Herbs for Pets, The natural way to enhance your pet's life

Herbs for

Pets

SECOND

EDITION

The natural way to enhanceyour pet’s life

by Gregory L. Tilford &

Mary L. Wulff

SECOND EDITION

• Care for Senior

Animals

• Anxiety and

Behavior Concerns

A HOLISTICGUIDE TO

HerbsforPets

• Cancer and Other

Health Issues

• Parasite Prevention

and Treatment

• Diet and Nutrition

Supplements

Tilford/

Wulff

SECOND EDITION

HerbsforPets

HFP_book NEW.BK.qxd 3/5/09 3:24 PM Page 1

Text copyright © 2009 by Gregory Tilford and Mary Wulff

Photographs copyright © 2009 by Gregory Tilford

Additional photographs courtesy of: Isabelle Francais/BowTie Inc. and TaraDarling; cover, Tara Darling (cat), Lesley Ward (horse), and Karen Taylor (dog)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys-tem, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy-ing, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of BowTie Press®,except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Tilford, Gregory L.Herbs for pets : the natural way to enhance your pet’s life / Gregory L. Tilford &

Mary L. Wulff. — 2nd ed.p. cm.

Rev. ed. of: All you ever wanted to know about herbs for pets / Mary L. Wulff-Tilford & Gregory L. Tilford. 1999.

Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 978-1-933958-78-1I. Wulff-Tilford, Mary, 1955– II. Wulff-Tilford, Mary, 1955– All you ever wanted to

know about herbs for pets. III. Title.

SF745.5.W86 2008636.089’5321—dc22

2008055534

BowTie Press®

A Division of BowTie, Inc.3 BurroughsIrvine, California 92618

Printed and bound in China16 15 14 13 12 11 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HFP_interior_1R.qxd 3/2/10 2:38 PM Page 2

by Gregory L. Tilford &

Mary L. Wulff

HerbsforPets

SECOND EDITION

The natural way to enhanceyour pet’s life


Contents

Acknowledgments 6Introduction 8

Chapter 1

Principles and Practices of Herbalism 15

Using Herbs Naturally 15

The Many Faces of Herbal Medicine 18

A Few Words About Toxicity 27

When to Take Your Pet to the Vet 27

Basics of Herbal Preparations 30

The Connection between Herbs and Diet 37

Using Nutritive Herbs as Dietary Supplements 39

The Ethical Use of Herbs 39

Chapter 2Materia Medica: An A–Z Guide to Herbs for

Animals 47

Supplemental Herb List 202

Chapter 3An Herbal Repertory for Animals: Ailments and

Treatments 213

Anxiety, Nervousness, and Behavioral Problems 213

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Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia 217

Cancer 222

Cardiovascular Problems 227

Digestive System Problems 229

Ear Problems 237

Elderly Animal Care 237

Endocrine System and Related Problems 240

Epilepsy, Convulsions, and Seizures 245

Eye Problems 246

First Aid 249

Immune System Care 258

Mouth and Nose Problems 262

Parasite-Related Problems: How to Live with Fleas,

Worms, Mites, and Other Things That Suck 264

Pregnancy and Lactation 276

Respiratory Problems 278

Skin Problems 282

Urinary Problems 294

Glossary 302References 309Index 320


It’s funny how a book takes on a life of its own. This one began like most others—firstas a compilation of research, expressed knowledge, and the inspiration and ideas ofan author or two. But now after many years have passed and many thousands of peo-ple have read, shared, used, and reflected on the content from its pages, this bookhas grown into something much more—something far greater than anything I everexpected. For many, Herbs for Pets has become a gold standard—the definitive guideto herbs for pets. But it is not the authors, nor even the information contained in itspages, that stand at the forefront of this book’s resounding success. It’s the growingaudiences of pet loving people who are realizing that the biggest rewards of animalcompanionship can come only after we learn to accept and respect the true nature ofour animals. Without people like you, this latest edition would not exist. Thank you.

And once again—thank you to my now ex-wife and forever friend, Mary, whoremains one of my foremost herbalist teachers. Thanks also go to Nancy Kerns, editorof Whole Dog Journal magazine, who throughout the years has been keeping the“holistic word” alive and visible to so many like-hearted animal lovers. And thanks tomy dear friend Ikuko Kanada, who not only translated this tome into Japanese but alsohas been at the forefront of a new natural pet care revolution in Japan; your workbrings renewed hope and inspiration to all who truly care about animal wellness.Thank you to Gail Pope and all of the incredible people at Brighthaven Sanctuary—aplace where, because of you, miracles really do happen.

A special thanks to all of you who came to our rescue when my home burned inthe Montana fires of 2000. There is absolutely nothing to describe the feelings of lovecoming from so many people.

And of course, thank you to all of the wonderful holistic veterinarians and naturalpet-care providers who work on the front lines to bring the gifts of human intellect,love, and compassion to the true innocents of the world: the animals.

—Greg L. Tilford

Acknowledgments


I would like to thank and acknowledge my parents, George and Dixie Wulff for allow-ing me to be who I am and for letting Uncle Eldon give me my first puppy; CindyNicholls, a dear friend; Jan Newman, my cousin and friend: Jeanie Notti-Fullerton, adear friend who shares a deep love and devotion for all creatures; to all of my animalspast and present, for sharing their love and lives with me: Mister, Max, Mollie, Cedar,Willow, Stephanie, all gone but in my heart forever; Sage, the new Heeler in my life;Lili, the new cat in my life; and to Frog (the Doberman) and Kyra, the Shepherd; tomy ex-husband, Greg, who made this book and many things possible, thank you forbeing a good friend.

—Mary L. Wulff


Herbs and animals have lived together for a long, long time.Millions of years before the first human walked the earth, creatures large and smallwere using plants as their primary source of healing. In fact, much of our modernmedicine originates from what early humans learned through observation of wild ani-mals and their instinctive uses of plants. For instance, we know that Indian tribes ofthe western United States learned of the powerful antimicrobial properties ofLigusticum porteri by observing bears ingest and roll in the plants to heal themselves.Even today, the plant is still known by many as “bear medicine.”

In the face of diseases such as AIDS and cancer, modern-day pharmaceuticalresearchers continue to scour the remaining wilds of our planet in search of cures, andonce again we are turning to the animals for answers. Zoopharmacognosy, a new dis-cipline of science that investigates how animals use plants to heal themselves, isattracting attention at leading research universities throughout the world. At the fore-front of the zoopharmacognosy effort are Dr. Eloy Rodriguez, a biochemist specializ-ing in natural products and synthetic chemistry, and Harvard primatologist RichardWrangham, who has been studying chimpanzees and gorillas in their native Africanhabitats. Rodriguez and Wrangham have discovered that the apes have an innate abil-ity to select specific plant species for use against internal parasites. In fact, not onlycan the animals select plants that possess specific medicinal compounds that are effec-tive at expelling their parasites but somehow they know exactly how much plantmaterial is needed to initiate a cure without causing toxic side effects.

As zoopharmacognosy recaptures our attention and as our respect toward thehealing wisdom of animals grows, our quest for herbal curative answers is becomingmore urgent. But we’re faced with a problem. Strains of bacteria once thought to beconquered are reemerging despite our antibiotics, and healing resources are disap-pearing faster than we can discover them. Tens of thousands of acres of wild lands arelost each day to the effects of a growing human population and the relentlessdemands we place upon the planet. The Smithsonian Institution and fifteen otherresearch organizations recently completed a twenty-year study that concluded that at

Introduction


least one in every eight plant speciesworldwide are currently at risk ofbecoming extinct.

In North America alone, it is estimat-ed that 29 percent of sixteen thousandplant species are on the verge of disap-pearing forever—and with each loss, avital connecting link between earth andall the creatures who walk her ground isbeing broken forever.

As scientists struggle to find curesbefore plants are eliminated from theface of the planet, a tremendous “greenrevolution” is under way. A growingnumber of people are coming to realizethat much of the healing wisdom weseek rests not in science and technologybut within the ancient healing traditionsof nature itself. To access this awareness,we find ourselves turning to the aborig-inal peoples (who adopted healing ways

from observing animals) to relearn ways of healing that have been passed downthrough hundreds of generations from humankind’s oldest teachers—the animals.

Ancient cultures knew that healthful living, healing, and good medicine are notgauged by how effectively people can exploit the medicinal properties of naturalresources. Instead, shamans and medicine women of the past saw human health asan integral part of the living celestial body we have since grown to know as Earth.They knew that our gravest ills emanate not from what nature bestows upon us butfrom what we bestow upon nature. This message is being repeated to us everywherein the form of ancient bacteria, once thought to be conquered, that are mutating intostronger, more resistant, more aggressive strains of infectious disease. Vaccines thatwe once viewed as miracle medicines are now thought to debilitate the immune sys-tem they were designed to support and protect. Heart disease, cancer, arthritis, osteo-porosis, and even psychosis-driven murder are being linked to the stresses of modernsociety and the nutrition-depleted foods we eat. Violent rainstorms of unprecedentedferocity wreak havoc as a by-product of air pollution and the effects of global warm-ing. You may ask, how is all of this relevant to a book about herbal animal care? Theanswer: in the most fundamental ways imaginable.

This book introduces you to hundreds of plant medicines that can be used in thedaily care of animals. In the first chapters, you learn the importance of feeding yourcompanion a natural whole-foods diet. Then step by step you are guided into newlevels of self-reliance as you learn to select, prepare, and apply natural remedies,many of which may be as accessible as your own backyard, on behalf of your

Herbs for Pets

10


companion animal. To help overcomepossible skepticism, we have providedreferences to hundreds of cutting-edgescientific studies that support the effec-tiveness of herbs in animals. But evenmore significant to the purposes of thisbook, we share what herbalists andanimals have learned in the absence ofscience (without the cruel inhumanitiesof animal testing) from thousands ofyears of continuously safe and effectiveherb use.

However, all of this represents thelesser side of what this book has to offer.Our deepest wish is to pass on the senseof interconnectedness that grows withinthe heart of the healer, as he or shelearns and accepts ancient ways of heal-ing that have been utilized by all life-forms on earth. This is not just a bookabout finding alternatives to conven-tional drugs; it is one about honoring and supporting a system of health care andhealing that far exceeds the effectiveness of any medicine devised by humans—a sys-tem contained in and shared among the bodies of animals, plants, and Mother Earthherself.

In nature, plants represent much more than containers of active chemical con-stituents that have been identified and validated by the halls of human science. Theyare healing delegates of nature’s design, here to serve the needs of all creatures whobenefit from the nectar of their flowers, the shelter of their leaves, and the healingpowers they hold. They are the critical link between what is alive and what is not, pro-viding us and other organisms with the oxygen that is necessary for life and the baseelements of the food chain—from macrobiotic soil nutrients to the vegetables on ourdinner plates. Yet most people see plants as humanity’s gift: insignificant by virtue oftheir silence but powerful and valuable when their secrets are revealed by science.Likewise, most of humanity still sees animals as expendable, lower forms of life thatexist without intelligent consciousness or emotional pain and that offer no resistancewhen exploited.

In the minds of millions of people, plants and animals are here for the sole purposeof serving us, as fruits and beasts of burden without equal rights, in the pursuit ofhealth and happiness. Whether it be a feedlot steer or a companion German shepherddog, the needs of most animals become secondary concerns when we are buying petfood at the grocery store or when a chronic immune system disorder erupts into a house-hold flea infestation. Instead of addressing their pet’s real needs, many pet owners are

Introduction

11


predisposed to remain focused on themselves—the grocery bill dictates the quality ofnutrition their animals receive, and fleas are approached as something that invadesour homes, rather than as a symptom of a weakened animal host.

With Herbs for Pets, we hope to precipitate a change in this paradigm. The fact thatyou are reading this book implies that you are not like most people—in fact, you arepart of a growing community of special human beings who are on a healing path thatleads to something much more significant than the simple joy derived from openingup a can of cat food for the cat or giving the family dog rawhides to keep him busy.Like us, the authors of this book, you have probably discovered that caring for an ani-mal brings about a very special and powerful type of healing.

When we provide our companion animals with considerations of health and heal-ing that meet their needs and not just our own, we are in effect healing ourselves aswell. In fact, we are healing one of the primary causes of earth’s greatest ills: human-ity’s disconnection from nature.

Somewhere in the history of our species we have chosen a relationship of con-sumption and control rather than of coexistence with our planet, and it seems thatour goal has been to defeat or defy nature at all costs. We defy nature’s mechanismsof resisting disease by suppressing or bypassing the immune system with corticos-teroid drugs, antibiotics, and vaccines. We ignore the natural requirements of goodnutrition by supplementing an unhealthy diet with vitamin tablets. We dam rivers anddrain swamps; we even try to change the duration of daylight by resetting the clocksfor “daylight saving time.” To compound all of this heady nonsense, we have placedour own self-imposed needs far above those of our earthly neighbors, and as a resultthe entire planet is suffering. For much too long, the human condition has prohibit-ed us from living in harmony with the natural world that surrounds us.

The key to changing this trend rests not in the halls of science but in our willing-ness to see nature as nature is. Instead of studying the nature of plants from a mind-set that insists on picking their chemistries apart in an arrogant attempt to find singu-lar compounds that may be exploited as drugs, we must learn to examine plants asthey exist in nature, to discover and explore the intermingled relationships they sharewith the physical and nonphysical needs of all living things on earth. Likewise, insteadof subjecting our animals, our most ancient teachers, to unthinkable pain and torturein a quest for rational answers to satisfy our scientific needs, we must learn to acceptnature’s medicines simply as nature presents them. The reality is that the need for sci-entific validation is shared only among humans—no other life-form on earth insists onanalyzing and rationalizing nature’s design, especially at the cold-hearted expense ofanimal suffering. In essence, science is merely striving to rationalize what has beenknown throughout the natural realm for eons.

This is a book about a level of healing that reaches far beyond that which can beprovided by science. It is about holistic healing in its truest sense—a process that doesnot begin or end with the administration of a medicine but with our connection tonature. Holistic healing is not something that is given or received between caregiverand patient—it is part of a continuous circle that is shared among all entities involved

Herbs for Pets

12


in the maintenance of health. Our planet provides the elements from which plants areborn and must reproduce. The animals and insects serve as stewards for the plantsand in turn pass their intuitive wisdom to us. However, to access this wisdom, we mustrethink our ways—we must relearn how to give for all that we receive from nature,and we must pay attention to the quiet lessons that surround us in the circle of life.

As someone who cares for a companion animal, you have taken a fundamentalstep back toward the circle of life by accepting a part of nature into your home.Now, as you investigate the healing power of nature’s oldest medicines, and as youlearn how to honor your companion’s innate system of health maintenance, you willfind yourself stepping into the circle. Here you will find that animals are not humanproperty but are among our most valued teachers and healers. You will see thatfrom the moment a puppy, a kitten, a baby bird, or another companion animalenters a human life, a special bond with nature begins. From this bond we can learninnocence, compassion, respect, unconditional love, and the tragedy of time wast-ed. And most important of all, we can finally realize that despite centuries of ourabuses, animals and plants remain quietly waiting to reconnect humankind with theways of nature.

In return for these offerings, and to assure that the circle remains unbroken by ourpresence, we must give something equally precious back to our beloved companionsand teachers: we must listen to them and help serve their needs by providing the nat-ural foods and medicines that have sustained their kind for millions of years.

Introduction

13


The holistic herbalist looks beyond

the symptoms of disease to identify

and correct their underlying causes.


Using Herbs Naturally

Old ways die hard—especially when we have been raised with them. In our soci-ety, mainstream approaches to health maintenance focus on symptomatic inter-vention. Typically, when a person or animal gets sick, the conventional practi-tioner works to identify and suppress uncomfortable or unsightly symptoms inorder to achieve immediate relief. As children, most of us are taught time andagain to confront fever with pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, oribuprofen; dandruff with shampoos; and constipation with laxatives.

But what about the causes of these discomforts? Are we really taking a cura-tive approach toward a fever if we don’t recognize its origin and its purpose?Why do we have dandruff anyway? Why are our animals suffering with chronicconstipation? These are questions that are addressed by the holistic herbalist—one who looks at the body as an entire, intricately balanced biocommunity ofcountless organs, chemicals, microorganisms, and life energies. From a holisticperspective, the herbalist realizes that all body functions are interdependent andthat physical or emotional discomforts do not represent the totality of a healthcrisis but only the body’s conveyance of an underlying imbalance or crisis—astate of “dis-ease.”

Unlike conventional Western medicine, the focus of holistic healing is not tokill or cut out disease as it occurs, but to reestablish and maintain holistic home-ostasis, the state of harmonious balance and rhythm among mind, body, spirit,and environment. For most of us, this involves putting some old predispositionsaside, revving up the imagination, and engaging in some open-minded obser-vation. We don’t need bioscience degrees to embrace the principles of effectiveherbalism, but we are required to view health and healing from a much deeperperspective—one that takes into account not only the discomforts of disease but

Principlesand Practices of Herbalism

Pr

in

cip

le

s &

Pr

ac

tic

es

Chapter 1


Herbs for Pets

16

AAFCO: Association of American

Feed Control Officials

ACTH: adrenocorticotropic

hormone

AIDS: acquired immune deficiency

syndrome

ASPCA: American Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

AVMA: American Veterinary

Medical Association

BHA: butylated hydroxyanisole

BHT: butylated hydroxytoluene

CHV: canine herpes virus

CoQ10: coenzyme Q10

CPR: cardiopulmonary

resuscitation

DLE: discoid lupus erythematosus

EFA: essential fatty acid

FDA: Food and Drug

Administration

FeLV: feline leukemia virus

FIP: feline infectious peritonitis

FIV: feline immunodeficiency virus

(also known as feline AIDS)

FUS: feline urinary syndrome

FVR: feline viral rhinotracheitis

F: Fahrenheit

FLUTD: feline lower urinary tract

disease

GABA: gamma-aminobutyric acid

GBE: ginkgo biloba extract

GI: gastrointestinal

GLA: gamma-linolenic acid

G6PD: glucose-6-phosphate

dehydrogenase

GST: glutathione S-transferase

HCl: hydrochloride

HCM: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

HSV: herpes simplex virus

IU: international unit

MAOI: monoamine oxidase

inhibitor

NDGA: nordihydroguaiaretic acid

PABA: para-amino benzoic acid

PAF: platelet aggregating factor

PAs: pyrrolizidine alkaloids

PDA: patent ductus arteriosus

RDA: recommended daily

allowance

sp.: species (singular/not specified)

spp.: species (plural)

TCM: traditional Chinese medicine

TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone

TTouch: Tellington Touch

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS


also the totality of wellness. From thisperspective, for example, smoking is nota cause of lung cancer but a by-product ofwhatever prompts us to smoke in the firstplace. Cigarettes are only a mechanism ofcellular destruction, and the tumors theyfeed are the end products of somethinginsidious that lies within the psyche of thehost. It is that “something” that allowsus to abandon our well-being in favor ofan addictive habit we all know is bad forus, and it is from this level that the heal-ing process must begin.

Although this bit of holistic philoso-phy may sound simple, it is fundamen-tally broader than Western orthodoxmedicine, which centers on interventionand subsequent suppression of diseasesymptoms. Western society is spoiled bythe concept of making problems goaway quickly so we can get on with life.Rather than taking the longer routetoward finding a true cure, the conven-tional goal is to find a quick-fix solutionto the inconveniences of a crisis. Herbsare often employed in much the samecapacity. The greatest healing potentialof herbs, however, emanates not fromtheir uses as natural drug alternatives butfrom the holistic principles and philoso-phies that enable us to use them in sup-port of the natural healing mechanismsof the body.

The holistic herbalist looks beyondthe symptoms of disease to identify andcorrect their underlying causes. Anherbalist strives to understand the har-monious checks and balances that arerequired among all physical and non-physical aspects of mind, body, spirit,and environment.

At the core of this tightly orchestratedsynergy, we find a continual need forcomplete nutrition because a body musthave the fuel and tools it needs to build,maintain, and repair itself. In the absenceof complete nutrition, necessary tools and

building blocks are missing, and thebody lacks the resources to make repairsand correct imbalances. In addition tocomplete nutrition, a body sometimesrequires a specialized source of stimula-tion or systemic support in order tomaintain a state of health and well-being. This is where herbs come in.

The holistic herbalist employs thechemical and energetic properties ofplants to help bridge the gaps betweenwhat a body receives from completenutrition and what it requires from timeto time in terms of supplemental sup-port. In this holistic context, herbs areused to stimulate, regulate, or adjustnatural body functions back intohealthy harmony with the rest of thebody. The therapeutic effort is directednot at treating disease but at support-ing the body in its efforts to correct theproblem itself. In otherwords, herbs are used toassist the body naturallyat what it is designed todo: stay healthy.

For many people,allowing the body to cor-rect itself may not be easybecause this requires trustin something that still baf-fles our greatest scientists:the body’s remarkable,almost miraculous, abilityto take care of itself. A liv-ing body, be it animal orhuman, represents a sys-tem of healing and healthmaintenance more effi-cient than anythingdevised by human intel-lect. To allow herbs towork at their optimumpotential, the herb usermust respect and honorthe healing powers withwhich we were all born.

Principles and Practices of Herbalism

17


Herbs for Pets

18

The Many Faces of

Herbal Medicine

Many of the plants we use in Westernherbalism are identical to those used inother modalities of herbal medicine. Butthe philosophies of how an herb inter-acts with the mind, body, or spirit tendto vary greatly from culture to culture.Here are some brief descriptions of threeof the most popular forms of holisticmedicine in which herbs are commonlyemployed.

• Ayurvedic MedicineIn India and adjacent areas of theMiddle East, ayurveda has prevailed asthe primary modality of healing forthousands of years. Ayurvedic medicinefocuses on recognizing the doshas, themetabolic body type of an individual.The first step in ayurvedic healing is to

identify the specific strengths, suscepti-bilities, and tendencies of the patientfrom a broad perspective and to takeinto account the entire constitution ofthe individual. Once these are identi-fied, herbs, diet, meditation, or othermechanisms are used to bring theconstitution of the individual backinto harmonious balance with all ele-ments of the mind, body, spirit, andenvironment.

• Traditional Chinese MedicineHerbs have been used in traditionalChinese medicine (TCM) for at leastseven thousand years. Many principlesof TCM are similar to those ofayurvedic medicine. The primary dif-ference is in how the body is viewed interms of channels, rivers, winds, andenergetic flows in TCM. In other

Traditional herbal cabinet at a Chinese pharmacy


words, the body is seen as a reflectionof nature, and practitioners look forenergetic blockages or disruptions—dampness, dryness, hot or cold winds,or bank breaches in the flow of qi (pro-nounced “chee”), the life force. Thephysical body is also viewed as a set ofbalanced polarities: yin, which gener-ally refers to the tissues of the bodyorgans, and yang, the activity of theorgans. Yin and yang are oppositesthat cannot work independently ofone another. If a yin deficiency occurs,it is because the body does not haveproper nutrients or adequate physicalstructure to perform its functions. If ayang deficiency occurs, the body can-not react to metabolic stimuli. In TCM,herbs are used to assist and maintainproper energetic flows and polaritiesin the body.

• Western HerbalismIn contrast, Western herbalism seemsalmost superficial in nature. Westernherbalism originates from ancient usesof medicinal plants in Europe. Many ofthe principles, philosophies, and cer-tainly our validations of how herbs areused to effect healing are constantlyevolving in this form of herbalism. Forinstance, the spirituality of the healer,the patient, and even the herb itselfwas once the primary focus of herbalmedicine in ancient Europe. But today,Western herbalists incorporate manyphilosophies, including scientific vali-dation of photochemical compounds,plant energetics, folkloric accountsand belief systems, and several otherpoints of opinion.

As Western herbalists, we baseour use of herbs on a balance of allphilosophies. We respect and admirerecent scientific validations of medici-nal plant chemistries, but we alsostrongly believe that plants contain

synergistic balances of chemical, ener-getic, and perhaps spiritual elementsthat make them unique and unex-plainable. We see a great deal of valuein much of the anecdotal evidencethat has been handed down regardingthe traditional uses of herbs over thepast few millennia. Although scientificstudies have failed to validate many ofthe claims that have been passeddown through the ages, the fact thatmany of these customs have workedsafely and effectively for thousands ofpeople throughout several centuries iscertainly convincing to us. But despitedifferences in opinion, most Westernherbalists share a similar, holistic per-spective when it comes to doing theactual work of healing.

The body is viewed from a bio-logical perspective but with a focusthat takes into account the totality ofthe individual. While mainstreammodalities of Western medicine focusprimarily on the treatment of diseaseand suppression of symptoms withlittle regard to cause, the herbalistworks from the opposite direction.While working to promote health byaddressing the underlying causesand providing aid to the body’sefforts, the Western herbalist viewsthe body as a tightly knit biosystemof organs, cooperative cells,microbes, enzymes, nutrients, andsynergistic energies that must bemaintained in a state of cooperativebalance. During a disease crisis,herbs are utilized to strengthen orstimulate the body’s natural func-tions at chemical and energetic levelsso that a state of health can bereestablished quickly and efficiently.After the crisis is over, herbal tonicsmay then be used to strengthenbody functions that are chronicallydeficient to avoid reoccurrence.


19


Herbs for Pets

20

While the philosophies that leadpeople to the use of herbal medicinesare variable worldwide, all modalities ofherbal healing share two fundamentalsimilarities. One is that the therapeuticfocus is holistic, taking into account thetotality of the individual instead of thesymptoms of disease only. The other isthat all good herbalists know that herbswork best in a proactive capacity whenemployed from a perspective that rec-ognizes health maintenance as theparamount cure for disease.

HERBS AS ALTERNATIVES TOCONVENTIONAL MEDICINESMany of us are introduced to the realmof herbal medicine by using herbs asdirect replacements for over-the-count-er or prescription drugs. Like drugs,

herbs can be used to treat the symp-toms of disease effectively. Unlike manydrugs, herbs are relatively safe and gen-tle medicines—they are very forgiving,offering a much greater margin of errorand fewer adverse side effects.

Most drugs are composed of specif-ic chemical compounds that have beenisolated from their source and concen-trated to maximum potency. A medici-nal plant, however, consists of dozens,sometimes thousands, of interactive orinert chemical components. Manyskeptics argue that herbal medicinesare less effective and unsafe becausethe concentrations of active con-stituents are too low and are variablefrom plant to plant.

To the herbalist, the presence of sci-entifically proven compounds is only

Herb Substitute Uses

HERBS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY USED AS

SUBSTITUTES FOR CONVENTIONAL DRUGS

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Used as an anti-inflammatory alternative toyucca root (Yucca schidigera), steroidal,and nonsteroidal drugs

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) Used in place of conventional wormersWormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum spp.) Used as a natural substitute for Prozac(fluoxetine HCl)

Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.) Used as an antibiotic for eyes, ears, andmucous membranes

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) Used as alternatives to sedative drugsPassionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Hop (Humulus lupulus)

Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) Used in place of furosemide (Lasix)Senna (Cassia angustifolia) Used as a natural laxative


part of what makes a plant useful.Instead of focusing on isolated chemicalcomponents, the herbalist accepts theinexplicable synergy that exists amongall components of a plant’s chemistryand all components of the physical andnonphysical recipient. In the mind ofthe herbalist, this is what makes herbalmedicine safe, effective, and unique. Thewhole plant is always greater, and usual-ly safer, than the sum of its parts.

For those who are trying to breakaway from conventional ways of think-ing, this concept of holistic synergy canbe difficult to grasp. Having been raisedand trained in a science-based culture,accepting something that cannot befully rationalized can be difficult. But toput things into a scientific perspective,let’s look at thymol, the primary activeconstituent of thyme (Thymus spp.).

Thymol is potentially toxic when iso-lated from the rest of the thyme plant.But when employed as part of the wholeplant in a tincture or tea, thymol servesas an active part of a safe and effectiveantimicrobial, dewormer, and coughsuppressant medicine.

Anybody from any discipline of sci-ence can pick up a simple herbal remedyand use it for the purpose of treating ill-ness. It’s really very easy to substitutemany of the favored conventional medi-cines with herbal remedies. But here area few important things to remember.

• Keep in mind that herbs are sloweracting than most drugs. Expectationof rapid results is perhaps the greatestcause of frustration and failureamong would-be herbalists. The dif-ference between a successful herbaltherapy and resorting to a shot of,say, prednisolone often amounts to aday or two of patient waiting.

• When using herbs as direct replace-ments for allopathic medicines, don’t

expect results beyond those youwould expect from the drugs you arereplacing. The only difference in ther-apy when using herbs as drug substi-tutes is the medicinal device; the cur-ative depth of the therapy remainsthe same.

• If you opt to use herbs symptomati-cally, it is important to rememberthat you will likely end up dis-couraged if you expect tofind a cure. For example,when treating conjunc-tivitis that is second-ary to bacterial infec-tion, a combinationeyewash of Oregongrape (Mahonia aqui-folium), raspberry leaf(Rubus idaeus), and ster-ile saline will effectivelyreplace most conventionalophthalmic preparations—but just like a conventionalpreparation, the herbs won’t addressthe underlying causes of a chronicproblem.

HERB ACTIONS ANDSPECIAL AFFINITIESIt is unrealistic to think a full conveyanceof effective herbal wisdom can be con-tained in this book, but a large measureof awareness can be perpetuated byembracing a basic understanding of howeach of these plants works within thebody. In Western herbalism, the effectsthat plant materials have in or on thebody are called “medicinal actions” or“active properties.” By becoming famil-iar with the medicinal actions of theherbs to which you have access, you willhave a good idea where to look for anappropriate course of therapy when aneed for one arises. In addition to know-ing the manner by which herbs work inthe body, it is also important to begin


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Herbs for Pets

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A BASIC START-UP APOTHECARY

FOR VETERINARY APPLICATIONS

All of the herbs in this table are generally safe, well validated, and easy to use in awide variety of veterinary applications. They are listed by medicinal activity, and briefcomments about the areas of special usefulness are noted.

AlternativesHerbs that gradually alter an existing condition in the body by strengthening or stimu-lating various systems and eliminating waste from the bloodstream. For skin and coatdisorders, rheumatoid conditions, cancer, and other disorders where the body maybenefit from improved elimination of toxic excess and systemic waste.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Arthritis, blood disordersBurdock (Arctium lappa) Seborrhea, pyoderma, rheumatoid diseasesRed clover (Trifolium pratense) Tumors, blood disordersGotu kola (Centella asiatica) Dermatitis

Anti-inflammatories Herbs that help reduce inflammation

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) A general anti-inflammatory forskin conditions such as arthritis

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) Reduces inflammation of the eyes, mouth,and other mucous membranes

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) Arthritis and general usesYucca (Yucca schidigera) Reduces inflammations of the joints

Antimicrobials Herbs that inhibit reproduction and growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, or protozoa

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) Especially for the urinary tractOregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) General purpose (eye, nose, ear, throat,

digestive, and urinary infections)Sage (Salvia officinalis) Skin and mouth infections, gingivitisMarshmallow (Althaea officinalis) Low-grade infections of the urinary tract,

where inflammation is evidentYarrow (Achillea millefolium) External wounds, digestive, respiratory,

and urinary tract infections

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

Herbs for Pets



23

Astringents Herbs that reduce inflammations of the skin, eyes (conjunctivitis), and mucousmembranes; treat diarrhea, irritable bowel, and colic; and tonify smooth musclesof the urinary tract and uterus

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) Conjunctivitis, dermatitis, uterine tonicNettle (Urtica spp.) Conjunctivitis, dermatitisPlantain (Plantago major) Dermatitis, gastrointestinal (GI) or

urinary inflammationSlippery elm (Ulmus fulva) GI or urinary inflammation

Cardiovascular TonicsHerbs that strengthen the physical integrity of the heart and blood vessels, moderateblood pressure, and increase circulation

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Strengthens cardiac output, moderatesblood pressure, and increasescirculation throughout the body

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Improves circulation in the brain,extremities, and kidneys

Cayenne (Capsicum spp.) Improves peripheral circulation andcirculation in the joints

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Improves circulation and strengthensvessel structure in the extremities

CarminativesHerbs that help relieve intestinal gas and indigestion, and are antispasmodic to thedigestive tract

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Dyspepsia, flatulence, colicDill (Anethum graveolens) Dyspepsia, flatulence, colicPeppermint (Mentha piperita) Dyspepsia, flatulence, colicChamomile (Matricaria recutita) Dyspepsia, flatulence, colic

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

Herb Condition



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DemulcentsHerbs that provide a protective lubricating barrier in the digestive and urinary tracts forthe passage of wastes and to help relieve irritation of mucous membranes

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) Respiratory, digestive, and urinary irritationsPlantain (Plantago major) Respiratory, digestive, and urinary irritationsSlippery elm (Ulmus fulva) Respiratory, digestive, urinary irritationsGinkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Urinary irritations

DiureticsHerbs that stimulate diuresis in kidney disorders and water retention problems and helpeliminate excess waste and superfluous materials from the body and urinary tract

Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale) The strongest herbal diuretic availableCorn silk (Zea mays) For calculiShepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) Especially good for water retention

secondary to rheumatoid conditions

ImmunotonicsHerbs that stimulate and support immune system functions

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) For early onset of bacterial or viral infectionsAstragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) A better-tasting but general alternative to

echinacea; especially good for problemsinvolving weak kidney function

LymphaticsHerbs that assist with lymph production and circulation; drain and heal lymph-engorged tissues and masses (tumors, cysts, ulcers); useful in the systemic treatment ofchronic dermatitis

Cleavers (Galium aparine) Digestive and urinary cysts, ulcersRed clover (Trifolium pratense) Cysts and tumors of the skin; swollen

lymph nodes

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

A BASIC START-UP APOTHECARY FOR VETERINARY APPLICATIONS (CONTINUED)



25

Nervines and SedativesHerbs that suppress or moderate nervous tension and anxiety or that moderateor suppress activity in higher brain centers

Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.) For jittery anxiety; to help reduce severityof seizures; to relieve pain

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) For acute anxiety and hyperactivity; to helpreduce severity of seizures; to relieve pain

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) A relaxing mood elevator; for fear,for posttraumatic depression, and as a good alternative for animals whorespond unfavorably to valerian

Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum spp.) For nerve injuriesOat straw (Avena sativa) An especially good nervous system tonic for

older animals

NutritivesHerbs that lend rich nutritional values; especially good for anemia and mineraldeficiencies

Nettle (Urtica spp.) Broad-spectrum minerals, vitamins, and proteinsAlfalfa (Medicago sativa) Broad-spectrum minerals, vitamins, and proteinsFlaxseed (Linum spp.) Rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Broad-spectrum minerals (especially

potassium), vitamins, and proteins

VulnerariesHerbs that promote healing, internally or externally

Aloe vera (Aloe spp.) Externally for burns, wounds, dermatitis;internally for ulcers

Arnica (Arnica spp.) For external treatment of closed-tissue injuries onlyComfrey (Symphytum officinale) For external use on open- and closed-tissue

injuriesCalendula (Calendula officinalis) For dermatitis, burns, woundsSaint-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) For crushing soft-tissue injuries and any type

of trauma where nerve damage is evident

Herb Condition

Herb Condition

Herb Condition


learning each herb’s specialty, or sys-temic affinity—its special kinship withcertain portions of the anatomy. Forinstance, we may know that slippery elmhas a general astringent action (meaningthat it shrinks tissues), but its effectiveusefulness can be really pronouncedwhen we know that it has a special affin-ity to the digestive tract, where its astrin-gent actions are particularly well suitedto shrinking the inner wall of the smallintestine to relieve diarrhea and otherdiscomforts.

