Yunnan Baiyao for Dogs: Chinese Herb for Bleeding Dog Cancers
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: April 27th, 2023
Summary
Yunnan baiyao for dogs with cancer may sound weird because it’s used for bleeding problems. But in certain cases, it is really useful.
Today’s article is about an herb from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): yunnan baiyao for dogs with cancer. Yes, the chinese herb, also spelled yunnan paiyao, can be used in some cancers.
This episode of our podcast Dog Cancer Answers addresses yunnan baiyao.
Bleeding Cancer Causes
Some canine cancers are associated with bleeding, like internal hemangiosarcomas. Hemangiosarcomas are tumors that occur in the linings of the blood vessels, so they can be pretty bloody.
But even other types of cancers can bleed. For example, sometimes chemotherapy drugs increase bleeding tendencies. Sometimes tumors rupture, and internal bleeding results.
Again, not every tumor is bloody. But when they are, finding a way to control that internal bleeding is a good idea.
Especially nice would be something that can be given in a capsule at home.
A Supplement That Stops Bleeding??
Conventional veterinary medicine teaches us that there is no such thing. But hey, let’s remember: there is more to healing than what we may have been exposed to here in the West. My alma mater is consistently ranked number one or two best veterinary school in the nation, but I didn’t learn about supplements until I started my own studies.
Yunnan baiyao is a good example. This is a well-known treatment in China. Its name means “The white medicine from Yunnan province.”
It’s well researched in China, and, perhaps more importantly, comes from a medical tradition that has been in existence for thousands of years. Our Western medical researchers are beginning to show interest, and so far, most studies here show that there are reasons to study it more.
Yunnan baiyao is a blend of herbal ingredients, not one single plant. Here in the West, we’re used to thinking about individual treatments for individual problems. Supplements are usually made of only one ingredient.
That’s not the way TCM thinks about remedies or treatments. With their thousands of years of experience, they often make blends of several different components. Yunnan baiyao is no exception.
The precise recipe is a guarded secret in China, but the ingredients include various yam roots, ox gall bladder, pseudoginseng, and sweet geranium.
How Yunnan Baiyao Works (we think)
It seems that yunnan baiyao activates the platelets, the tiny blood cells that help form clots. Why is this important?
Well, because blood clots are the first step in a scab. When platelets are active, they form little plugs, or little corks. That’s the way they stop a hemorrhage.
Think of the last time you cut yourself. Remember how the blood flowed, and then slowed down, and a red oozy mass formed? That’s your platelets in action.
So we think when a dog takes yunnan baiyao, the herbal formula activates the platelets, which slow bleeding down and help stop it.
Keep in mind that this remedy is not fully understood, and there are some veterinarians who just don’t think using it is worth it. But there are plenty who disagree and feel that as long as it’s safe, using it in serious cases is warranted.
For more tools to help fight dog cancer that you may have not heard of, get a copy of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
When To Use Yunnan Baiyao
I wouldn’t recommend using yunnan baiyao without consulting with your veterinarian. It might not be necessary for your dog’s specific case. But if your dog is having internal bleeds, or if your dog has the bloody cancer called hemangiosarcoma, your veterinarian might want to use it to help control bleeding.
How much to give? The following dosing is a bit rough. These are general guidelines that you should check out with your veterinarian:
- For dogs under 10 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth one time a day.
- For dogs from 10 to 30 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth two times a day.
- For dogs above 30 but less than 60 lbs, give 2 capsules two times a day.
- For dogs above 60 lbs, give 2 capsules three times a day.
Do not give Yunnan baiyao on an ongoing basis. It is best to give it on alternating days, or for a 5-day on, 5-day off cycle that repeats. You should also be aware that there is some evidence that this medicine may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time.
Best to all,
Dr D
Editor’s Note: Where to Buy Yunnan Baiyao
It is not as easy to get yunnan baiyao online as it once was. If your veterinarian doesn’t sell it (and most who recommend it do), the best bet is to check your local supplement store, particularly if they stock other TCM remedies. If they don’t stock it, you might ask your veterinarian to order it for you from Jin Tang http://tcvmherbal.com/. You can also try Pine Street Clinic: https://pinestreetclinic.com/products/yunnan-baiyao
Further Reading & References
Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA, Yunnan baiyao for patients with hemorrhage, neoplasia, Veterinary Practice News, December 11, 2017
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s discussion on Yunnan Baiyao
Institute of Traditional Medicine Discussion of Yunnan Baiyao
Tansey C, Wiebe ML, Hybki GC, Patlogar JE, Murphy LA, Bianco D, Nakamura RK. A prospective evaluation of oral Yunnan Baiyao therapy on thromboleastographic parameters in apparently healthy dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2018 May;28(3):221-225. doi: 10.1111/vec.12712. PMID: 29727528
Morris BR, deLaforcade A, Lee J, Palmisano J, Meola D, Rozanski E. Effects of in vitro hemodilution with crystalloids, colloids, and plasma on canine whole blood coagulation as determined by kaolin-activated thromboelastography. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2016 Jan-Feb;26(1):58-63. doi: 10.1111/vec.12345. Epub 2015 Jul 28. PubMed PMID: 26220153.
