Many animals have an instinctive relationship with plants. When given access to a variety of grasses, herbs, trees and other plants, animals may naturally seek out particular plants at different times.
Dogs and cats may occasionally chew on plants such as couch grass, lemongrass or comfrey, while horses, cattle, sheep and goats have been observed selecting different plants depending on the season, their environment and their individual needs.
In the wild, animals have access to a much greater diversity of plants than many domesticated animals do today. Modern lawns, paddocks and living environments can significantly reduce the variety of herbs and plants available for animals to explore.
Growing suitable herbs around your garden or along the edges of paddocks can provide animals with additional plant variety to investigate and nibble on if they choose to do so.
Herbal medicine has a long history of traditional use in animal care. Different herbs are traditionally used to support areas such as digestion, skin health, circulation, joints and mobility, the urinary system and general wellbeing.
However, not every herb is suitable for every animal. Species, age, pregnancy, existing health conditions and medications should all be considered before introducing herbs into an animal's diet.
Benefits of Herbal Medicine for Animals
Herbs contain naturally occurring compounds that have been used traditionally to support different aspects of animal health. Below is an overview of some commonly used herbs and their traditional applications.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha / Withania Root Powder
Ashwagandha has traditionally been used as an adaptogenic herb to support animals experiencing stress and to promote general wellbeing. It has also been traditionally used to support healthy immune, metabolic and thyroid function.
Burdock Root
Burdock root has traditionally been used to support healthy skin, digestion and joint function. It is also traditionally regarded as a cleansing herb and has gentle diuretic properties.
Calendula
Calendula is traditionally used to support healthy skin and soothe minor skin irritation. Internally, it has traditionally been used to support digestive health.
Celery Seeds
Celery seed has traditionally been used to support healthy joints and digestion. It is also traditionally recognised for its diuretic properties.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most commonly used calming herbs. It has traditionally been used to support relaxation and healthy digestion and may be particularly useful when digestive upset is associated with stress.
Chaste Tree Berry
Chaste tree berry has traditionally been used to support hormonal balance, particularly in mares. It is commonly included in herbal programs designed to support mares experiencing hormonal changes.
Clivers
Clivers has traditionally been used to support the lymphatic and urinary systems. It is also traditionally valued for its gentle soothing properties.
Dandelion
Dandelion is traditionally used as a supportive herb for the liver and digestive system. Its gentle diuretic action also makes it a traditional choice for supporting healthy kidney and urinary function.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw has traditionally been used to support joint and musculoskeletal health. It is particularly well known for its traditional use in animals requiring additional joint and mobility support.
Echinacea
Echinacea has traditionally been used to support normal immune function and the body's natural defences.
Eyebright
Eyebright has traditionally been used as an eye-supportive herb and is also traditionally associated with supporting healthy mucous membranes.
Fennel
Fennel is traditionally used to support healthy digestion. It may be useful for animals prone to occasional digestive discomfort and flatulence.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds have traditionally been used to support appetite and digestive health. They are also traditionally used by lactating animals to support healthy milk production.
Fenugreek should be used thoughtfully in animals with hormonal conditions. It is best avoided in mares with hormonal imbalances unless recommended by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
Garlic
Garlic has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine. It has traditionally been used to support respiratory and immune health.
Important: Garlic is not suitable for all animals or at all doses, so species and dosage should always be considered carefully.
Ginger
Ginger has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion and circulation. It may also help soothe occasional digestive discomfort and flatulence.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo has traditionally been used to support healthy circulation, including circulation to the brain. It is also traditionally associated with supporting cognitive function.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is traditionally known as a rejuvenating herb and has been used to support cognitive function, skin health and healthy circulation.
Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry is traditionally used as a cardiovascular and circulatory tonic. It is commonly included in herbal programs designed to support normal heart and circulatory function.
Licorice Root
Licorice root has been used traditionally for thousands of years and is valued for its soothing properties. It has traditionally been used to support digestive, respiratory and adrenal health.
