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What is Yunnan Baiyao?

Yunnan Baiyao (also known as Yunnan Paiyao, Yun Nan Bai Yao) is a Chinese herbal medication that originated in the Yunnan province of China. “Bai” means white and “Yao” means medicine. This “white medicine” has been used for over 100 years in human medicine, most famously on the battlefields during WWII and the Vietnam War, where soldiers carried it in their first aid kits. It is a proprietary formula containing multiple extracts from ginseng and several types of yam root. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine it is known to stop bleeding, disperse blood stasis, activate blood circulation, alleviate pain, clear away toxins, and reduce swelling. The most widely known indication for using Yunnan Baiyao is for it’s anti-bleeding effects in cases of blood vessel cancers, oral and nasal cancers, stomach ulcers, and trauma. This incredibly useful herb can be applied topically to wounds and can be taken orally to help systemic bleeding.

How could it help my pet?

The most widely known indication for using Yunnan Baiyao is for it’s anti-bleeding effects in cases of blood vessel cancers, oral and nasal cancers, stomach ulcers, and trauma.

Yunnan Baiyao is most often utilized for splenic cancer, Hemangiosarcoma, where the risk of internal bleeding is quite high. This herb has been show to decrease leakage from these tumors- decreasing anemia due to blood loss. This herb can also be taken prior to major surgeries where blood loss would be a concern. It is also helpful for oral/nasal cancers as well as stomach ulceration, where bleeding is common. Since it can be used topically, it is also helpful for bleeding lacerations and cuts. Thankfully, Yunnan Baiyao is a very safe herb and has very little risk of side effects. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to lack of studies regarding it’s safety.

How is Yunna Baiyao given?
Yunnan Baiyao can be used in many different ways. It is most often utilized as an oral capsule that can be given with food. The capsule can also be opened and the powder itself mixed with food, if that is easier to give to our pets. The capsule can be opened and sprinkled onto an open wound or an oral tumor. Yunnan Baiyao can also be opened, mixed with water, and squirted into the nares for a nose bleed- this isn’t the most comfortable or appreciated application, but it can help stop the bleeding.

What is the emergency pill?
Each package of Yunnan Baiyao capsules comes with a very small tea pill in the packaging. This is a concentrated dose of Yunnan Baiyao that can be used if acute, active bleeding is suspected and can be considered an herbal epinephrine type medication. This can be useful for those patients with Hemangiosarcoma if an episode of active bleeding occurs and/or prior to emergency surgery. We recommend that our clients save the emergency pill out of each package in case they need them in the future.

How do I know if Yunnan Baiyao is an appropriate medication for my pet?
If you think that your pet has a disorder that might benefit from using Yunnan Baiyao, please speak with your veterinarian. If you are in the Hampton Roads area and would like a consultation with our service, please give Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice, In-Home Euthanasia, and Integrative Medicine a call at 757-474-5968 to schedule a visit!

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