Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as "heaves" or recurrent airway disease (RAD), is a big problem in horses. According to a 1999 report in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, about 27% of Thoroughbreds training in the USA and 33% in the United Kingdom had heaves.

COPD is believed to be induced by over-exposure to organic dust, mold and fungal elements. In TCM, COPD is caused by invasion of Wind-Toxin with an underlying Kidney and Lung Qi Deficiency. Normal breathing requires cooperation of both the Lung and Kidney. The Lung dominates respiration from its location in the upper Jiao; it has the highest position of the Five Zang Organs. The Kidney has the lowest position of the five organs, and it functions by grasping Qi from the upper Jiao to the lower Jiao. According to Five Elements theory, the Lung is the mother of the Kidney, thus there is a close relationship between the Lung and Kidney.

Acute COPD is often caused by the sudden invasion of Wind-toxin. The treatment strategy is to clear Wind and detoxify. Schisandra 5 uses this treatment principle. Chronic COPD is primarily caused by weakness of both the Lung and Kidney. The key to treating this type of COPD is tonification of both the Lung and Kidney. Breath Easer uses this treatment principle.

Western Medical Indications:
COPD
Dyspnea
Heaves

TCVM Indications:
Dyspnea or cough due to Kidney and Lung Qi Deficiency
Pulse: Deep and weak
Tongue: Pale and swollen

Contraindications:
Caution during pregnancy

Warning:
Stop administration immediately if the patient develops diarrhea, vomiting or other unusual signs.

Dosage for Horse:
15 g twice daily as top dressing on feed

Dosage for Dog/Cat:
0.5 g per 10 to 20 lb body weight twice daily

Directions:
Use as needed up to 3 months.

Chinese Principles of Treatment:
Tonify Lung and Kidney Qi, nourish Lung Yin, stop asthma and cough

Classical Antecedent:
Ge Jie San from Yuan Heng Liao Ma Ji (Yuan-heng's Therapeutic Treatise of Horses) written by Yu Benyuan and Yu Benheng in 1608.

Ingredients:
Bai He-Lily, Dang Shen-Codonopsis, Jie Geng-Platycodon, Mai Men Dong-Ophiopogon, Qian Hu-Peucedanum, Rou Gui-Cinnamomum,
Wu Wei Zi-Schisandra, Xing Ren-Armeniaca, Zhe Bei Mu-Fritillaria, Zi Su Zi-Perillae