Licorice should not be used in large quantities or for prolonged periods. It is best used under professional guidance, particularly for animals with existing health conditions or those taking medication.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow root is traditionally valued for its soothing properties throughout the digestive tract. It has traditionally been used to support digestive and urinary tract health and to soothe irritated mucous membranes.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet has traditionally been used to soothe the digestive tract and support healthy digestion. It is also traditionally valued for its naturally occurring salicylate compounds.
Meadowsweet is not suitable for cats.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle / St Mary's Thistle
Milk thistle is traditionally regarded as one of the key herbs for supporting healthy liver function. The seeds contain naturally occurring compounds that have made milk thistle a popular herb in traditional liver-support protocols.
Moringa Leaf
Moringa is native to South Asia and has a long history of traditional use. It is naturally rich in a range of nutrients and plant compounds and is traditionally used to support general wellbeing, healthy skin and coat, digestion and normal immune function.
Nettle
Nettle is traditionally regarded as a nutrient-rich herb and is commonly used to support general health and healthy skin. It can also be combined with other herbs in nutritional and skin-supportive herbal programs.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf has traditionally been used to support cardiovascular and immune health. It contains naturally occurring plant compounds that contribute to its traditional use.
Parsley
Parsley is traditionally used as a nutritional and tonic herb and is naturally rich in nutrients including vitamin C and iron. It is also traditionally recognised for its diuretic properties.
Parsley should not be given in large quantities and is best avoided during pregnancy due to its traditional uterine-stimulating properties.
Passionflower
Passionflower is traditionally used as a calming herb and is often combined with other nervine herbs to support animals experiencing nervousness or stress.
Peppermint
Peppermint has traditionally been used as a digestive herb to support healthy digestion and help soothe occasional flatulence and digestive discomfort. It can also be combined with other herbs in traditional respiratory-support blends.
Psyllium Husks
Psyllium husks are particularly well known in equine nutrition. They are traditionally used to support healthy bowel function and are commonly included in feeding programs for horses prone to consuming sand.
Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf has traditionally been used as a reproductive tonic, particularly for supporting healthy uterine function in mares. It has also traditionally been used to support healthy digestive function.
Rosehips
Rosehips are naturally rich in vitamin C and other plant nutrients. They are traditionally used as a general nutritional tonic and to support healthy immune and joint function.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is traditionally valued for its soothing properties and is commonly used to support the digestive tract. It can be particularly useful as part of nutritional support for animals experiencing occasional digestive upset.
Slippery elm can also be prepared externally as a traditional soothing poultice.
Valerian
Valerian is traditionally regarded as a calming nervine herb. It has been used to support relaxation in nervous or unsettled animals.
Vervain
Vervain has traditionally been used as a nervine and antispasmodic herb. It has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine and may be included in herbal programs supporting nervous animals.
White Willow Bark
Horses may naturally seek out willow when it is available. White willow bark has traditionally been used to support healthy joints and musculoskeletal function.
It is not suitable for cats, and care should be taken when using willow alongside medications or other herbs containing salicylates.
Choosing Herbs for Your Animal
Herbal medicine can be a useful part of a natural approach to animal health, but choosing the right herb is about more than simply matching an herb to a symptom.
The appropriate herb, dose and method of use can vary depending on:
- the species of animal
- age and size
- diet and lifestyle
- existing health concerns
- pregnancy or lactation
- medications or other supplements
- how long the herb is intended to be used
Some herbs that are suitable for dogs or horses may not be suitable for cats, and some herbs should only be used for specific periods or under professional guidance.
If you're unsure which herbs may be appropriate for your animal, our team can help you work through the options.
Herbal Medicine for Dogs, Cats and Horses
At Greenpet, we stock a range of dried herbs and herbal blends for animals, including herbs traditionally used to support digestion, skin and coat, joints and mobility, immune health, urinary health, circulation and general wellbeing.
Whether you're looking for herbs for your dog, cat or horse, choosing a quality herb and using it appropriately is an important part of a natural animal health approach.
Need help choosing an herb for your animal?
Our team can help you find an appropriate herbal option based on your animal's individual needs.