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.
Benefits of Herbal Medicine For Animals
Ashwagandha
Traditionally used for stress and anxiety. Studies have shown it can help support thyroid function help stabilise blood sugar & regulate insulin. Immune support and reduce inflammation.
Burdock Root
Traditionally used for joint support and skin conditions. It is known as a powerful blood cleanser & promotes perspiration. It is a diuretic herb and helps to maintain digestive health and function.
Calendula
Traditionally used for skin complaints. Also known to aid gastric problems, act as a blood tonic and has anti-fungal properties. Can be used internally or externally.
Celery Seeds
Traditionally used for arthritis and other joint complaints. It is also known as a digestive tonic. Also used as a diuretic and for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile
Traditionally known as a soothing and calming herb, beneficial for digestive weaknesses, headaches, colic, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Chaste Tree Berry
Traditionally known as a hormonal balancer for mares. Also supports horses with cushings syndrome.
Clivers
Traditionally known for its soothing anti-inflammatory properties for the urinary system and lymphatics. Not recommended for diabetics.
Dandelion
Traditionally known as a great liver tonic and beneficial kidney tonic due to its gentle diuretic action. Also known to be used for digestive disturbances and poor appetite.
Devil’s Claw
Traditionally known as an excellent anti-inflammatory with analgesic properties beneficial for the muscular & skeletal system. Also known as an effective alternative to ‘bute’.
Echinacea
Traditionally used for viral and bacterial infections or a weakened immune system. It is also known to help prevent infections.
EyeBright
Traditionally used as an eye tonic, this herb may be used as an eye bath for eye irritations and internally helps to relieve mucous conditions.
Fennel
Traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract. May help reduce flatulence and helps to maintain digestive health and function.
Fenugreek
Traditionally known as an appetite stimulant and for its benefits on gastric disorders. Known to increase milk production during lactation. The seeds are high in soluble fibre which is known to help lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Best avoided for mares with hormonal imbalances.
Garlic
Traditionally known for its antiseptic, expectorant, and antibiotic qualities. It is known to help guard against infections and worm infestations. Also traditionally used for respiratory health.
Ginger
Traditionally used to help stimulate circulation. It is also known as a diaphoretic –promotes perspiration. Ginger is also known as a digestive aid and may help to relieve flatulence and colic.
Gingko
Traditionally known to improve circulation, especially poor circulation to the brain – Assists poor memory.
Gotu Kola
Traditionally known as the ‘rejuvenator’ herb and it’s effects on helping to improve memory & concentration. Also known to benefit skin problems and arthritis.
Hawthorn Berry
Traditionally used as a major heart and circulatory tonic.
Licorice Root
Traditionally known to have oestrogenic action on females, so avoid during pregnancy. Has been used for thousands of years with many therapeutic uses. Is known to aid gastric ulcers and coughs, beneficial for the liver, adrenal glands and much more. Should not be used in large quantities or for longer than 6 weeks. Best used under supervision.
Marshmallow
This herb is known for its soothing properties for the entire digestive tract and has been traditionally used to help aid gastric complaints such as ulcers, colitis, bloat and inflammation. Its healing properties are also helpful for the urinary tract.
Meadowsweet
Traditionally known as one of the best digestive remedies available. It is soothing to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. It is also known as an anti-inflammatory and contains pain-relieving compounds. May help to ease nausea. Combines well with Marshmallow for digestive disturbances. It should not be used for felines.
Milk Thistle
Traditionally known as an excellent herb to help strengthen the liver. Seeds from Milk Thistle are high in linoleic acid which is known to help to regulate female hormonal balance.
Moringa Leaf
Native to South Asia, used traditionally as a natural antioxidant, boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin and coat, and improving digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also aid in reducing joint pain.
Nettle
Traditionally known as 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.
Olive Leaf
Traditionally used to help lower blood pressure and its benefits for the immune system.
Parsley
Traditionally known as a powerful diuretic & tonic herb. It is rich in vitamin C, iron & copper being ideal for anaemia. Should not be used in large quantities. Has uterine stimulating properties, so avoid during pregnancy.
Passionflower
Traditionally used with other nervine herbs to help calm nervousness.
Peppermint
Traditionally known as 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
Traditionally used for horses prone to sand colic, constipation and to cleanse the colon.
Raspberry Leaf
Traditionally used as a reproductive tonic to strengthen and tone the uterus. It can be taken prior to conception or routinely throughout the pregnancy to help prevent complications. It has also been used in the treatment of diarrhoea due to its astringent properties.
Rosehips
Traditionally known as one of the best natural sources of vitamin C along with other minerals such as copper and cobalt. It is known as a great general tonic, immune system booster and circulatory herb. Can be used as a regular addition to the diet. May help to prevent colds & flu.
Slippery Elm
An excellent nutrient herb, traditionally used for its benefits for inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract. Known to benefit diarrhoea (scouring), especially for the young & elderly. Can also be used externally as a healing poultice.
Valerian
Traditionally known as 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.
Vervain
Traditionally known as an antispasmodic and good for nervous behaviour especially when due to skin reactions, after illness or injury. Was considered a ‘cure all’ by the Greeks and American Indians.
White Willowbark
Horses will often eat this when needed. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties to assist with pain relief. Combines well with meadowsweet for pain. (Not suitable for cats).
Contact us for details as we stock a range of dried herbs and blends – Ask the Naturopath