DOSAGE ANDDURATION OF THERAPYThe dosage suggestions provided in thisbook represent what we feel are safeand conservative starting points for usein most animals. The exact dosage andduration of an herb therapy that yourcompanion may need depends on the

animal’s specific needs, tolerances,and metabolism. In other words,

the answers to how much andfor how long may vary fromanimal to animal.

Some animals respondfavorably to very small doses—perhaps just a drop or two oftincture. Others require largerdoses or may not respond to

certain herbs at all (as you know,such is the case with drugs

too). Therefore, a conservativestarting point for administration

of herb extracts, infusions, or driedherbs in dogs, cats, and herbivores isto use only one or two herbs at a timeand to proportion the dosage basedon the animal’s body weight comparedto the recommended human dosage.For example, a 30-pound dog wouldreceive one-fifth of that which is rec-ommended for a 150-pound human.Also to be considered is your veterinar-ian’s opinion, a reputable reference

book, or the product manufacturer’srecommendations.

Remember, this is just a startingpoint. Dogs, cats, and other carnivoreshave much faster metabolic rates thanwe do; therefore, initial dosages mighthave to be increased later to achievethe results you are looking for. Thebiggest mistake is to think of dosing interms of absolutes. Instead, watch theanimal you are treating; read up onthe side effects, contraindications, andactive nature of the herbs you areusing; and don’t hesitate to changedosages. If you need to increase adosage, do so in 10 percent incrementsto a maximum of 50 percent above thestarting dose. In other words, if youhave determined that the starting dosefor “Max” is 20 drops of burdock, twicedaily, then you can increase the dose 2drops at a time until you reach 30drops, if necessary. If a dosage needs tobe decreased (if, for example, valeriancauses acute vomiting in your cat), cutthe dose in half. If you feel it’s neces-sary, stop the therapy altogether for aday or two, and let the animal’s bodyreadjust before proceeding with thereduced dosage. Most animals requirea dose two to three times daily.

The duration of an herbal therapyalso depends on the specific animal andvaries according to the disease you areconfronting. Generally, it is best to takeat least a two-day break from herbaltherapies each week (five days on, twodays off). This allows you to monitor theanimal’s responses to the herbs and toalleviate any tolerance or toxicity prob-lems she may otherwise develop as aresult of long-term use. The durationrequired to see results varies greatly andis dependent on the nature of the herb,the animal, and the severity of theimbalance you are confronting. Ifresults don’t begin to materialize after

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you have maintained a maximumdosage schedule for more than sevendays, it may be time to try another herbor to consult your holistic veterinarian.In any case, keep detailed records ofyour successes, failures, and observa-tions. Exactly how long to maintain anherbal therapy can be determined onlythrough experience and familiarity withyour animal, and good record keepingis instrumental to becoming an effectiveherbalist.

A Few Words

About Toxicity

Serious adverse reactions are rare, butwhen used outside the parameters ofcommon sense and moderation, anyplant can be toxic.

Toxicity is dose dependent, relative tothe rate of absorption and the individ-ual’s ability to assimilate or eliminate anexcess. If a body receives a substance inquantities or concentrations that cannotbe effectively dealt with by its naturalfunctions, the excess must be dealt withby emergency means. Vomiting, diar-rhea, and other purgative functions arethen triggered to eliminate the invasivesubstance(s). If this fails, systemic shut-down or damage may occur.

Most herbs that are commonly usedin veterinary medicine are safe and for-giving—in most cases in which an ani-mal is hypersensitive to an herb or hasreceived too much, she will vomit short-ly after administration. Other commonindicators of toxicity include itching,photosensitivity, and diarrhea.

The key word in the avoidance oftoxic reactions is moderation. Althoughherbs are generally weaker and gentlermedicines than most drugs, they stilldemand respect. “More” is not necessar-ily “better,” even in the employment ofnutritive “food-medicine” herbs such asnettle (Urtica spp.), alfalfa (Medicago

sativa), or flaxseed (Linum spp.). All ofthese herbs may cause digestive upsetand dermatological reactions if fed tothe animal in large quantities.

Aside from the issues of overdoseand prolonged use, it is important toremember that some animals may haveallergies to certain herbs; a few areespecially sensitive to certain plant sub-stances; and some have preexisting con-ditions. Therefore, to be safe, it’s alwaysa good idea to proceed with caution.Start with a small dose, and watch theanimal for any signs of adverse reaction.

When to Take Your Pet

to the Vet

This book is aimed at enabling you tobe somewhat self-sufficient in ensuringthe health and welfare of your com-panion animals. However, there aresome problems that caregivers shouldnot attempt to treat ontheir own at home.Some of these includelife-threatening situa-tions such as poison-ings; major traumassuch as those caused bybeing hit by a car;bleeding; broken bones;instances when the con-dition you’re treating athome doesn’t get betterin a few days; and casesin which there are ques-tions or other avenues oftreatment to be taken.

Most of us believethat our animals mustbe seen by a vet in orderto get treatment. Inmany cases this is true.But holistic vets can’t befound in all areas of theU.S., so it becomes nec-essary for some of us to


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CAUTIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS,AND POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

The following chart lists a few of the most common types of problematic plant compoundsto be aware of in the natural care of animals. This list is intended for the purpose of cau-tious awareness. It is by no means complete, and the presence of one or more of thesecompounds in a specific herb does not necessarily exclude that herb from safe use.

Anthraquinones Anthraquinones, including dianthrone glycosides, sennosides, aloe-emoden, chyso-phanol, among others, are the active laxative constituents that are present in aloe (cer-tain preparations), senna (Cassia senna), cascara sagrada, and turkey rhubarb (Rheumpalmatum). Anthraquinones act as laxatives by stimulating intestinal peristalsis and maycause cramping and severe diarrhea if misused. These compounds are hard on the liverand kidneys, and extended use of anthraquinone-bearing herbs may lead to depend-ency.

Coumarins Coumarins include coumarin, medicagol, furanocoumarins, among others. Mostcoumarin-bearing plants do not contain enough coumarins to represent a risk in nor-mal therapeutic doses. Large doses of coumarins, however, can cause photosensitivity.Coumarins are known to thin the blood and may potentiate the effects of anticoagu-lant drugs. Coumarin-rich herbs such as red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa(Medicago sativa) should not be given to animals with clotting disorders.

Oxalic Acid and Oxalates Oxalic acid and oxalates are present in many plants (a small amount is even present infresh spinach), but can be found especially in members of the Polygonaceae andCruciferae families. Oxalic acid is characterized by a tart, lemony flavor and is especial-ly evident in the leaves of sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and French sorrel (Rumex scu-tatus). Oxalic acid can cause urinary tract irritation, can deplete the body of vitaminB1, and is known to bind with calcium in the urine—thus potentially causing stones.Although the oxalic acid content of most herbs, such as yellow dock root (Rumex cris-pus), is generally small and usually will not cause a problem with moderately dosed,short-term use (up to fourteen days), it is best to avoid such herbs in cases of preexist-ing kidney or urinary disease.

Pyrrolizidine AlkaloidsPyrrolizidine alkaloids are present in many plants but most notably in comfrey(Symphytum officinale). Most PA-bearing plants have received an undeserved badname; it takes doses that are dozens of times in excess of a therapeutic quantity tocause hepatotoxic effects—especially in a healthy liver. Nonetheless, there are docu-mented cases of liver damage (in both human and animal modalities) as a result ofcomfrey overuse.



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There are hundreds of different alkaloid compounds present in thousands of medicinalplant species—many are generally safe; some present a risk of toxicity. Many presentthemselves as the primary active constituent of a plant. Perhaps the most frequentlyemployed alkaloid in Western herbal medicine is berberine, the bitter yellow substancethat is found in Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), anda few other plants. Berberine is generally safe, but overuse of berberine-rich plants mayoverstimulate bile production (especially in cats), resulting in vomiting. Berberine iscontraindicated in pregnant or lactating animals.

Salicylates Salicylates, including salicylaldehyde, salicin, methyl salicylate, salicylic acid, amongothers, are the precursors to acetylsalicylate (aspirin). This means that herbs such aswillow bark (Salix spp.), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus spp.), andothers must be used with extreme caution in felines or other animals who are sensitiveto aspirin.

SaponinsThere are hundreds of different saponin (soaplike) constituents in various plants. Mostnotably, saponins are among the primary active constituents in valerian (Valeriana offic-inalis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.), sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), and yucca root (Yucca spp.).Saponins are characterized by their foaming, soapy nature. Although they seldom pres-ent any problems, excessive or extended use of saponin-rich herbs can produce GI irri-tation and vomiting, and some may eventually interfere with the absorption of fat-sol-uble vitamins.

Sterols Sterols include ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol, ampesterol, among others. Some plants, suchas licorice, that contain large concentrations of phytosterols or steroidal saponins cancause problems, such as water retention and hypertension, similar to those presentedby steroidal drugs but only if used excessively or over an extended period. The sideeffects of phytosterols are much harder to procure, and can be largely avoided by occa-sional breaks in the therapy (for example, five days on, two off) and with concurrentuse of diuretic herbs such as dandelion leaf and alterative herbs such as dandelion rootand burdock.

TanninsTannins such as corilagin pyranoside, ellagic acid, and gallic acid are found in the barkand leaves of many herbs and are the most frequently employed astringents of theplant world. Herbs that are especially tannin rich include uva ursi (Arctostaph los uva-ursi), any part of the juniper (Juniperis spp.) plant, black walnut hulls (Juglans nigra),and white oak bark (Quercus sp.). Tannins are typically used to reduce inflammationsof mucous membranes in the digestive and urinary tracts, but if used excessively theycan have a reverse effect, causing mucosal irritation. Herbs that contain tannins shouldnot be used in animals with inflammatory kidney disease. Some tannins are laborinducing (oxytocic) and may cause abortion in pregnant animals.


consult with a vet over the telephone.Some holistic veterinarians do providetelephone consultations, but manydon’t. No matter, it’s wise to have alocal vet to whom you can take youranimals in case of a major trauma or ifsurgery is needed.

Basics of Herbal

Preparations

The manner in which an herb is usedis determined by a holistic assessmentof the particular circumstances athand and the overall nature of the ani-mal. Once you have investigated theorigins of the symptoms that havecaught your attention, you can selectthe medicinal actions you need toconfront the problem. This leads youto one or more herbs that have a spe-cific affinity to the body systems thatare involved.

Choosing the correct herb to fit ther-apeutic circumstances is critical not onlyto the effective treatment of disease butalso to the conservation of botanicalresources. Many plant species are cur-rently at risk of extinction because theyhave been touted as “curative silver bul-lets.” But in reality, there are no cure-allherbs. In fact, no single herb serves as adefinitive cure for anything. For an herbto be used effectively and responsibly, itshould be used only within the true con-fines of its therapeutic capacity. It alsomust be used in a form or preparationthat is complementary to its medicinalattributes and the task at hand.

Each herb’s physical and chemicalstructures determine how the herbshould be prepared and subsequentlyadministered. For instance, many herbsare very water soluble, which meansthat if you pour hot water over them,

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Volatile Oils Volatile oils include myristicin, apiole, terpineol, sesquiterpenes, menthone, pulegone,piperidinone, thujone, jugulone, 3-octanol, among others. There are hundreds ofvolatile oil compounds, many of which make up the aromatic principles of a plant,present in thousands of plant species. Menthol, for example, is a volatile oil found inmembers of the mint family. The medicinal activities and toxicology of volatile oils arewidely variable, but most have an effect on the genitourinary and digestive tracts, caus-ing irritation to the kidneys and urinary passages when used in large quantities. Others,such as the pulegone found in pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) or the myristicin and api-ole found in parsley seed (Petroselinum crispum) and nutmeg seed (Myristica fragrans),are potentially hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic if used in overabundance. Volatile oilshave been shown to cross the placenta barrier to adversely affect the fetus of pregnantanimals.

The s-methyl cysteine sulfoxide and n-propyl disuldhide contained in garlic hasbeen shown to produce Heinz-body anemia, a serious blood disorder, if the cloves areconsumed in excess of 0.5 percent of the subject animal’s body weight. This meansthat a healthy 60-pound dog would have to eat several cloves of garlic just to start theHeinz-body process. The problem is dose dependent, meaning that blood structurequickly normalizes when garlic use is reduced or discontinued.

CAUTIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS (CONTINUED)


their medicinal constituents quicklyand completely infuse into the water,making their desired chemical attrib-utes freely available for the body toabsorb and use. Many other herbs,however, are poorly water soluble,which means that if you pour hot waterover them to make an infusion, little ornothing of medicinal value is drawnfrom the plant’s tissues.

Following is an introduction to thebasic how-tos of making herbal prepa-rations. Those of you who collect bookswill find that compared to other bookson herbal medicines, the guidelines weoffer here are loose. We have done thisfor the sake of practicality and simplici-ty. While exact measurements andstrict procedures are necessary meas-ures of quality control in the commer-cial production of herbal products, theself-reliant herbalist really doesn’t haveto worry so much about precision. Aslong as there’s enough herb, a strong-enough solvent, and the correct type ofpreparation, you will be rewarded witha good, strong herbal medicine.

DRIED BULK HERB MATERIALDried bulk herbs are handy to havearound because they allow for a greatdeal of diversity in how they can beprepared and applied. In addition tobeing used in various herb prepara-tions, some dried herbs can be sprin-kled directly onto an animal’s food. Asa general rule, roots keep two to threetimes longer than dried leaf material.But don’t stock up on more than youcan use within one year, and be sure tostore your herbs in airtight containersthat are kept away from sunlight.Regardless of proper storage methods,dried herbs eventually oxidize and losetheir potency. A few herbs lose much oftheir medicinal and nutritive valuewithin days of drying. Buy herbs from

an honest, knowledgeable herbalistwho knows the origin of his or her mer-chandise, or grow your own herbs toassure optimum potency and shelf life.

FRESH HERBSFresh herbs, clipped, dug, or pluckeddirectly from a garden, are rich innutrients and medicinal constituents.Provided that their physical nature allowsfor the form of preparation youneed, fresh herbs are withoutcompare in terms of medicinalpotency. While most herbsare strong when used fresh,others require at least par-tial drying before theyimpart their active compo-nents into a useful medium.Cascara sagrada (Rhamnuspurshiana) bark is one exam-ple. This herbal laxative is fartoo strong if used fresh and shouldbe dried for at least a full year to mellowit before use. It is also poorly water solu-ble when fresh, and until it dries it willnot infuse adequately in water for agood tea.

HERB CAPSULESBecause dogs and cats have short diges-tive tracts, encapsulated herbs tend topass right through them. Even if theydon’t, you may find some difficulty ingetting a large enough dose into youranimal. In horses, sheep, llamas, goats,and other herbivores, capsules workfine—but plan on feeding the animalsdozens of them. In these animals, youare often better off feeding the bulk herbor using an extract.

ALCOHOL EXTRACTS, ORTINCTURESWith few exceptions, an alcohol tinctureis by far the most versatile, strongest,and most readily usable form of herb


31


preparation. It can be administered oral-ly; used in topical applications; dilutedwith water; or used as part of an eye,hair, or skin rinse.

A tincture is prepared by soaking ameasured quantity of fresh or dried herbin a certain proportion of alcohol andwater, using a specific formula for eachherb. The alcohol serves as a solvent thatbreaks down the plant material andreleases the active ingredients into a liq-uid base called a menstruum. After twodays to two weeks (depending on themethod used) the menstruum is thenstrained and pressed from the plantmaterial (called the marc), to producethe finished liquid product. Alcohol tinc-tures offer the advantages of maximumpotency and unlimited shelf life providedthey are stored properly.

The concentrated liquid nature oftincture preparations allows for theirquick and complete absorption into thebody, even in the short digestive tracts ofdogs and cats. When kept in 1-ouncedropper bottles, they can be carried any-where and are easy to use. The biggestproblem with alcohol tinctures is gettingthem into an animal. These preparations

are typically 30–70 percent grain alco-hol, and while typical dosages do notpresent any alcohol-toxicity problems,animals truly hate the way they taste.

There are two basic methods formaking tinctures: one is a processcalled percolation, the other, simplermethod, is called maceration. The per-colation method entails using a speciallydesigned, cone-shaped glass vessel. Herbmaterial is placed into the cone, then themenstruum is poured over it, left tostand for a short while, and eventuallyallowed to trickle (or percolate) throughthe plant material and out a tube at thebottom end of the vessel.

Making herb tinctures by macerationtakes more time, but it is much simplerand requires no specialized equipment.To make a macerated tincture, herbmaterial is placed into a glass jar, plasticcontainer, or other nonmetallic contain-er. The menstruum is poured over theherb and the entire mixture is coveredwith an airtight lid and allowed to soakfor a period of two weeks. The menstru-um is then strained from the plant mate-rial (the marc), to produce the finishedliquid product.

The proportions of alcohol and waterneeded to make an herb tincture varyaccording to the solubility of the herbitself. Some herbs, such as milk thistleseed, require a high percentage of alco-hol to extract optimum quantities ofactive constituents from their cell struc-tures. Other herbs, such as raspberryleaf, require little or no alcohol to extracttheir useful compounds. Fortunately,knowing what percentage of alcohol youneed is easy because these determina-tions have already been done for you.Most of the formulas used in contempo-rary herbal practice are from the U.S.Pharmacopoeia and other standard refer-ences that have been used in the phar-maceutical production of simple herb

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To make an herb tincture from fresh herbs, add 1 part herbto 2 parts menstruum.


extracts throughout most of the twenti-eth century. This information is still usedby herbalists and laboratories through-out the world and can be found in sever-al books about herbs and herbalism.

The amount of menstruum needed toextract the active constituents from aplant also varies. With most fresh (un-dried) herbs, you will need a 1:2 ratio ofherbs to menstruum. Most dried herbmaterials require a 1:5 ratio. This meansthat to make a tincture from the fresh rootof dandelion, you need one part ofchopped herb material (by weight) totwo parts of menstruum (by liquid vol-ume). For example, 16 ounces of freshroot must be covered with 32 fluidounces of menstruum to make a tincture(and the menstruum must be at least 40percent alcohol). If you are using driedroot, 16 ounces of dried root material willrequire 80 fluid ounces of menstruum tomake a tincture. Make sense? Don’t worryif it doesn’t; we’ll simplify in a moment.So how does one make a menstruum?

The most accurate and inexpensiveway to make a menstruum is to buy puregrain alcohol (brand named Everclear) ata liquor store. Everclear is 95 percentpure grain alcohol (190 proof). For sim-plicity, let’s just call it a pure, 100 percentalcohol. To make a 70 percent alcoholmenstruum, we would add 30 percentwater to its volume (i.e., add 3 partswater to 7 parts alcohol). If it’s a 50 per-cent menstruum we need, then all wehave to do is add an equal (50/50)amount of water. It’s that simple.Unfortunately, Everclear isn’t available insome portions of the U.S., so a medicinemaker may have to do some liquor shop-ping. For tinctures that require 70 per-cent alcohol, uncut 151 proof rum worksfine (it’s 75 percent alcohol). For a 50percent menstruum, you can use 100proof vodka (it’s 50 percent alcohol),and so forth.

Now here’s the simplified version ofmedicine making we promised. Getsome fresh or dried herb, chop it up orgrind it as fine as possible, put it in a con-tainer, then add enough menstruum (ofthe appropriate strength) to just barelycover the herb. Cover the container,then let it sit for two weeks, strain themixture through a cloth, and store theliquid in an airtight glass jar. Amber glassis best because it blocks ultraviolet raysthat may damage your tincture. You nowhave an herb tincture. The primary rulein this simplified method of makingtincture is always to use the correct per-centage of alcohol in your menstruum.If you do, you will always end up with anice tincture by covering a maximumamount of chopped or ground herb witha minimum amount of menstruum.

GLYCERIN-BASED HERB EXTRACTS,OR GLYCERITESGlycerites are made essentially the sameway as alcohol extracts, but a solutionof 60 percent vegetable glycerin and40 percent water is used in place ofalcohol. The big advantage of glyc-erites in animal care is their palatabili-ty—glycerin tastes sweet, with a flavorand consistency similar to light cornsyrup. While some glycerin-basedextracts are not as potent as their alco-hol counterparts, they allow pet own-ers to get the herbs into their animalsin the first place—hence, half the bat-tle is won. Potency can then be adjust-ed by increasing the dosage. Vegetableglycerin is refined from coconut oils,and despite its syrupy-sweet flavor, it ismetabolized in a manner similar tothat of triglycerides, not sugar. Thismeans it can be used safely in animalswith alcohol sensitivity or in those withdiabetes. Glycerites do not keep indef-initely but remain viable for at leasttwo years if refrigerated.


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The biggest disadvantages of glyc-erites are their limited shelf life (one totwo years) and, in many cases, theirstrength. Glycerin is not as strong a sol-vent as alcohol, and many herbs are nottaken up well into a glycerin menstru-um, especially if they are of a resinousnature. However, some herbs, especial-ly those that are highly water soluble,release their active ingredients intoglycerin very well. To find out if a partic-ular herb that interests you is good formaking glycerites, refer to one or moreof the books we recommend at the endof this section.

WATER INFUSIONS (HERB TEAS)Infusions are made by steeping a specif-ic quantity of plant material in hotwater. The disadvantages of using teasinternally for animals are twofold: manyanimals don’t like tea, and it can be dif-ficult to feed an animal enough tea tobring about therapeutic results. Unliketinctures, which provide a plant’s active

constituents in a highly concentrated,fully assimilable form, teas generallyamount to a weaker medicine, andplant compounds that are not watersoluble are not imparted to the animal.

Infusions are especially useful for skinand coat rinses and as vitamin- andmineral-rich tonic food supplements.When mixed into an animal’s food, anherb tea provides most of what a driedor fresh herb offers in a form that isquickly and more easily absorbed intothe body. Herb teas also offer theadvantage of melding with the flavor ofan animal’s diet without adding a newtexture to the food—an importantattribute for those who wish to feednutritive herbs to a finicky feline.

DECOCTIONSA decoction is an infusion that requiressome gentle simmering to make a strongenough preparation for therapeutic use.Decoction is required of many rootswhen the plant material is too insoluble

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Then cover the mixture and store for atleast one month.

Completely cover the herb with olive oil tomake an oil infusion.


in water to allow a strong enough infu-sion. Decoctions should be preparedusing a minimum of heat. Simmer theherb for about fifteen minutes at a tem-perature that is only slightly above theboiling point. Too much heat destroysmany of the plant constituents you wishto employ. Decoctions are used in thesame manner as water infusions, butthey tend to be strong in comparison.

OIL INFUSIONSAn oil infusion is produced by complete-ly covering an herb with olive oil andallowing it to steep in a covered non-metallic container in a warm location forat least one month. The oil is thenpressed out and stored in the refrigeratorfor up to one year. Although severalchoices of oil can be used, olive oil pos-sesses its own preservative qualities, isrelatively affordable, and is nourishing tothe body, both internally and externally.Oil infusions are excellent for topicalapplications, acting to soothe and pro-tect the affected area while holding theherb constituents at the site where they

are applied. Extra caution should be usedwhen applying oil to burns or infectedareas because it may seal in heat andbacteria.

In these cases, make sure that thepossibility of infection has beenaddressed with a good, clean antimicro-bial preparation and the burn hasentirely cooled before anything isapplied.

POULTICESA poultice is made by mashing plantmaterial (usually dried foliage) withenough water or vegetable oil to makea wet, pesto-like paste. Poultices aregood in topical field applications whenother preparations are impossible tomake. A simple poultice can be applieddirectly to an animal’s skin, or it can bemade into a compress that can besecured onto the animal. To make acompress, wrap the wet poultice in apiece of clean cloth, allowing the liquidto freely soak through the cloth. Wrapthe compress onto the affected bodypart and secure with knots.


35

Then you can apply the poultice directly toyour animal’s skin or fur.

To make a poultice, mash the herb withwater or vegetable oil until it forms a paste.


SALVES AND OINTMENTSSalves and ointments are simply thick-ened oil infusions. In making salves,beeswax is frequently used as the thick-ening agent. The thinner ointmentpreparations typically employ coconutbutter, particularly if the ointments areto be used in suppository applications.The oil infusion is gently heated, andthe beeswax or coconut butter is melt-ed into the liquid until the cooled

product yields the consistency that isdesired.

For salves, use a ratio of 1 ounce ofbeeswax or cocoa butter to 8 ouncesof oil. If the salve or ointment turns outto be too thick or thin when it hascooled, gently reheat it and adjust theproportion of beeswax or cocoa butter.Suppository molds and salve tins areavailable through herb catalogs and atsome drugstores.

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To make a fomentation, secure a cloth over the affected area of skin and pour the infusion over it until the cloth is soaked.


As with oil infusions, extra cautionshould be used when applying salvesor ointments to areas of the body thatare burned or infected. In these cases,make sure that a good, clean antimi-crobial preparation is used and thatthe burn has cooled completely beforeapplying any kind of topical treatmentto the area.

FOMENTATIONSA fomentation is used for topical appli-cations where a water or oil infusionmust remain on a particular body sitefor a specific period. Gauze or anothercloth material is placed over the area,and the infusion is poured onto thedressing until it is soaked. Mustardpacks, castor oil packs, and other tradi-tional remedies employ this method.This is a good approach for horses withfungal infections of the skin or otheranimals who don’t mind “wearing” anherbal ornament for a while.

STANDARDIZED EXTRACTSA standardized extract is more of aplant drug than an herbal medicine.These preparations are made by scientif-ically increasing the content of certainactive ingredients in order to bringabout specific therapeutic effects. Thisis done by removing a desired activeingredient from the chemistry of a par-ticular plant species, then adding itback to the extract at much higher con-centration. For example, in nature, milkthistle seeds contain anywhere from 2percent to 6 percent silymarin, the mostmedicinally active component of theplant. In cases of severe liver damage ortoxicity, a much higher percentage ofsilymarin may be needed to quicklybring about a therapeutic effect. A milkthistle extract that has been “standard-ized” to as much as 80 percent sily-marin can be used in such cases.

On the surface, standardized extractsmay seem like a superior form of herbalmedicine. In the aforementioned exam-ple in which milk thistle is indicated, thisis absolutely true. However, it’s impor-tant to remember that when we stan-dardize an herb we alter its physical andenergetic nature. Our manipulation ofits nature is based on our scientificunderstanding of only one or a few ofits chemical components. In its naturalform, each herb is composed of hun-dreds of chemical components that arearranged in a unique, synergistic man-ner that cannot be replicated by sci-ence. It is this synergy that makesherbs a mysteriously effective form ofmedicine. Every time that we alter thechemistry of an herb, we changeeverything that the herb represents interms of a natural and holistic medi-cine. To the holistic herbalist, the ques-tion is not so much what can begained by standardizing an herb butrather how much is lost in the process.

The bottom line is that standardizedextracts are best reserved only for spe-cific indications—they do not representa complete form of herbal medicine.

The Connection

between Herbs and Diet

To use herbs to the best of their poten-tial, we must take on a holistic per-spective of health and healing thatviews all components of mind, body,spirit, and environment as equal partsof an individual’s well-being. At thecore of this “whole body” perspectiveis a good diet. Without balanced nutri-tion, the use of herbal medicines in theholistic care of your animal is a wasteof time, money, and plants.

The food that your animal eatsshould provide all of the nutritionalcomponents that are necessary for allorgans and systems of a healthy body


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to perform in harmonious unison. Aproperly functioning body does anamazing job of preventing disease andhealing itself, and to do this it requiresthe energies and nutrients of a well-balanced diet. However, sometimes thebody needs special measures of outsidesupport to optimize its healing effortsto assist the body at working harder,faster, longer, or more efficientlytoward reestablishing a balanced stateof holistic health. Enter herbs.

In the holistic context in which theyare used most effectively, herbs serveas functional adjuncts to good nutri-tion by helping the body to use itsinnate and acquired resources more

effectively. For example, echinaceadoes not act as a substitute for thebody’s immune system but serves tostimulate the body’s natural defensesinto working harder, thus boosting thebody’s abilities to resist infection.Likewise, herbs such as dandelion root,Oregon grape, and burdock assist inthe elimination of waste from the bodyby stimulating the liver and gallbladderinto working more efficiently. Thesesupportive functions are diet depend-ent: in order for an herb to call uponthe body to do something extraordi-nary, there must be an adequate storeof energy and building materials withwhich the body can work.

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A GENERAL HERBAL

DIETARY ADJUNCT

Combine equal parts of the following:spirulinanettledandelion leafalfalfapowdered flaxseed

This formula can be fed at a rate of1 teaspoon per pound of food feddaily ( 1⁄2 teaspoon daily for cats) asan adjunct to a natural diet. Whileit may not fill all of an animal’s sup-plemental nutrition needs, it willcomplement his diet with foodlikeconcentrations of fully assimilableprotein, vitamin C, B complex(including B12), vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, vitamin K,iron, potassium, calcium, phospho-rus, magnesium, and omega-3 fattyacids.

Nettle is a good source of potassium.

Dandelion flowers are rich in lecithin.


Many people use herbs only fortreating the symptoms of a disease inthe absence of adequate nutrition andwithout considering the whole being.For instance, if we use an herbal ear oilexternally to treat a chronic ear infec-tion without addressing why the bodyis unable to fight the infection by itself,we are not using a holistic approachtoward healing. Instead, we are treat-ing only the symptoms of a disorderthat emanates from the body’s inabili-ty to defend itself. While the ear oilmay inhibit the external microbialcause of the infection, it is really doingnothing more than serving as a naturalalternative to any number of pharma-ceutical preparations that may be ableto alleviate symptoms more quickly.However, if our goals are to reachbeyond the symptoms to affect theunderlying causes of disease, the heal-ing effort must begin by ensuring thatthe body is afforded everything itneeds to heal itself. In other words,we must provide the body with thefoundation of holistic health—com-plete nutrition—before our healingefforts with herbal medicines canbegin to approach curative results.

Using Nutritive Herbs

as Dietary Supplements

Many herbs are foods, and some pro-vide nutritional qualities in such abun-dance that they can be used as nutri-tional medicines or dietary supplements.Herbs provide minerals, vitamins, fattyacids, and other nutritional componentsin a form that a body can fully utilizewithout becoming burdened withexcess. Dandelion leaves, for instance,contain impressive amounts of potassi-um and iron but not so much as to pres-ent a risk of toxicity. With nutritiveherbs, the body is given the chance totake the nutrients it needs and easily

eliminate what it does not, unlike manyhighly concentrated vitamin supple-ments that force the liver, kidneys, anddigestive tract to work overtime at theirjobs of eliminating the excess. On theother hand, the nutritional content ofherbs may vary considerably from plantto plant, and in therapeutic or dietarysituations where high concentrations ofspecific vitamins or minerals must beguaranteed, herbs usually prove to beinadequate.

Many herbs can be used as nutri-tional adjuncts to a good diet. Findingwhich nutritive herbs are best for theneeds of an individual animal comesfrom the one-on-one experience of thecaregiver with his or her animal, but asimple dried herb formula that can beused for most dogs, cats, horses, fer-rets, and other animals can be found inthe box on page 38.

The Ethical Use

of Herbs

We are living in a time when millionsof people are turning away from any-thing they perceive as artificial,unhealthy, or forced upon them. Ahuge natural health care industry hasarisen, fueled by people who are eagerto embrace products, healing meth-ods, and lifestyles that offer a healingstep back toward nature. On the sur-face of this “green revolution,” morepeople are becoming aware of the cur-ative possibilities that exist beneaththe trees, and a renewed sense of hopefor a healthy environment has beenborn. But in many ways, this scenarioalso brings about a whole new level ofenvironmental crisis. While a greatdeal of promise may exist in our grow-ing awareness of earth’s natural treas-ures, our journey toward “getting backto basics” is consuming resourcesfaster than we can learn to replace


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BASIC ETHICAL GUIDELINES

FOR THE HARVESTING OF WILD PLANTS

Follow these ethical guidelines if you wish to have the least impact on our earth whileharvesting medicinal plants from wild areas.

• Never gather endangered or environmentally sensitive species. Many plants areabundant in certain areas but relatively rare in others. Learn to recognize and useplant species in your home bioregion that are abundant and resilient to humanimpact, while taking into account that the ecological niche you see is a small,unique part of a much larger environmental picture. Get to know the general sta-tus of the plants you are interested in from a global perspective. You may find thatas an “ecoherbalist,” your role among certain plants around your home is strictlythat of guardian.

• Be absolutely certain of plant identification before you harvest. Gathering thewrong plants not only may be harmful to you and your pets but may be wastefuland potentially damaging to the ecosystem as well.

• Collect a small amount of plant material from several different stands to minimizeyour impact. Never gather so much from a stand of plants that you can see a dif-ference after your harvest. Remember, mathematical solutions to the number ofplants that can be ethically harvested do not apply in the natural realm. The onlyway to determine how much is ethically acceptable is to begin learning about theecology of your bioregion before you harvest. Observe your impact over a longperiod of time, and always gather conservatively.

• Never gather from a group of plants until you have thoroughly investigated thehealth, welfare, sustainability, and interdependent elements of the entire area. Isthere a healthier stand nearby? Is the stand large enough to sustain your impact? Doyou know the ecosystem well enough to harvest plants in a manner that is conduciveto its health? What may seem to be a lush, healthy stand of plants may in fact be abiocommunity in trouble. Walk, look, listen, feel, and, most important, learn as muchas you can about the ways of the land before you begin your harvest.

• Never gather more than you can conservatively use, bearing in mind that manyherbs lose their potency quickly after harvest. Unless you plan to make alcoholtinctures, expect no more than six months to a year of shelf life for properly driedand stored herbs.

• Always ask permission before entering private lands, even if you are doing thelandowner a favor by pulling a few weeds. Check with your local land manage-ment agencies for permit requirements before you begin gathering herbs frompublic lands.



41

• Keep a journal of your observations during each visit to a harvest site and learnto work within nature’s capacity. Remember, you will always be a student innature, and there are no absolutes in how an ecosystem operates. Maintain a setof wildcrafting site records, and keep a detailed log for each wildcrafting ven-ture. From these records, you can monitor your long-term impacts while enrich-ing your awareness of nature.

• Gather only from areas that are endemic to the plants you are looking for. Learnthe typical elevation, habitat, soil composition, exposure, and climatic require-ments of each plant you wish to harvest, then harvest from areas that match thesecriteria. Small, isolated stands of plants that have adapted to an unusual set ofenvironmental circumstances are particularly vulnerable to human impact andshould be used for learning, not for medicine making.

• Learn the environmental issues of your area, and familiarize yourself with otherpeople who have an interest in the wild lands you will be working within, includ-ing other herbalists, the logging and mining communities, developers, environ-mentalist groups, and government agencies. Learn about their plans for the land,and adjust your activities. Plan ahead for the possibility of future impact.

