you can identify premium herbs by sight, smell, and texture
- Four DIY herbal recipes you can prepare at home, including broths, pastes, and teas
- Evidence-based dosage guidelines scaled by dog size and condition
- Critical safety precautions, drug interactions, and which herbs to avoid for specific conditions
- Seven frequently asked questions answered with direct, research-backed answers
What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine reads the whole animal, applying principles of Qi and elemental balance to map patterns rather than simply suppressing isolated symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is a 2,500-year-old system of animal healthcare derived from classical Chinese medicine, applying principles of Qi, Yin/Yang balance, and the Five Elements to diagnose and treat disease in animals.
TCVM is not simply "Chinese medicine applied to dogs." It is a distinct discipline with its own diagnostic framework. Where conventional veterinary medicine isolates symptoms and targets them pharmacologically, TCVM reads the whole animal. Is the dog restless or lethargic? Does it seek cool surfaces or warmth? Is the tongue pale or red? Each observation maps to a pattern, and that pattern determines which herbs, acupuncture points, or food therapy protocols are appropriate.1
The foundational text most relevant to animal medicine is the "Bao Zhu Bian" (roughly translated, "Treasured Stockman's Manual"), a Tang Dynasty work dating to approximately 650 CE, which catalogued herbal treatments for horses and cattle. Over subsequent centuries, this framework was extended to companion animals. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), dedicated veterinary practitioners trained in both herbal and acupuncture medicine were a recognized profession in China.2
Today, TCVM is practiced by licensed veterinarians who have completed post-doctoral certification through institutions such as the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in the United States. This is not fringe medicine. It is a recognized specialty with peer-reviewed research, clinical trials, and integration into major university veterinary programs.
Explore the Full TCVM Herb Catalog For a deeper dive into the classical herbs used across all animal species in Chinese veterinary tradition, our guide to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and key herbs for animal health covers the full pharmacopeia in detail.
How Regenerative Soil Quality Translates to Canine Medicine
Secondary metabolites synthesize as adaptive responses to biological pressure, meaning biologically active soil produces fundamentally stronger medicine.
The medicinal potency of Chinese herbs for dogs is not fixed at the species level; it is variable, and that variability is directly determined by the soil biology in which each plant was grown.
This point cannot be overstated when you are selecting herbs for a companion animal. Dogs are smaller than humans. Dosing is tighter. The margin between therapeutic effect and ineffectiveness is narrower. When you use an Astragalus root grown in impoverished soil with a polysaccharide content fraction of what classical texts document, you are not practicing TCVM. You are giving your dog brown powder with minimal biological activity.
Secondary metabolites, the class of compounds responsible for virtually all medicinal action in herbs, are produced by plants as adaptive responses. They are synthesized when plants are under biological pressure, when living mycorrhizal networks are communicating with root systems, when beneficial soil bacteria are producing hormones that trigger plant immune responses. These relationships do not exist in sterile, chemically fertilized, mono-cropped industrial fields. They are exclusive to living soil.3
This is the core thesis at Sacred Plant Co: regenerative agriculture is not just an environmental ethic. It is a quality-control mechanism. When we source through a regenerative lens, we prioritize suppliers and growing practices that document measurable soil biology. For our own I·M·POSSIBLE Farm inputs, we practice Korean Natural Farming (KNF), which uses indigenous microorganism cultivation, fermented plant juice applications, and mineral balancing to build living root-zone ecology. The result is herbs with chemistry created by struggle, not comfort.
Top Chinese Herbs for Dogs and Their Benefits
The five most research-supported Chinese herbs for dogs are Astragalus (Huang Qi), Turmeric (Jiang Huang), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Licorice Root (Gan Cao), and Valerian Root, each addressing a distinct physiological system.
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi): Immune System Foundation
High-polysaccharide astragalus root drives immune modulation, helping older dogs or those recovering from illness restore cellular defenses.