Ness SL, Frye AH, Divers TJ, Rishniw M, Erb HN, Brooks MB. Randomized placebo-controlled study of the effects of Yunnan Baiyao on hemostasis in horses. Am J Vet Res. 2017 Aug;78(8):969-976. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.78.8.969. PubMed PMID: 28738008.
Lee A, Boysen SR, Sanderson J, Wagg CR, Chalhoub S. Effects of Yunnan Baiyao on blood coagulation parameters in beagles measured using kaolin activated thromboelastography and more traditional methods. Int J Vet Sci Med. 2017 Apr 12;5(1):53-56. doi: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2017.01.004. eCollection 2017 Jun. PMID: 30255049
Wiinberg B, Jensen AL, Rojkjaer R, Johansson P, Kjelgaard-Hansen M, Kristensen AT. Validation of human recombinant tissue factor-activated thromboelastography on citrated whole blood from clinically healthy dogs. Vet Clin Pathol. 2005 Dec;34(4):389-93. PubMed PMID: 16270265.
Frederick J, Boysen S, Wagg C, Chalhoub S. The effects of oral administration of Yunnan Baiyao on blood coagulation in beagle dogs as measured by kaolin-activated thromboelastography and buccal mucosal bleeding times. Can J Vet Res. 2017;81(1):41-45.
How One Company Brought Traditional Chinese Medicine To The Modern World And Made Billions, Forbes, Michael Schuman
Yunnan Baiyao – What’s the Clinical Evidence? by L. Graham
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Hi,
I have a 12 year old cocker spaniel who has been diagnosed with a 6 cm mass on his spleen. It has not ruptured and we opted against surgery. The only systems we had was one day he starting throwing up and diarrhea pretty bad. We took him to the vet and before the ultra sound they said maybe just a virus. About 3 days later, same systems. We took him back and they did an ultra sound. This is when the tumor was discovered. Since we decided against surgery, our vet gave us Cerenia for the upset stomach, Gabapentin for pain and YB to help stop the bleeding. The first time we gave him the Gabapentin, it was awful. Like he was in a daze and on his last moment. He turned around and now about every 3-4 days he was get an upset stomach and diarrhea. It seems to subside within 24 hours. When this happens, I do give him one Cerenia 24 mg. Since 10/25 I have been giving him YB every day. I am convinced this is helping him. Based on his diagnos, anything else holistic you may recommend? We are just taking one day at a time but do not want him in pain. Thanks for any advice you can add.
Hello Marilyn,
Thanks for writing, and we are sorry to hear about your dog. We’re not veterinarians here in customer support so we can’t offer you medical advice. However, we can provide you with information based on Dr. Dressler’s writings 🙂
As Dr. D states in the article above, it’s best to give yb on alternate days, or for a 5-day on, 5-day off cycle that repeats. He does say that there is some possible evidence that yb may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time, so make sure to check with your veterinarian to determine a schedule that works for your pup.
As Dr. D writes in the Dog Cancer Survival Guide, there are a number of alternative treatments that you can try to help your dog that you can implement now, such as Diet and Mind-Body strategies, and there are also supplements and nutraceuticals — be sure to work with your veterinarian if you would like to make any changes to your dog’s current treatment plan as they know your dog, their health, and their treatment plan the best :-).
Here are some links that you may find beneficial:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/cancer-treatments/dog-cancer-diet/nutrient-dense-foods-dog-cancer-diet/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/magical-thinking-dog-cancer/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/supplements-for-dogs-with-cancer/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/dog-cancer-supplements-to-exclude/
We hope this helps! 🙂
I have been giving my dog Yb for a week and 2 days ,every other day.Do I stop at 15 days and stop giving it to her or keep on going with every other day for good.She is 54 lbs and has a bleeding tumor.I believe YB has helped tremendously!Please any help here would greatly be appreciated.
Hello Mary, thanks for writing. We’re not veterinarians here in customer support so we can’t offer you medical advice. However, we can provide you with information based off of Dr. Dressler’s writing 🙂
As Dr. D states in the article above, it’s best to give yb on alternate days, or for a 5-day on, 5-day off cycle that repeats. He does say that there is some possible evidence that yb may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time.
But because we are not vets, and we don’t know your dog and her health situation, we can’t advise you on whether you should continue giving yb. You should consult with your veterinarian and get your dog’s liver markers checked– they will be able to advise you on what to do 🙂
We hope this helps!
Today I took my nearly 13 yr Shih Tzu to have a Abdominal Ultra Sound and a esphogical scope.
For several weeks he had a nasal noise and was hoping he had something in his nasal cavity like something he’d eaten or maybe a piece of fabric from a stuffed animal.
When the Dr called me I was totally blown away.