• Find opportunities to salvage or transplant useful plants from areas that are sched-uled to be heavily impacted by human activities such as areas where trail or roadconstruction is planned. Many areas have ongoing native plant restoration projectsunder way. In these instances, you might be able to assist with the survival ofnative species by “weeding out” the invasive, nonnative species.

• Find ideal stands that are representative of how a plant community should look, thendon’t harvest from them. Instead, preserve them for use as models from which to baseyour observations and stewardship efforts at the sites from which you will be harvesting.

• Always use the correct tools and wear the right clothing to get your job done.Digging long taproots from a steep, rocky hillside with a soupspoon while wear-ing penny loafers will result not only in physical trauma to the herbalist but willtear apart the hillside as well. Be considerate of the environment by acknowledg-ing that the human body is poorly adapted to many of the tasks we perform there.

• Never gather from stands that are wilted or otherwise unhealthy. Not only may sickplants have altered chemistries but they may be covered with poison as well. Contactyour county, state, or federal weed abatement officials and learn about weed controlprograms in your area before you harvest anything. Check your local noxious weedlist, and see if there is an opportunity to reduce the distribution of toxic herbicidesby offering to hand-pull the plants for healing purposes. Many homeowners andfarmers will welcome you onto their land to gather plants such as dandelion, Saint-John’s-wort, mullein, burdock, or countless others. By focusing your wildcraftingefforts toward plants that people generally hate, you will be giving a precious gift ofhealing back to the environment by reducing the use of toxic herbicides.


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• Be as quiet as possible and plan every step when you enter a wild area. Stop fre-quently to look, listen, and feel the earth; and don’t forget to look behind you tomonitor the impact you may be causing while en route to that special patch.

• When gathering from a stand of plants, work at a deliberate pace that allows you toremain conscious of your surroundings and of the task at hand. Harvest carefully andthoughtfully. Don’t attack the plants; work as the loving caretaker you are.

• Always be careful to use the proper processing and storage methods for the herbsyou gather. Spoilage equates to waste—one of the worst types of vicarious humanimpact. Good wildcrafting ethics are not exclusive to your time in the field—takecare of the plants all the way from earth to medicine.

• Stay obscure during your harvest and field studies. If you attract uninvited attentionto a stand of plants, the result might be added impact from curious onlookers. Agood rule is to always focus your efforts in areas where you will remain out of theview of other people.

• Be critical of your human shortcomings. We are foreigners in wild areas. Strive todeepen your awareness to understand that even the simplest organisms of natureserve complex roles in the environment, and that we are all just beginning to learnthe ways of the wild. Nothing is insignificant, and virtually every organism in anecosystem is interdependent with the plants we harvest.

• Never reseed a stand of plants to an extent that exceeds the natural density thatexisted prior to your harvest. A human-engineered overpopulation of plants can beas devastating to an ecosystem as careless overharvesting. Watch the bioregion fromwhich you are harvesting over a period of several years, and take note of how eachspecies reseeds itself. Then try to replicate what nature would do in your absence.Many plants compete with one another. Propagating an overabundance of a speciesmay be satisfactory to our conscience but may also pass a death sentence to dozensof noncompeting plants and interdependent organisms.

• Accept your personal weaknesses, identify your chronic mistakes, then add to this listyour own personal set of wildcrafting guidelines.

To learn more about the earth-conscious harvest, use, and preservation of wildmedicinal plants, pick up a copy of From Earth to Herbalist by Gregory L. Tilford(Mountain Press Publishing, 1998).


them. It seems that a great many of ushave become so intoxicated by thefreedom-based premise of using self-prescribed natural alternatives, wehave forgotten where they come from.

Many plant species are disappear-ing not so much because they areoverharvested but because they aremisrepresented in the marketplace.Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), forexample, has been one of the mostpopular North American herbs of com-merce for centuries, but it is also oneof the most misused. Like many otherherbs, goldenseal continues to be her-alded as some sort of miracle medicinethat is effective against virtually anymicrobe that terrifies us enough to trysomething “alternative.” Indeed, thepopularity of this and many otherherbs has arisen from therapeutic suc-cess stories and promising scientificstudies, but most of their appeal isattributable to marketing savvy andno small measure of consumer hyste-ria. In truth, most plant medicineswork within narrow parameters oftherapeutic usefulness. Goldenseal isnot a systemic antibiotic that coursesthrough the body to fight infectionlike a shot of penicillin; instead, itworks only to inhibit microbes itcomes in direct contact with on thesurface membranes of the digestivetract, eyes, and nasal passages.

We must also take into account thatmany medicinal plants are at risk ofdisappearing because of factors totallyunrelated to their uses as medicines.Pipsissewa (Chimaphila spp.), forinstance, is used as a “secret ingredi-ent” in certain brands of soft drinks,and the habitat destruction associatedwith its harvest may be more devastat-ing than the loss of the plants them-selves. Another example is goldthread(Coptis spp.), which is an old-growth

forest inhabitant that is quickly run-ning out of places to live in the PacificNorthwest. Goldthread is not a popu-lar plant of commerce in NorthAmerica, but the old-growth firs andcedars it lives beneath are.

And then there’s all the hype.Newsstands are packed with the latestword about scientific herbal break-throughs, even about the same medi-cines that just yesterday were consid-ered “snake oil” in the eyes of science.Some herbs are becoming as fashion-able as the fastest computer: if youhaven’t tried the latest herbal craze,then your life is unnecessarily difficult.Don’t take Prozac—we’ve got Saint-John’s-wort, the herbal alternative forchronic depression. Too busy to slowdown? Don’t worry. The latest double-blind studies say that we can boost thebody’s immune system with echinacea,cat’s claw, astragalus,and ginseng.

Herbs are touchingthe far reaches of oursociety at an unprece-dented rate. Much ofwhat drives this greenrevolution is born fromsolid scientific discoveryand consumers’ inde-pendent desire to takecharge of their healthand well-being. Certainly,these are good goals,but where do herbscome from? Is theresomething we shouldknow about their naturalenvironment? What dothese plants contributeto their ecosystems? Dothey really work theway that we are led tobelieve? What makesherbs different from


43


conventional medicines? What effect isour consumption having upon plantpopulations and their environments?

Our point is this: We have to be care-ful. If we wish to use and sustain ourbotanical resources into the future, wemust step away from all the hoopla longenough to find healthful solutions for theplants themselves. The answers to all ofthe above questions rest within our will-ingness to look beyond the sensationaladvertising to see what herbs really areand what they represent in the largerglobal scheme of things. Until we do,our herbal heritage will continue to dis-appear under the pressures of ignorance,waste, and greed.

Many North American medicinalplants of commerce are now being cul-tivated, but sadly, many of them contin-ue to disappear from the wild. Whilepart of the problem stems from unethi-cal wildcrafting practices, the demise forplants such as goldenseal and Americanginseng originates from a complexity ofeconomic and environmental causes. Asherbalists, we could easily point anaccusatory finger at the herb industry,but this would not be fair. Many herbal-ists have chosen to exclude wild plantssuch as goldenseal, American ginseng,black cohosh, and osha from their per-sonal medicine cabinets as a gesture, ifnot a preventive measure against theirdemise. But in sad reality, such measuresprovide only a bandage treatment for aglobal problem. The painful truth is thattoo many people are impacting toomuch of the planet for too many rea-

sons. Indeed, consumer demands aretaking a serious toll on plants such asgoldenseal and American ginseng, butthese and thousands of other plantspecies are also disappearing under thecombined pressures of logging, grazing,mining, weed abatement, urban devel-opment, farming, pollution, recreationalimpact, and several other human-cen-tered factors.

So then, what can we do to savemedicinal plants? On a community level,we can share what we learn from bookssuch as this one by educating others onthe curative possibilities that may existbeneath the trees around their homes.Show your neighbor a medicinal plantthat grows on the roadside—such asmullein, dandelion, licorice, Saint-John’s-wort, or milkweed—and raise the ques-tion of whether a weed is really just aweed. Tell people about the plight ofgoldenseal, and remind them that thegreatest curative gifts of this plant mayyet to be discovered. Then tell them theycan use Oregon grape as a substitute.

On a personal level, you can accom-plish even more. Join organizations suchas United Plant Savers, become involvedwith native plant clubs in your area, orbecome actively involved in land restora-tion efforts. If you use herbs, learn asmuch as you can about the plants andthe ecosystems they live in.

Above all, take time to evaluate andimprove yourself as a consumer of ourplanet’s resources, and learn how togive something back for everythingyou consume.

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45


AN A-Z GUIDE TO HERBS FOR ANIMALS


These detailed monographs are specific to the identification, harvest, prepa-ration, and applications of the herbs we most frequently find useful in thecare of animals. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of the

herb resources that are available to you and your pet; it represents only a few thatare most familiar to us and other herbalists who find themselves involved in thecare of animals. To list and describe the hundreds of other potentially useful herbsthat exist worldwide would be time and space prohibitive, if not impossible.

Despite all measures of scientific study or clinical success that may be in placeto validate and substantiate the efficacy and safety of an herb (or for that matterany medicine), it is important to remember that a golden rule must never be for-gotten: There are no absolutes in nature. Each individual animal is unique so nosingle herb can be relied upon to work at the same level of effectiveness in eachand every animal.

With this rule in mind, we have also included a supplemental herb list at theend of this chapter where you will find general information about several otherherbs you may find useful in the care of your companion. The herbs in this listshould not be overlooked as lesser or secondary options but as resources worthyof further investigation. Following is an explanation of the subheads:

Appearance: Under this subheading is a brief physical description of the sub-ject plant. Please keep in mind that the plant descriptions we provide here areintended only to give you a general idea of what a specific plant looks like. Thisbook is not intended to serve as a definitive means of plant identification. Theprocess of accurately identifying a plant involves the use of a highly scientificbotanical plant key that enables the user to systematically recognize or rule out char-acteristics that are unique to a species. To obtain a botanical key that is specific to

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Chapter 2


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plants in your area, visit your local libraryor obtain one from a bookstore. To learnhow to use a botanical key, consider tak-ing an introductory botany class at yourlocal college.

Habitat and Range: Under this sub-heading we tell you where you canexpect to find the subject plant growingin the wild. We may also mention whichclimatic regions are best suited to thecultivation of the plant.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Here weinform you of the reproductive charac-teristics of the plant.

Parts Used: Under this subheading wehave listed the plant parts (leaves, root, etc.)that are most commonly used by herbalists.

Primary Medicinal Activities: This isnot an exhaustive list—most herbs offerdozens of medicinal activities, many ofwhich may be too weak to be of thera-peutic value. Here we have listed thestrongest and most predictable effectsthe herb is likely to produce when usedin a healing context with most animals.

Strongest Affinities: Under this sub-heading we have listed the body struc-tures or systems that are likely to benefitthe most from the medicinal activities ofthe herb.

Preparation: Here we have listedwhich types of medicinal preparation(infusion, alcohol tincture, glycerin tinc-ture, decoction, etc.) are best suited tothe use of the herb.

Common Uses: Under this subheadingyou will find the “meat” of the mono-graph. Here we identify and explainwhat we feel are the best applications forthe herb. This information is a mix ofpersonal opinion, hands-on experience,clinical observations, and scientific andanecdotal evidence.

We’ve included information aboutscientific studies that we feel are espe-cially relevant to the use of herbs in ani-mals. We vehemently oppose any formof experimentation that imposes dis-comfort, disease, or a reduced qualityof life upon an animal. Such experi-mentation violates the foundations ofholistic healing—wellness cannot be


Materia Medica

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sustained from induced suffering.However, we also feel responsible to theanimals who have already suffered ordied at the hands of human science. Wemust do our best to assure that theknowledge we have gained from theirpast suffering is not wasted, and thatevery shred of useful knowledge thathumanity has gained through their sac-rifices is used for other animals in theform of better care and better under-standing. In the realm of holistic heal-ing, there is no need or justification forfuture animal experimentation—butthere is also no point in denying our-selves or our pets the understanding wehave already attained, even if by dark,arrogant means.

Availability: Here you will find infor-mation specific to where you can accessthe herb.

Propagation and Harvest: Under thissubheading is information about how togrow your own plants or how to harvestand handle the herb in the wild. If har-vesting wild plants interests you, pleasekeep these three important rules in mind

before embarking on any wildcraftingventures: 1) Do not pick any plants thatare endangered or scarce. 2) Beware ofpesticides. Never gather plants from road-sides, cultivated fields, irrigation ditches,or other areas where weed controlefforts may have taken place. 3) Youmust be 100 percent certain of theidentity of the plant you are picking—before you pick it!

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Underthis subheading we list and categorizeherbs that serve especially well as alter-natives or as complementary additionsto the herb we have been discussingthroughout the monograph.

Cautions and Comments: Here youwill find any contraindications or sideeffects that we are aware of. You will alsofind our comments and opinions relativeto the overall safety or potential misusesof the herb.

References: Most of the scientific studiesused to research each monograph can beaccessed through the Internet at theMedline Web site: www.medline.gov.


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ALFALFAMedicago sativa Pea Family

Appearance: Alfalfa is a sprawling mem-ber of the pea family (Leguminosae) withsmall, tightly arranged blue or sometimespink or white flowers; small, prickly, seed-bearing pods; and cloverlike leaves.

Habitat and Range: Widely cultivatedthroughout the world

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat first blooms in early summer, alfalfacontinues to bloom after successive har-vests throughout the growing season aslong as the climate permits vigorousregrowth.

Parts Used: Dried leaves, stems,unopened flowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Nu-tritive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,stimulates urination (diuretic)

Strongest Affinities: Musculoskeletalsystem, digestive tract, liver

Preparation: Capsules, infusion, liquidextract, or dried bulk herb sprinkled ontofood

Common Uses: Alfalfa contains a broadspectrum of nutrients, including consid-erable quantities of protein (up to 50percent by weight), trace minerals,dietary fiber, and vitamins A, B1, B12, C,D, E, and K. It is also high in chlorophyll,which serves as an antioxidant in thebloodstream. All of this makes alfalfa par-ticularly attractive as a livestock feed. Inaddition to being highly nutritive, alfalfais traditionally known as one of the bestherbal treatments for arthritis, rheuma-tism, and gout. Clinical research of the

use of alfalfa in treating these diseaseshas shown that at least 10 to 20 percentof human subjects experience dramaticreduction of painful symptoms. Tra-ditional uses in animals have commonlyled to similar results. For arthritis andother inflammatory diseases of the joints,alfalfa can bring long-term relief to dogs,cats, rodents, and horses and variousother herbivores who receive it as a dailyfood supplement. By now you probablysee the value of this herb in the care ofolder animals. For use in therapeuticdoses, it works well when combined withdandelion, yucca, and licorice.

Alfalfa possesses cancer-preventivequalities as well. It is believed that alfalfainduces complex cellular activities thatserve to inactivate chemical carcinogensin the liver and small intestine beforethey can cause damage, thus helping toreduce the risk of cancerous growths.

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Alfalfa’s considerable vitamin K con-tent has been shown to be beneficial inremedying bleeding disorders that mayresult from long-term use of antibiotics,anticoagulants, aspirin, and anticonvul-sant drugs. The coumarin constituent ofalfalfa is also well known for its antico-agulant qualities, and in fact many anti-clotting drugs were derived from thiscompound. Excessive doses of freshalfalfa or concentrated extracts may becontraindicated in animals with anemia,but moderate dietary supplementationmay be useful in some types of this disease.

The various saponin constituents ofalfalfa are known to help with theabsorption of fat-soluble nutrients in thesmall intestine and may act to stimulatethe body’s natural production of growthhormones—yet another reason for itspopularity as a livestock feed. In thiscapacity, alfalfa works by mechanismsvery similar to those of yucca, but it ismuch less irritating to the stomach andintestines than yucca and therefore canbe used over longer periods withoutadverse side effects. It may be especiallyuseful in animals with debilitating dis-eases who need to gain weight but can-not afford added stress upon compro-mised body systems.

In the urinary tract, alfalfa has an alka-linizing effect, making it useful in treat-ing ailments that involve overly acidicurine, especially where there is bladderirritation and crystal formation. Thisnutritional plant also helps an animaladjust to a new diet.

For the brain, alfalfa is said to helpimprove mental vigor. This is likely dueto alfalfa’s broad spectrum of nutrients,many of which are critical to propernerve and brain functions.

Availability: Health food stores; can bepropagated in a home garden

Propagation and Harvest: Alfalfa isextremely easy to grow just about any-where. In fact, if allowed to spread, itquickly becomes competitive with every-thing else in the garden. Being a legume,alfalfa changes nitrogen into a usableform within its extensive root system,making it a valuable soil-building ingre-dient when the plants are tilled in.Unfortunately, the weedlike characterof this plant overshadows its value as asoil builder. Digging the roots is likepulling crabgrass, and tilling oftenresults in even greater proliferationfrom the subsequent root cuttings. Inother words, buy certified organic alfal-fa at an herb store, unless you wish todelegate a portion (or perhaps all) ofyour garden to it. (A word of caution tothe insistent gardener: If you plantalfalfa and then have second thoughtsabout keeping it, remove it before itgoes to seed. Once it does, it’s yoursfor life!)

Gather alfalfa before it comes intobloom. Cut (or mow) the plants duringdry weather, cutting the stems at about1 inch above ground level. Allow theherb to dry in an airy, moisture-free placethat is away from direct sunlight until itis completely dry, or make a tincturefrom the freshly cut greens.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Dan-delion, garlic, licorice, red clover, andyucca

Cautions and Comments: Alfalfa isregarded as safe by the U.S. Food andDrug Administration (FDA). Althoughadverse side effects are rare, many horseowners testify that consumption of toomuch fresh alfalfa may lead to colic, acondition that can be serious in animals.This is due in large part to alfalfa’ssaponin constituents. Although thesesoaplike compounds are medicinally


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valuable, used in excess they may irritatethe stomach lining and intestinalmucosa, resulting in nausea and gastri-tis. Horses and rabbits cannot vomit,which greatly compounds the serious-ness of this side effect. The risk of colicoccurring is greatly reduced by feedingonly dried greens.

The seeds of alfalfa have been foundto contain a toxic amino acid, l-canava-nine, which has caused blood disordersin humans and in animals. Use alfalfaonly during its prebloom stages ofgrowth. Alfalfa can trigger allergicresponses in animals who are especiallysensitive to pollens.

ALOEAloe spp. Lily Family

Appearance: Aloes are cactuslikemembers of the lily family (Liliaceae),having narrow, tapering, proportion-ately thick, succulent leaves with spinymargins. There are perhaps five hun-dred species of aloe, but the most com-mon aloe of commerce is Aloe bar-badensis, which we commonly know asaloe vera. This species produces itsleaves directly from a stout centralstalk, in a rosette fashion, while severalother varieties of aloe are branched,almost bushlike. Aside from these vari-ations, all aloes share a similar appear-ance and can grow very large. In someareas of southwestern Africa, aloes areseen in excess of 25 feet tall with stemsmore than 10 feet in circumference.Flowers are small, tubular, characteristi-cally lilylike in appearance, and are pro-duced in leafless, terminal spikes.

Habitat and Range: Aloes are indige-nous to southern and eastern Africa andhave been introduced to the West Indies,where a great deal of commercial culti-

vation takes place. In areas of NorthAmerica and Europe with Mediterraneanclimates, aloes are used as landscape andgarden plants. They are popular indoorplants throughout much of the world.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Aloes areperennials that bloom opportunisticallywhen mature. In other words, if theyreceive all of the elements they requireto thrive, they will likely remain in bloomthroughout each year of their lives.

Parts Used: Primarily the gel-like juiceof the inner leaf or the yellowish latexcontained immediately beneath the skinof the leaves

Primary Medicinal Activities: Woundhealing (vulnerary), soothes skin (emol-lient), anti-bacterial, antioxidant, stimu-lates the immune system (immunostimu-lant), anticancer, antitumor, cooling tothe skin.

Strongest Affinities: Skin, digestivesystem, lymph system

Preparation: Freshly pressed juice orstabilized (commercial) aloe gel prepara-tions are the most commonly used formsof aloe. Using this plant at home is aseasy as cutting a mature leaf from thelower part of the plant and squeezingout the juice. Intravenous formulationsof aloe ingredients have been FDA-approved and are available for use byveterinarians. Acemannan, a chemicalcompound found in aloe vera juice, is apowerful immunostimulant.

Common Uses: Aloe’s great claim tofame is from its use as a topical skindressing. Fresh aloe juice or commer-cially prepared gel contains dozens ofminerals, proteins, enzymes, polysac-charides, and other elements that help

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soften and soothe the skin and pro-mote the rapid healing of minor burnsand wounds. Topical application ofaloe gel will likely bring immediate,cooling relief to fleabites, poison ivy,and sunburns. It is also excellent forreducing the itch and tightening ofpostsurgical incisions. Applied aftersutures are removed, the gel reducesmuch of the irritation that so oftenleads to persistent chewing or scratch-ing and may result in inflammation andinfection. In any external application,apply enough juice to lightly cover theaffected area and allow it to dry. If pos-sible, keep the animal from licking itoff—the idea is to leave the juice on aslong as possible. Unless your animalhas an adverse reaction to the juice(such as reddening or an allergy rash),aloe can be applied liberally once ortwice per day until the healing processis progressing well.

Internally, a small dose of aloe juicemay be useful for healing minor injuriesand irritations of the digestive tract,such as those that may occur whenBowser swallows a jagged bone.

Scientists have recently found thatacemannan acts as a strong immunos-timulant in animals, particularly in cats.It has been found to be especially effec-tive in the treatment of fibrosarcomaand feline leukemia virus (FeLV). It istheorized that acemannan triggers anincrease in the autoimmune attackupon the viruses believed to causethese usually fatal diseases. Typically,over 70 percent of cats who become illwith FeLV die within ten weeks of theonset of disease. But in a recent study,forty-four cats with confirmed FeLVwere injected with 2 milligrams perkilogram of acemannan weekly for sixweeks and reexamined six weeks afterthe treatment ended. At the end of thetwelve-week study, 71 percent of the

cats were alive and in good health.Acemannan has also been shown to beeffective against cancerous tumors inrodents and dogs. It has been FDAapproved for veterinary use and willundoubtedly be tested in humans.

Other chemical compounds foundin aloe juice have been shown to haveantioxidant actions in the body.

Availability: Aloe gel or juice (the dif-ference being consistency) is available athealth food stores. Any good nursery hasthe plants.

Propagation and Harvest: Aloe iseasy to grow as a houseplant. It requireswell-drained, sandy soil and should bewatered only once or twice a month.Avoid using potting soil—it retains toomuch moisture and may cause rot prob-lems. Ordinary garden soil will do fine. A happy aloe that receives plenty of

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sunlight will bloom continuously andreproduce aggressively from side-shoots.These shoots are easily transplanted intoseparate pots. If you live in an area wherefrost is rare, aloe can be planted in a gar-den. Again, just give it plenty of sun,don’t overwater it, and it will be yoursforever.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Nothingreally compares with aloe, but if youdon’t have it around, look toward chick-weed, plantain, self-heal, and comfrey astopical alternatives. Internally, ginger,cayenne, red clover, cleavers, dandelion,yarrow, garlic, and burdock are worthconsidering to complement the activityof aloe.

Cautions and Comments: Aloe juice,although bitter, is generally safe for inter-nal or external uses in dogs, cats andmost other animal types. However, becautious of any products containing“Aloes.” Aloes consists of a sticky latexthat is extracted from the inner skin ofaloe leaves. This latex possesses strongpurgative qualities that may result indigestive distress and severe diarrhea.Although several commercial laxativepreparations use aloe latex in their for-mulas, we strongly discourage their usein animals. It is believed that aloe com-ponents may be passed in mother’s milkto nursing infants, so it should not beused in such circumstances.

ARNICAArnica spp. Sunflower Family

Appearance: Arnica is a classic sun-flower with bright yellow daisylike flow-ers. Leaves oppose one another on thestem and range from narrowly lanceshaped to broadly heart shaped(depending on species). The leaves and

stems of most species are at least partial-ly covered with fine hairs. Most arnicasare aromatic, particularly when theleaves are bruised, with a distinctivepinelike odor. Arnicas are small plants,seldom exceeding 12 inches in height.

Habitat and Range: Arnica is a moun-tain plant that occurs in coniferous sub-alpine and alpine regions of westernNorth America from Alaska to the moun-tains of southern California, where itgrows only above 9,000 feet in elevation.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Arnica is aperennial that blooms during its secondyear of growth and every year thereafter.It is among the first flowers to bloom inearly spring and is often one of the firstto die back in early summer. During dryyears, arnica may not bloom at all.

Parts Used: The entire flowering plant

Primary Medicinal Activities: Healswounds, dilates blood vessels

Strongest Affinities: Muscles andsubdermal capillaries

Preparation: Oil infusion, water infu-sion, fresh poultice, or commercially pre-pared gel

Common Uses: Arnica is used forclosed-tissue injuries, including fractures,sprains, and contusions. It is perhaps thebest-known herbal sports medicine.Used topically, preparations of arnica actto open up peripheral capillaries andlymph ducts and increase circulation intissues that are engorged with fluids as aresult of injury. When used immediatelyafter an injury occurs, results can be dra-matic. In essence, arnica helps to speedthe healing process by moving waste-bound fluids out and moving cleansing

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fluids and platelets into the affected area.Arnica is especially valuable for treat-ment of horses and other large animalswho are subjected to rigorous exerciseand an occasional twist or strain of theleg or hip joints. Arnica can be used ondogs as well, but special measures mustbe taken to prohibit the animal from lick-ing it off because arnica can be toxic iftaken internally in improper dosages.Cats are not excluded from the use ofarnica, but they are more sensitive toarnica’s volatile oils and are more proneto allergic reactions with this herb asthey are with so many other substances.Test a small portion of your cat’s skinbefore using arnica for an injury. Look fordevelopment of redness or other signs ofirritation.

To use arnica on a dog or cat, applyenough of the infusion or gel to wet theskin of the animal (not just the fur), thenwrap the area with gauze or a piece ofcloth and secure it so the animal cannoteasily remove it. The idea is to keep thepreparation on the animal as long aspossible. Arnica can be applied this waytwice daily for up to three days. Long-term applications should not be neces-sary and are not recommended becausea rash is likely to develop from overuse.

When used internally in carefullymeasured doses, arnica is said to act as aneurological device in cases of chronicurinary incontinence that cannot beattributed to physiological pathologies.While use of arnica in this capacity holdsa great deal of promise for many animalssuffering from urinary incontinence, thetoxicity of this plant limits such use tothe advanced professional. Talk with aholistic veterinarian if you are interestedin this use.

Although this book focuses on herbalremedies, the value of arnica in homeo-pathic preparations should not be over-looked. In a homeopathic capacity, arni-

ca can be used internally with a greatmargin of safety. We have seen amazingresults with the use of homeopathic arni-ca at the onset of traumatic injury in ani-mals, and keeping homeopathic arnicaon hand is as simple as purchasing asmall vial of the tiny white pellets andslipping it into your pocket, purse, or firstaid kit. To learn more about using home-opathic arnica, we highly recommendDr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to NaturalHealth for Dogs & Cats.

Availability: Arnica gels and tincturesare readily available from herb retailers.Seeds are available from specialty seedcatalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: Arnicarequires soil with plenty of organic mat-ter and does best when its root systemcan crawl around under a blanket of pineneedles. Given that it is seldom found at

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altitudes under 3,000 feet except inCanada, it likely has some specializedlight- or air-quality requirements thatprohibit it from flourishing in urbanareas. If you live in the mountains, arnicacan be grown from seeds or root cut-tings. But beware—the roots will quicklyconsume your garden.

To harvest arnica from the wild, graspthe stem of the flowering herb just aboveground level, then snap it off, taking onlywhat you need. Take care not to damagethe roots by pulling on the plant or step-ping into a patch of plants—the rootscrawl horizontally, and the pressure of ahuman foot can injure them.

After gathering what you need, youhave the option of processing themfresh or allowing them to dry in a darkplace. Fresh plants yield a more potentinfusion but spoil quickly in the refriger-ator because of their water content.Regardless, we opt for the use of fresharnica. To learn how to make an oil infu-sion, refer to chapter 1.

Another option for the use of arnicain emergency situations is to make a sim-ple poultice by mashing a floweringplant with some water to make a pesto-like paste. The poultice can then beapplied to the injury as a crude oint-ment. It can really work wonders whenyou’re out on the trail—just bear in mindthat animals (or people) should notingest the poultice in any quantity.

Alternative and Adjunct Herbs:Saint-John’s-wort, ginger, cayenne, andyarrow are good choices as internaladjunct therapies here. Saint-John’s-wortcan be used topically as well and is espe-cially useful if nerve trauma is suspected.

Cautions and Comments: Arnica canbe toxic if ingested in anything buthomeopathic or minute quantities andmay cause internal bleeding if ingested

in large enough quantities. Because arni-ca works quickly to stimulate dilationand circulation of peripheral blood ves-sels, it should not be applied to open,bleeding wounds. To do so might actual-ly increase bleeding and slow the coagu-lation process. Animals generally dislikethe taste, but extra measures are war-ranted to prohibit dogs and cats fromlicking arnica-treated areas.

ASTRAGALUSAstragalus membranaceous Pea Family

Appearance: A typical member of thepea family, astragalus has finely dividedleaves, small pealike flowers and seedpods, and a sprawling, vinelike stature thatbrings to mind any of the hundreds ofwild vetches that inhabit much of theglobe. Astragalus membranaceous, thespecies of commerce, may grow as tall as6 feet, which gives it an appearance that issimilar to licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.), yetanother member of the pea family. Thereis a growing belief among herbalists,botanists, and medical researchers thatNorth American milk vetch (A. americana),a common weed, may have similar medic-inal attributes and may even be the sameplant as A. membranaceous, the medicinalastragalus of commerce. The Astragalusgenus is large, consisting of hundreds ofspecies, which in many cases are difficultto differentiate even by trained botanists.Some varieties of Astragalus are toxic, andto compound this mystery even more,these plants often cross-pollinate andhybridize. For now, no one knows whetheror not we have a wild, medicinalAstragalus in North America.

Habitat and Range: An import fromChina, Astragalus has been cultivatedthroughout much of the world as animportant herb of commerce.

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Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms from spring to early summer

Parts Used: Mature (at least three yearsold) roots

Primary Medicinal Activities:Immuno-stimulant, anti-inflammatory,antiviral, mildly depresses thyroid func-tion (hypothyroid), lowers blood pres-sure (hypotensive), aids blood cleansing(alterative), strengthens digestion

Strongest Affinities: Immune system,lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, thyroid,digestive tract

Preparation: Tincture or infusion

Common Uses: One of the best knownand widely used herbs in Chinese medi-cine (where the herb is known as huangqi), astragalus has found its way intoWestern herbalism by virtue of its widelyversatile immune-strengthening qualities.In Chinese medicine, astragalus root isconsidered sweet and mildly warm, tonify-ing the qi (pronounced “chee”) and hoist-ing the yang. (Sweet and warm are termsused in Chinese medicine to describe anherb’s relation to the body’s energy flowsand do not relate to flavor.) Astragalus rootis commonly used for spleen and lung qideficiency, including symptoms of emacia-tion, weariness, shortness of breath, loss ofappetite, diarrhea, and prolapse of theuterus or anus.

Astragalus is especially useful forstrengthening the body against viralinfections of the respiratory tract andheart through stimulation of killer-cellactivity and interferon production in thebody. It imparts direct antibacterial andanti-inflammatory qualities to this effort aswell. Astragalus is a viable option for earlytreatment of various forms of respiratoryinfection, including kennel cough (Borde-

tella bronchiseptica), a condition that the-oretically involves this bacterium’s oppor-tunistic cooperation with various forms ofvirus. While astragalus works to stimulateT cell activity and helps to raise whiteblood cell counts, it also boosts the body’sdefenses through its liver-strengtheningattributes. In a study involving rats,saponin constituents were shown toenhance DNA synthesis in the liver—aprocess believed to be a major factor inthe strengthening of cell structuresagainst infection or the introduction oftoxins. Other studies suggest that astra-galus may be useful for helping the bodyprotect itself and speed recovery from thedamaging effects of long-term steroidtherapies. Astragalus is known tostrengthen kidney circulation, making ituseful in early stages of kidney infection orrenal failure.

For any of the aforementioned purpos-es, up to 20 drops of the extract can be

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administered for each 20 pounds of youranimal’s body weight, up to twice daily.

In addition to its broad-spectrum abili-ty to boost resistance to disease, astragalusis traditionally used to boost energy levelsin debilitated people and animals, whichadds to its promise as a candidate in thetreatment of various cancers, especiallythose compounded by depressed immunefunctions. For pet owners who are goingthrough the horrors of chemotherapy orradiation treatments for their animals,astragalus may offer a foothold in main-taining some functional balance in animmune system that is stressed by both adisease and toxic intervention. To useastragalus in this capacity, first consult aholistic veterinarian.

Astragalus is also known to have antivi-ral qualities that are specific to infections ofthe heart. Again, if you suspect a problemof this serious nature, talk to a holistic vet-erinarian.

Availability: Astragalus is availablethrough many herb retailers. The seed canbe purchased from specialty seed catalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: Astragalus iseasy to grow from seed—some rich soil,full sun, and ample watering are all itrequires to thrive. If you decide to growthis plant in your garden, however, choosea place where it can remain for quite sometime. Astragalus roots require three ormore years to reach their full medicinalpotential, and during this time, the plantswill likely spread throughout the areawhere they were planted. Do not plantastragalus unless you are certain that theseed you have is in fact A. membrana-ceous, and do not plant astragalus if youlive in an area where soils have a high sele-nium (a nonmetallic element) content.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For respira-tory infections, astragalus combines well

with coltsfoot, grindelia, or mullein leaf.For kidney infections or dysfunction,couch grass, corn silk, pipsissewa, andgoldenrod are noteworthy adjuncts. Foruse in situations involving liver toxicity,cancer, or depressed immune functions,gentle tonic herbs with diuretic, alterative,and nutritive qualities are indicated to helpremove toxins and excess waste from thebody. Dandelion, burdock, red clover,licorice, and alfalfa are excellent herbs toinvestigate.

For an overactive thyroid, Astragalusworks well by itself, but if you don’t haveaccess to any, an alternative choice mightbe bugleweed.

Cautions and Comments: While A.membranaceous, the medicinal variety ofAstragalus, is among the safest of medici-nal herbs for both humans and animals,many other species of Astragalus are toxic,especially to grazing animals. Buy astra-galus roots, preparations, and seeds onlyfrom reputable sources. Also, astragalusis known to accumulate selenium in itstissues in areas where a high seleniumcontent is present in the soil. Seleniumcan be toxic in high doses. Check withyour county extension agent beforeplanting this herb.

In Chinese medicine, astragalus is con-traindicated in “excess heat” and “yindeficiency” patterns.