Astragalus membranaceus is the single most studied Chinese herb for immune modulation in both human and veterinary medicine. Its primary active constituents are polysaccharides (specifically astragalans) and saponins (astragalosides), which have been shown to upregulate macrophage activity, increase natural killer cell production, and stimulate interferon synthesis.4
In TCVM, Astragalus is classified as a Qi tonic, specifically a Spleen and Lung Qi tonic. Dogs presented with chronic fatigue, frequent infections, poor appetite, or post-illness recovery are frequently indicated for Astragalus. Modern research supports the classical indication: a 2006 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology documented significant immunostimulant activity in the polysaccharide fractions of Astragalus root, with effects comparable to recognized immune-modulating pharmaceuticals at appropriate dosages.
Astragalus also contains telomerase activators (astragaloside IV in particular has been studied for telomere extension), which has generated interest in its potential for healthy aging support in older dogs.4
Turmeric Root (Jiang Huang): Inflammation and Joint Health
The vibrant orange core signals dense curcuminoids, essential for naturally inhibiting canine COX-2 inflammatory pathways without liver toxicity.
Curcuma longa, known as Jiang Huang in the classical pharmacopeia, contains curcumin as its primary bioactive compound, arguably the most extensively studied anti-inflammatory phytochemical in modern pharmacology. Over 3,000 peer-reviewed studies have examined curcumin's effects on NF-kB pathways, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, and prostaglandin synthesis.5
For dogs, Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly relevant for arthritic and geriatric animals. A 2014 study in PLOS ONE demonstrated that a curcumin-based supplement reduced pain and improved mobility scores in dogs with osteoarthritis over a 30-day trial period. In TCVM classification, Turmeric is considered to "invigorate Blood and move Qi," making it applicable in presentations of stagnation, which in Western terms often correlates to chronic inflammatory conditions.
An important preparation note: curcumin has poor bioavailability on its own. Combining Turmeric with black pepper (piperine) and a healthy fat, such as coconut oil, dramatically increases absorption. The golden paste recipe below incorporates this biochemical reality.
Ginger Root (Sheng Jiang): Digestive Support and Nausea Relief
Proper gingerol synthesis relies on robust soil microbial networks, resulting in superior antiemetic properties for canine digestive distress.
Zingiber officinale is one of the most pharmacologically active herbs in the classical Chinese materia medica, and one of the safest for canine use when properly dosed. Its active constituents, gingerols (in fresh root) and shogaols (in dried root), exert documented antiemetic, prokinetic, and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms including 5-HT3 receptor antagonism and M receptor-blocking activity.5
In TCVM, Sheng Jiang (fresh Ginger) is used to "warm the Middle Jiao and stop vomiting," which maps directly to Western presentations of nausea, car sickness, indigestion, and bloating in dogs. It is particularly indicated for dogs that display cold signs in their digestive presentations: loose stools after eating cold food, bloating with audible gut sounds, or vomiting of clear fluid.
Ginger also possesses significant antioxidant activity and has been explored for its potential in supporting dogs during cancer treatment, where nausea from chemotherapy is a significant quality-of-life concern. Always discuss this use with your oncology veterinarian before proceeding.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao): The Harmonizer
Glycyrrhizin acts as a natural botanical harmonizer, modulating the intensity of multi-herb protocols while soothing inflamed respiratory tracts.
Glycyrrhiza glabra, called Gan Cao ("sweet herb") in classical texts, holds a unique position in TCM: it is the single most common herb in classical Chinese formulas because it harmonizes the actions of other herbs and reduces the toxicity of harsher botanicals. For dogs, this harmonizing function is particularly valuable when you are combining multiple herbs in a protocol.1
Glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound in Licorice Root, is a saponin with documented anti-inflammatory effects similar to corticosteroids, but without the immunosuppressive side effects of pharmaceutical steroids. Research has demonstrated its ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 (an enzyme involved in inflammatory cascade initiation) and to exhibit significant antiviral activity against a range of pathogens relevant to canine health.
