HERBALISM FOR PETS
By Brian Puterman
....Herbs and plants
can be antimicrobial, anti-cancer or boost the immune system. Some plants
can help strengthen the body and relax the mind. Herbs can be brewed
into tonics and teas that have a variety of fortifying effects on the
body as a whole. Herbs can be integrated into conventional medical treatments
with the help of an enlightened veterinarian. Pet owners can educate
themselves as much as possible about herbalism so that they know what
particular herbs may be useful in treating the condition or illness
their pet may be experiencing.
A BRIEF SELECTION
OF HERB REMEDIES AND PLANT EXTRACTS
Aloe
vera: A valuable soothing agent for burns, rashes and stings
for both you and your pets. It can be taken for constipation or stopping
chronic diarrhea.
Apple
cider vinegar: Enhances bowel function. It’s also good
for chronic yeast infection of the ear.
Astragalus:
A Chinese herb that is effective in supporting the immune system and
as an anti-cancer agent.
Burdock
root: Used for alkalizing and soothing the stomach and intestines.
Calendula:
Good for speeding up the healing of cuts, abrasions and burns.
Caraway:
Aids in digestion and helps stop flatulence.
Carrot:
Good for the intestines -- it’s high in potassium and
great for arthritis, heart disease and low salt diets.
Celery
seed: Has an alkalizing effect on the stomach, is soothing
to the intestines, increases appetite and prevents flatulence.
Chamomile:
A great calming agent for irritable or anxious pets. It’s
also effective in helping both you and your pet sleep.
Echinacea:
Promotes healing of cuts and skin irritations. It also boosts
the immune system.
Ephedra:
Great for breathing problems like bronchitis and asthma.
It also has a stimulant effect that should be considered when using
it.
Eyebright:
It can be used as eyewash to soothe red and irritated eyes.
Garlic:
A natural antibiotic, antibacterial and antioxidant that
also helps digestion. It’s also believed to boost liver function
and prevent heart disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Ginseng:
An appetite stimulant.
Goldenseal:
Helps fight infection both topically and orally. In diabetic
pets it enhances their insulin.
Kelp:
It supports thyroid function, which controls metabolism.
Milk
thistle: Great for liver disease. It also contains flavonoids,
which are believed to capture free radicals making it potentially an
anti-aging agent.
Red
raspberry leaf tea: Used to aid in the birthing process.
It’s used for uterine problems.
Valerian:
Excellent calming agent for hyper pets.
Yunnan
Paiyao: Great for stopping bleeding both internally and externally.
Ar-Ease:
Powerful anti-inflammatory that’s great for arthritis.
BLDR-K:
Used for bladder and kidney problems.
Essiac:
A combination of burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, sheep
sorrel, and slippery elm bark. It’s good for supporting the immune
system and to diminish the toxic effects of conventional drugs.
Hawthore
caps: Contains hawthorn, heartsease, Siberian ginseng and
motherwort. Good for supporting the heart.
Night
Caps: A combination of valerian root, skullcap, passionflowers,
kava root and GABA. It good for relaxing a pet and can be helpful in
epileptic seizures.
The understanding
and practice of medical herbalism is often convoluted by the numerous
properties attributed to the remedies. It can be a challenge to find
the particular plants or herbs that will prove most effective for your
pet’s particular health needs. It is not just advisable to consult
a veterinarian when using herbs and plant extracts, it’s essential
that you get advice from an expert in veterinary herbalism in order
to assure the safety and well-being of your companion animal.
Heat Kills
Pets left in parked
cars face the likelihood of dying of heat prostration in a matter
of a few minutes or suffering severe brain damage.
Dogs and cats do
not perspire like people. When they become hot, they salivate and pant
to get rid of excess heat. This can lead to hyperventilation and dehydration
of any dog or cat.
Excessive heat
also produces stress and muscle contractions which can build up body
heat temperaatures.
When temperatures
climb above 70 degrees and humidity increases, it is best to leave
your pet at home when you drive around town doing errands. Temperatures
in a parked car can reach as high as 160 degrees in as llittle
time as it takes to run into a bank or store to do a "quick errand"
(Even if you park in the shade and open windows a few inches).
Think of how you
would feel being left in a hot car with no way out, just waiting......
Please leave your
pet at home!!!