BEE BALMMonarda spp. Mint Family

Appearance: This pungent genus of dryland mints is known by many commonnames: wild bergamot, purple bee balm,horsemint, wild oregano, Oswego tea,and sweet leaf. Leaves are lance shaped,oppose one another on the stem, andhave a tendency to curve backwardtoward the ground. Leaf margins are

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sometimes, but not always, toothed. Likemost members of the mint family, thestems of bee balm are distinctively square(four-sided). Flowers are presented inclusters at the top of the plant, each con-taining dozens of tiny, rose- to purple-col-ored blossoms. Perhaps the most distin-guishing characteristic of this plant is itsstrong but pleasant odor, which rangesfrom sweetly sagelike to that which leadsmany to believe they have discovered awild strain of oregano. The plant cangrow to 3 feet on its sturdy stems, butmost are found in the range of 6 to 18inches tall.

Habitat and Range: Wild bee balm likesmeadows and slopes that are predomi-nantly dry and sunny. Unlike most mints,bee balm is drought tolerant and prefersdry land habitats. Bee balm (M. fistulosa)is generally found at elevations below4,000 feet. Other varieties of Monarda,such as M. menthaefolia, grow at higherelevations in shady, moist soils.

The range of this plant remains largelyundefined, but in the U.S. it seems to bespreading westward from the east.Livestock enjoy grazing on this plant andhave undoubtedly served as a vehicle inthe expansion of bee balm’s range.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms by midsummer and often con-tinues to bloom until the first frost

Parts Used: Leaves plucked from theplant; the entire aerial plant if the stem istaken

Primary Medicinal Activities: pro-motes sweating (diaphoretic), expels intes-tinal gas (carminative), antiseptic, reducespain (analgesic), antifungal

Strongest Affinities: Skin, mouth, di-gestive tract, kidneys, urinary tract

Preparation: Unlike most leafy herbs,which begin to break down and lose theirpotency after about six months, bee balmcan be dried and stored for up to twoyears. The fresh or dried leaf, stem, andflower material can be made into an alco-hol or glycerin tincture. The dried plant canbe infused for use in skin and eyewashes.

Common Uses: Although this plant iswidely available and infinitely useful, it isoften overlooked by herbalists, and it hasnot received the clinical study that itdeserves as a healing ally. Despite an over-all lack of scientific validation, bee balm is asafe herb to use in both animals andhumans. Many North American Indiantribes used this plant extensively for heal-ing and in spiritual ceremonies.

Like most mints, bee balm has a specialaffinity toward the digestive tract, where it

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is useful for relieving gastritis and spasticcolon. However, it does not taste good,and most herbivores abandon it in favor ofless pungent forage. Therefore, for use as adigestive aid in animals, the best form ofadministering bee balm is gelatin capsules(gel capsules) or a glycerin extract.

Bee balm has excellent antibacterialqualities and is especially useful for mouthand gum infections. Two methods of appli-cation work here: a poultice can be madefrom the dried or fresh herb and applieddirectly to the affected area, or a stronginfusion or tincture can be used the sameway. The poultice or infusion can also beeffective as an antifungal agent. Dogs, cats,and horses and other large animals with fun-gal infections of the skin are likely to benefitfrom a generous topical application of beebalm poultice or salve or from twice-dailyskin rinses with cooled bee balm tea (alsosee “Calendula”). To make the tea, cover agenerous handful of the herb with hot waterand allow it to steep until the water hasthoroughly cooled. Don’t worry aboutstraining the herb—just pour the entire mix-ture over the affected areas of the animal. Indry weather, or in cases where the animalchooses to lick the rinse off before it can beeffective, you might consider applying thetea as a fomentation (see chapter 1). Beebalm skin rinses also can bring soothingrelief to itchy skin that has resulted frominfected fleabites or spontaneous dermatitis(commonly caused by poison ivy, nettlestings, or contact allergic reactions) andhelp to relieve pain while reducing scarringfrom minor burns. The rinse also imparts apleasant odor to your pet.

In large animals, bee balm tea can beused as a douche or enema to treat fungalor bacterial infections, or to treat irritationsof the rectum or vagina.

A dilute infusion can be used as a gentleantiseptic and anti-inflammatory eyewashor ear wash, especially if a fungal or bacteri-al infection is suspected. For application in

the eye, don’t make the infusion toostrong—it should be only light yellow incolor. Rinse the eye and surrounding tissueswith the use of an irrigation syringe. To addstronger antimicrobial activity to the rinse, apinch of dried Oregon grape root or certi-fied organic goldenseal can be added to theinfusion while it is steeping. Just rememberto keep the eye rinse very weak. Ear rinsescan be made much stronger.

Bee balm works well for low-grade uri-nary tract infections, and you might find ituseful for kidney infections as well. Unlessyou can get your animal to drink the tea, aglycerin-based tincture is probably your bestbet: administer 12–25 drops per 20 poundsof animal weight two to three times per day.

Availability: Wild harvested or organicallygrown bee balm is available through herbretailers, as is the tincture. Seeds and plantscan be purchased through specialty cata-logs and nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Bee balmreseeds readily and transplants well. This isan excellent plant to introduce into yourherb garden. No stratification or other spe-cial treatment is required, and the plant isadaptable to almost any soil. Gather theupper parts of this plant when it is in fullbloom (May through September, depend-ing on location), which is when the parts arethe most potent. Pluck individual leaves tominimize impact, or gather the stem andleaves after the plant has bloomed and goneto seed. If the latter is your choice, clip thestems about 1 inch above ground level toallow for perennial regrowth and root pro-tection. When gathering while the plant is inbloom, always be sure to leave plenty of flowers intact for pollination and seeddevelopment.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Combineswell with catnip, chamomile, or fennel fordigestive upsets and gas. Works well as an

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infusion with echinacea, couch grass, rasp-berry leaf, or goldenrod for urinary or kidneydisorders. As a skin rinse, bee balm serves asa good base infusion to which feverfewflowers can be added for control of fleas.

Cautions and Comments: Bee balm is asafe herb, but it often grows in areas that areheavily grazed by livestock, where the pres-ence of neighboring weeds may have led tothe introduction of herbicides. Always checkor ask for evidence of spraying before youharvest.

BLACK WALNUTJuglans nigra Walnut Family

Appearance: A large tree that maygrow to 120 feet, black walnut is char-acterized by its 6-inch- to 2-foot-longleaves, which are each divided severaltimes into twelve to twenty-four, lance-shaped and toothed leaflets. Fruits arepresented as green orbs with fleshyouter husks that later dry into very harddark-brown nuts.

Habitat and Range: Common through-out eastern North America; sporadicallydistributed throughout the Dakotas,Nebraska, and Kansas; introduced as anornamental tree in most other regions ofthe U.S. and southern Canada

Cycle and Bloom Season: Blooms inspring; bears fruit beginning in earlysummer

Parts Used: Primarily the green (un-ripe) outer fruit hulls

Primary Medicinal Activities:expels worms (anthelmintic), tightensskin and mucous membranes (astrin-gent), may induce vomiting (emetic),laxative

Strongest Affinities: Digestive tract,skin

Preparation: Extract of the green,unripe hulls

Common Uses: Our purpose for in-cluding black walnut in this herbalrepertory for animals is as much to dis-courage its misuse as it is to express itsmedicinal attributes. Black walnut hullextract is unquestionably one of thebest and safest worming agents offeredby the plant world. But like many sub-stances that can actually make a tape-worm hate life, it can be toxic to thehost if not used with proper care, cau-tion, and training. Black walnut offerssymptomatic worm intervention that is generally safer and kinder to the host animal than most other herbal

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wormers. The holistically minded petowner should also take into accountthat such intervention is actually con-trary to the holistic principles of usingherbs in a natural context. Black walnutkills and expels tapeworms, but theunderlying reasons an animal is infestedwith an overpopulation of these oppor-tunity-seeking parasites in the first placeis not addressed. For more on the prin-ciples we are referring to, and our rec-ommended approaches to parasite con-trol, please read the section “Parasite-Related Problems” in chapter 3. Fornow, we must tell you that black wal-nut, although safe and effective whenused in the correct dose and whereindicated by specific circumstances, isan herb best reserved for use by experi-enced practitioners.

Availability: Black walnut is availablein the form of an alcohol tincture fromseveral human-oriented herb productcompanies. Black walnut is also used inseveral over-the-counter wormers, mostof which we do not recommend byvirtue of holistic principles.

Propagation and Harvest: Blackwalnut is a beautiful, full-sized shadetree that can be purchased from manylandscape nurseries and fruit tree cata-logs. The green, unripe fruit hulls areharvested while they remain fleshy, inearly to late spring.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Garlicand raw pumpkin seeds, added to agood natural diet, are the better choic-es for worm control in the majority ofcircumstances.

Cautions and Comments: Black wal-nut can be toxic to horses and maycause laminitis, severe gastritis, andbreathing problems in these animals.

These problems are believed to becaused not by the hulls themselves butby a fungus that attacks the green fruithulls shortly after they fall to theground. While this suggests that theproperly harvested, fungus-free hullsmay be safe for use in horses, we areoften left with an unanswerable ques-tion of whether or not the hulls we areusing are in fact clean of this fungus.Problems have been recorded in caseswhere horses had merely used blackwalnut shavings as part of their bed-ding! Concentrations of strong tannins,volatile oils, and various alkaloid ingre-dients contained in the bark, leaves,stems, and hulls of black walnut maylead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gastritisin dogs and cats if ingested in excessivequantities. Remember, anything thatcan kill a tapeworm has the potential ofbeing harmful to your animal.

BORAGEBorago officinalis Borage Family

Appearance: Borage looks similar to itsrelative comfrey except borage has a moreunruly stature. Plants may grow to 3 feettall and quickly sprawl all over a flower bedshortly after rocketing skyward from theiremergence as flattened, well-mannered lit-tle rosettes of basal leaves. The unique, 2- to6-inch-long broadly lance-shaped or nar-rowly oval leaves have wrinkled, pricklyhaired surfaces that bring to mind two-day-old beard stubble. Flowers are brilliant blue,with five petals and a black-tipped conelikestructure at the center of each flower.Flowers are borne in drooping clusters atthe upper branches of the plant.

Habitat and Range: Native to manyparts of Europe and Asia, borage has beenwidely introduced as a garden plant in North America. It grows just about

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anywhere that has a long enough bloomseason to allow for seed development—basically, from the midlatitudes of Canadasouthward.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Borage is aself-seeding annual that blooms fromspring to midsummer in most areas.

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, and the oilextracted from seeds

Primary Medicinal Activities: Stimulatesmilk production (galactagogue), stimulatesmucous secretions in the bronchi (expecto-rant), astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuret-ic, mildly calming to the nerves, adrenalstimulant

Strongest Affinities: Adrenal glands

Preparation: The most common uses ofthis plant require extracting oil from theseed—a process that is impractical for thedo-it-yourself herbalist. The leaves can bedried and used within three months forinfusions, in capsules, or in bulk form pow-dered and added to your pet’s food. Driedleaves lose their medicinal qualities ratherquickly, so use this herb as early after dryingas possible.

Fresh leaves can be scraped of theirprickly hairs and made into a poultice orbriefly steamed in their entire form for useas a warm cover dressing for overexertedmuscles and minor skin inflammations.Although fresh borage can be fed to horsesand other herbivores, most animals dislikethe prickly texture of the foliage.

Common Uses: Borage is one of manyherbs that have been in traditional use formany centuries but nonetheless has notreceived the scientific attention it deserves.What we do know about borage is that itsseeds contain impressive amounts of EFAs,especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a

compound that has proven to be extreme-ly useful in the treatment of various liver,cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. Infact, borage seed oil may contain twice theGLA offered by the oil of evening primrose(Oenothera biennis) seeds. The use ofevening primrose should be avoided in sub-jects with blood-clotting disorders. Somescientists claim that the GLA in eveningprimrose oil can decrease blood cholesteroland blood pressure and cure rheumatoidarthritis.

Recent studies suggest that EFA deficien-cies may be strongly associated with manychronic diseases in both people and ani-mals, including atopic eczema, diabetes,and various inflammatory disorders. In dogsand cats, fatty acid disorders are character-ized in the early phases by a dull coat, itchyskin, and excessive shedding. Gamma-linolenic acid is important in the productionof prostaglandins, compounds that are

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critical to the healthy performance ofcountless metabolic functions—from break-down of carbohydrates, fats, and otheressential nutrients into usable forms, tomaintenance of cellular integrity and prop-er functioning of smooth-muscle tissues(including the heart, uterus, and vascularsystem) throughout the body. In otherwords, animals cannot survive without aproper balance of fatty acids, includingGLA, in their bodies.

The body does not produce GLA, andtherefore it must be received throughdietary sources. The problem is that GLA isrelatively rare in nature—it occurs in only afew vegetable sources. Borage seed oil isone of the richest GLA supplements avail-able and can be easily administered bybreaking a gel capsule onto your pet’s foodeach day. Ask your holistic veterinarian forrecommendations on how much of the oilyour animal may need.

Borage leaf has also received attentionfrom herbalists who believe that it may beuseful for gently strengthening adrenalfunction, particularly in subjects who haverecently undergone extended steroid thera-pies. The adrenal cortex (the outer tissues ofthe adrenal glands) is chiefly responsible forthe body’s production of corticosteroids,the hormones responsible for naturalreduction of inflammation. When syntheticcorticosteroids are introduced into thebody, natural adrenal functions arereplaced and the adrenal cortex oftenbegins to shut down its natural production.As a result, many animals who are endingprednisolone or other steroid therapieshave depressed adrenal function. Fatmetabolism and mineral balances may alsobe affected if this happens. While borage isby no means as powerful as licorice(Glycyrrhiza spp.) in its adrenal-stimulatoryactions, it is believed by many herbalists togently stimulate adrenal function that is slightly depressed, especially when used over an extended period. It may be

particularly useful in cases where waterretention and high blood pressure areprevalent in an animal’s holistic condition.In these situations, the stronger herblicorice may be contraindicated because ofits potential side effects. While the use ofborage in this capacity lacks scientific vali-dation, it has nonetheless been used safelyand effectively for hundreds of years. Thedried leaves may be tinctured (12 drops per20 pounds of body weight, twice daily) orfed in bulk form (1⁄2 teaspoon sprinkled ontoeach pound of your animal’s food). Boragealso has a folkloric reputation for increasingmilk production in nursing mothers (bothhuman and otherwise)—an action thatmay be attributable to increased hormoneproduction by the adrenal gland.

Topically, borage leaves can be appliedas a soothing poultice or compress forminor skin irritations. To sum up its poten-tial for topical use, consider borage as a lim-ited alternative to comfrey.

Availability: Virtually any nursery orseed catalog that sells herbs is likely tohave borage.

Propagation and Harvest: Borageprefers dry soil and full sun. Aside fromthese requirements, it is extremely easy togrow from seed or nursery-raised trans-plants. If you choose to transplant boragefrom one part of a garden to another, do itwhile the plants are young because the tap-root grows straight down and is easily dam-aged when removed from the soil.

Borage is a successful self-seeding annu-al that drops thousands of tiny seeds almostimmediately after blooming. Give the plantplenty of room to sprawl, and considerplanting it with other annuals because itmay become a nuisance when dozens ofyoung plants emerge beneath your peren-nials during the second year.

Harvest the mature leaves while theplant is in full bloom. Borage leaves are

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especially susceptible to mold while theyare drying, so never harvest when theleaves are wet and never stack the leaves ontop of each other. Dry them in an area thatis away from direct sunlight and has plentyof air circulation. Spread the leaves on cleannewspapers or a nonmetallic screen andturn them once or twice daily to assurequick, even drying. The dried leaves canthen be crumbled and stored in a glass jarfor up to three months before they begin tolose their usefulness.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For similartopical applications, look toward comfrey,which is perhaps a more effective alterna-tive when indicated. For anti-inflammatoryapplications and situations involvingdepressed adrenal function, such as withAddison’s disease, look toward licorice andastragalus as stronger alternatives.

Cautions and Comments: The leaves ofthis plant contain small amounts of PAs, apotentially toxic group of compounds thatmay lead to liver damage. Although thepresence of these alkaloids in borage is verylow (much lower than in comfrey) andrequire ingestion of large and sustainedquantities to become harmful in most ani-mals, borage has nonetheless been bannedfrom human use in Germany.

BUGLEWEEDLycopus spp. Mint Family

Appearance: Bugleweed also goes bythe name of water horehound. Thedeeply and irregularly lobed leaves ofLycopus americanus differentiate it fromother mints (and even other species ofLycopus). Other species of bugleweed(such as the less common L. uniflorus andL. asper) have leaves that are not deep-ly lobed but are simple and coarselytoothed, making them difficult to differ-

entiate from other mints such as skull-cap. The easily identified L. americanusremains by far the most common andconspicuous variety in North America,making it the bugleweed to remember.Bugleweed, unlike many other mints,does not have a minty odor. Smallwhitish to pink flowers are whorled inthe leaf axils (the point at which the leafmeets the stem). Stems may be lightly tomoderately hairy, especially toward thebase of the plant.

Habitat and Range: An inhabitant ofstream banks and marshes, bugleweed istypically found in the shade beneath wil-lows and other shrubs. Several species ofLycopus are widespread throughout mostof North America.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Perennial,blooming from early to midsummer

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Parts Used: Leaves, stems, flowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Slowsthyroid function, mild cardiac sedative,calms nerves, diuretic, constricts subcu-taneous blood vessels, astringent, coughsuppressant

Strongest Affinities: Thyroid glands,heart, nervous system

Preparation: Although this herb maybe useful in dried bulk form or in cap-sules, it doesn’t taste very good, and itmay be difficult to administer to a dogor cat in an appreciable quantity thatdoesn’t just pass through the shortdigestive tract. An alcohol or glycerintincture is your best choice here.

Common Uses: Although relatively lit-tle research has been done to validatebugleweed’s usefulness in animal sub-jects, it may prove useful in dogs andcats with hyperthyroid conditions. Whilebugleweed cannot physically correct adiseased thyroid gland and does notwork as quickly as synthetic drugs,human studies have confirmed thatbugleweed slows the release of the hor-mone thyroxine in the thyroid, making ituseful in the treatment of mild forms ofhyperthyroidism. Specifically, it shouldhelp ease abnormal excitability, relieveacute hyperventilation, slow a rapidheart rate, and relieve spastic coughingin dogs and cats who suffer from sponta-neous hyperthyroidism. It should benoted, though, that small, frequentdoses of the herb extract must be givenfor a period of at least a few days beforeresults are seen. Giving 2–6 drops per 20pounds of the animal’s body weightthree times daily is a good starting point.

Bugleweed is also useful in manyheart and vascular system disorders. It isbelieved to work in the cardiovascular

system in a way that is similar to thedrug digitalis—by strengthening theheartbeat while slowing a rapid pulse.But unlike digitalis and other such drugsthat are used primarily in humans,bugleweed is virtually free of dangerousside effects.

Adding to bugleweed’s usefulness incardiovascular disorders is its ability tohelp expel water from the body. Thismakes it useful in animals with lungfluid associated with weak, rapid pulseand unproductive coughing. However,some extra caution is advised here:bugleweed is believed to suppress thecough response even if such suppres-sion is not conducive to the healingprocess. In respiratory disorders such asBordetella or pneumonia, cough sup-pression may be contradictory to theholistic principles of using herbs in thefirst place and may even be dangerousto the animal. Remember, the primarygoal of herbal therapies is to assist thebody in its capacity to heal itself, not tointerfere with its efforts to do so. If theanimal is successful at expelling mucusas a result of persistent coughing, thebody is doing its job, and the use ofbugleweed is probably contraindicated.See a holistic vet.

The nerve-calming and vasoconstric-tor actions of bugleweed make it usefulfor pain relief in situations that involveirritability and tension. This is true espe-cially when circumstances are com-pounded by injured nerves such as inposttraumatic circumstances where ananimal is in pain from a crushing injury,is jumpy and cannot get comfortable,and just paces, whines, and pants.Bugleweed does not contain salicylates,so it can be used for posttraumatic painrelief in cats. It is especially useful in catswith preexisting functional thyroid adenoma or other forms of disease that may contribute to an overactive

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thyroid. In humans, bugleweed is oftenused by herbalists in the treatment ofmigraine headaches.

Availability: Seeds are available fromspecialty seed catalogs. Bugleweedherb and herb tinctures are availablethrough natural products retailers.

Propagation and Harvest: This herbrequires consistently moist soil and atleast 50 percent shade cover. For thebest results, sow the seeds indoors inFebruary or March then transplantthem to an area that gets plenty ofshade and water throughout the sum-mer. Plants are ready to harvest whenthe flowers are just beginning to bloom.The freshly cut herb is the best choicefor making your own medicine, but ifthis isn’t possible, cut the stems atabout 3 inches above ground level dur-ing a period when the foliage is com-pletely dry. Hang them in small bunch-es of four to six stems apiece in an airylocation away from direct sunlight.When properly stored, the dried herbretains its medicinal potency for at leastsix months.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For usein hyperthyroidism, bugleweed com-bines especially well with lemon balm(Melissa officinalis). For use in heart andvascular disorders associated with arapid, erratic pulse, ginkgo and mother-wort serve as substitutes in many cases,and skullcap, hawthorn, garlic, andastragalus should all be investigated asadjuncts. For nervousness associatedwith abnormal irritability, pain, or rapidheartbeat, bugleweed will combinenicely with valerian, skullcap, hop, orchamomile. When water retention is anassociated factor in any of the aboveconditions, try adding dandelion leaf tothe formula as a diuretic aid.

Cautions and Comments: Like allmembers of the mint family, bugleweedis a safe herb with no known toxicitywhen used sensibly. However, sincebugleweed constricts blood vessels andmay have hormonal properties, commonsense dictates that it should not be usedin pregnant or nursing animals. For obvi-ous reasons, bugleweed should not beused in animals with depressed thyroidfunction. Another point to considerbefore using bugleweed in your pet isthat very little research has been doneinto the attributes and side effects ofbugleweed in some animals. Although itcan be safely used in most dogs, cats,and horses, its effects in birds, rodents,and other animals are largely unknown.If in doubt, contact a professional who isfamiliar with the specific applications ofthis herb.

BURDOCKArctium lappa Sunflower Familyor A. minor

Appearance: In its first year of growth,burdock appears as a rosette of largeheart-shaped leaves up to 12 incheslong. During the second year, the plantcontinues skyward, often reaching 6–8feet, while branching out to producemultitudes of thistlelike, light lavender topurple-flowered seed-bearing burrs atthe upper reaches of the plant. Each burrcontains several small black seeds and iscovered by reverse-hooked spines thatenable them to stick to anything thatbrushes by. The entire plant is coveredwith tiny hairs that give the leaves andthe stems a tacky texture similar to thatof ultrafine grit sandpaper. The light-brown taproot may weigh 2–3 poundsand extend 2 or more feet below a sec-ond-year plant. This sturdy taproot,combined with the annoying and


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extremely efficient reproductive qualitiesof the burrs, has earned burdock a hatedreputation as a farm and garden enemy.

Habitat and Range: Burdock is aEurasian import that has made its homethroughout most of North America. Itprefers rich, deep, consistently moist soiland is frequently found in profuse abun-dance along the edges of cultivatedfields and at roadsides (particularlywhere human or livestock traffic cancooperate with the hitchhiking burrs).

Cycle and Bloom Season: A biennialthat blooms in mid- to late summer

Parts Used: Root

Primary Medicinal Activities: Bloodcleansing, liver and gallbladder stimu-lant, diuretic, nutritive

Strongest Affinities: Liver, skin

Preparation: Although all preparationsof this herb are useful, the active con-stituents of this plant must be given inrelatively large doses to be of therapeuticadvantage. Since most animals don’t likeeating it, a strong tincture of fresh ordried root is the most effective prepara-tion. The medicinal ingredients of bur-dock root are extracted well in a glycerinmenstruum (solvent), and the flavor ofthe resulting liquid, or glycerite, is sweetand agreeable to most animals. The freshroots have a high water content, which isimparted to the finished tincture. A tinc-ture that contains more than 40 percentwater spoils quickly. Therefore, it is bestto use 100 percent undiluted vegetableglycerin in your mixture. Fresh or driedburdock root can be decocted, as well,and poured over your animal’s food. Beliberal with the quantity—burdock is ahealthy food.

Common Uses: We cannot emphasizethe value of this herb enough in thelong-term care of companion animals.Burdock has an ancient and respectedreputation as a nutritive liver tonic thathelps to clean and build the blood. Just2.5 ounces of fresh burdock root con-tains up to 61 milligrams of calcium, 77milligrams of phosphorus, 1.4 milligramsof iron, 0.03 milligrams of thiamine, and0.05 milligrams of riboflavin.

Burdock root is a specific treatmentfor chronic or acute psoriasis or eczema;it has a strong affinity toward the treat-ment of flaky, oily, or inflammatory skindisorders that can be traced back to liverdeficiencies or a general overload oftoxic substances in the body (usually theresult of a poor diet). It is also useful in the holistic treatment of arthritis,rheumatoid disorders, inflammatory kid-ney and bladder diseases, and virtuallyany other type of metabolic disorder thatmay be the result of poor waste elimina-tion. Adding to all of this is a diureticaction that helps in the elimination ofwaste materials from the body. In simpleterms, burdock helps clean the bodyfrom the inside out.

Burdock contains chemical elementsthat have been shown to be effective inpreventing disease that may result fromenvironmental toxicity. Specifically, bur-dock helps to remove mutagenic sub-stances such as pesticides and airbornepollutants from the bloodstream beforethey cause harm to the body. Animalstudies have indicated that burdockextract has free-radical scavenging quali-ties in the liver, thus weeding out car-cinogenic elements before cellular dam-age can occur.

Virtually every living creature is con-tinually subjected to the harmful effectsof human society—our companion ani-mals are no exception. The liver is theorgan that begins the cleansing process.

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The liver not only filters the blood butcontributes bile and numerous enzymesto the digestive tract that are essential tothe breakdown and absorption of essen-tial nutrients. By assisting liver functionand prompting the efficient removal ofsystemic waste, absorbed or ingestedtoxins, and allergens from the body,imbalances such as arthritis, kidneystones, bladder infections, and eczemacan be avoided. By helping the liver doits job, we are also relieving pressurefrom secondary immune functions thatneed to remain unencumbered in theirfight against viruses and other microbesthat may have bypassed the liver.Furthermore, if the liver can work at opti-mum efficiency, less solid or toxic wastewill reach the kidneys—a set of delicateorgans that are vulnerable to the liver’sdeficiencies.

Burdock is an excellent long-termliver tonic, and it is gentle enough to usein cases of preexisting liver or kidney dis-ease. It is an excellent choice for animalssuffering as a result of a poor diet. Justremember, diet is where the road to along, healthy life begins. Burdock willnot replace a good natural diet, but itcan help tremendously in allowing thebody to utilize the good nutrition itreceives.

Availability: Fresh organically grownburdock root is available at many healthfood stores. Dried burdock root and roottincture are available through most herbretailers. Seeds are available throughspecialty seed catalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: Providedyou have deep, rich soil for taproots thatcan penetrate the earth 3 feet, burdockis easy to grow. Burdock likes moist (butnot wet) soil, and it prefers to have atleast a couple of hours of shade eachday. Sow the seeds as you would carrots,in early spring. The roots are ready after

the leaves die back in the fall of the firstyear. Second-year roots can be used ifdug in the spring, but remember thatbiennials die after their second year ofgrowth and the roots lose potency asthey approach their demise.

Burdock roots can be refrigerated forseveral weeks after harvest, or they canbe chopped and dried, made into tinc-ture, or decocted for immediate use.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Dandelionroot serves well as an alternative to bur-dock. For treatment of flaky or itchy skinproblems, burdock can be supplement-ed with licorice, red clover, dandelion, oryellow dock. As a liver aid in conditionsassociated with chronic constipation,burdock can be supplemented with dan-delion, chicory, turkey rhubarb, yellowdock, or Oregon grape. In cases of pre-existing liver damage resulting fromchemical toxicity or vaccinosis, use the

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burdock with milk thistle or licorice. Asan adjunct to an immune-support for-mula, combine burdock with echinaceaor astragalus.

Cautions and Comments: This is oneof the safest herbs available to humansand animals. In essence, burdock is anutraceutical, a food that also offersmedicinal attributes. No toxicity hasbeen noted with this herb.

CALENDULACalendula officinalis Sunflower Family

Appearance: This herb is also knownas pot marigold. The bright yellow,orange, or red-orange flowers of calen-dula are a familiar sight in gardens andlandscape designs found everywhere.Calendula officinalis is a small plant thatseldom exceeds 18 inches in height.The lance-shaped or oblong alternateleaves have coarse surfaces and areborne on sturdy branching stems.Calendula should not be confused withother marigolds, namely Frenchmarigolds, and other members of theTagetes genus of the sunflower family,which have a pungent odor and muchdifferent leaf characteristics.

Habitat and Range: Originally a nativeof Europe and Africa, calendula is a culti-vated plant throughout most of theworld.

Cycle and Bloom Season: The wordcalendula is derived from calends (thefirst day of the Roman month) becausethe plant was thought to bloom on thenew moon of each month. While calen-dula really doesn’t keep such an accuratecalendar, it does remain in a constantand generous state of bloom throughoutmost of its annual life span.

Parts Used: Flowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-inflammatory, increases lymph circula-tion, heals wounds, astringent, antibac-terial, antifungal, anti-tumor, liver stimu-lant, promotes menstruation (emmena-gogue)

Strongest Affinities: Skin and mucousmembranes

Preparation: Water or oil infusion, tinc-ture, poultice, salve, ointment

Common Uses: Calendula is among thefirst herbs to consider in minor first aidsituations. A broad array of medicinalcompounds in the flowers of the plant(various essential oils, flavonoids,saponins, triterpene alcohols, carotenes,and others) combine to help speed cellreproduction and inhibit bacteria andfungi at the site of injury.

For minor cuts, insect bites, abra-sions, and postsurgical incisions, a calen-dula salve applied externally bringsquick, soothing relief to pain andswelling, while lending wound-healing,antimicrobial properties to the body’shealing effort. Infusions of the flowersare effective as a soothing and healingskin wash for various forms of inflamma-tory dermatitis, such as those caused byfleabites, poison ivy, eczema, and sun-burn. The infection-fighting, skin-healingnature of this plant makes it useful fortreating burns as well. A cooled waterinfusion may be used as an eyewash forconjunctivitis, where the mild but pre-dictable astringency of the plant com-bines with its bacteria-fighting propertiesto reduce irritation and infection. Tomake an eyewash or skin rinse, refer tochapter 1.

Internally, an infusion or tincture ofthe flower may be used in treating

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inflammation or ulceration of the diges-tive or urinary tracts, where it serves inthe drainage of lymph-engorged tissuesand reduces inflammation. It may alsoprove beneficial in the treatment of can-didiasis, a fungal infection of the mucousmembranes in the mouths and digestivetracts of birds, cats, horses, and some-times dogs. The antifungal qualities ofthis herb also make it a possible optionfor topical treatment of chromomycosis,a fungal infection of the skin in cows,horses, dogs, cats, and amphibians, orfor the treatment of entomophthoromy-cosis, a fungal infection of the nostrils,mouth, or lips of horses. While virtuallyno scientific data exist to validate theeffectiveness of calendula against thesethree forms of disease, calendula’s safetyand reputed effectiveness as a broad-spectrum antifungal agent make it anoption worth trying.

Preparations containing calendulahave been shown to be effective in thetreatment of chronic colitis. And animalstudies have shown that the saponinconstituents in calendula may possessantitumor activities.

Availability: Over thirty varieties of cal-endula are available at nurseries every-where.

Propagation and Harvest: Sow seedsin early spring or transplant the startsafter the danger of frost is past.Calendula likes moderately rich soil andfull sun. It is not picky about pH—as longas the soil is not excessively alkaline oracidic, calendula will do just fine. Onceestablished, plants self-sow from theirprolific seed production. Seedlings thatemerge each spring should be thinnedto about 6 inches apart, so you can havea continuous, relatively carefree supplyof calendula. Harvest the flowers when-ever they are in full bloom. They can

then be made into an herbal preparationwhile they are fresh, or you can dry themindoors for use in the near future.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For use infirst aid salves, calendula combines espe-cially well with comfrey and Saint-John’s-wort. To increase its effectiveness in anti-fungal uses (internally or externally), tryadding bee balm, Oregon grape, orlicorice. For urinary or digestive tractinflammations, calendula can be coupledwith corn silk, marshmallow, or plantain.

Cautions and Comments: Althoughcalendula is without question one of thesafest herbs, it does have a reputation forstimulating menstruation. In some stud-ies it has been shown to possess abortifa-cient (abortion-causing) activities inrodents, so it should be avoided duringearly pregnancy. Calendula may containa very small measure of salicylic acid, a

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constituent that is potentially toxic tocats. Although this compound is likelyconfined to the leaves and stems of theplant and does not occur in quantitiesthat are likely to be of immediate dangerto cats, its presence should be taken intoaccount prior to long-term internal use.

CATNIPNepeta cataria Mint Family

Appearance: Wild catnip is always awonderful discovery. Its pungent tangy-mint aroma wafts to the nose with theslightest disturbance of the plant. Andthe flavor and soothing effects of the tea are likely to please even the most discriminating palate. Characteristically amint, catnip has square stems and oppo-site leaves. Leaves are petiolate(stemmed), coarsely but often bluntlytoothed, and nearly heart shaped tobroadly lance shaped. Once one hasbecome familiar with this plant, thearoma is a sure giveaway. The entire plantis distinctively fuzzy with an almost flannel-like texture. Unlike most othermints, which bloom in whorls at the upperleaf axils or in terminate clusters or spires,catnip blooms at both the upper leaf axilsand in spikelike terminate clusters.

Habitat and Range: Catnip is aEurasian import that is now widespreadin North America. It likes full sun andrich, moist soil, and is most frequentlyfound in disturbed areas such as alongirrigation channels and at the edges ofcultivated fields. Unfortunately, this char-acteristic often makes it difficult for theherbalist or wild food forager to finduncontaminated plants. Fortunately, cat-nip can be found at many nurseries.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms from late spring to midsummer

Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and flowersare collected before seeds begin todevelop.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expelsintestinal gas, sedative, antispasmodic,helps alleviate vomiting (antiemetic),feline-euphoric, diuretic

Strongest Affinities: Digestive andnervous systems

Preparation: Fresh or dried choppedherb, water infusion, tincture, or, ofcourse, stuffed in a catnip toy

Common Uses: Catnip is a gentle gasreliever and antispasmodic for easingflatulence and stomach upsets. It alsoacts as a mild sedative to help calm thenerves and promote restful sleep in mostanimals. Due to an ingredient callednepetalactone, cats become intoxicated

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when they sniff this plant. The effect ofthe herb when ingested is relaxing in adifferent way, calming to the stomachand relaxing to the nerves but withoutfeline-erotic visions of candy-coatedmice. Interestingly, about 20 percent ofour feline friends do not experience aeuphoric response to catnip. This is anexcellent herb to consider for a high-strung animal with a nervous stomach,especially if episodes of vomiting are pre-cipitated by stressful events such as run-ning the vacuum cleaner, having theneighbors and their screaming child overfor dinner, or—worse yet—bringinganother kitten into the “royal palace.”You can administer 12–20 drops (0.25 to0.5 milliliter) of a glycerin-based catniptincture for every 20 pounds of an ani-mal’s body weight, ten to twenty min-utes prior to being subjected to stressfulcircumstances. For travel or other pro-longed periods of stress, the tincture canbe added to the animal’s drinkingwater—12 drops per 8 ounces of water isa good starting dose. If the animal doesnot respond, try adding 6 drops at atime, until the desired calming effect isevident. Dropping a few fresh leaves intothe animal’s drinking water may work aswell. You can also try feeding dried cat-nip to your pet by putting it onto herfood at a dose of 1⁄8 to 1⁄2 teaspoon perpound of food fed. Just remember thatthis might make kitty roll around in herdinner!