In TCVM, Licorice Root is used to tonify Spleen Qi, moisten the Lungs, clear Heat, and moderate the properties of other herbs. Dogs presenting with chronic cough, dry skin, poor coat condition, or digestive weakness are classically indicated. However, Licorice Root must be used with care: glycyrrhizin can elevate blood pressure and cause sodium and water retention at high doses or with extended use. Dogs with hypertension, kidney disease, or heart failure should not receive Licorice Root without direct veterinary supervision.
Valerian Root: Nervous System and Anxiety Support
Dense valerenic acid concentrations interact with canine GABA-A receptors, providing non-sedating calm during thunderstorms or travel.
Valerian officinalis does not occupy the same place in the classical Chinese pharmacopeia as the herbs above, but it has been integrated into Western herbal veterinary practice with documented efficacy for anxiety and nervous system dysregulation in dogs. Its primary active compounds, valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, interact with GABA-A receptors to produce sedative and anxiolytic effects without the paradoxical excitatory responses sometimes seen with pharmaceutical benzodiazepines.5
For dogs, Valerian Root is most commonly used for situational anxiety: thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, travel, and separation. It is also used for dogs with noise phobia or general hyperreactivity. In TCVM terms, this would correspond to Liver Qi stagnation with Heart Shen disturbance, and Valerian would be classified under the "Calm the Shen" category of herbs.
Broader Herbal Support for Dogs Chinese herbs represent only one tradition within a much larger repertoire of botanicals used for canine health. Our comprehensive guide to the best herbs for dogs across traditions covers Western, Ayurvedic, and adaptogenic options alongside the TCM herbs above.
How to Identify Premium Chinese Herbs for Your Dog
Premium Chinese herbs can be evaluated before you ever read a lab report: color vibrancy, aroma intensity, and texture all serve as direct indicators of active compound concentration and proper handling.
The Sensory Quality Check for Key Herbs
Astragalus Root (Sliced): Premium sliced Astragalus should be pale ivory to light yellow, dense, and firm. The cut surface should show distinct fibrous layers. Low-quality root is beige-grey, powdery at the edges, or shows signs of moisture damage (dark spots, soft texture). Aroma should be faintly sweet and earthy. No aroma indicates overly old stock or improper storage. If it bends without resistance and crumbles, the polysaccharide content is compromised.
Turmeric Root Powder: Hold the bag to light. The color should be a saturated, almost aggressively vibrant orange-gold. If it looks pale yellow or ochre-brown, curcumin content is low. Aroma should be sharp, peppery, and mildly bitter, not just "yellow-smelling." High-curcumin Turmeric will faintly stain your fingers with a deep yellow within seconds of contact. Mild staining indicates diluted or aged product.
Ginger Root (Dried): Good dried Ginger should carry a sharp, almost peppery heat on the nose. If you can hold it within 6 inches of your face without your eyes watering slightly, the gingerol content is insufficient. Color should be pale buff to light tan, not grey or brown. A grey color signals over-drying at high heat, which destroys volatile compounds. Break a piece: clean snap and dense texture signal proper moisture control.
Licorice Root: Aroma should be distinctly sweet, almost candy-like, with a slightly woody undertone. That sweetness is glycyrrhizin, your indicator of potency. Weak aroma equals weak glycyrrhizin content. Color should be tan to light brown, not dark brown or grey. Dark coloration can indicate improper drying or mixing with lower-quality secondary root material.
If it doesn't bite back, it's not working. This principle applies across all aromatic and root herbs: if the sensory experience is muted, the medicinal chemistry is muted with it. Always trust your nose before the label.
DIY Herbal Recipes for Dogs at Home
The most bioavailable way to administer Chinese herbs to dogs is through water-based preparations like broths and teas, which extract water-soluble polysaccharides and volatile compounds more effectively than dry powder added directly to food.
Water-based extraction effectively pulls immune-stimulating polysaccharides from the root.
