An adaptogenic Chinese herbal formula supporting calmness, normal cognition, eye health, and Cushing's-related symptoms in dogs.
Halscion is one of the more versatile formulas in the Gold Standard Herbs line. As an adaptogen, it helps the body better regulate stress responses — making it useful across a surprisingly wide range of conditions including anxiety, eye inflammation, recurring ear infections, and Cushing's disease (especially when the diet-only protocol with Four Marvels isn't quite enough).
Best for dogs with:
- Anxiety, restlessness, or noise sensitivity
- Cognitive decline in senior dogs
- Chronic eye inflammation, dry eye, or red eyes
- Stubborn ear infections that didn't fully resolve with Cessorex
- Cushing's disease (especially with anxiety or overheating)
- History of immune-mediated disease (IMHA, etc.)
- Elevated liver enzymes alongside Cushing's symptoms
How to use:
Mix powder into food. Safe for long-term daily use and compatible with prescription medications including Vetoryl (Trilostane) for Cushing's — Halscion is often used as an adjunct with the goal of gradually reducing drug dependence as the dog stabilizes.
To use, just fold the herbs into your pet's real food diet, mix them with a little butter, or shake them up with broth or water and pour them over top if using canned or kibble.
As a suggested starting dose, give twice daily as follows:
- Up to 15 pounds: 1/8 tsp
- 15 to 40 pounds: 1/4 tsp
- 40 to 70 pounds: 1/2 tsp
- 70 to 110 pounds: 3/4 tsp
- Over 110 pounds: 1 tsp
If benefits are not seen, the dose can be safely doubled.
Ingredients:
-
Rehmannia glutinosa root
-
Panax ginseng root
-
Scutellaria baicalensis root
-
Lycium barbarum fruit
-
Angelica sinensis root
-
Cinnamomum aromaticum twig
-
Zingiber officinale rhizome
-
Rheum officinale root and rhizome
-
Ziziphus jujuba fruit
-
Melia azedarach fruit
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Pinellia ternata rhizome
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Bupleurum chinense root
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Ophiopogon japonicus root
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Glehnia littoralis root
- Wolfiporia extensa
- Archidiskodon planifrons
- Crassostrea gigas
What practitioners say:
Dr. Steve Marsden DVM notes that Halscion "works really well for ear infections" despite being primarily known as a calming herb, and uses it as his go-to for Cushing's dogs that don't fully respond to dietary protocols. He's also reported success using Halscion to help prevent IMHA relapse and bring liver enzymes down.
Pairs well with:
-
Cessorex — for recurring ear infections that need a one-two punch
-
Lumbrex / Voltrex — for senior dogs with cognitive decline alongside back pain
This product is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your veterinarian before starting Halscion alongside Cushing's medications or other prescription drugs.