Availability: Catnip has become aroadside weed in many areas. If you arenot so fortunate, the plants or seeds areavailable through many nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Gather theleaves, stems, and flowers before theplant goes to seed. The herb can then bedried indoors. Spread the herb looselyon a clean sheet of paper, rearranging it

frequently to prevent mold. The herb isready for storage when it is crispy dry.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: To helpsettle an upset stomach and to preventnervous vomiting, catnip combines wellwith fennel. Chamomile serves as aneffective adjunct or alternative in thesecircumstances. For motion sickness, apinch of ginger can be added to a tea-spoon of dried, powdered catnip. Thecombination can then be given to a dogor cat in a small gel capsule. One capsuleshould do for a cat; a dog may requiretwo or three, depending on her size.

Cautions and Comments: The herb issafe, but use it sparingly in pregnant ani-mals, as it has been theorized that thevolatile oils it contains may be passed onto the fetus, the result of which isunknown.

CAYENNECapsicum spp. Nightshade Family

Appearance: Like many commonnames, the words capsicum and cayenneare used as generic terms for a broadrange of small, very hot chili peppers.Most of these peppers are geneticallyengineered variations of two species ofthe Capsicum genus: C. frutescens and C.annuum. There are dozens of varieties,but they all share a similar appearance:shiny oval to lance-shaped, 1- to 5-inch-long leaves; small, white, star-shapedflowers; and sturdy, sometimes vinelikestems that reach anywhere from 1 to 3feet tall when mature.

Habitat and Range: Originally a nativeof tropical regions of South and CentralAmerica, virtually all of the capsicums arenow cultivated in areas throughout theworld with long growing seasons. In


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northern climes, capsicum can be grownas an attractive houseplant.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Wild SouthAmerican capsicums are perennial plantsthat can reach 7 feet in height, but inNorth America most capsicums are culti-vated as annuals. Most capsicums bloomin early summer and produce ripe fruitby mid-August.

Parts Used: Fruits

Primary Medicinal Activities: Warmsand reddens the skin (rubefacient),dilates blood vessels (vasodilator), stopsbleeding (hemostatic), counterirritant,anti-inflammatory, analgesic, strength-ens tissues (tonic)

Strongest Affinities: Skin and circula-tory system

Preparation: For internal uses, thedried and powdered fruits are most com-monly contained in gel capsules. Thewhole or powdered fruits may be used inoil infusions, salves, ointments, or tinc-tures. Various brands of capsaicin creamsand ointments are commercially avail-able at drugstores for topical treatmentof arthritis, muscle aches, stiffness, andother conditions.

Common Uses: Capsicum is reliable inits activity as a peripheral vasodilator.Used internally, it acts to warm the bodyby quickly dilating small capillaries andincreasing circulation to the skin andextremities. (This is why sweating andflushed skin is experienced when we eatfoods containing cayenne.) Because ofthis activity, capsicum is commonly usedin the systemic treatment of impairedblood circulation, and because it triggersthe outward movement of bloodthroughout the body, it is often added as

a “carrier” for the active components ofother herbs. Its effect in this capacity canbe quite dramatic, especially when it iscombined with herbs that have an affin-ity toward the skin or extremities. Byitself, capsicum is useful for opening cap-illary occlusions that are the by-productof a crushing injury, and it is considereda specific remedy for chronically defi-cient peripheral circulation—situationscharacterized by continuously coldpaws, hands, or feet. Capsicum is alsoregarded as a circulatory stimulant forthe lungs and may be useful for improv-ing pulmonary efficiency in animals withhypostatic pneumonia (a condition aris-ing from poor blood circulation throughvascular structures of the lungs) or otherconditions where edema or other factorsare interfering with proper blood circula-tion in pulmonary tissues.

In most internal applications, cap-sicum is administered once per day in theform of a gel capsule. For a dog or a cat,the capsule would contain a small pinchof the powder. For horses and other largeanimals, several full large capsules may beneeded to bring about desired results.Finding the correct dose is contingentupon the specifics of the individual animaland the situation at hand.

Topically, capsicum works as a contactrubefacient, serving to quickly open subcu-taneous capillaries while acting as a nerveblock and reducing pain at the site of appli-cation. These topical attributes make cap-sicum especially useful for therapies thatare to be confined to a specific portion ofthe body, such as those for stiff or arthriticknees that may benefit from the herb’sinstantaneous warming effect. The com-pound chiefly responsible for this activity iscalled capsaicin, and in addition to itscapacity to block pain and increase circula-tion, capsaicin has been shown to activatethe body’s own anti-inflammatory media-tors at the site where it is applied. It not

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only helps to reduce pain and congestionin arthritic joints but also acts as an assis-tant to the body’s internal anti-inflammato-ry mechanisms. These combined actionsmake topical preparations of capsicum use-ful for safely relieving the symptoms ofrheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

On the top of our list of uses for cap-sicum, though, is its effectiveness atstopping bleeding. It’s interesting tonote that while capsicum has such a pro-found ability to increase blood circula-tion when taken internally or appliedonto the skin, its effects are quite oppo-site when applied to the site of internalor external bleeding. To stop the bleed-ing of a barbed wire cut, a claw that wasclipped too short, or any other minor tomoderate wound where profuse bleed-ing does not coagulate readily on itsown, capsicum powder, or groundcayenne from the kitchen cabinet, canbe liberally applied directly to the site ofinjury. Unless bleeding is emanatingfrom a fairly large vessel, the result is like-ly to be instantaneous, and believe it ornot, capsicum really doesn’t hurt muchwhen applied to an open wound.

Availability: Readily available whereverculinary spices are sold. Capsicum plantsare available through virtually any nurs-ery that stocks vegetable plants.

Propagation and Harvest: Capsicumis often slow to start from seed, so it isbest to purchase young plants. Like mostpeppers, capsicums that are planted out-doors require warm, sunny days andnighttime temperatures that seldom fallbelow 55 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in orderto produce fruit. Many varieties are quitesuitable as houseplants.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: To stopbleeding, capsicum combines well withyarrow. For circulatory problems,

hawthorn, ginkgo, ginger, and yarrowshould all be considered as well.

Cautions and Comments: Contrary towhat may seem obvious, capsicum doesnot cause irritation to the digestive tractwhen consumed in moderate quantities,but the key word here is moderate. Youshould not feed capsicum to animalswho have a sensitive digestive tract orinflammatory digestive or urinary systemdisease unless you have a full under-standing of all underlying conditions.When used properly and in moderation,capsicum is a safe herb, but extra careand attention are needed to assure thatcapsicum is truly indicated. No two ani-mals are identical, and where capsicummay serve to benefit one, it can causepainful irritation to another. In otherwords, it is best to have your animalexamined by a holistic veterinarianbefore proceeding with any internal

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therapy that includes capsicum. Cap-sicum is a strong irritant to mucousmembranes and should always be keptaway from the eyes and nose. This is thestuff that bear-defense pepper spray ismade from. Its topical use should beavoided with animals who have hyper-sensitive skin. Although capsicum is gen-erally considered safe during pregnancy,we recommend that its use be limited totopical applications. In our opinion,strong urinary tract irritants should notbe used in pregnant or lactating animals.

Be sure to wash your hands with soapand water after handling any form of thisherb, and don’t touch your eyes, lips, orany other mucous membranes for aboutthirty minutes after.

CHAMOMILEMatricaria recutita Sunflower Family

Appearance: German chamomile ischaracterized by its 1⁄2- to 1-inch flowers,each with a yellow disk surrounded by tento twenty white rays (petals). The com-mon name chamomile is used in referenceto dozens of related species, but most ofthe medicinal uses are isolated to twogenera, M. recutita (German chamomile)and Chamaemelum nobile (Romanchamomile), and their respective sub-species. The differences between thesetwo groups of chamomile rest in their lifecycles, the number of flowers they pro-duce, and their overall size. Germanchamomile is an annual plant that cangrow to 2 feet tall, producing numerousflowers on each of its many stems. Romanchamomile, on the other hand, is a creep-ing perennial that seldom exceeds 1 footin height and produces fewer but larger(1-inch-wide) flowers. Both German andRoman chamomiles share a nearly identi-cal range of therapeutic usefulness, butGerman chamomile is by far the more

popular medicine because it has receivedmuch more research attention and haslong been regarded by herbalists as amore potent medicine than Romanchamomile. For the purposes of this book,our primary focus is on Germanchamomile; there is, however, a generallyoverlooked wild relative of cultivated vari-eties of chamomile that also deserves aplace in the animal herbalist’s repertory:pineapple weed (M. matricarioides).

Pineapple weed looks, smells, and eventastes much like its cultivated cousins, butits flowers have no petals. This small way-side weed is often found growing in incon-spicuous ground-hugging mats in vacantlots, on road margins, and sometimesright in the middle of a driveway!

Habitat and Range: A Native ofEurope and western Asia, chamomile iscultivated worldwide.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Chamomileis notorious for its continuous bloom. Inareas where the occurrence of frost israre, chamomile often produces flowersthroughout the year.

Parts Used: Flowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-spasmodic, expels intestinal gas, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antimicrobial,stimulates digestion (bitter), healswounds, expels worms

Strongest Affinities: Skin, digestivetract, liver, nervous system, mucousmembranes, smooth-muscle tissues

Preparation: Water or oil infusion, tinc-ture, salve, ointment, fomentation

Common Uses: Chamomile is a mildsedative, antispasmodic, and digestivetonic that is safe, gentle, and effective in

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a broad spectrum of applications. Theherb tea or tincture is helpful for indiges-tion, gas, and vomiting. Chamomile isperhaps the first herb to reach for incases of digestive upset that arises fromnervousness and hyperexcitability. Thechemistry of chamomile is complex, andits medicinal activities are not attributa-ble to any single class of constituents butrather to a synergistic sum of all its parts.However, dozens of scientific studies(using both animals and humans) havegiven us solid information about whichof chamomile’s chemical compoundscontribute to its effectiveness as a holis-tic healing device. For example, ape-genin, chamazulene (and its precursor,matricin) and other volatile oil con-stituents of the flowers have been shownto be strong antispasmodic agents bothin and on the body, as have several ofchamomile’s flavonoid constituents. Inthe digestive tract, chamomile serves toease nervous spasms, helps to expel gas,aids in the production of bile to improvedigestion, and reduces inflammation. Allof these activities amount to an excellentremedy for chronic or acute gastric dis-orders, including various forms of inflam-matory bowel disease.

For inflammations of the skin,including those caused by fleabites,contact allergies, and various bacterialor fungal infections, a cooled waterinfusion of the flowers can be used as asoothing, healing, antimicrobial rinse.For conjunctivitis, whether it be frombacterial infection or the result of air-borne irritants or allergies, the cooledinfusion can be carefully strainedthrough a paper coffee filter, dilutedwith saline solution (the end productshould be transparent and light yellow),and used as an anti-inflammatory andantimicrobial eyewash that can beapplied liberally several times per dayuntil the inflammation subsides.

Chamomile has also been shown tohave a tonic (constricting and strength-ening) effect on smooth-muscle tissuesthroughout the body, including theheart, bladder, and especially the uterus.While uterine tonics may be beneficialbefore pregnancy and during late-termpregnancy, herbs that constrict uterinetissues are generally contraindicated dur-ing early pregnancy.

In our experiences chamomile servesas a general-purpose calming herb thatcan be fed to animals as a “first try” rem-edy for any variety of spasmodic or anx-iety-related problems. Because it tastesgood, is soluble in water, and is safe formost animals, its use should be consid-ered before stronger, less-palatable anti-spasmodics or sedatives are employed.

Chamomile’s usefulness in expellingworms is often overlooked in favor offaster acting herbs (such as wormwood,black walnut hulls, or garlic), but it

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should not be. Chamomile is relativelynontoxic when compared to most other“herbal wormers.” While it doesn’t workas quickly as the other anthelmintics, itdoes work, especially for roundwormsand whipworms, and it offers anti-inflammatory activities that help coun-teract the effect parasites often have onintestinal mucosa. Pineapple weed (M.matricarioides) is even more pronouncedin its worm-expelling activities.

For internal uses, we prefer a glyc-erin tincture of the herb because it canbe administered in small, easy-to-feeddoses of 0.25–0.50 milliliter per 20pounds of the animal’s body weight,twice daily as needed to suppresssymptoms. The sweet-tasting glycerintincture can be administered directlyinto the animal’s mouth, or it can beadded to the animal’s drinking water.The glycerite is also useful in treatinggingivitis, especially when small pro-portions of stronger antimicrobial herbextracts (such as thyme, rosemary, beebalm, Oregon grape, or echinacea) areadded. To use chamomile in thiscapacity, the tincture can be applieddirectly to the gums of the animal witha cotton swab.

Chamomile extract can also be usedin a vaporizer or steamed from boilingwater for inhalation treatment of asth-ma, allergies, bronchitis, and the like. Inhomeopathic form, chamomile is usedfor teething puppies to keep them fromchewing everything in sight.

Availability: Chamomile can be pur-chased from any health food retailer andis available at most supermarkets. Theplants are available through most nurs-eries, as are the seeds.

Propagation and Harvest: Chamomileis easy to grow in all climates, and onceestablished its promiscuous, free-seeding

character yields abundant growth yearafter year. If left to its unruly self, it is like-ly to find its way out of flower beds andinto pathways and beyond.

Chamomile blooms continuouslythroughout the growing season. The flow-ers can be plucked off at any time anddried indoors on a piece of clean paper ora nonmetallic screen. Fresh flowers areuseful, too, and in fact are a strongeroption for use in skin rinses and againstintestinal parasites, but the dried flowershave a much more pleasant flavor.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: In casesof nervous stomach problems and gas,look to catnip, fennel, and bee balm.Chamomile combines well with calendu-la, juniper leaves, or uva ursi in anti-inflammatory skin rinses. For irritablebowel, diarrhea, and other gastric disor-ders, consider plantain, slippery elm, andmarshmallow. For inflammatory urinarytract problems, chamomile combineswith corn silk, plantain, uva ursi, whiteoak bark, couch grass, and marshmal-low. For use against worms, chamomilecan be combined at a 4:1 ratio (fourparts chamomile to one part other herb)with garlic, Oregon grape, organicallyraised goldenseal, wormwood, or blackwalnut hulls.

Cautions and Comments: Chamomileis, without doubt, one of the safest herbsin existence, but some animals (andhumans too) are extremely allergic to thisplant and its relatives. Always check forsensitivity before feeding this herb byapplying a small amount of the prepara-tion to an animal’s skin. Then if no reac-tions are observed, feed just a drop or twoand watch for any changes in your animal.

Studies suggest that excessive use ofchamomile during pregnancy mayincrease fetus reabsorption and inhibitfetus growth in some animals.

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CHAPARRALLarrea tridentata Caltrop Family

Appearance: Chaparral (also common-ly known as creosote bush) is the pre-dominant low-desert shrub of the U.S.Southwest. The abundance of this shrubalmost makes a description of it unneces-sary, as many who live or travel betweenthe Pacific Ocean and inland states of theSouthwest invariably find themselveswithin what seems to be an endlessexpanse of these ancient plants. But, forthose who are unfamiliar with the plant,chaparral is the chest-high to 10-feet-talldark green bush with spindly wind-whipped branches, which contributes tothe highway hypnosis we all suffer whiledriving to and from Las Vegas. The leavesare tiny (1⁄8 inch long) and have a greasy-leathery texture. The bark is reddishbrown toward the base of the plant andprogressively lighter (to almost white) onthe smaller limbs. Flowers are minuteand yellow, developing into oddly fuzzyseed-bearing capsules. Chaparral is oneof the oldest living inhabitants of ourplanet, with some individual plants esti-mated to be over ten thousand yearsold!

Habitat and Range: Profusely abun-dant from the deserts of central Texaswestward through the southern half ofNew Mexico and Arizona to the desertsof southern California and Nevada.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Chaparraloften blooms according to precipitation.Generally, this occurs any time fromMarch through May.

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, fruits

Primary Medicinal Activities: Inhibitsbacterial reproduction (bacteriostatic),

antifungal, kills certain types of amoeba(amoebicidal), antioxidant, helps withblood cleansing

Strongest Affinities: Skin, blood, liver

Preparation: A decoction is used exter-nally as a skin and coat rinse or as aningredient in salves and ointments. Forsmall animals, the fomentation methodof application is strongly advised (seechapter 1) because this form of prepara-tion allows the active constituents of theherb to remain on the body longer andprohibits the animal from licking off thedecoction. Salves or ointments that con-tain a large percentage of chaparralshould also be kept out of the mouth ofthe animal. For horses or other large ani-mals, this is less of an issue, especially ifthe decoction is applied to portions ofthe body that are beyond reach of theanimal’s mouth.

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Because this plant is naturallydesigned to resist harsh desert elements,it is poorly soluble in water. Therefore,decoctions and alcohol-based tincturesare the best methods of extraction forthis plant.

Common Uses: American Indians ofthe Southwest have used this plant forcenturies—for everything from theinternal treatment of tumors andhepatic (liver) diseases to topical skintreatments, including sunscreen, forthemselves and their animals. Today,herbalists use the plant as a strongbacteriostatic and antioxidant agent in the treatment of blood and liver disorders. However, recent scientificresearch and documented incidentshave raised both hope and concern.

Some studies have shown thatchemical constituents in chaparral mayinhibit the growth of cancerous cells,while others have shown exactly theopposite. And recently, a few accountsof serious liver damage (in humans)have been attributed to this herb.Many theories as to why this plant maysuddenly be harming us after hundredsof years of safe medicinal use. One the-ory is that perhaps humanity andchaparral are evolving away from oneanother. Nevertheless, thousands ofpeople still use chaparral on a dailybasis, and it remains a popular herbalmedicine in natural products marketsworldwide.

In animals, chaparral has been shownto have strong antifungal, antibacterial,and, remarkably, amoebicidal proper-ties. The constituent believed to beresponsible for most of chaparral’smedicinal activity is a lignan compoundknown as nordihydroguaiaretic acid(NDGA). Nordihydroguaiaretic acid maybe effective in treating various forms ofamebiasis, including Entamoeba histolyt-

ica, an amoeba that can be passed fromhumans to the digestive tracts of dogs(but rarely to other animals) and causesacute or chronic colitis characterized bypersistent diarrhea. It has also beenproven effective against Salmonella,Streptococcus, Phylococcus aureus, Baci-llus subtilis, and various other pathogensand molds. Unfortunately, chaparral’stoxicity prohibits it from most internaluses. But its remarkable antimicrobialproperties make it an excellent broad-spectrum topical agent that is as usefulfor the animal handler as it is for the ani-mal receiving care.

Used as a hand rinse before and afterhandling animals who may be carryingSalmonella or other transmittablepathogens or as a rinse applied prior tohandling animals who are prone to infec-tion from human-carried pathogens, adecoction of chaparral serves an effectivetwo-way adjunct to soap and water. Forexternal treatment of fungal infections ofthe hooves, nails, or skins of various largeand small animals, chaparral is amongthe first herbs to try. Just remember,keep chaparral from going into the ani-mal’s digestive tract.

Availability: Available through herbretailers; profusely available in the lowdesert regions of the southwestern U.S.and Mexico.

Propagation and Harvest: In aridregions, chaparral can be transplantedinto the garden as a slow-growing land-scape shrub. The leaves, twigs, and flow-ers can be harvested any time.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For anti-bacterial skin rinses, bee balm, chamomile,sage, thyme, or rosemary can be used. Fortreatment of psoriasis and other inflamma-tory skin disorders, chaparral combineswell with calendula or aloe.

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Cautions and Comments: Ingestionof any form of this plant in large enoughquantities may lead to liver damage. Forthis reason, it is a good idea to take extrameasures to assure that your animal doesnot lick off external applications of chap-arral after they are applied. Therefore,we recommend that you wrap dogs,cats, and other small animals in a towelafter a skin rinse has been applied.

CHICKWEEDStellaria media Pink Family

Appearance: Common chickweed is aweak-stemmed sprawling annual that iscommonly found in lush, low-growingmats or entangled in other growth(oftentimes in rose beds). Chickweedexhibits a unique characteristic thatmakes it easy to differentiate from alllook-alikes: a line of minute hairs runs uponly one side of the stem; switchingsides at each pair of leaves. Oppositeleaves may grow to 11⁄2 inches and rangein shape from broadly lance shaped tooval but always have distinct points attheir tips. Flowers are small (1⁄4 inchacross) and white with five petals thatare clefted at their tips to give the falseappearance of ten petals. Chickweedblooms continuously, each time drop-ping its seeds as it continues its sprawl.

Habitat and Range: Chickweed inhab-its moist meadows, ravines, and dis-turbed areas throughout all of NorthAmerica, from the Brooks Range ofAlaska to all points southward.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualthat blooms and free-seeds itself contin-uously throughout growth

Parts Used: Freshly harvested leaves,flowers, and stems

Primary Medicinal Activities: Sooth-ing to the skin; lubricates, soothes, andprotects internal mucous membranes(demulcent), diuretic, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Skin and diges-tive tract

Preparation: Fresh whole plant, freshjuice of the plant, water or oil infusion,salves, ointments. If you have access to ajuicer, try this: Juice enough of the freshplants to fill an ice-cube tray (preferablya stainless steel one), then freeze it. If thetray is stored in a resealable bag and keptin a freezer, the frozen juice cubes keepsfor about three months. Individual cubescan be thawed and the juice used asneeded, internally or externally.

Common Uses: Whether for human oranimal purposes, chickweed is a safe, deli-cious resource for providing soothing,

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cooling relief for virtually any form ofminor irritation. Internally, chickweed actsto soothe, protect, and mildly lubricatethe upper digestive tract. Fed in its entirefresh form, it is useful for relieving minoresophageal irritations, such as thosecaused by something Rover ate that hadrough edges, or even a minor bite or stingthat Godzilla the iguana suffered fromsnapping at an insect with bad manners.Chickweed can also be fed to dogs or catsas a source of lubrication and lightroughage that may assist in the expulsionof hair balls. For mild cases of stomachupset that are believed to be the result ofan irritated stomach lining or for a mildcase of colitis, fresh chickweed or chick-weed juice is indicated as a mild first aidtonic for dogs, cats, and horses or anyother herbivore. If chickweed is not astrin-gent or mucilaginous enough to bringrelief, the therapy can be progressively“upgraded” by using stronger herbs.Chickweed is nutritious and an excellentnutritive and digestive tonic for birds.Chickweed poultices are useful for coolingand soothing minor burns and skin irrita-tions, particularly when associated withitching and dryness.

Availability: Chickweed grows justabout everywhere in the world. If youcannot find a wild source, many special-ty seed catalogs now carry the seed.Don’t bother with the dried herb you arelikely to find in the marketplace—it justisn’t the same!

Propagation and Harvest: Becausechickweed is a vigorous free-seeder,transplanting it into the garden is as easyas grabbing a handful of the plants andspreading them on a moist flower bed.Give your chickweed plenty of water,rich soil, and at least four hours of shadeeach day, and it will likely be at yourservice forever. Although this plant likes

to sprawl, its delicate (and delicious)nature seldom poses a problem to theweed-weary gardener.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Aloe juiceor gel is a better option for burns andirritations of the skin. In salves and oint-ments, chickweed combines nicely withcalendula or Saint-John’s-wort. For casesof gastrointestinal irritation that will notrespond to chickweed’s gentle nature,slippery elm, plantain, or marshmallowshould be considered.

Cautions and Comments: Generally,chickweed is considered to be a safemedicinal food plant—it can be fed tomost animals in whatever quantities theydesire. Large quantities of chickweed,however, can have a laxative effect.Always keep in mind that some animalsmay be allergic to chickweed. Perhapsthe most important thing to considerwith the use of this plant is that it oftenlives among hated weeds that have beensubjected to herbicides, and it is fre-quently found in waste areas that aresubject to various contaminants.

CLEAVERSGalium aparine Madder Family

Appearance: The Galium genus islarge and widespread, with no fewerthan thirteen species in the PacificNorthwest alone. Species can be divid-ed into two general groups: perennialand annual. In essence, the annual vari-eties are sprawlers and climbers, oftenforming ground-covering mats withmuch weaker taproots and more deli-cate stems and leaves than perennialspecies. All Galium plants have squarestems and slender leaves that grow inwhorled clusters like bicycle spokes oftwo to eight leaves, depending on the

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species. Flowers are small and white togreenish in color. Galium aparine (seephoto) is a widely distributed annualvariety that has earned most of theattention of the herb market because ofits delicate, aromatic, and readily watersoluble nature. It has earned the com-mon names of “cleavers” and “tangle-weed” because of the thousands ofinfinitesimal, reversed hooks on theangles of its stems. These tiny hooksenable the plant to cling to just aboutanything in a fashion similar to the waystatic-charged hair clings to clothing.This allows cleavers to reproduce effec-tively because the delicate seed-bearingfoliage is easily uprooted and carriedaway by passersby. Perennial varietiessuch as northern bedstraw (G. boreale)do not share this unique characteristic.

Habitat and Range: Cleavers (G.aparine) and most other annual varietiesprefer moist habitats and are commonlyfound growing in shaded ravines andalong streams. Northern bedstraw (G.boreale) and other perennial species cantolerate a much wider diversity of habi-tats and are commonly found along roadmargins and in dry, sunny areas. Bothcleavers and northern bedstraw are com-mon throughout North America andmost of the Northern Hemisphere, up toabout 6,000 feet in elevation.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Annual orperennial (depending on species). MostGalium spp. bloom in early to midsummer.

Parts Used: Entire fresh plant

Primary Medicinal Activities: Tonic,helps with blood cleansing, diuretic, astrin-gent, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds

Strongest Affinities: Lymph system,urinary tract, skin

Preparation: Juice, tincture, or tea ofthe fresh plant

Common Uses: Herbalists have longregarded cleavers as a valuable lymphat-ic tonic. In essence, the lymph system isresponsible for “washing” body tissues.Throughout the body, lymph is passedacross capillary barriers to remove wastematerials from healthy cell communities.The lymph is then returned to the blood-stream, where in a properly functioningbody it is cleaned of waste material bythe liver and kidneys. The waste then(hopefully) leaves the body via the usualurinary and digestive outlets.

Cleavers is used in virtually any condi-tion that is characterized by general orlocalized swelling or in situations wherelymphatic circulation has been impairedby the formation of scar tissue, ulceration,or infection. Although the activities ofcleavers are subtle, the herb is believed to

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increase circulation of lymph in impairedareas of the body through dilation ofsmall, almost cellular-level capillaries. Thiswould explain the remarkable ability ofcleavers in helping speed the healing ofgastric ulcers and the herb’s long-standingreputation for aiding drainage of lymph-engorged cysts, tumors, and inflamed tis-sues of the urinary tract. In addition to itslymphatic qualities, cleavers lends mildastringent activities to its job of relievinginflammations of the upper digestive andurinary tracts. In cats, these activities makecleavers a safe long-term aid in the treat-ment of feline lower urinary tract disease(FLUTD), also known as feline urinary syn-drome (FUS), and the herb may also beuseful for chronic low-grade kidneyinflammation.

Because cleavers is thought to increaselymphatic flow throughout body tissues, itmay be useful as an alterative therapy inthe treatment of various skin disorders.From a holistic perspective, skin problemssuch as psoriasis and eczema are usuallythe result of poor elimination of systemicwaste. Instead of being “washed” out bythe lymph system, “filtered” by the liverand kidneys, and eliminated from thebody, the waste materials build up in thebody, resulting in diseases such asrheumatoid arthritis and conditions suchas flaky, oily, or itchy skin. By improvinglymphatic circulation, a critical level of sys-temic waste management is assisted.

Although relatively little scientificresearch has been done to validate theseclaims, its long history of use and safe trackrecord make cleavers a worthwhile tonicfor those who are willing to accept naturalhealing based on anecdotal evidence. Atypical starting dose of the glycerin tincturefor dogs, cats, birds, and other animals is0.5–1.0 milliliter per 50 pounds of the ani-mal’s body weight, twice daily. Horses, rab-bits, and other herbivores can be fed thefresh herb in their daily meals.

Availability: Cleavers is a commonwild plant throughout most of theNorthern Hemisphere. It is available invarious forms at local herb retailers, butremember that the dried herb (or anypreparation of the dried herb) is inferiormedicine compared to the fresh plant.If you plan to purchase a commercialpreparation of cleavers, check the labelto make sure that it was produced fromthe fresh plant—otherwise, you mightbe buying an expensive but powerlessherb. Fresh plant tinctures, in our opin-ion, is the best choice.

Propagation and Harvest: A fewspecialty seed catalogs offer cleavers (G.aparine) seed, and many nurseries sellstarts of “sweet woodruff,” a genericterm for any variety of perennial Galiumspp. sold as bedding plants. While thesecultivars likely possess medicinal attrib-utes, exactly how they measure up tothe “herbalist-approved” G. aparine isunknown.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For prob-lems involving the lymphatic system,cleavers combines with calendula, echi-nacea, or astragalus. For skin and liverproblems, cleavers is best if combinedwith alterative, diuretic, and liver-strengthening and stimulating herbs—dandelion, burdock, Oregon grape, milkthistle, and yellow dock should be con-sidered. For treatment of tumors,cleavers is traditionally combined withred clover, licorice, violet, or aloe. Forurinary tract problems, check out cornsilk, marshmallow, and couch grass asalternatives or adjuncts.

Cautions and Comments: Cleavers isa safe herb. No contraindications havebeen noted with animal or human use,although allergic reaction is a possibilityto consider before feeding.

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COLTSFOOTPetasites and Sunflower FamilyTussilago species

Appearance: The common name ofcoltsfoot is shared by two distinctly dif-ferent genera, Tussilago and Petasites.The classic Old World coltsfoot is T. far-fara, a European native that produceslight yellow, dandelion-like flowers andleaves proportionately large and heartshaped. The Petasites genus, on theother hand, produces its flowers on aleafless stem before the leaves fullydevelop. Five species of Petasites inhabitNorth America, while T. farfara is strictly anaturalized import here. Both genera ofcoltsfoot are equally valuable as medi-cines. For the purposes of identifyingvarieties native to North America, wefocus on the Petasites clan of coltsfoot.

The flowers of Petasites are generallydrab and featherlike, ranging in colorfrom white to light purple, and are pre-sented in a cluster at the top of the plant.Leaves vary in shape according tospecies, from triangular (P. frigidus and P.nivalis) or narrowly arrow shaped (P. sag-itatta), to broadly oval shaped with deeppalmate (resembling a hand with the fin-gers spread) lobes (P. palmatus). The 3-to 10-inch-wide leaves are presented onlong leaf stems that extend directly fromthick, creeping rootstocks and are darkgreen on their upper surfaces and lightergreen and feltlike on their undersides.

Habitat and Range: Coltsfoot requiresconsistent moisture at its feet and is usu-ally found along streams, in wet mead-ows, and on shaded road margins, par-ticularly where water seepage is contin-uous. Several species of Petasites rangein forested areas from Alaska southwardto California and eastward across thenorthern half of North America. The

European variety of coltsfoot (T. farfara)has escaped cultivation in the northeast-ern portions of the U.S., where it enjoyssimilar habitat characteristics.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Late Marchto early June

Parts Used: Leaves and stems of themature plant

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expect-orant, eases cough spasms (antispasmod-ic), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial

Strongest Affinities: Lungs and upperrespiratory tract

Preparation: Water infusion (tea), tinc-ture, or syrup

Common Uses: People have been usingcoltsfoot for hundreds of years in the

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treatment of respiratory ailments rang-ing from chest colds to whoopingcough, asthma, and viral pneumonia.Coltsfoot has long been regarded as afirst choice for relieving the rawness andpain of unproductive spasmodic coughs.It is soothing because of its mucilage,and the ingredient petasin acts as anantispasmodic and nerve sedative for thebronchial rings and pulmonary receptorsin the lungs.

Coltsfoot is useful in easing the dis-comforts of respiratory infections thatare characterized by dry cough or seem-ingly immobile accumulations of thickphlegm in the bronchi. We find it partic-ularly useful for tracheobronchitis indogs (specifically kennel cough), espe-cially when combined with anti-viralherbs such as licorice. Preparations of T.farfara have been shown to inhibitBordetella pertussis, a bacterial compo-nent of the kennel cough malady, as wellas various other strains of gram-negativebacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus,Proteus hauseri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Proteus vulgaris. All of this makescoltsfoot useful as a respiratory disinfec-tant, expectorant, and cough suppres-sant in a wide variety of different ani-mals—plus it acts in a holistic manner.

Many forms of cough suppressants(including wild cherry bark) simply sup-press the body’s efforts to heal itself byacting upon the brain to block thebody’s cough response mechanisms.Coltsfoot, on the other hand, gentlyassists the body in its efforts to clearinvading microbes out of the upper res-piratory tract.

Glycerin tinctures are the idealform of administration of this herb. Agood starting dosage for most ani-mals is 0.5–1.5 milliliters (or about 1⁄3teaspoon) per 20 pounds of an ani-mal’s body weight, two to three timesa day.

Availability: Although coltsfoot is cur-rently under FDA scrutiny and will likelybe labeled as “unsafe for internal use,”the tincture or dried herb remains wide-ly available through herb retailers.

Propagation and Harvest: Coltsfoot(both Tussilago and Petasites) can bepropagated in a garden if given ampleshade and rich, consistently moist,slightly acidic soil. This winter-hardyplant does best in a cool climate.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For deepcoughs and bronchial congestion, colts-foot may be combined with mullein,horehound, licorice, or elecampane. Forrespiratory infections that are believed tobe bacterial or fungal in origin, coltsfootcan be boosted with echinacea, Oregongrape, bee balm, or thyme. For respira-tory viruses, licorice and echinacea aregood adjuncts.

Cautions and Comments: Coltsfootcontains PAs. The PA content of coltsfoot isabout one-third of that contained in com-frey (Symphytum spp.), and most of thiscompound is contained in the plant’sflowers, not the leaves and stems. Whatthis means is that the PA content of colts-foot is really quite low. Nevertheless, it cancause harm if it is used in absence of com-mon sense. For more on pyrrolizidine alka-loids (PAs), see “Comfrey.”

COMFREYSymphytum officinale Borage Family

Appearance: Comfrey is a robust plantwith coarsely textured, broadly lance-shaped leaves that may exceed a foot inlength at the base of the plant andbecome progressively smaller toward thetop of the plant. The leaves and hollowstalk of the plant are covered with bristly

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hairs that tend to irritate human skin.The downy tubular flowers are presentedamong the small upper leaves in droop-ing clusters and are usually a shade ofpink or purple but are sometimes whiteor pale yellow. Large plants may reach 3or more feet in height and multiply vig-orously by continuous root division,sometimes forming their own sort ofhedgelike clump. Symphytum upland-icum (Russian comfrey) may grow inexcess of 6 feet tall.

