Caring for Arthritic Dogs, Using Four Materials or Si Wu Tang for Arthritis in Dogs

TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs for Arthritis & Pain, Four Materials or Si Wu Tang

The TCM formula Four Materials or Si Wu Tang is ideal for arthritic pets that get better after they’ve been walking a little while. These pets are stiff when they wake up or when starting on a walk, but ease into it and are comfortable moving after a few minutes. Four Materials is also helpful for arthritic pets that are anemic, have elevated liver enzymes or hormone imbalances. Four Materials helps arthritic pets who also have behaviour problems including anxiety, timidity, noise sensitivity and fear aggression.

Four Materials is a classic blood tonic.

Who shouldn’t use Four Materials?

Four Materials helps with dry skin, but it doesn’t help with itching skin (pruritus). Dogs with dry, itching skin should use Dry Derma Relief or Si Wu Xiao Feng Yin.

Because Four Materials build blood and yin, it shouldn’t be used in pets that are too “damp.” These pets are better treated with other formulas, such as Four Marvels, which drains damp.

Four Materials helps with arthritis, but it does not help with muscle spasm. Dogs with arthritis and muscle spasm are best treated with Liver Support ( Bu Gan Tang), or Invigorate the Collaterals (Xiao Huo Luo Dan Wan).

Safe source of Four Materials or Si Wu Tang

Although the ancient Chinese had wisdom to formulate excellent medicines, the modern Chinese do not provide these medicines in a guaranteed safe form. I do not recommend using any TCM formula that has not been through good manufacturing process (GMP) in the US or Canada. Please ask me for herbs that are safe for your pet.