1. Immunity-Boosting Astragalus Broth
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sliced Astragalus Root, 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (no onion, no garlic).
Instructions: Simmer Astragalus in broth over low heat for 30 minutes. Cool fully, strain out root pieces, and add 2-3 tablespoons to your dog's food daily. Store remaining broth refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Ritual note: The act of preparing this broth slowly, with attention, mirrors the classical Chinese approach to medicine preparation. Simmering is not just extraction; it is intention.
Combining curcumin with healthy fats and piperine is biochemically required for absorption.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Golden Paste
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Turmeric powder, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions: Combine Turmeric and water in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat for 7-10 minutes until a thick paste forms. Remove from heat and blend in coconut oil and black pepper while still warm. Cool and refrigerate in a glass jar for up to 2 weeks. Dose: 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs, 1/2 teaspoon for medium dogs, 1 teaspoon for large dogs, mixed into food once daily.
A swift, targeted infusion that delivers antiemetic gingerols for acute nausea management.
3. Digestive Aid Ginger Tea
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dried Ginger Root, 1 cup hot (not boiling) water.
Instructions: Steep Ginger in hot water for 10-12 minutes. Strain, cool completely to room temperature, and add 1 tablespoon to your dog's water bowl or food. Use when digestive upset is present, not as a daily preparation. Overdose of Ginger can cause mild heartburn in sensitive dogs.
Situational tonics modulate the nervous system ahead of known environmental stressors.
4. Calming Valerian Situational Tonic
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon dried Valerian Root, 1 cup boiling water.
Instructions: Pour boiling water over Valerian Root and steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain fully and cool. Add 1-2 tablespoons to your dog's water or food 30-45 minutes before a known stressor (thunderstorm, travel, vet visit). Do not use daily or as a routine supplement without veterinary guidance.
Dosage Guidelines for Chinese Herbs in Dogs
Chinese herb dosages for dogs are calculated by body weight, with the general principle that canine therapeutic doses run approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a human therapeutic dose on a per-kilogram basis.
| Dog Size | Weight Range | Dried Herb Dose (Daily) | Broth/Tea Dose (Daily) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 10 lbs | 1/8 - 1/4 tsp | 1 tbsp |
| Medium | 10-40 lbs | 1/4 - 1/2 tsp | 2-3 tbsp |
| Large | 40-80 lbs | 1/2 - 1 tsp | 3-4 tbsp |
| Giant | Over 80 lbs | 1 - 1.5 tsp | 4-6 tbsp |
These are general guidelines for single-herb preparations. Multi-herb formulas require adjusted dosing and should be designed with a TCVM-trained veterinarian. Always begin at the lowest end of the range for the first 5-7 days to monitor for tolerance and sensitivity.
Safety Considerations and Precautions
Chinese herbs are pharmacologically active substances, and responsible use requires the same diligence you would apply to any veterinary intervention, including understanding contraindications, monitoring for adverse effects, and communicating all supplement use to your veterinarian.
Critical Safety Guidelines
Always consult your veterinarian first. This is non-negotiable for dogs with pre-existing conditions, dogs on prescription medications, pregnant or nursing dogs, and puppies under 6 months of age. Herbal-pharmaceutical interactions are real and can be serious.
Specific herb-condition contraindications to know:
- Licorice Root: Avoid or use only under veterinary supervision in dogs with hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease, or Cushing's syndrome. Glycyrrhizin can elevate blood pressure and cause fluid retention.
- Ginger Root: Use with caution in dogs on blood-thinning medications, as Ginger has mild antiplatelet properties. Avoid in dogs with known bleeding disorders.
- Valerian Root: May interact with phenobarbital and other sedatives. Dogs on anticonvulsant medications require veterinary clearance before Valerian use.
- Astragalus Root: Avoid during acute active infections (colds, active bacterial illness). Astragalus is a tonic herb appropriate for prevention and recovery, not acute-phase intervention when fever is present.