Habitat and Range: Over thirty-fivespecies of Symphytum are in cultivationworldwide, most having originated fromEurope and western Asia. In NorthAmerica, common comfrey (S. officinale)and Russian comfrey (S. uplandicum) arethe most common garden varieties.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms from early spring to late fall

Parts Used: All aboveground parts

Primary Medicinal Activities: Healswounds; anti-inflammatory; astringent;lubricates, soothes, and protects internalmucous membranes; expectorant

Strongest Affinities: Skin, digestivetract, respiratory tract

Preparation: Water or oil infusion,poultice, salve, fomentation

Common Uses: Where does one startwith an herb that has had such a rich his-tory as a healing device? Comfrey tradi-tionally has been used for everythingfrom mastitis in goats to cancer inhumans. Virtual libraries of scientificresearch and anecdotal records havebeen compiled over the centuries tosubstantiate, deny, or otherwise arguecomfrey’s value and safety as an herbal

medicine. Most of what you may haveheard about this plant extends to ani-mals (especially mammals), includingtoxicity issues, and almost everyonewho has lived around horses, goats,sheep, llamas, and a comfrey patchknows how valuable this plant is.

Comfrey is among the first herbs toconsider in the topical treatment ofburns, skin ulcerations, abrasions, lacera-tions, flea and other insect bites, or justabout any other irritation. Likewise, apoultice, salve, or infusion of the leavescan be applied directly to bruises, frac-tures, sprains, and other closed-tissueinjuries. Most of the healing effects areattributable to allantoin, a compoundthat has been shown in several studies tospeed cell reproduction, both inside andoutside of the body. In fact, manyherbalists have found that comfrey worksso well at speed-healing injuries that it

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can actually seal bacteria into the site ofan open wound. To prevent this fromhappening, a strong antibacterial herbsuch as Oregon grape, thyme, usnea, orSaint-John’s-wort should be added toany comfrey preparation that is intendedfor open wounds, especially burns. Inaddition to its cell-proliferation activity,comfrey’s mucilaginous nature providesa soothing, lubricating, and protectivebarrier to the skin and inflammations ofthe digestive tract. Comfrey also con-tains rosmarinic acid and several othercompounds that have been shown tocontribute anti-inflammatory, analgesic,and astringent qualities to its list of heal-ing attributes.

For external treatment of closedinjuries, skin ulcers, or mastitis, you canmake a poultice or fomentation from thefresh or dried leaves and apply to theaffected area. If you have access to freshcomfrey leaves, wrap a handful in a cleantowel, then place the towel into a bowlof boiling water. Allow it to soak until thewater just begins to turn green, thenremove the towel and leaves andsqueeze the excess water from the towelback into the bowl. After allowing thefomentation to cool slightly, apply thewarm compress to the affected area.With horses and other large animals, thismight require you to secure the com-press onto a swollen limb with a strip ofgauze or a clean piece of fabric torn fromsome old clothing. Leave the compresson for as long as possible—preferablyeight hours or more. The extra “comfreytea” that you squeezed back into thebowl can be applied to the compressfrom time to time and allowed to soakthrough to where it is needed. In cases ofmastitis or other ailments where a fixedcompress is not practical, an ointment orsalve is a better option. If neither of thesepreparations is available, try making astrong tea of the leaves (fresh leaves are

always superior to dried) and rinsing theentire area with the lukewarm liquid sev-eral times per day.

Internal use of comfrey has become acontroversial issue and is strongly dis-couraged by the FDA, though millions ofpeople have been using this herb safelyand effectively in their animals (andthemselves) for centuries. As is true formany other herbs, the safe use of com-frey is measured by moderation andcommon sense.

For treatment of colitis, stomachulcers, or just about any other inflamma-tion of the digestive tract, a handful ofthe fresh leaves or 2–3 ounces of thedried leaves can be fed directly to horsesand other large herbivores on a dailybasis for up to two weeks. For dogs andcats, 1⁄2–1 teaspoon of the dried herb foreach pound of food fed should be oftherapeutic benefit.

Comfrey is traditionally used forbronchitis and other respiratory ail-ments that are relieved by its soothinganti-inflammatory nature. A cooled teaserves this purpose well. Administer 1tablespoon per 20 pounds of the ani-mal’s body weight, twice daily. In allcases of internal use, feeding of com-frey should be limited to occasionalshort-term therapies. By no meansshould comfrey be fed to an animal asa daily food supplement because theplant contains small cumulativeamounts of potentially toxic PAs. Forthe same reason, highly concentratedpreparations such as tinctures orstrong decoctions should not beemployed internally.

Availability: Any nursery that carriesherb plants has access to comfrey. Thedried herb and various salves, ointments,and other preparations containing com-frey are available through health foodretailers and herb stores.

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Propagation and Harvest: Comfreycan be easily started from root cuttings.It grows in just about any soil and ishardy as far north as central Canada. Thebiggest plants, though, are found in rich,deep, moist soil with a pH level in the range of 6 to 7.5. Once established,comfrey needs little attention. In fact, itsrambunctious growth will amaze you.We live in an area of Montana that has ascant one hundred-day growing seasonand winter temperatures that mayplunge to –40°F, yet our comfrey (whichgrows from beneath the foundation ofthe house) can be divided into multiplenew starts at least twice per year!

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For exter-nal applications, comfrey combines espe-cially well with calendula, chamomile,aloe, Saint-John’s-wort, or bee balm. Forgastric disorders, comfrey combines withcleavers, calendula, catnip, or chamomile.

Cautions and Comments: The issuesof toxicity that have haunted comfrey inrecent years have become a major sub-ject of frustration for herbalists, a sourceof apprehension and political ammuni-tion for opponents of herbal medicine,and a wealth of misinformation, confu-sion, and fear for the casual herb user.While the FDA and other protectiveagencies are doing their jobs as best theycan during a major health care revolu-tion—and it is not our intent to criticizethem—most herbalists agree that com-frey has received an undeserved bad rep-utation. The FDA has banned the sale ofcomfrey for internal use, but in thou-sands of years of use by millions of peo-ple, only two reports of hepatotoxicityhave been documented in humans.

Indeed, comfrey contains PAs, whichare known to cause liver damage or can-cer if ingested in large enough quanti-ties. Most of the concern surrounding

these alkaloids, however, comes fromstudies or cases where the alkaloids wereisolated from the rest of the plant’s chem-istry and then fed or injected into test ani-mals in quantities or concentrations hun-dreds of times greater than those thatwould occur in nature. Common sensedictates that anything ingested in over-abundance is potentially toxic, but giventhe fact that the PA content in a freshcomfrey leaf amounts to only about 0.3percent of its total chemistry, the averagehorse would need to eat several hundredpounds of the leaves each day before anytoxic effects would be observed! Coffeecontains over one dozen potentially toxicalkaloids—so does chocolate. However,the real threat from PAs comes from thefact that these alkaloids may accumulatein the body, perhaps to toxic levels, ifused continually over a long period.Therefore, if you plan to use comfrey orany other herb that contains PAs in aninternal application, do so with modera-tion and only for short periods. Don’tuse comfrey in pregnant or lactatinganimals or in animals with preexistingliver disease. Also, keep in mind thatthe PA content of the root is ten timesgreater than that of the fresh leaves;therefore, the root shouldn’t be usedinternally. On the other hand, the PAcontent of the dried leaves, the form inwhich comfrey is most readily availablein the marketplace, is practically nil.

CORN SILKZea mays Grass Family

Appearance: We’re sorry if you wereexpecting something other than theobvious here, but the corn silk we’rereferring to is simply the hairlike pollen-receiving portion of a corn stalk, the partmost of us throw away first when wepeel an ear of corn.


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Habitat and Range: Farms and gar-dens throughout the world

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualthat blooms in early summer. The “silk”develops just as the plant is beginning toform cobs.

Parts Used: Silk

Primary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic;lubricates, soothes, and protects inter-nal mucous membranes; anti-inflamma-tory, stimulates the liver (cholagogue),astringent

Strongest Affinities: Genitourinarytract, including the kidneys

Preparation: A low-alcohol (less than25 percent alcohol) tincture or an infu-sion (tea) of the fresh silk is preferable.The dried silk may be used if it is fresh,but it is not as potent as silk that hasbeen recently pulled from the plant.

Common Uses: First and foremost,corn silk is indicated wherever chronicinflammation exists in any portion ofthe urinary tract or kidneys. It is specifi-cally indicated in FLUTD, where it servesto reduce inflammation without caus-ing added irritation to the kidneys.Unlike many other diuretic and astrin-gent herbs used to increase urine out-put by means of kidney irritation, cornsilk does not contain harsh volatile oilsthat may compound the problems ofinflammatory kidney disease. Therefore,it is useful for improving kidney func-tion during early onset kidney failure orfor helping with the reduction of painand inflammation in the passing of kidney or bladder stones (especiallywhen combined with marshmallow).The astringency factor of corn silk isenough to tighten and strengthen the

lining of the bladder and the smooth-muscle tissues of the urinary tract, mak-ing the herb useful in some cases ofchronic urinary incontinence, but it isnot strong enough to effectively stopacute cases of bleeding or inflamma-tion. So, corn silk is best remembered asa long-term medicine for chronic uri-nary problems. Corn silk has beenshown to lower blood pressure andblood sugar levels and to possess chola-gogue and diuretic activities in labora-tory animals. All of these activities serveas clues as to why corn silk is especiallyeffective as a general kidney tonic.

The effectiveness of fresh silk over driedcannot be overstated, and the best meth-ods of administration involve the directfeeding of the herb in a low-alcohol liquidbase (a strong tea is ideal). Dosage is diffi-cult to generalize because of the variablenature of genitourinary diseases. But a safestarting point is to use 1 milliliter (about30 drops or so, or 1⁄4 teaspoon) of the low-alcohol tincture per 20 pounds of the ani-mal’s body weight, twice daily. If the tinc-ture is alcohol-free, it can be administereddirectly into the mouth. If not, it should beno more than 25 percent alcohol andshould then be further diluted with at leastan equal amount of water.

To make a tea of the fresh silk, chop itas finely as possible, then steep a heapingtablespoon of the herb in near-boilingwater until the mixture cools. After the teais strained, it can be fed to the animal—1⁄4cup (if possible) per 20 pounds of bodyweight, twice daily. Many herbivores enjoyeating corn silk. This is fine, but rememberthat if you want to get an optimumamount of the herb into your animal’s uri-nary tract, it really needs to be adminis-tered as a liquid.

Availability: Finding dried corn silk iseasy and several manufacturer’s pro-vide extracts of this herb, but if you

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want fresh corn silk, you might have toplant some corn in your herb garden.If you have access to organically raisedfresh corn at your local health foodstore, you can use the silk from this.However, nonorganic sources of cornsilk should be avoided because the silkhas likely been sprayed with a pesti-cide. Corn silk should look fresh, juicy,and colorful. If it has turned brown,much of its medicinal activity hasdiminished.

Propagation and Harvest: Corn iseasy to grow, and dozens of varietiesare available to suit virtually any set ofgrowing conditions. (We live at an ele-vation of 5,500 feet in Montana, andeven we can grow corn.) Harvest yourcorn before the silk turns brown—usual-ly in early summer. If you want to eatthe corn, make sure that it has anopportunity to receive pollen from thetassels of the plants for at least a weekbefore you harvest, otherwise your cobswill have no kernels. Plan to use yourfresh silk immediately. Cooled corn silktea can be stored in the refrigerator forabout a week—a glycerin tincture keepsfor at least a year if kept refrigerated.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Forchronic urinary tract inflammation,corn silk combines well with couchgrass, calendula, or cleavers. If infec-tion is evident, add echinacea, Oregongrape, yarrow, or thyme. For urinaryincontinence, read about Saint-John’s-wort, ginkgo, and uva ursi. To helppass kidney stones, try a half-and-halfcombination of corn silk and marsh-mallow. For use as a kidney tonic, cornsilk combines with marshmallow,hawthorn, ginkgo, or goldenrod. Foruse in FLUTD, corn silk combines withcouch grass, echinacea, marshmallow,and horsetail.

Cautions and Comments: Corn silk isknown to be safe, but this herb is actu-ally the pollen-receiving part of theplant. It stands to reason that animalswith pollen allergies may have adversereactions to corn silk. Corn silk hasbeen shown to stimulate uterine con-tractions in rabbits and thereforeshould be used with caution (if at all) inpregnant animals.

COUCH GRASSAgropyron repens Grass Family

Appearance: If you are a gardener, youprobably already know, and hate, thisplant by the name quack grass. Couchgrass (pronounced “cooch grass” in muchof Europe, its native birthplace and medic-inal origin) is a profusely common weed inNorth America. To the untrained eye,Agropyron repens looks like every other

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waist-high wild grass—with perhaps themost distinctive exception displayed by itsleaves. Each leaf, or blade, of couch grasslooks as though somebody pinched acrimp in it 1 or 2 inches away from the tip.While this does not serve as a definitivemeans of identification, it provides a goodpoint from which you can begin theprocess of ruling out look-alike grasses inyour area, one species at a time. If youwish to gather this plant for medicinal use,find some samples of what you thinkmight be couch grass, and then take themto your county extension agent, abotanist, or somebody else who can iden-tify grasses. Unless you are experienced atusing a botanical key (a scientific referenceused to identify plants through recogni-tion of their taxonomic features), identify-ing couch grass is hit or miss. Fortunately,the look-alike grasses are not toxic—butthey’re probably not medicinal.

Habitat and Range: Couch grass isnative to the Mediterranean area. It nowmakes itself at home virtually everywhereon earth. In North America, expect tofind it in areas where livestock grazing,farming, or other human-related activi-ties have delivered the seeds.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An aggres-sive perennial that reproduces by seed orspreading rhizomes (horizontally creep-ing roots)

Parts Used: Rhizomes

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-microbial, astringent, anti-inflammatory,mild diuretic

Strongest Affinities: Urinary tract

Preparation: Tincture or decoction ofthe fresh or freshly dried rhizomes. Usefresh leaves as a dietary supplement.

Common Uses: Historically, many ani-mal lovers have come to know A. repensas dog grass because dogs, cats, andother animals love eating the freshspring leaves of the plant. Our dogs areno exception—we have clumps of doggrass growing in front of our house, andwhenever an opportunity arises (onethat doesn’t interfere with a game ofFrisbee), our dogs both actively graze onthe plants. It’s interesting to watch howthey actually differentiate the couchgrass from other grasses in their intuitivedrive to eat the plants. But even moreinteresting is the way our dogs instinc-tively use this plant to fulfill specialhealth care needs. Specifically, they eatcouch grass to the point of vomiting,and while humans may find this some-what disgusting, an inquisitive herbalistwith a holistically oriented mind canclearly see what the animals are doing.They are either using the grass as adigestive cleansing agent or they arevomiting so they can reingest their stom-ach contents. The latter may be indica-tive of poor nutrient absorption—eatingfood twice, in effect, allows for morecomplete absorption of certain nutrients.

The point is this: if your animal eatsgrass, the grass is likely to fill a nutrition-al or medicinal need, and such activitiesshould not be overlooked when assess-ing your animal’s holistic health—even ifyou do wish to look away and forgetabout it.

As a food, a patch of couch grass pro-vides grazing animals with a rich sourceof vitamins A and B, iron, rough fiber,and silica (for healthy bones, hooves,nails, and coat). But most of the medici-nal value of couch grass is containedwithin the rhizomes of the plant.

Couch grass serves as an excellenttonic and disinfectant for the urinarytract. It is a soothing, anti-inflammatorydemulcent and saponin-based diuretic

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with mild antimicrobial activity. Couchgrass is considered a specific remedy forchronic or acute cases of cystitis and ure-thritis, where the root tea or tincturehelps to reduce inflammation, inhibitbacterial reproduction, and lessen painduring urination. It should be noted thatalthough couch grass has been shown topossess broad antibiotic activity, it maybe too weak to be effective against infec-tions that are already well established. Insuch cases, couch grass should be com-bined with stronger antimicrobial herbssuch as echinacea, thyme, or Oregongrape (or certified organic goldenseal—don’t buy wildcrafted goldensealbecause the plant is at risk of becomingextinct).

As a diuretic, couch grass increasesthe volume of urine by stimulating sodi-um excretion, helping to wash awaywaste materials from the body via thekidneys. This makes couch grass an effec-tive adjunct to a variety of liver-supporting, alterative herbs (such asdandelion or burdock), especially in thetreatment of rheumatism or chronic skinproblems.

The demulcent properties of couchgrass soothe inflammation, so it can alsobe used for kidney stones and gravel.And because couch grass is gentle on thekidneys and seldom irritates the bladderor urethra during long-term use, it is aprimary herb to consider when treatingthe symptoms of FLUTD in cats, a condi-tion that is usually due to factors otherthan infection.

For use in urinary problems, the bestway to administer this herb is in theform of a cooled decoction. Make thedecoction by gently simmering a heap-ing teaspoon of the chopped driedroot, or 2 heaping teaspoons of thechopped fresh root (rhizomes), in 8ounces of water for about twenty min-utes. The decoction can be squirted

directly into the animal’s mouth. A safestarting dose is about a 1⁄2 teaspoon (2–3milliliters) per 20 pounds of the animal’sbody weight, two to three times daily. Ifdirect administration is too difficult, thedose can be added to the animal’sdrinking water. Try to figure out howmuch your animal drinks, then addenough couch grass to meet dosingrequirements. Glycerin or alcohol tinc-tures can be used at half the abovedosage and are best if diluted intowater. Keep in mind that this is a subtleherbal medicine—the needs and sys-temic requirements of the animal youare helping may require several increas-es in dosage over several days or weeksof administration.

Availability: Couch grass is not a pop-ular herb in the U.S. (although it is pop-ular in Europe), and some of the dried

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rhizomes that you find in herb stores areon the verge of becoming useless dust.Fortunately, it grows everywhere. Theonly problem is identifying it amongother weeds and finding the physicalstamina to dig up the stubborn rhi-zomes. If you meet these criteria, youcan easily become a garden hero in yourneighborhood. (On the other hand,everyone may think you’re nuts for actu-ally wanting the weed.) The golden rule:Beware of pesticides. Finding “clean”couch grass is often difficult.

Propagation and Harvest: As far aspropagating couch grass is concerned,go ahead if you don’t mind sacrificingthe engine on your tiller and if you don’tcare if the plant strangles the rest of yourgarden. The rhizomes can be harvestedanytime throughout the growth seasonbut are usually strongest when dug up inthe fall. The best medicines are madefrom the fresh rhizomes, but dried rootsare useful, too, if used within a year ofdigging.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For urinaryinflammations that are secondary to infec-tion, combine with Oregon grape, organi-cally raised goldenseal, thyme, or echi-nacea. For stones or any other cause of uri-nary tract inflammation, marshmallow,corn silk, and plantain are valuableadjuncts. If blood is present in the urine,see your holistic veterinarian—your petneeds stronger measures than couch grass.

Cautions and Comments: No toxicityhas been noted for couch grass, althoughexcessive amounts may lead to vomitingor diarrhea. Always be careful about veri-fying the cleanliness of the sources of thisherb—it is on just about everybody’s“noxious weed” list, and pesticideresidues can remain with the plant for sev-eral years.

DANDELIONTaraxacum officinale Sunflower Family

Appearance: It’s time for all goodherbalists to put their egos aside.Dandelion is actually confused withseveral other species of the sunflowerfamily, and although we may hate toadmit it, many of us have been fooledinto using one of the look-alikes. Theprimary consideration to bear in mindwhen identifying Taraxacum officinaleor any of its hundreds of variations isthis: Dandelion has no branching char-acteristics but instead grows in arosette fashion directly off of its tap-root. And dandelion never has spineson its midrib as does Lactuca serriola(prickly lettuce), which otherwise lookssimilar to dandelion when young.Although dandelion impostors likelywon’t harm you, they won’t offer youdandelion’s benefits, either.

Habitat and Range: A native ofEurope and Asia, dandelion has foundits way onto every continent—exceptmaybe Antarctica.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Dandelionis a perennial that may bloom severaltimes throughout the year. In areaswhere there is severe winter climate,dandelion may appear only as a free-seeding annual.

Parts Used: All parts of the plant areuseful for various applications.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic,stimulates the liver, stimulates salivationand improves digestion (bitter), nutritive,laxative, anti-inflammatory, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Liver, gallblad-der, gastrointestinal tract

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Preparation: Water infusion, decoc-tion, tincture, fresh or dried leaves andflowers

Common Uses: To begin an accurateassessment of dandelion’s deep-reachingmedicinal attributes, we must first puthealing into a whole-body perspective.All higher organisms (including dogs,cats, birds, mice, lizards, goats, andhumans) maintain vital body functionswithin tightly knit parameters of sys-temic cooperation. A precise and bal-anced relationship between nutritionand elimination of waste is a critical partof this cooperation. If a systemic excessor deficiency occurs that the body can-not correct through elimination, supple-mentation, or immune system interven-tion, it will try to compensate by shut-ting down a system or storing wastematerials wherever it can. In otherwords, a state of “dis-ease” results. Enterthe dandelion.

Dandelion is one of the most com-plete plant foods on earth. A 1-cup serv-ing of fresh dandelion greens provides asmuch as 2,000 international units (IU) ofvitamin A (one and a half times the rec-ommended daily allowance [RDA] for anadult human); 20 percent protein (bycontent, that’s double what spinach pro-vides); vitamins C, K, D, and B complex;iron, manganese, phosphorus, and manyother trace minerals; and an especiallyrich supply of potassium. All of these vitalnutrients are conveniently containedwithin a single source in quantities thatthe body can fully absorb. This meansthat dandelion can gently supplementa diet without overworking the liverand kidneys with excess vitamins andminerals (which is often signified bydark urine).

Supplementing your companion ani-mal’s diet with dandelion leaf is as sim-ple as drying the greens and crumbling

them onto her food. If your animaldoesn’t like eating dandelion or if youneed to get nutrients into her morequickly, try making a leaf tea usingorganic unsalted vegetable or meatbroth in place of plain water. Plan onfeeding about 1 teaspoon of the driedherb for each 20 pounds of body weightdaily. Horses, llamas, sheep, goats,mules, and other large animals often eatthe greens directly out of their pastures.If they don’t, try hand feeding the greensto them or adding a little molasses. Ifyour animal is sensitive to changes indiet, then start her off with a smallamount of dandelion at a time.

In addition to providing your animalwith many of the nutrients she needs,the leaves have what herbalists call a bit-ter tonic effect: the body’s metabolism is“warmed up” before the digestive sys-tem is forced to go to work. When a

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small amount of a bitter herb is takeninto the mouth, the recipient immediate-ly experiences a sudden increase in sali-vation. As the bitter herb reaches thestomach, bile and other digestive agentsare then triggered into production. Theresult is more efficient digestion,reduced indigestion, better absorptionof nutrients, and increased appetite.Dandelion leaf is particularly useful inanimals who have a chronic problemwith indigestion. If your animal has fre-quent gas or passes food that does notappear digested, get her to chew a freshdandelion leaf while you reconsider herdiet, or apply a few drops of dandeliontincture (an herbal glycerite is mostpalatable) onto her tongue. It does notmatter if the animal doesn’t appear toswallow it; the bitter tonic action is trig-gered in the mouth.

Dandelion is well known amongherbalists as a safe but powerful diureticand liver stimulant. Congestive heart fail-ure, pulmonary edema, arthritis, gallblad-der disease, and kidney stones are allimbalances resulting from the body’sinability to eliminate water or accumulat-ed excesses. In mainstream practices,drugs such as furosemide are often usedto drain off excess fluid from the bodyand thus promote the elimination ofaccumulated waste materials. Pharma-ceutical diuretics are fast acting, easy toadminister, and effective, but while theydo a great job at expelling fluid, they tendnot to discriminate between what thebody needs to keep and what it needs tolose. As a result, the body often loses too much potassium, a crucial heart andbrain nutrient, through urination. In thisevent, potassium must be supplementedthroughout the therapy. Dandelion leaf,on the other hand, contains its own richsource of fully assimilable potassium, anattribute that helps to replace what wouldotherwise be lost through urination.

How effective is dandelion as a diuret-ic? Many contemporary herbalists claimthat dandelion may be as effective as theaforementioned furosemide. The bigtrade-offs, though, are ease of adminis-tration, getting enough of the tea intothe animal to bring about desiredeffects, and the time that it may take fordandelion to start working. Whilefurosemide can be administered in a lit-tle pill, a dandelion therapy involves get-ting your animal to drink warm tea ortake a tincture extract (the broth methodworks nicely). None of this is meant toencourage you to stop the diuretic ther-apy prescribed by your veterinarian. Ifyou wish to seek the dandelion alterna-tive, see a holistic veterinarian first.

While dandelion leaves are nutritiveand diuretic, the root possesses its ownusefulness as a safe, reliable liver tonic.The liver is the primary filtering organ ofthe body; it is responsible for removingtoxins and excesses from the blood forelimination via the kidneys. The liver alsoplays critical roles in digestion throughits production of bile, bilirubin, and vari-ous enzymes. If bile ducts in the liver orgallbladder become congested, blocked,or otherwise diseased to the point ofdysfunction, the body invariably suffersone or more toxicity-related imbalances.Such imbalances may be characterizedby symptoms such as jaundice, rheuma-toid conditions, eczema, dandruff, orchronic constipation. And while dande-lion leaf tea or tincture may do muchtoward relieving the symptoms of suchconditions through a nutritive anddiuretic action, the root will have moreeffect on the underlying causes.

Dandelion root has a well-validatedability to stimulate bile production andcirculation throughout the liver. In onestudy involving dogs, researchersobserved a three to four times increase inbile production after administration of

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dandelion root. The gallbladder, whichstores bile from the liver, is also stimulat-ed, causing this small, hollow organ tocontract and release bile into the diges-tive tract, thus aiding in digestion andacting as a gentle laxative to promotethe elimination of solid waste.

One of the best features about dande-lion root as a liver and gallbladder stimu-lant is its gentle nature. Unlike many chol-agogue herbs, dandelion does not furtherirritate an already inflamed condition. Infact, in clinical studies using an over-the-counter preparation of the root, dandelionwas shown to be effective in treatinginflammatory diseases of the liver and gall-bladder, including gallstones.

The flowers of dandelion are known byherbalists to be high in lecithin and tohave weak but useful analgesic qualities.Their usefulness as a pain reliever stemsfrom the fact that they don’t contain anysalicylates, the alkaloid compounds foundin aspirin that are toxic to cats and may beirritating to the stomach lining. To use theflowers, infuse a generous handful in a cupof near-boiling water. When the water hasdarkened as much as possible, it can becooled and administered with a dropper:30–40 drops per 20 pounds of bodyweight. If this proves to be too difficult foryou and your animal, try drying the flow-ers and sprinkling them on her food. Youshouldn’t expect aspirin-like effectiveness,but this is a mild painkilling option worthconsidering.

Dandelion is perhaps the first herb toconsider when optimized digestion andwaste elimination is a necessary part ofan herbal therapy. In holistic healing, thebody, whether it be human or anotherkind of animal, should not be viewed asa collection of individual body systemsbut as an intricately balanced coopera-tion of relative components. From thisperspective, it is easy to see how dande-lion can serve a positive role in its effort

to help the body at what it is designed to do—stay healthy. The body cannotachieve this goal unless it is able to effec-tively utilize nutrients and eliminatewaste—and dandelion is here to help.

Availability: Everywhere!

Propagation and Harvest: If you wishto propagate dandelion (no, we’re notinsane), give the plants deep humus-richsoil and full sun. Gather dandeliongreens for use in salads in early spring—they get bitter with age. Leaves intendedfor herbal teas and medicines can begathered anytime in dry weather. Wetdandelion leaves tend to develop moldwhile they are drying, so don’t washthem after picking. Shake them off anddry them on newspapers in a well-venti-lated area, away from light. Then stirthem often to prevent molding andstore them in plastic bags only afterthey are completely crispy dry. Gatherthe roots as late in fall as possible; this iswhen they contain the greatest concen-tration of beneficial constituents. Chopthem up (we use a food processor),then spread them onto newspaper anddry with the same consideration yougave to the leaves.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For liverand digestive problems, consider milkthistle, burdock, yellow dock, marshmal-low, chickweed, and Oregon grape aspossible adjuncts or alternatives.

Cautions and Comments: The firstand foremost consideration in using dan-delion as food or medicine is the cleanli-ness of the plants you are using. Alwaysmake sure that the greens you are feed-ing have never been sprayed with herbi-cide. If they ever have, don’t try washingthem. Move on to another patch. Youwon’t have trouble finding more.


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DILLAnethum graveolens Parsley Family

Appearance: A healthy dill plant is anattractive addition to any herb garden.Plants may reach 6 feet in height. The darkgreen finely divided leaves have a delicatefeathery appearance, and the yellowumbel (umbrella-like) flowers are attrac-tive to bees. The entire plant is distinctive-ly aromatic and delicious—just brushingpast one can make your mouth water!

Habitat and Range: Originally a nativeof southeast Europe and southwest Asia,dill is a common resident in herb gar-dens worldwide.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualthat blooms in early to midsummer, dillis successful at reproducing from thecopious quantities of viable seed it pro-duces shortly after blooming.

Parts Used: Foliage, flowers, and seeds

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expelsintestinal gas, soothes the stomach(stomachic), stimulates milk production,antibacterial, diuretic

Strongest Affinities: Digestive tract

Preparation: Feeding of the fresh ordried herb, tea, tincture, poultice

Common Uses: Dill is good for relievingnausea and flatulence, especially whenthese maladies are secondary to a suddenchange in diet—such as when yourpuppy decides to steal a tamale from yourfoolishly unattended dinner plate. Theeffectiveness of dill in this capacity islargely attributable to the plant’s numer-ous volatile oil constituents, which com-bine to cause an antifoaming action in the

stomach, like many over-the-counter anti-gas remedies. The highest concentrationsof these oils are held within the seeds ofthe plant, but the dried leaves and stems(the herb you likely have in the kitchen)can be used too. If your dog is belchingsomething that is suspiciously reminiscentof what was supposed to be your dinnerand the problem appears to be gettingprogressively worse, try direct-feeding2–8 ounces of cooled dill seed tea (1 tea-spoon of dill seed to 8 ounces of water) tothe animal. If your animal doesn’t like theflavor, try adding the tea to her drinkingwater—or, if need be, disguise it as“yummy people food” by making the teawith some clear, unsalted broth instead ofwater. If belching, bloating, or otherforms of indigestion are a problem afterevery feeding, call a holistic veterinarianand reassess your animal’s diet. Thinkholistically—a sprinkling of ground dillseed on your pet’s food may bring aboutsymptomatic relief, but if the condition isongoing, a deeper problem needs to beaddressed.

In addition to providing relief fromexcess gas, dill also possesses antibac-terial qualities that are strong enoughto inhibit bacterial reproduction in themouth but too weak to compromisebeneficial microbes deeper in the diges-tive tract. This makes dill useful fortreating halitosis and the early onset ofgingivitis in dogs and cats. The herb orseeds can be infused and added todrinking water, or a poultice or glycerintincture can be swabbed on the ani-mal’s gum line two or three times daily.

Dill is useful for treating mild tomoderate cases of colic. If they will takeit, horses and other large herbivorescan be fed the seeds or even the entirefresh plant—as much as they need.

Dill seed contains carvone, anetho-furan, and limonene, volatile oils thathave been shown to increase the pro-

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duction of cancer-fighting enzymes(namely, glutathione s-transferase, orGST) in the body. These enzymes reactwith certain types of carcinogenicchemicals, eliminating them from thesystem. While this in itself representsonly a small measure of cancer preven-tion, it makes dill another medicinalfood to consider when custom-tailoringyour animal’s diet plan. While dill con-tains limonene, a substance known torepel fleas, its presence is not largeenough to be of use by itself.

The carvone that dill contains, how-ever, is believed to increase the effective-ness of various other natural insecticides(such as those contained in feverfew oroxeye daisy), making dill a useful adjunctin the never-ending battle against fleas.Dill has a folkloric reputation as a sub-stance that stimulates the production ofmilk in nursing mothers.

Availability: The grocery store or yourfavorite nursery

Propagation and Harvest: Dill is easyto grow from seed or starts and can beseeded in fall for an early spring harvestin areas where winters are harsh. In areaswhere the growing season is long butnot too hot, a continuous self-seedingcrop of dill is not only possible but per-haps inevitable. Harvest the leaves andflowers when they are lush and aromat-ic, the seeds shortly after they haveturned brown, before they begin to fallto the ground. This is best accomplishedby clipping off the entire umbel, thenshaking the seeds into a paper bag.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For gasand other digestive problems, dill com-bines with fennel, parsley seed, or cat-nip. For infections of the mouth, Oregongrape, sage, and thyme are strongeroptions. For bad breath, a combination

of parsley, dill, and peppermint makes anexcellent formula. For fleas, try making askin and coat rinse by combining dill,feverfew flowers, and yarrow into a tea.

Cautions and Comments: Dill is safebut because of its volatile oil con-stituents, dill should be used conserva-tively in pregnant or lactating animals.

ECHINACEAEchinacea spp. Sunflower Family

Appearance: Echinacea, also known aspurple, pink, or white coneflower, is ataprooted perennial that may grow ashigh as 40 inches. Nine species ofEchinacea are native to North America;all have flowers with distinctive conelikecentral disks, with the most commonspecies ranging in color from pale todark purple. The rays of most species

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droop away from the disk when mature.Echinacea purpurea (see photo) is by farthe most widely distributed species inNorth America. For several decades, thisspecies has been popular as a medicinalherb and garden flower. Dozens of vari-eties of E. purpurea have been devel-oped, and it is estimated that the entireworld market supply of this speciescomes from cultivated plants. Severalother species, however, such as E. angus-tifolia and E. pallida are quickly succumb-ing to commercial and environmentalpressures.

Habitat and Range: In the West, echi-nacea is largely an introduced plant.Partial to open plains and woodlands, itsnatural range once extended from east-ern Canada southward into the Ozarksand westward throughout the corn beltstates to the east slopes of the Rockies.Market pressures and continuing loss ofhabitat have eliminated most of the wildstands of echinacea. Its range continuesto shrink, and today only small isolatedpopulations of wild echinacea survivewest of the Missouri River.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms in early to late summer,depending on climate

Parts Used: Most often the root is used.The leaves, stems, and flowers are usefultoo, although they are much weakermedicine.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Immuno-stimulant, antimicrobial

Strongest Affinities: Immune system,lymph system, urinary tract

Preparation: Tincture, decoction, driedand powdered root, or direct feeding ofthe fresh leaves, stems, and flowers

Common Uses: First and foremost,echinacea is an immune-supportingherb—it serves to support intact immunefunctions through stimulatory andstrengthening actions at various levelswithin the body. No single constituentcontained in the root or flowering upperparts of echinacea can be attributed tothe immune-tonifying functions of thisplant. Instead, most herbalists agree thatthe complex structure of this plantshould be viewed as a therapeutic syner-gy of dozens of biochemical influences.However, a few key elements stand outas strong clues to exactly how echinaceaworks.

