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Herbal Medicine for Animals
Most animals are natural herbalists, often seeking out
particular herbs when needed, if they have access to a wide variety of
species. Dogs and cats will occasionally be seen chewing on lemon grass,
comfrey, couch grass and other plants. Horses, cows, sheep and goats have
been seen to eat some herbs only at particular times of the year, or if
they have a specific need for them. Most pets today, do not have access
to the range of herbs, grasses and trees they would have in the wild.
So by growing a few common herbs around your garden or along the fence
line of paddocks you can provide a variety for them to nibble on if they
choice. Many herbs have medicinal value and can be used to help your dog,
horse, cat or other pet to overcome a range of common ailments both safely
and effectively.
ALFALFA - This herb is high in nutrients as well as
being beneficial for over-acid conditions, for stomach and digestive ailments,
as a blood purifier and as an appetite stimulant.
BURDOCK - Beneficial for conditions such as arthritis,
skin conditions, this herb is a powerful blood cleanser and helps to promote
perspiration. It is a diuretic herb and supports the digestive system
also.
CALENDULA
- Mostly used for skin complaints it can
also benefit gastric problems and is a blood tonic and anti-fungal. can
be used internally or externally.
CELERY
SEEDS - Digestive tonic, especially beneficial when run down
or chilled. diuretic and anti-inflammatory action.
CHAMOMILE - This is a soothing and calming herb, it is
beneficial for digestive weaknesses, headaches, colic and irritable bowel
conditions.
CHASTE
TREE BERRY - This is one of the best hormone balancers for mares.
Moody mares and to help with symptoms associated with PMT.
CLIVERS - A very soothing anti-inflammatory herb for
the urinary system and as a lymphatic stimulant. Not recommended for diabetics.
COUCHGRASS - A good source of nutrients and an excellent
urinary antiseptic herb.
DANDELION - One of the best known liver tonic herbs available,
it is also beneficial as a kidney tonic due to it\rquote s gentle diuretic
action and poor digestive disturbances and poor appetite.
DEVILS
CLAW - This herb is an excellent anti-inflammatory with analgesic
properties beneficial for the muscular & skeletal system. It is beneficial
for arthritis and rheumatism. Also known as an effective alternative to
'bute' where tests have found it to be an effective pain reliever.
ECHINACEA - Widely used for viral and
bacterial infections or weakened immune system. It can be used to help
prevent infection and as a beneficial aid in the treatment also.
EYEBRIGHT - An excellent tonic for the eyes, this herb
may be used as an eye bath for eye irritations and internally helps to
relieve mucous conditions.
FENUGREEK - Helps to stimulate appetite and for gastric
disorders. It can also help to increase milk production during lactation.
It is also a valuable source of nutrients. Combines well with garlic.
Best avoided by mares with hormonal imbalances.
GARLIC - Natures antibiotic, one of the finest herbs
for medicinal uses such as excess mucous conditions, blood cleansing,
for infections and much more. Garlic is also a good source of sulphur
and othe essential minerals.
GINGER - Has many, many therapeutic uses and is widely
used in both western and eastern herbal medicine. It helps to restore
digestive function and assist with nausea and vomiting.
HAWTHORN
BERRY - A major heart and circulatory tonic.
HORSETAIL - A rich natural source of silica, it also contains
magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Beneficial for adiding bone and joint
repair. The name says it all - If your horses are eating each others tails,
they need silica!
MARSHMALLOW - This herb is soothing for the entire digestive
tract and is beneficial for gastric complaints such as ulcers, colitis,
bloat and inflammation. Its healing properties are also helpful for the
urinary tract.
MEADOWSWEET - This is one of the best digestive remedies
available. It is so othing to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
It is also an anti-inflammatory and contains pain-relieving compounds
and can help to ease nausea. Combines well with Marshmallow for digestive
disturbances. It should not be used for felines.
NETTLE - This is a nutrient herb as well as being beneficial
for the whole body, including the skin. Combines well with other herbs
to help chronic skin conditions.
PARSLEY - A powerful diuretic and tonic herb. It is
rich in vitamin C, iron and copper being ideal for anaemia. Should not
be used in large quantities. Avoid during pregnancy due to its uterine
stimulating properties.
PASSIONFLOWER - Combines well with other nervine herbs to
calm nervous horses.
PEPPERMINT -This herb is an excellent digestive tonic that
can help to relieve flatulence, stimulate poor appetite, ease nausea and
vomiting or colic. It can also be combined with other herbs for fevers,
colds and flu.
PSYLLIUM
HUSKS - Great for horses prone to sand colic, constipation
or to gently cleanse the colon.
RASPBERRY
LEAF - This herb has traditionally been used as a reproductive
tonic to strengthen and tone the uterus. It can be taken pr ior to conception
to help increase the likelihood of conception, and used routinely throughout
the pregnancy to help prevent complications. It has also been used in
the treatment of diarrhoea due to its astringent properties.
RED
CLOVER - This herb is a powerful blood purifier and is especially
beneficial for skin conditions. It also has expectorant properties making
it beneficial for coughs and bronchitis. This wonderful herb has proven
useful in removing tumours and cysts, but is best used under supervi sion
of a qualified practitioner. It also has oestrogenic effects, which may
affect those with hormonal imbalances.
ROSEHIPS
- This is one of the best natural sources of vitamin
C along with other minerals such as copper and cobalt. It is a great general
tonic, immune system booster and circulatory herb for all. Can be used
as a regular addition to the diet. Helps to prevent colds & flu.
SLIPPERY
ELM - An excellent nutrient herb that is beneficial for inflammation
anywhere in the digestive system. Can benefit diarrhoea (scouring), especially
for the young and elderly. Can also be used externally as a healing poultice.
UVA
URSI - A urinary antiseptic herb that helps with urinary tract
infections. Seek professional guidance for use. Should not be used long-term.
VALERIAN - This is one of the best nervines available.
It is a gentle yet effective sedative or calming herb. Helps those suffering
from insomnia or for nervous animals.
WHITE
WILLOW - Horses will often eat this when needed. It has anti-inflammatory
roperties to assist with pain relief. combines well with meadowsweet for
pain.
YARROW
- Externally this herb is used to help heal wounds.
It can also be used in the treatment of fevers and can help to lower blood
pressure.
This information is provided
for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute veterinary
advice.
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