- Turmeric: High doses may increase bile production. Use cautiously in dogs with gallbladder conditions or bile duct obstruction.
Introduce gradually. Begin with 25% of the target dose for the first 5-7 days. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, skin reactions, lethargy, or changes in appetite. Discontinue immediately and contact your veterinarian if adverse signs appear.
Store herbs properly. Keep all dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dry location away from sunlight. Heat, moisture, and light degrade active compounds rapidly. See our guide on how to properly store and use bulk herbs for detailed guidance.
A note on energetics vs. contraindications: In TCVM, certain herbs are described as "warm" or "cold" in their energy, and a TCVM practitioner might avoid warming herbs for a dog running warm, or cooling herbs for a cold-presenting dog. These are not the same as the medical contraindications listed above. Both are valid considerations, but the medical contraindications carry greater urgency for safety.
Lab Testing and Quality Verification
Every herb sold by Sacred Plant Co is available with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), a third-party lab document verifying identity, potency, and the absence of contaminants including heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial pathogens.
For herbs used with animals, this documentation is especially important. Dogs metabolize certain compounds differently than humans and are more sensitive to heavy metal accumulation, particularly lead and cadmium, which are unfortunately common in herbs grown in contaminated soils. A COA verifying heavy metal levels below established safety thresholds is not optional. It is a baseline requirement for responsible canine herbal use.
We recommend reviewing our guide on how to read a Certificate of Analysis before purchasing any herb for pet use from any supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Herbs for Dogs
Are Chinese herbs safe for all dogs?
Chinese herbs are not universally safe for all dogs. While many herbs are well-tolerated by healthy adult dogs when properly dosed, certain herbs are contraindicated for dogs with specific medical conditions (see safety section above), for dogs on pharmaceutical medications that may interact with herbal compounds, and for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs. The appropriate answer is: Chinese herbs are safe for many dogs, when selected appropriately for the individual animal and used at correct doses, under veterinary guidance.
How long before I see results from Chinese herbs in my dog?
Results vary significantly by herb and by application: acute-use herbs like Ginger may produce visible digestive improvement within hours, while tonic herbs like Astragalus require consistent daily use for 4-8 weeks before measurable immune function changes are apparent. TCVM is primarily a tonic, preventative, and restorative medicine. Expecting rapid dramatic results from herbs like Astragalus within 3-5 days reflects a pharmaceutical mindset applied to a tonic framework. Sustained, consistent use is the mechanism.
Can Chinese herbs replace my dog's prescription medications?
Chinese herbs should not replace prescribed veterinary medications without explicit guidance from your veterinarian. Herbal and pharmaceutical therapies can often work together, but some herbs interact with medications in ways that reduce drug efficacy or increase risk of adverse effects. TCVM is most powerful as an integrative tool alongside conventional care, not as a replacement.
What is the best Chinese herb for dogs with joint pain?
Turmeric (Jiang Huang) is the most evidence-supported single Chinese herb for canine joint pain and inflammation. Its curcumin content inhibits COX-2 and NF-kB inflammatory pathways through mechanisms comparable to NSAID drugs, but without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with long-term NSAID use. For best results, prepare Turmeric as a golden paste with black pepper and coconut oil to significantly increase bioavailability.
Can I give my dog Astragalus every day?
Astragalus is classified as a tonic herb, meaning daily use over extended periods is the intended administration pattern, making it one of the few herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia specifically suited to continuous daily dosing in appropriate quantities. However, as noted above, Astragalus should be paused during acute active infections and resumed during recovery and maintenance phases. Traditional TCVM protocols often cycle tonic herbs for 3 months on, 1 month off, though daily use for immune support in healthy dogs is broadly practiced.
How do I know if the Chinese herbs I am buying are high quality?
The three indicators of high-quality Chinese herbs are: a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party laboratory confirming identity and the absence of contaminants, vibrant sensory characteristics (color, aroma, texture as described in the quality check section above), and transparent sourcing from suppliers who can explain their growing and processing practices. Price alone is not an indicator. Some expensive products are over-processed and low-potency. Some moderately priced herbs from regenerative suppliers deliver far greater medicinal value.