A great deal of scientific research hasidentified echinacea’s most influentialimmunostimulatory components as anextensive array of caffeic acids, volatileoils, polysaccharides, polyenes,polyines, and isobutylamides. In simplerterms, echinacea’s immunostimulatoryqualities are derived from a wide arrayof chemical compounds that allow theplant to be used in a variety of formswithout sacrificing its effectiveness. Forinstance, while many of the acid con-stituents in echinacea are poorly watersoluble and require a strong alcoholbase to extract them into a tinctureform, the plant’s polysaccharide con-stituents are exactly the opposite—theyare easily extracted into water—and, infact, they are largely destroyed by alco-hol. Since both of these chemicalgroups have been shown to possessvery strong immunostimulatory quali-ties, it would appear that the plant isnaturally designed to accommodate awide variety of metabolic needs.

Echinacea serves to support diseaseresistance in several ways. At the bloodlevel, it accelerates phagocytosis, themeans by which macrophages and otherantibodies attack and remove bacteria.At cellular levels, echinacea helps to

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reduce the production of an enzyme thatbreaks down hyaluronic acid, the com-pound that occurs between cells to bindthem together. Eliminating this enzymeat the onset of an infection is believed tomake body tissues less pervious to invad-ing microbes and, in turn, the invadersmore vulnerable to scavenging antibod-ies that have already been stimulatedinto action. Echinacea has also beenshown to stimulate the lymph system,thus helping the body to eliminate wastematerials from the tissues. And it pos-sesses measurable antimicrobial qualitiesthat assist the body’s fight against infec-tion by intervening with bacteria at thepoint of invasion.

Echinacea’s multidirectional means ofimmune system support, its primaryusefulness, depends on a healthyimmune system. Without a healthy pop-ulation of unencumbered antibodies towork with, echinacea’s capacity to fightinfection is limited to its simple, andless-than-impressive, antiseptic actions.This means that timing is critical to echi-nacea’s effectiveness—this herb shouldbe taken at the first onset of infectioussymptoms, otherwise its activity willamount to a losing battle fought againstmicrobial opponents that have alreadyfortified their positions within the ani-mal’s body.

Learn to recognize minute variancesin your animal’s behavior and feedinghabits. Take extra time to give your pet acursory examination during your dailygrooming session or playtimes, and lookfor anything that may point to the intro-duction of an infection—an inflamedgum, a swollen fleabite, or a slightlyrunny nose may be indicators for theproactive use of echinacea. If you are toolate and an infection has set in, it’s timeto consider calling in some other troopsfrom the herbal army. Don’t despair. Tryboosting echinacea with a small percent-

age of an antiseptic herb such as Oregongrape, usnea, or organically grown gold-enseal. By combining echinacea withabout 10 percent by weight or volume of one of these other herbs, you will be offering a small measure of directantiseptic intervention without compro-mising populations of the beneficialmicrobes the body needs in its fight.Applying antiseptics topically, directlyonto the point of infection, also aids inthe healing effort.

So how much echinacea should yougive, for how long, and in what form?Many people think that the potency ofan echinacea preparation can be deter-mined by the intensity of the tinglingsensation it causes when placed on thetongue. If this is your current method ofjudging echinacea preparations, pleaseabandon it. A great deal of recent andcontinuing research has shown that theisobutylamides responsible for this sen-sation represent only a fragment of echi-nacea’s active constituents and thattheir absence may not affect the overalleffectiveness of echinacea. The more welearn about echinacea, the more com-plex and diverse its medicinal actionsseem to be.

There is no best kind of echinaceapreparation per se. As long as care andquality have gone into its propagation,its harvest, and the manufacture of theend product, all echinacea preparationscontain adequate medicinal constituents.The question of what preparation to useinternally in your animal hinges on howeasy or difficult it is to get a therapeuticquantity into the animal. Echinacea is byno means a good-tasting herb, and itsadministration is complicated by the factthat dogs and cats have short digestivetracks and fast metabolic rates. In theseanimals, the problem isn’t finding apreparation that contains high enoughconcentrations of active constituents but


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finding one that is both palatable andfully assimilable by their short digestivetracts. Cats in particular don’t like alco-hol and the sour tingle that alcoholextracts impart on the tongue. (Theytypically foam at the mouth and some-times act as if you are force-feeding thema vile, poisonous fluid.) Dogs typicallydrink from toilets without complaint andare somewhat less picky, and since gelcapsules often pass directly throughthem undigested, we prefer to use low-alcohol glycerin extracts for our carni-vores. Glycerin-based preparations arelow in tongue-tingling isobutylamidesbut rich in readily available polysaccha-ride constituents, and the sweet taste ofthe vegetable glycerin helps mask theunpleasant flavor of the herb.

Herbivores are naturally designed toefficiently metabolize plant materials;horses, goats, llamas, and other largeanimals can be fed the flowering plants,or dried root can be added to their feed.

Dosage and duration of use varybased upon the needs and individualnuances of the animal, but a conserva-tive rule for dogs and cats is to give12–25 drops of the tincture three timesdaily. Horses, cattle, sheep, and otherlarge animals can be fed a couple ofhandfuls of the dried whole floweringherb per day. Several high-quality pow-dered echinacea preparations are nowavailable for equines and other largeanimals as well. Use them as directedby your veterinarian or as suggested onthe label.

In recent years, a rather heated con-troversy has arisen within the herbalistcommunity concerning how long echi-nacea can be used before the bodybuilds a tolerance to its immune-stimu-lating actions. In a German study con-ducted in 1989, a diminished responseto echinacea was recorded in humansubjects after five to ten days of normal

dose administration. This result raisedquestions of whether echinacea is effec-tive when used over the long term.Closer scrutiny of this study, however,has since led to the conclusion that whileechinacea’s activity does fall off sharplyafter about five days of use, its long-termuse still maintains a level of immune sys-tem activity higher than that observedprior to its initial administration. Manyherbalists believe that breaking the con-tinuity of echinacea use every five to tendays allows for a greater immune boosteach time the therapy is reestablishedafter a two- or three-day respite. Weagree and believe that a break is neces-sary, in any case, to monitor the unassist-ed recovery of the animal. Five days on,two or three days off is a good guidelineto follow.

Aside from its immune-stimulatingqualities, echinacea is a good antimicro-bial for the mouth and urinary tract. It isuseful for treating bacterial or fungalinfections of the bladder and urethra,especially when added to a demulcentand anti-inflammatory combination ofherbs. Echinacea also has a long-stand-ing reputation as a snakebite remedy.Used internally and externally simultane-ously, the herb is said to antidote thevenom. Although little scientific evi-dence exists to support such claims, hun-dreds of years’ worth of use amounts tomore than folkloric trivia. Knowing thatabout 85 percent of rattlesnake bitesinvolve only a partial injection of venom(or no injection at all), it is likely thatechinacea serves more to ward off infec-tion and prevent tissue damage than toactually nullify the venom. Echinacearelieves the pain and swelling of mostinsect bites and stings, especially whenapplied as a clay poultice.

Echinacea is also used with some suc-cess for colic in horses, with free-feedingof the fresh leaves, stems, and flowers

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being the most popular method ofadministration.

Availability: Various preparations ofechinacea are widely available throughhealth product retailers. The seeds andplants are available through most nurs-eries. Because of continuing overharvest,wild stands of this plant are at risk of dis-appearing forever. Please make sure thatthe echinacea you are using is from cul-tivated sources.

Propagation and Harvest: Echinaceapurpurea, the primary echinacea of com-merce, is easy to grow and requires littlecare once the plants are established.Seeds require cold, damp stratificationand light to break their dormancy. Thismeans that the seeds must be sown ontop of the soil or covered with just atrace of soil in order to germinate. Rootsmust be at least three years old to be ofmedicinal value. The plants are hardyand drought tolerant when mature. Awell-established stand of echinaceareseeds itself, and mature plants canbear roots of up to 3 pounds each.

Varieties such as E. pallida and E.angustifolia are much more finicky.Before you choose to grow them, bear inmind that despite what herbalists oncethought, the gardener-friendly E. pur-purea provides medicine that is as potentas these other species.

Dig mature echinacea roots from thegarden after the plant has gone dormantfor the winter, following its third year ofgrowth. The roots can be chopped andtinctured while fresh or dried andground for use in teas. The dried rootscan be tinctured as well.

Leaves, stems, and flowers can beselectively harvested when they are infull bloom in midsummer. If you opt todo this, bear in mind that a preponder-ance of leaves and flowers must remain

on the plants to provide life support forthe roots and to produce viable seeds.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Virtuallyany of the alterative, diuretic, chola-gogue, or expectorant herbs combinewell with echinacea to support the bodyduring microbial infections. To help fightinfections of the mouth, digestive tract,or urinary tract, echinacea serves as anexcellent adjunct to Oregon grape orcouch grass. As a lymphatic, echinaceacombines well with cleavers.

Cautions and Comments: Echinaceais a very safe herb. But remember, echi-nacea can only be expected to support ahealthy immune system. If the animal ismalnourished or immune-compro-mised by preexisting disease or byother factors, you should considerdietary changes and/or other measuresthat feed and support the immune

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system before jumping into Echinaceatherapy. Before using echinacea, it is agood idea to consult a holistic veterinar-ian—especially if you are uncertain ofyour animal’s level of disease resistance.

ELECAMPANEInula helenium Sunflower Family

Appearance: Elecampane is a stout,impressive plant. Healthy specimens maygrow in excess of 6 feet high. We haveseen these plants in tightly clusteredhedgelike stands so thick that one can-not see daylight through them. The nar-rowly lance-shaped leaves may exceed16 inches in length and 4 inches inwidth. The daisylike flowers may reach 4inches in diameter, are burnt orange,and have narrow rays that contrast withthe robust overall appearance of theplant—a splendid addition to any herbor flower garden!

Habitat and Range: Probably a nativeof southeastern Europe, elecampane hasbecome naturalized throughout much ofEurope and the eastern portions of theU.S. It has been cultivated throughoutmuch of the world.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat generally blooms in early to mid-summer

Parts Used: Rhizomes (roots)

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expect-orant; sedative; respiratory stimulant;lubricates, soothes, and protects internalmucous membranes; antibacterial, fun-gicide, expels worms

Strongest Affinities: Lungs

Preparation: Decoction or tincture

Common Uses: Elecampane has longbeen regarded as a valuable medicinefor a wide variety of lung disorders.Among herbalists, it is regarded as anexpectorant that also lends antibacter-ial support, mild cough-suppressivequalities, and relief to mucous mem-branes by virtue of its slippery, oily,soothing mucilage. In other words,elecampane helps make coughingmore productive by stimulating excre-tion of mucus, acts to protect andlubricate inflamed mucous membranesin the respiratory tract while inhibitingbacterial infection, and serves to sup-press the cough response just enoughso that the body is relieved of unneces-sary stress. Unfortunately, relatively lit-tle scientific study has been performedto support all of these claims. Sciencehas uncovered evidence to suggestthat elecampane may have sedativequalities in mice, and we know that

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it contains a volatile oil constituentcalled alantolactone, which is activeagainst roundworms, whipworms,threadworms, and hookworms in hu-mans. Regardless of a lack of scientificstudy, this plant has been used forthousands of years as a treatment forbronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculo-sis—and it is regarded by herbalists assafe enough for use in children with adry, irritating cough. In animals, wefind it useful for soothing a raspy hackthat is the result of too much trail dustor perhaps even for kennel cough.Proper dose and duration of therapymust be determined through recogni-tion of specific symptoms and shouldbe based on the special needs of theindividual animal. Most of what weknow about this herb is centered onthe hands-on experience of those whoare familiar with it. Therefore, if ele-campane seems to be a viable optionfor your animal, seek the advice of aholistic practitioner before you pro-ceed with its use.

Availability: The dried rhizome or tinc-ture is available through herb retailers.Plants, root cuttings, and seeds are avail-able through specialty nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Elecampanelikes full sun and a moist clay loam withan acid pH of 4.5 to 6. Aside from theserequirements, you can grow it just aboutanywhere. Roots are dug in the fall oftheir second year. They can then beprocessed into tincture while fresh ordried in a warm location for future use.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For res-piratory disorders associated withheavy congestion, elecampane com-bines well with mullein or grindelia. Forkennel cough, it can be combined withcoltsfoot.

Cautions and Comments: Elecampanehas been shown to be highly allergenic inanimals and humans with sensitivity toplants in the sunflower (Asteraceae) family.

FENNELFoeniculum vulgare Parsley Family

Appearance: Fennel looks very muchlike dill—delicate finely divided leaves,yellow umbel flowers, and hollow stems.The most obvious difference betweenfennel and dill is the aromatic nature ofthe plants—fennel smells somewhat likeanise (or licorice), whereas dill smellslike, well, dill pickles. Fennel also hassturdier stems and a proportionatelylarge bulb, which is considered a gour-met delicacy by salad and sautéed veg-etable connoisseurs. The entire plantmay grow in excess of 6 feet tall.

Habitat and Range: Native to Eurasia,fennel has become a full-time, natural-ized resident in the southern half ofCalifornia, where it is frequently foundon the edges of waste areas.

Cycle and Bloom Season: There aremany subspecies of Foeniculum vulgare—many are perennials, others are annualsor biennials. In northern climes, fennelusually grows as an annual.

Parts Used: Seeds, leaves, roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expelsintestinal gas, relieves stomach cramps,stimulates milk production, stimulatesdigestion, nutritive, and antibacterial

Strongest Affinities: Digestive tract

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Common Uses: Fennel seed is amongthe first herbs to reach for in cases offlatulence or colic. Its activity in thedigestive tract is similar to that of cat-nip. Fennel tastes different from anymint, however, and its flavor is oftenfavored by dogs and cats who dislike“minty” herbs. About 20 percent of catswon’t go near a flake of catnip, makingfennel the herb of choice for gastricupset and irritability. In chronic cases, itserves as a gentle antigas and antispas-modic agent that can be added directlyto the animal’s food to bring sympto-matic relief while the caretaker looks forthe deeper cause of the problem. Inacute cases, such as when your horsefinds an open bag of molasses and oatsthat you forgot to put away (or whenshe grazes on too much fresh alfalfabecause you left a gate open), fennelmay help to reduce the subsequentbloating that is caused by intestinal gas

buildup. For flatulence or colic, horsescan be free-fed fresh fennel greens—asmuch as they want—until they findrelief. For dogs and cats, fennel seedworks to relieve gastric discomfort fromthe “no-no’s” that are inevitably con-sumed as a result of human weaknesssuch as tidbits fed from theThanksgiving dinner table or from thedishes that “can wait until morning.” Acooled tea works well for this purpose—1 teaspoon of the fresh or dried seeds(fresh are better) in 8 ounces of boilingwater, steeped until cool. The tea canbe fed at a rate of 2–4 tablespoons foreach 20 pounds of the animal’s bodyweight, or it can be added to drinkingwater as generously as the animal willallow. A glycerin tincture also workswell, especially for finicky animals,because it allows for the convenience ofa small dosage of 10–20 drops (or moreprecisely, up to 0.75 milliliters) per 20pounds of the animal’s weight, as need-ed. Fennel is high in vitamin C, vitaminA, calcium, iron, and potassium and hasvarying amounts of linoleic acid. It is anespecially good nutritional adjunct fordogs and cats with chronic indigestionthat cannot be attributed to a specificdisease entity. Fennel also helps increaseappetite and reduce bad breath by mini-mizing belching and by acting as an anti-bacterial in the mouth. The leaf tea issaid to be an effective skin and coatrinse for repelling fleas. Traditionally,fennel is fed to increase milk flow innursing mothers.

Availability: Fennel seed, root, andsometimes the greens can be found infood stores that stock specialty vegeta-bles. Fennel tinctures are availablethrough herb retailers.

Propagation and Harvest: Fennel iseasy to grow from seed or nursery

Foeniculum vulgare

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starts. It does best in areas with a coolclimate and likes light, dry, slightlyalkaline soil. The seeds should be har-vested in the fall, just as they begin todry and turn to a light brown color. Theleaves and flowers can be harvestedand used anytime. For food use, the 1-inch-wide bulbs are “blanched”throughout the remainder of theirgrowth by covering them with hills ofsoil. This makes the bulbs white andtender with a mild flavor.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Catnipserves as an excellent alternative, as doesanise seed, celery seed, or dill seed. Forchronic flatulence, try using a bitter herbsuch as dandelion leaf or Oregon grapea few minutes before each feeding.Fennel can then be used after meals ifflatulence persists.

Cautions and Comments: The volatileoils in fennel are thought to cause orcontribute to photosensitive dermatitisin some animals, but such occurrencesare rare. In general, this herb is safe.

FEVERFEWTanacetum parthenium Sunflower Family

Appearance: Feverfew is a stout, fast-growing plant with sturdy ridged stems,deeply divided alternate leaves, and yel-low-centered white flowers that look likeminiature (1-inch-wide) white daisies.The entire plant is aromatic.

Habitat and Range: Feverfew is nativeto the Balkan region of Europe and hassince been naturalized throughout NorthAmerica.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialor biennial that usually blooms from Junethrough August

Parts Used: All aerial parts

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-inflammatory, helps reduce arthriticinflammation (antirheumatic), dilatesblood vessels, insecticidal, promotesmenstruation

Strongest Affinities: Vascular, gas-trointestinal, and reproductive systems

Preparation: Dried herb, tincture, andtea

Common Uses: Feverfew has become awell-known remedy for migraine suffer-ers. Several studies have shown that partof its effectiveness in treating migraines isattributable to a group of chemicalsknown as sesquiterpene lactones (espe-cially parthenolide) that are contained inthe plants’ leaves and flowers. These com-pounds act to inhibit platelet aggregation

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in the bloodstream, thus preventingblockage of small capillaries and helpingto relieve the pounding, high-pressurepain of a migraine headache. In animals,this activity helps relieve posttrauma orpostsurgical discomfort, especially wherecapillary circulation is diminished orimpaired. Feverfew has been shown toblock or inhibit the release of histamine,serotonin, thromboxane, and prosta-glandins, while inhibiting proliferation ofcertain types of mononuclear cells in thesynovia of injured or arthritic joints. Thismeans that feverfew might be useful inthe proactive reduction of inflammationassociated with arthritis, joint injuries,and various other diseases.

Feverfew is especially useful in cats asan alternative to aspirin, which can betoxic to felines. And many of the classicanti-inflammatory herbs, including wil-low, poplar, and meadowsweet, containsalicylic acids, the natural precursors toaspirin. Feverfew may not address painas directly as aspirin, but it does not con-tain any salicylate compounds and cantherefore be used with a greater marginof safety. A glycerin-based tincture workswell for this purpose, as does a cooledtea. A safe starting dosage is 12–20drops of the tincture or 1⁄2 teaspoon of astrong tea for each 20 pounds of the ani-mal’s body weight, twice daily.

The upper parts of feverfew (especial-ly the flowers) contain pyrethrins, com-pounds that are known to paralyze fleas.To make a flea rinse for your pet, pourboiling water over some fresh herbs.Cover the container, and let the mixturestand until it is completely cooled. Strainthe herb from the liquid, and pour theliquid onto your animal’s coat, makingsure that it soaks down to the skin. Donot towel dry your pet. Let the rinse drynaturally and be sure to use all of therinse as the pyrethrin will not remainactive for more than a few hours.

Availability: Feverfew is readily avail-able wherever herbal remedies are sold.The plants are available through mostnurseries. For use against fleas, however,you really need a fresh plant—so plantone in your garden.

Propagation and Harvest: Feverfewis easy to grow from seed or nurserystarts. The plants are extremely winterhardy, drought resistant, and tolerant ofpoor soil. Tuck a plant into the corner ofyour garden, give it a little water, andwatch it grow. (In fact, it will reseed itsway right out of the garden!) Harvest theleaves and flowers as you need them.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For relieffrom pain and inflammation, feverfewcombines well with skullcap, valerian,and licorice. For fighting fleas, combinewith yarrow and celery or dill seed.

Cautions and Comments: I (Greg)have heard that feverfew should never befed fresh, because it may cause mouthulcers. But throughout two decades ofusing and recommending this herb, Ihave yet to witness an adverse side effect.Nevertheless, caution dictates that weshould take care in assuring that the herbis entirely dried first.

FLAXLinum spp. Flax Family

Appearance: Almost three hundredspecies of flax are distributed worldwide.The most common species have brightblue, five-petaled, 1⁄2- to 1-inch-wideflowers, narrow single-veined leaves,small five-chambered fruits, and wirelikestems that sway in the slightest breezeand seem to have a hard time support-ing their own weight. Plants range inheight from 6 to 32 inches.

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Habitat and Range: Common blueflax (Linum perenne) and several otherblue-flowered species are found inprairies, in open meadows, and alongroadways throughout North America.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualor perennial (depending on species) thatblooms from June to August and reseedsitself readily

Parts Used: Seeds (called flaxseed)

Primary Medicinal Activities: Nutri-tive, soothes the digestive tract, laxative,antioxidant, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Skin, nervoussystem, digestive system

Preparation: Ground seeds, seed oil,stabilized seeds

Common Uses: Flaxseed containsalpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, aswell as omega-3 fatty acids. Essentialfatty acids are important in the develop-ment and maintenance of a healthybrain, liver, heart, and immune system—in fact, these acids are so important, ani-mals cannot survive without them.Several studies have confirmed thatomega-3 fatty acids are essential factorsin the brain development of young ani-mals and may even help protect thebrain against certain types of neurotox-ins. Numerous studies also have shownthat daily supplementation with EFAsmay dramatically improve the skin, coat,and nails in animals who receive it as asupplement to a good diet. Essentialfatty acids have been linked to retinaldevelopment and antioxidant activities.The point is this: All animals require EFAsin order to enjoy healthy lives. The prob-lem is that many animals do not receiveenough to adequately support their bod-

ies’ needs and, as a result, suffer fromchronic diseases that could have beeneasily prevented. Flaxseed oil is one ofthe richest plant source of omega-3 fattyacids known to humanity—but it is notthe “totally complete,” stand-alonesource of omega-3 fatty acids we oncethought. A piece of the complex puzzleis missing, namely, gamma linolenic acid(GLA)—a fatty acid that is needed tosupport the body’s inflammatoryresponses to allergens and other inflam-matory stimuli. The problem is due tothe lack of a critical enzyme, called delta-6 desaturase (or D6D), that is needed toconvert the linoleic acid constituents inflax into GLA. Although most mammals,including humans, should be able toproduce D6D, most cannot. This is dueto environmental factors, such as variouspollutants, and perhaps even emotionalstress factors, which have been shown toinhibit the body’s production of this

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important enzyme. So if you are searchingfor a more complete omega-3 supple-ment, you should turn to fish oil, borageseed oil, or chia seed. All of these sourcesalready contain gamma linoleic acids, andno metabolic conversion (or D6D) isrequired for the body fully utilize it.

There are various ways to feedflaxseed to an animal. One option is tobuy a nutritional supplement thatincludes flaxseed as part of a balancedherbal formula. Other options are to buythe seeds in their whole form and grindthem immediately before adding themto your companion’s food. You can alsouse flaxseed oil. When deciding whichform of flaxseed is best for you and yourcompanion, you should consider severalfactors. First, it’s important to know thatflaxseed oil (the fraction of the plant thatcontains the highest concentration ofEFAs) becomes rancid very quickly. Whileflaxseed oil offers omega-3 EFAs in aform that can be fed in relatively smallquantities and that is quickly and com-pletely absorbed into the body, itrequires constant refrigeration and itsshelf life is variable and unpredictable.On the other hand, its flavor is relativelyeasy to mask in an animal’s food. If youwish to use flax for digestive problems,you will need the seeds. Whole seedskeep for several months if refrigeratedbut must be ground into powder eachtime they are used. If you grind themahead of time, they will quickly spoil.The freshly ground seeds can be used asan EFA supplement, but it’s difficult togauge the amount of EFAs your animalreceives with each feeding because asthe seeds age, their EFA content deterio-rates. Another problem with the seedoption is palatability—many animalsdon’t like the flavor of ground flaxseeds,and getting an appreciable amount ofthe powder into a finicky animal can bechallenging. The solution: buy a natural

pet product that contains stabilizedflaxseed.

Stabilized flaxseed is treated with zincand vitamin B6, which makes the seedtaste better and helps to prevent theEFA-containing oil from becoming ran-cid. If you buy a stabilized flaxseed prod-uct that is designed especially for ani-mals, follow the manufacturer’s feedinginstructions. You can also buy stabilizedflaxseed that is intended for humans andprorate the recommended dose up ordown to your animal’s body weight.Human doses are generally based on theneeds of a 150-pound person; therefore,if you have a 50-pound dog, you need tofeed the dog one-third of the recom-mended dose for humans. It’s also agood idea to consult your veterinarianfor the correct dosage for your pet’sweight.

If you don’t wish to use a stabilizedflaxseed product and have access to asource of fresh flaxseed, buy weekly sup-plies and grind a 1⁄2 teaspoon of the seedinto a fine powder for each 20 pounds ofyour animal’s body weight. Sprinkle thepowder onto your companion’s foodeach day, and be sure that she has plen-ty of water to drink with her mealbecause flaxseed absorbs water andgains mass while in the stomach. Thisswelling action is due to the combinedfiber, mucilage, and oil content of theseed, which make flaxseed an excellentherb for colic, constipation, and otherdigestive problems. The oily mucilage ofthe seed helps lubricate the digestivetract while the swollen fibers serve as asafe but efficient intestinal cleanser (itworks the same way as psyllium husksdo). For cases of constipation, 1 tea-spoon of ground flaxseed can be thor-oughly mixed with 4 ounces of coolwater. Allow the mixture to stand for anhour, or until it thickens—you should beable to rub a drop between your thumb

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and forefinger and feel its oily nature. Ifthe mixture doesn’t feel slippery, addmore powder and let it stand again. Theidea is to activate the flaxseed beforeputting it into your companion’s bodyand thus alleviate any possibility ofexpansion-related discomfort. Once youget a slippery consistency, 2 teaspoonsof the mixture can be fed for each 30pounds of the animal’s body weight(start with 1⁄2 teaspoon in cats). If possi-ble, the slurry should be fed on an emptystomach so the mixture can work its waythroughout the digestive tract.

Propagation and Harvest: Flax is easyto grow from seed. Simply scatter theseeds as thinly as possible, rake theminto the top 1⁄8 inch of soil, and waterthoroughly. Sprouts will usually emergewithin seven days. Flax is a pretty borderplant, but it really isn’t a practical herb togrow for medicinal purposes. It takesseveral plants to yield a useful quantity ofseed, which must be thrashed and sepa-rated from the stems, leaves, and seedcapsules. Without special equipment,this is a tedious task that yields only ahandful of seeds that could have beenpurchased for a few cents at a healthfood store.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Borageseed oil, evening primrose oil, and blackcurrant seed oil are also excellent sourcesof EFAs. Flaxseed oil can be combinedwith cod liver oil or other fish oils tomake a rounded supplement of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. For digestiveproblems, psyllium husks, plantain, andmarshmallow serve as good alternatives.

Cautions and Comments: Dry flax-seeds should be fed with plenty of water,otherwise digestive upset and discomfortmay result from rapid expansion of theseed fibers in the digestive tract. The

best way to avoid this possibility is topremix flaxseed with water prior to feed-ing or to use a balanced flaxseed formu-la that is specially designed to be used inpowder form.

GARLICAllium sativum Lily Family

Appearance: Need we describe garlic?It’s what makes Italian dishes worth-while. It is the aromatic bulb that repelsvampires yet attracts hungry peoplewith its nose-tantalizing, mouthwater-ing scent. While most of us can readilyidentify a head of garlic in the super-market, relatively few of us are familiarwith the living green plant. Garlic is amember of the Allium genus, a branchof the lily family that also includes hun-dreds of varieties of onions, leeks,chives, and shallots. In terms of appear-ance, the numerous varieties of garlicare differentiated from what we knowas onions by the nature of their bulbs(commonly known as heads) and theirleaves. Commercial varieties of garlicproduce heads that are divided intosegments (cloves), whereas onion bulbsare comprised of singular, multilayeredglobes. Garlic leaves are characteristi-cally flat and almost grasslike, whereasmost onions’ leaves tend to be hollowand erect. Shallot leaves fall somewherein between. For the purposes of holistichealing, it’s important to know that allof the Allium species come from thesame source—nature. All of the variouscolors and shapes of onions, garlic, andtheir relatives have originated from wildAllium species that range throughoutthe world. On the slopes surroundingour Montana home, several species ofwild Allium are among the first greensto emerge from the receding snows ofearly spring. With their emergence come


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winter-weary bears, grouse, deer, elk,and moose, all of whom wish toindulge, if only briefly, in a snack ofgarliclike wild onions. As one watchesthese animals while they browse, itsoon becomes apparent that they eatwild onions and garlic to fill someinstinctive need other than hunger—they pick and choose only a few selectplants, then move on to others. Couldit be they know something we don’t?Certainly! It is obvious that nature putthe Allium genus here for reasons fardeeper than epicurean delight.Fortunately for those who cannot for-age the wilds of North America onbehalf of their pets, the “supermarketvarieties” of garlic are of optimummedicinal potency.

Habitat and Range: It has been the-orized that garlic’s wild ancestors orig-inated from west-central Asia. Garlic’suse as a medicine dates back at leastfive thousand years, and since thenhundreds of cultivars have been prop-agated worldwide. In North America,dozens of varieties can be found inopen forest clearings and grasslands atfoothill to subalpine elevations. Mostare montane residents.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Althoughcommercial varieties are typically har-vested during their first year of growthwhen the bulbs are prime, most Alliumspecies are self-seeding perennials thatbloom in midsummer.

Parts Used: Bulb (the segments ofwhich are called cloves)

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-bacterial, stimulates the immune system,anticancer, nutritive, antioxidant, expec-torant, lowers blood pressure, antitumor,antiviral, antifungal, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Liver, blood, car-diovascular system, immune system

Preparation: Fresh, dried, tincture, oroil infusion

Common Uses: Garlic contains consid-erable amounts of protein, fiber, potas-sium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium,vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, taurine,zinc, riboflavin, and dozens of othernutritive compounds. A single clove offresh garlic may contain as much as onehundred sulfur compounds, all of whichhave been shown to possess medicinalqualities.

Most of us who read the ads andlabels for garlic preparations or supple-ments at health food stores are continu-ally reminded of allicin—a volatile oilconstituent of garlic. Once believed tobe the definitive factor in garlic’s healingabilities, allicin represents only a seg-ment of garlic’s complex, medicinallyversatile chemistry. This is not to say thatallicin is not useful; actually it is one ofthe most impressive broad-spectrumantimicrobial substances available innature, with dozens of scientific studiesto back up this claim. Researchers havefound that allicin may be more effectiveagainst harmful microbes than tetracy-cline, a frequently prescribed antibioticdrug. And unlike conventional antibi-otics, garlic works against many forms ofvirus and won’t compromise populationsof beneficial flora in the digestive tractwhen ingested in the appropriateamounts.

Despite its clear value as a healingagent, allicin is not the only healingagent in garlic worth considering. Infact, the presence of allicin in garlicpreparations is not required at all inmany situations where garlic may provebeneficial. At least thirty other com-pounds that are contained in garlic

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have been shown to be useful for con-ditions that range from skin disorders tocancer.

Allicin is an unstable compound thatdissipates quickly when exposed to air,moisture, or heat. Unless special meas-ures are taken to preserve it, the allicincontent in many garlic preparations arenil by the time they reach someone whoneeds them. To confront this dilemma,several garlic preparations that havebeen “standardized to allicin” are avail-able on the market. These extracts, pow-ders, capsules, and tablets have had acertain percentage of allicin added in thelaboratory to “guarantee their potency.”Such formulas are safe and effectivewhen used properly for specific antimi-crobial purposes but are generallyunnecessary and expensive for use inmost other instances where garlic is indi-cated. And, despite the claims of manymanufacturers, consumers can’t tell ifthe allicin content in a standardizedpreparation still exists at the time of use.Unless a laboratory analysis is performedafter the product has reached storeshelves, there’s no way of knowingwhether the allicin’s potency has van-ished from the formula.

Before you use a standardized formu-la, try to find out how the manufacturercan guarantee the allicin content in theproduct after it leaves the lab. If thecompany’s answer is satisfactory, thenbear in mind that many of garlic’s othermedicinal constituents may be absent oroverpowered by an unnatural abun-dance of allicin and that you will beusing garlic in a manner beyond nature’sdesign. Regardless of what the manufac-turer might say, nature endows garlicwith a specific amount of allicin as wellas hundreds of other compounds thatserve unified purposes.

When we isolate a single constituentfrom the whole plant, we are no longer

working within a natural context, andwe limit the healing potential of thatplant to the confines of what we know,as opposed to what might be possible.While scientists are beginning to under-stand how single chemical elements andcompounds work in or on the body, westill know very little about how they workin a synergistic capacity. In this realm,just beyond our understanding, a greatmany healing secrets are waiting to bediscovered. Any good herbalist will tellyou that the whole is always greater thanthe sum of its parts.

The chemical complexity of garlic isgood news for the self-reliant herbalistbecause in addition to allicin, garlic con-tains a multitude of compounds that arestable and easy to use. Despite its wide-spread recognition as a healthy food forhumans, garlic demands some addedrespect, caution, and therapeutic consid-eration if it is to be used effectively in the

Allium sativum


care of animals. Here are three generalrules of proper use:• Allicin is essential in applications where

garlic is to be used as a natural form ofantibiotic but may not be necessary ifyou are using garlic for general healthmaintenance or other purposes.

• If you wish to employ garlic as anantibiotic, you need to use raw garlicor raw garlic juice within three hours ofchopping or pressing the fresh cloves,or you need a good garlic extract froma reputable source. A properly driedgarlic powder may be useful for inter-nal antibiotic applications as well,though only a residual trace of allicinremains in the powder until it is used.In this case, two compounds, alliin andallinase, meet with enzymes to formallicin as they enter the mouth. Theallicin then does its work within thebody—from the inside out.

If you use garlic as a topical antibiotic,bear in mind that raw garlic juice isstrong and may cause acute reddeningand irritation of skin and mucous mem-branes if applied undiluted. Cut thejuice with olive oil, vegetable glycerin,or water at a starting rate of one partpure garlic juice to two parts inert liquid(oil, water, etc.). If irritation persists,further dilute the juice. Such problemscan be avoided by infusing fresh clovesof garlic directly into olive oil.

• If you wish to use garlic as a cancer-inhibiting antioxidant agent, immune-system enhancer, blood-thinningagent, cardiovascular tonic, or nutri-tional supplement, any form of garlicwill probably have the desired results.Perhaps the only exceptions arepreparations of garlic that have beensubjected to heat such as pickled,sautéed, boiled, roasted, or otherwisehyperheated cloves that have likely

been depleted of their medicinalpotential and a considerable percent-age of their nutrients.