The Ultra Sound shows a very large Mass on the left adrinal gland almost as large as the kidney. The right adrinal gland also had a mass half the size on the left gland. They didn’t do an aspirate or biopsy due to the looks and size of the Masses. Just presume it’s more than likely cancer.
So hes home tonight with me and I just wondered if there could be a Chinese herb that can help extend his life.. he eats well, has good bathroom habits, plays with his little toy at night. He is tired a lot though and wants to sleep. Can someone help me so I can get a good sound advise if theres Anything out there that could shrink his mass. Thank you..K
I had a golden mix named Liberty with hemangiosarcoma, after her emergency splenectomy she was given 3 months without chemo and 6 months with chemo, we opted for the chemo. My vet was spot on, she lived another 6 months before she had another rupture, this time on her liver, and this time we put her to rest, she had been through so much. But I had 6 beautiful months to spend with her and to give her the extra royal treatment. The reason I’m writing today is we have left over Yunnan Baiyao, 5 unopened boxes and one opened. I do not want these to go to waste if they can help another dog. If you are interested please call me at 513-578-4050, all I ask is that you pay about $10 for shipping, you can even pay after you receive them, because I know it’s hard to trust strangers these days. The expiration date is not until 08/21 so they will be good for a while. Once someone calls I’ll post a reply stating they are gone. Good luck everyone, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through so my heart goes out to all of you.
UPDATE to my post, someone has obtained the Yunnan Baiyao I had so they are now gone.
Can I give my lab apocaps along with yunnan paiyao?
Hello Kelly, thanks for writing. We’re not veterinarians here in customer support so we can’t offer you medical advice. However, we can provide you with information from Dr. Dressler’s writings.
Apocaps is not the same as yunnan baiyao, which is a Chinese blend of herbs used to help control bleeding. However, many veterinarians use both at the same time, and they could complement each other, depending upon the specifics of your dog’s case. The two supplements do not interfere with or overlap each other, and generally there is no need to adjust the dose of either one.
If you are wanting to include Yunnan Baiyao in your dog’s treatment plan, consult with your veterinarian first as they know your dog, and will know if Yunnan Baiyao can work with your dog’s current treatment plan.
Dr. D,
My sweet Scottie girl Izzy has osteosarcoma on her skull. It started on the left frontal plate, just above her brow bone. She was diagnosed in February and tomorrow, we will be 12 weeks out from diagnosis. Because of the location, of course you know amputation or removal of the bone was not an option and because of how far it had already gone prior to diagnosis, our veterinarian did not feel chemo was an option or that it would do any good.
We are members of many FB groups from Scottie pages to Osteosarcoma in Dogs. Members from these groups have shared what has worked and helped prolong and give quaily of life for their dogs. We are on the following:
Gabapentin and Rimadyl for pain
Immunocal (protien whey isolate) to build immunity by increasing production of gluthione
Artemenisen and Butyrx (sp)
Essiac tea
CBD oil
Science diet cd for unrinary support (she gets a small amount of this because of the carbs)
Chicken
Goat yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Veggies
She has had nosebleeds as the cancer has moved into her sinuses. We are wondering if the yunnan baiyo will help with the nosebleeds. Our veterinarian has been very supportive in the homeopathic methods we are using.
Do you think it would be okay to give her the yunnan baiyao?
I look forward to hearing you opinion on this.
So far she has a good appetite, has pep in her step. The nosebleeds are what fighten us at this point. If you also know of any homeopathic veterinarians in the Lubbock, TX area, I would appreciate any info you can give me.
Thank you for your time in reading this and hopefully giving me input.
Brigette Hewitt
Lubbock, TX
Hi Brigette, thanks for writing, and we’re sorry to hear about your Scotty girl Izzy. It sounds like you have a lot of support and great team members. Dr. D doesn’t always get to monitor these comments, so we wanted to get back to you here with a little help. In general, as Dr. D points out in this article, yunnan baiyao can be helpful for stopping bleeding, so if your vet thinks it is a good idea, go for it!
My dog was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma, the vet had supplied 1 month of Yunnan Baiyao to help control the bleeding. But the vet moved to another state and I was not able to find more!
Fortunately, after some googling – I was able to find a online vendor for Yunnan Baiyao and it really helped my dog.
https://yunnan-baiyao-store.com/ is the site, I hope this can help someone’s baby
[…] you are taking care of a dog with cancer and bleeding is an issue you’ll want to look into Yunnan Baiyao it is a Chinese herb that helps […]
This is such an amazing formula. I read over and over and over again how this Chinese Medicine has cured so many deeply loved pets. I hope every one who needs this medicine can find it.
My vet told me 2 capsules 3 times a day. From what I’m reading it states 5 days on and 5 days off. I mentioned this to them and was told they have not heard of the liver effects. My dog was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma on the heart. Unfortunately I am only able to give 2 treatments a day during the week. Is this enough for him and will long term hurt more than help?