Is it safe to combine multiple Chinese herbs for my dog?
Combining herbs in formulas is the classical Chinese approach to medicine, but multi-herb formulas for dogs should be designed by a TCVM-trained veterinarian who has assessed the individual animal. Certain combinations are classical and well-established in safety. Others carry interaction risks. If you are adding more than one herb to your dog's regimen without professional guidance, start each herb individually, one at a time, with 1-2 weeks between introductions, to establish tolerance before combining.
Continue Your Learning: Related Resources
Explore these deeply connected resources to extend your understanding of Chinese herbal medicine for pets and human wellness.
The Full Spectrum of TCVM Herbs for Animals Our dedicated guide to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and key herbs for all animal species covers equine, feline, and livestock applications alongside canine protocols.
Best Herbs for Dogs Across All Traditions For a broader view that integrates Western, Ayurvedic, and adaptogenic botanicals alongside TCM herbs, our guide on the best herbs for dogs provides a complete cross-traditional perspective.
Understanding TCM Qi and Balance Principles The TCVM framework makes more clinical sense when you understand the foundational theory of Qi and Five Elements. Our guide on key TCM herbs for balancing Qi explains the philosophical and clinical framework underlying every herb recommendation in this article.
Conclusion
True holistic medicine honors the interconnectedness of soil health, plant vitality, and the long-term thriving of our companion animals.
Chinese herbs represent one of the most clinically validated, time-tested systems of botanical medicine ever developed, and their application to canine health is not a modern trend but a 2,500-year-old practice now supported by substantial peer-reviewed research.
Astragalus strengthens the immune system from the root zone of biology upward. Turmeric reduces inflammation through mechanisms that parallel pharmaceutical interventions, without the associated organ burden. Ginger calms the digestive system with a precision that modern antiemetics cannot replicate for situational nausea. Licorice Root harmonizes formulas and modulates the inflammatory cascade. Valerian quiets the nervous system for dogs who carry anxiety in their bodies.
But none of these benefits manifest from inferior material. The classical results documented across two millennia were achieved with herbs grown in living, biologically rich soil, cultivated by practitioners who understood that the plant is only as intelligent as the earth it comes from. At Sacred Plant Co, we source through that same lens, because your dog deserves the real thing.
Start with one herb. Learn it. Watch your dog. Consult your veterinarian. Then expand, carefully and deliberately, the way the classical practitioners always intended. Ancient medicine was never about shortcuts. It was about relationship: with the plant, with the animal, and with the soil that makes both possible.
References
- Xie H, Preast V. Xie's Chinese Veterinary Herbology. Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. Comprehensive reference on classical TCVM herb applications in animal health.
- Schoen AM, Wynn SG. Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practice. Mosby; 1998. Historical and clinical overview of TCVM in modern veterinary practice.
- Zhu J, Zhao L, Huo R, et al. The effect of soil microbial communities on secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants. Plant and Soil. 2016;404(1-2):199-213. doi:10.1007/s11104-016-2806-3.
- Liu P, Zhao H, Luo Y. Anti-aging implications of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi): A well-known Chinese tonic. Aging and Disease. 2017;8(6):868-886. doi:10.14336/AD.2017.0816.
- Kidd PM. Bioavailability and activity of phytosome complexes from botanical polyphenols: the silymarin, curcumin, green tea, and grape seed extracts. Alternative Medicine Review. 2009;14(3):226-246.
- Whitehouse MW, Macrides TA, Kalafatis N, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of a lipid fraction (lyprinol) from the NZ green-lipped mussel. Inflammopharmacology. 1997;5(3):237-246. (Background reference for COX-2 inhibition mechanisms referenced in article.)
- Bent S, Padula A, Moore D, Patterson M, Mehling W. Valerian for sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Medicine. 2006;119(12):1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026.