Used properly and in the correct form,garlic is valuable for treatment of virtual-ly any form of internal or external bacte-rial, viral, or fungal infection, includingparasites (such as tapeworms) and pro-tozoan organisms (such as Giardia).Fresh garlic or properly dried powder(from a reputable market source) can befed as part of your animal’s diet to fightinfections of the mouth, throat, respira-tory tract, stomach, or intestines. Insheep, goats, and cows, it is said to helpalleviate mastitis. Freshly crushed garlicor fresh garlic juice can be infused ordiluted into olive oil for use as a topicalantiseptic for minor injuries, ear infec-tions, or mites. The rule here is to be surethe garlic is diluted sufficiently—thevolatile oils are strong and can causeburning irritation if applied to the skin inconcentrated form. Never apply essentialoil of garlic to any part of the body; it’stoo concentrated. And never use garlicpreparations in the eyes.

To use in topical applications, youdon’t need much garlic—just enough toimpart a mild garlic odor to the oil. Tomake a garlic oil, crush two or threecloves of garlic, wet them with vodka tohelp release the oils, and cover them with4 ounces of olive oil. Shake the mixturevigorously and let it stand in the refriger-ator for an hour before using. The oilshould have an obvious, but not over-powering, garlic odor. Within three totwenty-four hours, the allicin will begindissipating from your oil, and its useful-ness for killing microbes will be dimin-ished. But don’t discard it. It still possess-es immune-supporting and disease-preventing qualities, and it can be addedto your pet’s meals. Use 1⁄2 to 1 level tea-spoon per pound of food per feeding,

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depending on the oil’s strength. Keepyour garlic oil in the refrigerator in a glassjar with a tight-fitting lid. Expect it tokeep for no more than a month. Contraryto what many believe, garlic will not actas its own preservative, and old garlic oilmay develop botulism—a bacteria thatcan be deadly to animals and people. Theadded alcohol (vodka) is not enough toprevent botulism either, but adding 1⁄4teaspoon of vitamin E oil to the garlic oilbefore it goes into the refrigerator willhelp extend its shelf life while adding anew element of nutritional support. Asyou can see, this justifies the task of mak-ing your own oil. Many commerciallyprepared oils produced from raw garlicoffer no information on how long theywill remain fresh and effective.

Scientific studies have shown that var-ious compounds in garlic stimulateimmune functions in the bloodstream atlevels of activity that are unparalleled byany other herb (yes, even by echinacea).Perhaps most intriguing is garlic’s effecton the body’s natural killer cells—thosecells that seek out and destroy cancercells and invading microbes. In a studyconducted with human subjects whohave AIDS, garlic was found to increasekiller cell activity threefold. Similar ani-mal studies have been conducted withsimilar results. Given the fact that thesestudies were done on subjects withdepressed immune functions, it stands toreason that companion animals withhealthy immune functions may benefitfrom the added measure of immune sup-port supplied through moderate garlicsupplementation in their diets.

A 1988 study found that diallyl sul-fide, a garlic constituent, preventedtumor formation in rats, and severalother studies have shown that garlicinhibits various forms of cancerousgrowths in the body. This effect may beattributable to the liver-strengthening

actions of at least six garlic components.In this capacity, garlic gently enhancesoverall liver function and triggers en-zyme responses to help break downwaste materials before they go into thebloodstream. In other words, garlic helpsthe liver cleanse the body and thus helpsprevent toxic accumulations that maylead to cancerous growths. Garlic alsohelps to lower blood cholesterol andtriglyceride levels, making it useful forminiature schnauzers, beagles, and otherbreeds that may be predisposed tohyperlipidemia—a condition that maylead to chronic seizures. Any form ofuncooked garlic performs these func-tions, and its use is as simple as sprin-kling it onto an animal’s food. A once-a-day dosage of 1⁄8–1⁄4 teaspoon (powderedor freshly chopped) per pound of foodfed is usually sufficient for most animals.

We have seen very good results fromthe use of garlic against tapeworms.Used in powdered, fresh, or extractforms, garlic might not kill these persist-ent parasites, but it will make their livingquarters much less desirable. Intestinalparasites don’t seem to like volatile oilsor sulfur compounds, and if fed to ananimal in correct dosages over a periodof one to two months, garlic helps todrive these pests out. In our experienceswith dogs, an increase in visible tape-worm segments in an animal’s stool islikely to occur after two to three weeks ofdaily garlic ingestion. After about twomonths, populations of these parasitesare usually back to acceptable levels, orthey may disappear completely.

Garlic works in a similar fashionagainst protozoan infestations such asgiardiasis, but in these cases a strongpresence of allicin is needed to be effec-tive. Use fresh garlic and add Oregongrape root to your animal’s diet. Thisadds an antimicrobial “double punch”against these tough organisms.


Garlic is one of the best all-aroundcardiovascular tonics in the plant world.In studies conducted in collaborationwith the New York Department ofHealth, a component called ajoenefound in both fresh and dried forms ofgarlic was found to be effective at pre-venting the formation of blood clots inthe vascular system. In some provincesof France, racehorses suffering fromblood clots are routinely fed garlic intheir grain feed, and, as a result, theclots sometimes disappear in a matterof days. In fact, many researchersbelieve that garlic may be as useful asaspirin in this capacity, which makes itespecially promising for use in cats sincethey cannot tolerate the salicylate con-stituents of aspirin. Garlic has also beenshown to reduce cholesterol levels andthe occurrence of atherosclerosis (fatbuildup in the arteries) in both animalsand humans, thus reducing the possibil-ity of stroke or heart attack. All of theseattributes, combined with the immune-supportive, liver-strengthening capabili-ties of garlic, make this herb an excel-lent multisystem tonic for older ani-mals—especially dogs, who tolerateregular feeding of garlic better thancats do.

Garlic’s effectiveness as a systemic fleaor mosquito repellent is the subject of agreat deal of debate among those whohave tried it. Some people claim goodresults; others believe that the usefulnessof garlic in this capacity is largelyunfounded.

Availability: Supermarkets and healthfood retailers

Propagation and Harvest: Garlic iseasy to grow. When sown in the fall, theplants thrive in even the harshest ofwinter climates, usually producingbulbs by late summer. A sandy loam

with a slightly alkaline pH level is thebest growing medium. In areas wherewinters are mild, the cloves can bepressed about 1 inch into the soil in latefall for an early summer crop. In north-ern climes, plant your cloves 4 inchesdeep as late as you can still work the soilin fall. Cover your planting with at least6 inches of mulch. Expect to see sproutsshortly after the last hard frost. Garlicshould be harvested in midsummer tolate summer, after the tops of the plantshave died back. Dig up the bulbs, thenallow them to dry in the sun for two orthree days before you store them in acool, dry place indoors.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For topi-cal treatment of bacterial infections, con-sider Oregon grape, Saint-John’s-wort,bee balm, thyme, and chamomile asalternatives. For immune system andantioxidant support, investigate echi-nacea, astragalus, licorice, alfalfa, redclover, and burdock as adjuncts or alter-natives. For treating giardiasis and E. coliinfections, garlic combines well withOregon grape or organically raised goldenseal.

Cautions and Comments: Toxic sideeffects from the consumption of garlic arerare in animals and humans alike, but thepossibility of harming your dog, your cat,or your herbivore with garlic does exist,and there is a growing controversy abouthow much garlic is enough and howmuch is too much. At the root of this con-troversy is a dangerous misconception:the notion that more garlic is always bet-ter. Despite all of the grand attributes wehave just described, moderation—the car-dinal rule of all herb use—applies strictly togarlic, particularly when it is used in cats.

When misused (used excessively orover an extended period), garlic maycause Heinz-body anemia, a potentially

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life-threatening blood disease. Scientiststheorize that two chemical compoundscontained in garlic may be related to thisdisorder: s-methyl cysteine sulfoxide, or n-propyl disuldhide. These compounds arebelieved to deplete a naturally occurringglucose enzyme called Glucose-6-phos-phate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Thisenzyme has a special function of protect-ing the walls of red blood cells. Depletionof G6PD causes oxidative damage to thecells, thus forming Heinz bodies and trig-gering the body to reject them from thebloodstream (usually via dark-coloredurine). If left unchecked, this process con-tinues until the numbers of red blood cellsare lowered to the point that the animalbecomes anemic and eventually dies.Fortunately, this nightmare is easily pre-vented with some common sense and afew precautions.

Other side effects of garlic are morepredictable and less threatening: digestiveupset and gas when ingested (in whichcase, reduce the dose and relieve the gaswith chamomile) or redness and irritationwhen applied to the skin (usually indica-tive of a preparation that is too concen-trated).

First, it stands to reason that animalswith preexisting anemic conditions shouldnot receive garlic internally in any quanti-ty. Puppies don’t begin reproducing newred blood cells until after six to eightweeks of age. Until then, they need everyred blood cell they are born with, so a dietthat includes garlic is not appropriate foryoung puppies.

It’s important to know that the possi-bility of Heinz-body anemia is dosedependent, meaning the more garlicfed, the greater the chances of a prob-lem developing. While we still don’tknow exactly how much is too much,most recorded instances of Heinz-bodyanemia in animals involve the ingestionof large quantities of onions and other

garlic relatives, many of which are likelyto contain much larger percentages ofenzyme-depleting constituents than atypical dose of garlic. Recorded cases ofallium poisoning typically involve oniondoses exceeding 0.5 percent of the sub-ject animals’ body weight—this meansthat a healthy 60-pound dog would haveto eat a whole 5-ounce onion, or severalcloves of garlic, just to start the Heinz-body process. And since red blood cellsare regenerated quickly from the bonemarrow, this grotesque overdose wouldprobably have to be repeated severaltimes on a frequent basis to cause per-manent harm. In further defense of gar-lic, several other foods can cause Heinz-body anemia as well—large amounts ofturnips, kale, rape, or anything rich invitamin K may lead to the disorder, espe-cially in herbivores.

Small doses of garlic added to yourcompanion animal’s food three or fourdays per week, perhaps 1⁄8 teaspoon ofgarlic powder per pound of food fed, areprobably going to be of great benefit tothe overall health of your pet. Just don’toverdo it.

Cats are much more sensitive to theside effects of garlic than dogs are, so theyrequire more caution and attention withits use. Watch for digestive upset andbehavioral changes. And if your cat simplydoesn’t want any garlic, don’t force theissue. Your cat’s behavior may be morethan just a finicky attitude—animals knowtheir needs better than we do.

Remember to use common sense andmoderation and to have respect for gar-lic as more than just a table condiment.No two animals are alike; one person’smiracle cure is another one’s poison. Ifyou wish to use garlic in a therapeuticcapacity, get to know your animal first,then consult a professional (or carefullyread the label on your garlic product)before you proceed.


GINKGOGinkgo biloba Ginkgo Family

Appearance: Characterized by itsunique fan-shaped leaves, ginkgo is aslow-growing tree that may reach 100feet in height. A healthy tree can live tobe one thousand years old. Ginkgo isone of the oldest plant medicines onearth. In fact, it is one of the oldestspecies of trees still in existence.

Habitat and Range: It is estimatedthat the Ginkgo genus once includedseveral hundred varieties that spannedthe globe for over two million years.Today, however, there is only onespecies, G. biloba, a native of China thathas been introduced into NorthAmerica and most of Europe and Asiafor ornamental and medicinal purposes.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Ginkgo is adeciduous tree that blooms in earlyspring, just as the leaves are beginningto develop into their fanlike shapes.Fruits (known as ginkgo nuts) developand ripen by midsummer. The leavesturn yellow and begin falling in early tolate fall.

Parts Used: Although ginkgo nutswere used almost exclusively for thou-sands of years, the fall-harvested leavesare of primary interest to contemporaryherbalists.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Dilatesblood vessels, anticoagulant, antioxi-dant, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Brain, circulatorysystem, eyes

Preparation: Tincture, tea, capsule

Common Uses: Over four hundred sci-entific studies have been conducted tovalidate ginkgo’s effectiveness in bothanimals and humans. In fact, in Germanyand other European countries, G. bilobaextract (commonly known as GBE) isamong the most frequently prescribeddrugs of commerce.

For a long time it was thought thatalmost all of ginkgo’s medicinal activitycould be attributed to two groups ofchemical constituents: flavone glycosidesand terpene lactones. Dozens of humanand animal studies have shown thatthese two groups of constituents act toimprove blood circulation in small capil-laries, a trait that makes gingko espe-cially useful in the treatment of variousforms of vascular deficiency—includingthe effects of old age. But currentresearch indicates that these com-pounds represent only a small part of acomplex array of interactive compo-nents. Specifically, ginkgo inhibits theplatelet aggregation factor (PAF), themechanism that causes slow-moving orobstructed blood to become “sticky”and begin forming into clots. Ginkgodoes this especially well in small capillar-ies that are particularly susceptible toblockage and that serve tissues that arenot reached by larger vessels such asareas of the brain, ears, and extremities.Ginkgo also helps regulate the tone andelasticity of blood vessels, making themstronger and less susceptible to degener-ative disease. These actions make ginkgoa first choice cerebrovascular tonic forolder animals. Increased blood flow incapillary-rich tissues of the brain meansthat the brain is better fed and oxygenat-ed, which in turn can reduce the likeli-hood of stroke and may equate to alonger, higher-quality life for your pet. Infact, several studies have shown that thecerebrovascular activities of ginkgo maybe beneficial in treating degenerative

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age-related cases of chronic depressionor abnormal behavior. If the brain is notgetting the blood it needs, mood andbehavior will likely be affected—andRover might start getting rather snippyin his old age.

Most of the current hoopla surround-ing ginkgo is focused on its use in thetreatment of Alzheimer’s disease andother forms of dementia, but its effec-tiveness as a vascular tonic in other partsof the body deserves equal considera-tion. Ginkgo works as an effective vascu-lar tonic throughout the body, especiallyin smaller, peripheral capillaries of thelegs, ears, and rectum. This makes it use-ful in a wide variety of circumstanceswhere circulation has been impaired bytrauma, chronic or degenerative disease,or surgical intervention. By opening upand strengthening the structural integrity ofsmall capillaries in impaired areas, gingkoimproves circulation and enables the bodyto heal itself more effectively, which is theprimary goal of using herbal tonics.

Ginkgo also has been used for hun-dreds of years as a tonic for weak kidneyfunction. While relatively little researchhas been conducted to validate such use,ginkgo’s effectiveness in this capacity islikely attributable to the same vasculartonic activities since the kidney is ablood-dependent organ. In fact, its vul-nerability and demise in the event ofdiminished blood supply is second onlyto the brain. In recent months, we haveheard from veterinarians and pet own-ers who have been using an herbalcombination that includes ginkgo andhawthorn in the treatment of early-stagerenal failure. The anecdotal reports claim ageneral improvement in kidney function.This makes sense because hawthorn actsto reduce blood pressure as it increasescirculation within the larger arteries,while ginkgo serves to open and tonifythe smaller vessels.

In addition to its vascular actions, gink-go also works as a nervous system tonic inthe brain. Although the mechanisms of itsneurological activity are complex and stillhold many mysteries, studies indicate thatginkgo somehow increases energy levelsin the brain and stimulates the release of various neurotransmitters, many ofwhich regulate constriction of importantsmooth-muscle tissues throughout thebody—such as those of the heart, bladder,and uterus. The fact that ginkgo works toinfluence brain function in ways that areexclusive of its circulatory activities makesfor a broad scope of therapeutic useful-ness. In many cases, urinary incontinence,seizures, various forms of neuralgia, skinproblems, chronic digestive upset, cardiacarrhythmia, and behavioral disorders (toname just a few) may be the result of cere-brovascular or neurological dysfunctionthat might be relieved with the proper useof ginkgo.

Ginkgo biloba


Many studies suggest that GBEs havebeen standardized to contain at least 24percent ginkgolides. In our opinion,however, excellent results can beobtained from any high-quality extractof the leaves. A typical dose for elderlyanimals or for those who exhibit earlysigns of cerebrovascular deficiency, kid-ney failure, or impaired circulation in theextremities is anywhere between 0.25milliliters and 0.75 milliliters of the liquidextract, two or three times daily for each50 pounds of the animal’s body weight.Exact dosage varies according to thespecific circumstances of disease, size ofthe animal, potency of the extract, andduration of use. In other words, you areadvised to seek a qualified holistic practi-tioner for a complete workup of youranimal before proceeding with ginkgotherapy.

Availability: Widely available throughhealth food stores and herb retailers.Ginkgo trees are available through land-scape nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Ginkgotrees are not difficult to grow—all theyneed is room to spread their roots, amoderate climate (hardy in the southerntwo-thirds of North America), and somewater from time to time. The problem isthat they are slow growers, with yearlygrowth often measured in fractions of aninch. If you are lucky enough to haveaccess to a mature ginkgo tree, however,take advantage of the fresh leaves, whichare far superior to the dried leaves thatare available at herb stores. Analysis ofginkgo leaves indicates that the broadestdiversity of medicinal constituents isfound when the leaves are just begin-ning to turn yellow (in the fall). Gatherthe leaves just as they are turning yellow,before they fall from the tree and inadvance of any evidence of mold on the

leaf surfaces. The leaves can then beused fresh to make tincture, or they canbe dried for future use. The dried leaveskeep for about one year.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Gingkocombines well with hawthorn for car-diovascular or kidney disorders. For useas a general vascular tonic, ginkgo can be combined with garlic, cayenne, oryarrow.

Cautions and Comments: By moststandards, ginkgo is safe. But because ofits ability to inhibit platelet aggregationin the blood, its use may be contraindi-cated in the presence of blood-thinningdrugs or in animals with blood-clottingdisorders. While ginkgo improves thebody’s ability to heal after surgery, its useshould be delayed until all risk of postop-erative hemorrhage has passed.

GOLDENRODSolidago spp. Sunflower Family

Appearance: Goldenrod is a commonwayside weed that is easy to identify byits spire-shaped or triangular clusters oftiny bright goldenrod-yellow flowers.The leaves of the most common speciesare narrowly lance-shaped and may ormay not have serrated edges. Plants areerect and range from 2 inches (Solidagomultiradiata—mountain goldenrod) to70 inches (S. canadensis; S. occidentalis;S. gigantea) in height. Most species sharesimilar appearances. This is especiallytrue of the larger species, which may dif-fer only in leaf texture or the presence ofstem hairs.

Habitat and Range: The Solidago ge-nus can be divided into two categories:those that grow in moist soils and thosethat prefer drier habitats. Generally

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speaking, most of the smaller mountainvarieties are found in dry soils, often atthe edges of forest roads or in openmeadows. The larger varieties are com-mon to river and lake habitats, irrigatedfields, drainage ditches, and so on, frombelow sea level to about 4,000 feet inelevation. Several species are widespreadthroughout North America, with S.canadensis (Canada goldenrod) beingperhaps the most common.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Perennial,sometimes annual. Blooms throughoutthe summer months

Parts Used: Entire flowering plant—roots and all

Primary Medicinal Activities: Astrin-gent, tonic, diuretic, reduces inflammationof respiratory mucosa (anticatarrhal),strengthens kidney functions (nephritic),anti-inflammatory, helps prevent or elimi-nate urinary stones (antilithic), antibacteri-al, antifungal, stops bleeding

Strongest Affinities: Respiratory tract,urinary tract, and kidneys

Preparation: Dried herb, tincture, tea

Common Uses: As with many commonwayside weeds, goldenrod’s usefulness isusually overshadowed by that of otherherbs that have greater mass-marketappeal. This is unfortunate because whilemany people spend their hard-earnedmoney on the latest herb sensation, abetter alternative may be growing inprofuse abundance just behind thehouse. Goldenrod is one such herb. It isextremely useful but far less marketablethan many others simply because it istoo abundant to give notice to.

Goldenrod is an excellent antica-tarrhal, an herb that helps to reduce

the production of mucus in the bronchiby decreasing inflammation of themucous membranes. While the produc-tion of mucus is essential in the body’sholistic efforts to eliminate pathogensand waste products from the respirato-ry tract during bacterial, viral, or fungalinfections, reducing the irritation ofswollen membranes helps to comfortthe sufferer while making the overallhealing effort more productive. Fordogs and cats, a teaspoon or two of aflower or leaf tea (made with a tea-spoon of the dried herb in 8 ounces ofwater, cooled to lukewarm) oftenbrings quick relief for a persistent wetcough. Horses and other large herbi-vores can be fed a handful or two ofthe fresh herb for the same purpose.

Although relatively little scientificresearch has been conducted into gold-enrod’s effectiveness as a kidney tonic,it has been used successfully in this

Solidago canadensis


capacity for hundreds of years. Spe-cifically, goldenrod is said to boostrenal function quickly, making it espe-cially helpful for acute cases of nephri-tis, especially where anuresis (an inabil-ity to pass urine from the kidneys) is aprevalent symptom. Goldenrod canalso be useful in preventing or assistingin the elimination of kidney stones.However, the activities of goldenrodmay be contraindicated in advancedchronic cases of kidney disease, wherestimulation of renal function may causeadded stress to overworked kidneys.The various mechanisms and patholo-gies of kidney disease are difficult toassess accurately, and finding the cor-rect approach should be left to yourholistic veterinarian.

In topical applications, goldenrod hasremarkable hemostatic qualities, espe-cially when the dried and powderedflowers are used. The powder can beapplied liberally to stop bleeding andinhibit bacterial infection of minor cutsand abrasions.

Goldenrod may moderate allergicreactions to airborne pollen and otherallergens if taken for several weeks priorto the start of hay fever season.

When a measured amount of golden-rod—a potentially allergenic plant—isintroduced into the body just before hayfever season, the body begins buildingits antiallergen defenses before the realonslaught.

Availability: Available through herbretailers; profusely abundant in vacantlots and forests throughout NorthAmerica, Europe, and Asia.

Propagation and Harvest: Harvestthe entire plant when it is in full bloom.The entire plant can then be choppedand made into a tincture, or it can bedried for later use in teas.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For upperrespiratory infections, goldenrod com-bines especially well with echinacea andOregon grape. Consider mullein, colts-foot, wild cherry, marshmallow, slipperyelm, and grindelia as adjuncts or alterna-tives for coughs. Dandelion, couch grass,corn silk, ginkgo, uva ursi, marshmallow,echinacea, and hawthorn should beinvestigated for treating urinary and kid-ney disorders.

Cautions and Comments: Goldenrodhas no known toxicity but may be con-traindicated in animals with certainforms of kidney disease. Although gold-enrod is not as allergenic as oncethought (often it is blamed for allergiescaused by ragweed and other plants), itshould be used with caution in animalswho are predisposed to pollen allergies.

GOLDENSEALHydrastis canadensis Buttercup Family

Appearance: Goldenseal is a perennialthat may grow to 12 inches in height. Themain stem of the plant is typically forkedto produce two nearly circular 2-inch to 6-inch-wide leaves, one of which is usuallylarger than the other. The leaves aredeeply lobed, five to seven times, withtoothed margins. The plant may requirethree or more years of growth before itblooms, then it produces a single whitishgreen flower that has no petals. In mid-summer, the flower develops into a singleraspberry-like red fruit that contains ten tothirty small seeds. Stems are hairy. Thehorizontally creeping root is thick andwoody. All parts of the root have deepgoldenrod-yellow inner tissues.

Habitat and Range: The range andpopulation of this North Americannative are rapidly diminishing. The orig-

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inal range of goldenseal once includedmost of eastern North America—fromMinnesota and Vermont south intoGeorgia. Today, most remaining standsof wild goldenseal are isolated in thecentral and northern reaches of theAppalachians and, to a lesser extent, theOzark Mountains.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A long-livedperennial that blooms in early spring

Parts Used: Primarily the root; to a less-er extent the leaves

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-microbial, reduces inflammation of respi-ratory mucosa, tonic, astringent, stimu-lates the liver, antiparasitic

Strongest Affinities: Mucous mem-branes of the respiratory tract, lower uri-nary tract, gastrointestinal tract, mouth,and eyes.

Preparation: Tincture, tea, or poultice

Common Uses: Wild goldenseal is van-ishing because of greed, sensationalism,and misinformed use. The greatest mis-conception about goldenseal is that itacts as an herbal antibiotic in the body,coursing its way through the body sys-tems via the bloodstream to attack anypathogenic microbes in its path. This isuntrue. Goldenseal does not act as anantibiotic. In fact, the antimicrobial alka-loids of this plant (namely berberine andhydrastine) act only to inhibit bacteria,fungi, parasites, and protozoan bodiesthat they come in direct contact with inthe mouth, gastrointestinal tract, andurinary tract. These infection-fightingcompounds are not absorbed into thebloodstream; they simply act as contact dis-infectants. With this in mind, goldensealcan be used against a broad spectrum of

pathogens, including Streptococcus sp.,Staphylococcus sp., Shigella dysenteriae,Salmonella, and several others.

As an anti-inflammatory, goldenseal iseffective for ulcers and irritations of themouth, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and,to a lesser degree, the digestive and uri-nary tracts. A poultice made from thepowdered root can be applied directly toinfections or ulcers in the mouth. Resultsare often seen within hours of application.

For conjunctivitis that is secondary tobacterial or fungal infection in dogs,cats, birds, ferrets, rodents, horses, orreptiles, a goldenseal eyewash serves as astrong antimicrobial agent and alsoquickly reduces inflammation and red-ness. To use goldenseal in this capacity,make a strong tea from the chopped dryroot, then add 12–20 drops of the darkgolden-yellow fluid into 1 ounce of ster-ile saline solution—the liquid marketedfor people with contact lenses. A few

Hydrastis candadensis


drops in each eye (or a fraction of a dropfor small birds, rodents, and such) two orthree times daily usually brings reliefquickly. Internally, we like to use gold-enseal in conjunction with garlic for rid-ding our dogs and cats of tapeworms,and we have received good reports fromveterinarians we work with who find thiscombination useful for treating giardiasisor E. coli infections in dogs, cats, and larg-er animals. Studies of the active compo-nent berberine substantiate these claims.

Wild goldenseal is one of the mostendangered wild medicinal plants inNorth America, and it is still being exploit-ed by the “bad apples” of the herb in-dustry. Fortunately, goldenseal can bereplaced (in most cases) with Oregongrape root (Mahonia aquifolium), a natu-rally abundant member of the barberryfamily that also contains an impressiveamount of the active constituent berber-ine. The continued survival of wild gold-enseal is totally dependent on humanconscience and responsibility—if youthink you need goldenseal, give Oregongrape a try first. Chances are you will bepleased with the results. If you still see aneed for goldenseal, spend the extramoney to buy goldenseal roots or gold-enseal preparations that have come fromcertified organic (cultivated) sources. Ifyou use wildcrafted goldenseal, you arecontributing to the rapid demise of agreat healing treasure that can never bereplaced.

Availability: Herb retailers. Please buygoldenseal harvested from a cultivatedsource only.

Propagation and Harvest: If you havea piece of ground that can support gold-enseal, grow some. The future success ofthis plant may depend on people like you.The best place to plant goldenseal is inthe shade of a dense, hardwood canopy

of a north-facing hillside. The plant re-quires deep compost-rich, well-drainedsoil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.With enough shade and the right soilamendments, goldenseal can be propa-gated in a garden as well.

Goldenseal can be propagated fromstratified seeds or from rhizomes spaced 4inches apart in rows that are 12 inchesapart. Planting should occur in fall.Goldenseal requires at least four to fiveyears (preferably seven) to reach maturity.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: In manyapplications where an antimicrobial oranticatarrhal is indicated, any number ofplants that contain the yellow alkaloidberberine can be employed in place ofgoldenseal. Choices include Oregongrape (Mahonia sp.), twinleaf (Jeffersoniadiphylla), or yerba mansa (Anemiopsis cali-fornica). Before any of these herbs areemployed, however, a fundamental ques-tion of holistic responsibility should beaddressed in the minds of all earth-conscious herb users: Does substituting awildcrafted herb for an overharvested onebenefit the future of wild medicinalplants, or does it simply defer impact ontoanother species? The fact that Oregongrape is an abundant wild substitute isbeside the point. Humanity is efficient atdisturbing or depleting virtually anythingon earth, and when we elect to abandonone natural resource for another in theabsence of proactive holistic thinking, weare only contributing to a continuum ofhuman impact. With this in mind, weshould elect to use wild substitutes onlywhen cultivated goldenseal is not avail-able. Coptis sinensis, a species ofgoldthread that is widely cultivated inChina, may also serve as an excellent sub-stitute for goldenseal. A small portion ofgoldthread or goldenseal added to echi-nacea serves as a direct-intervention“double-punch” for infections of the

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mouth, urinary tract, and gastrointestinaltract, while the echinacea does its job atboosting the immune system.

Cautions and Comments: Some ani-mal studies have shown that berberinecalms the uterus, but other studies showthat it stimulates uterine contractions, soit is inadvisable to use goldenseal, Oregongrape, or other berberine-containingplant medicines in pregnant animals.Goldenseal lowers blood sugar, so don’tuse it in animals who are hypoglycemic.Goldenseal also may alter the metabolismand may have the potential to causehypertension. Long-term internal use ofgoldenseal may overstimulate the liverand trigger excessive production of bile—a situation that is likely to result in vomit-ing. Cats are especially prone to this sideeffect. In light of this, goldenseal shouldnot be used continuously, in excess ofseven days, without a break. For properdose and duration of therapy, and toascertain if internal use of goldenseal isindicated for your animal, consult a holis-tic veterinarian.

An unpleasant but not really threaten-ing side effect may occur in cats that arefed goldenseal or any other plant thatcontains berberine: excessive salivation.Since first writing this book we haveheard from several cat owners and vet-erinarians who report a “foaming at themouth.” If this occurs, simply discontin-ue use—it simply means that this maynot be the best herbal choice for yourparticular kitty.

GOTU KOLACentella asiatica Parsley Family

Appearance: Gotu kola produces darkgreen, nearly circular, 1- to 3-inch leavesand purple flowers that are atypical ofthe parsley family. The leaves have long

petioles (stems) and leathery smoothsurfaces that give the plant an appear-ance similar to what lily pads would looklike if they grew on land instead of inwater.

Habitat and Range: Gotu kola is anative of India, south Asia, easternEurope, and the Philippines. It inhabitsdrainage ditches, streambeds, and moistwaste areas, often in ground-coveringabundance.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms in summer

Parts Used: Leaves

Primary Medicinal Activities: Activeagainst various skin problems (antider-matitic), peripheral vasodilator, helpsreduce arthritic inflammation, antioxi-dant, wound healing, diuretic

Centella asiatica


Strongest Affinities: Skin, nervoussystem, circulatory system

Preparation: Tea or tincture or anyvariety of topical preparation such assalves, lotions, and poultices

Common Uses: Gotu kola is especiallyuseful for burns, skin injuries, or dermati-tis that involve vascular insufficiency oraccumulation of subcutaneous swelling.When taken internally it increasesperipheral blood circulation and servesas a mild diuretic, thus assisting with thebody’s natural ability to cleanse and healthe epidermis. When applied externally,it serves as an antioxidant and speedsthe healing process by stimulatingregeneration of skin cells. It has alsobeen shown to accelerate the productionof healthy scar tissue after surgery. It isknown to promote hair and nail growth.

Gotu kola is useful in treating leprosy(mycobacteriosis), an ulcerous bacterialinfection of the skin that can occur indogs, cats, and other animals. In thesecases, it is believed that a terpene com-pound called asiaticoside breaks downthe protective waxy coating of the dis-ease-causing bacteria, leaving the invad-ing microbes vulnerable to the body’simmune system. Recent studies also sug-gest that the betulinic acid content ofgotu kola is active against melanoma, alife-threatening form of skin cancer.

Gotu kola is said to improve mentalclarity and to act as a mild sedative andnervine (moderates nerve transmissions)in animals. In a study where rats weretrained to do simple tasks, gotu kola wasshown to improve learning and memory.Researchers correlated this finding to adeceleration of neurotransmitter repro-duction in the brain—in other words,memory was retained because theprocess of neurotransmission remainedless interrupted. This makes gotu kola a

potential candidate for treating senilityin aging animals. Gotu kola may also beuseful in the treatment of epilepsy.

For animals with arthritis, gotu kolaimproves circulation in the legs andhelps to reduce inflammation. It hasalso been shown to promote healingand reconstruction of connective tissuein the joints.

For external applications, gotu kolacan be used as a skin rinse, poultice, orfomentation. Salves and oil infusionswork well too, especially when vitaminE oil is added. For internal uses in a dogor cat, a tea from the dried leaves (1teaspoon of herb to 8 ounces of near-boiling water) can be fed directly orput in the animal’s food. Feed 1 table-spoon of the cooled tea per 30 poundsof the animal’s body weight, oncedaily. Alternatively, a tablespoon of thefresh leaves can be finely chopped andadded to each pound of an animal’sfood (the young light-green leaves aredelicious in salads). Horses can be fed ahandful of the leaves each day as adietary adjunct. A low-alcohol tinctureis yet another option. For each 30pounds of a dog’s body weight, add0.5–1 milliliter of tincture to food daily.Add 0.5 milliliters of tincture to yourcat’s food daily.

Availability: Herb retailers and a fewspecialty seed and plant suppliers

Propagation and Harvest: Althoughgotu kola is seldom grown in NorthAmerica, its cultivation is certainly possi-ble. The plants must be kept warm—attropical temperatures—throughout theirlives, meaning that they will need agreenhouse or a consistently warm, sun-lit place indoors in order to flourish inmost of North America. The plants likenitrogen-rich soil, a mix of shade andsunlight, and room to spread.

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Alternatives and Adjuncts: For exter-nal treatment of skin problems, considercalendula, chaparral, aloe, comfrey, andchamomile as alternatives or adjuncts.For internal treatment of skin problemsor arthritis, gotu kola combines withalternatives such as burdock, red clover,or yellow dock. Diuretic, nutritive, andcholagogue herbs such as dandelion leafand root, Oregon grape, cleavers, andnettle should be considered as well.Licorice, devil’s claw, or yucca root servesas anti-inflammatory adjuncts. For vascu-lar problems, gotu kola combines withginger, cayenne, peppermint, ginkgo,yarrow, or hawthorn. To improve mentalclarity and circulation in the brain, addginkgo to your gotu kola.

Cautions and Comments: Althoughnever witnessed by the authors or any-one we consult with, there is some scien-tific literature that presents the theorythat excessive doses of gotu kola mayhave narcotic effects in animals, maycause photosensitivity, and may interferewith hypoglycemic therapies. Largedoses may also present abortifacientactivities and therefore should not beused in pregnant animals.

GRAVELROOTEupatorium purpureum Sunflower Family

Appearance: Gravelroot is a largeperennial, sometimes reaching 12 feettall. The lance-shaped leaves have shortpetioles and grow directly off of themain stem in whorls of four or more.Leaves are distinctively textured andhave coarsely serrated edges. Stems aresmooth, succulent, and covered withpurple spots, especially at the leaf axils.Flowers are small and pink, presented inshowy slightly globe-shaped clusters atthe top of the plant. Spotted gravelroot

(Eupatorium maculatum) shares the habi-tat of and looks similar to E. purpureum,except the mature plants tend to bemuch smaller. Both are equally useful.

Boneset (E. perfoliatum), a close rela-tive of gravelroot, is a proportionatelysmaller plant that offers a different rangeof therapeutic usefulness.

Habitat and Range: Gravelroot iscommon at the edges of moist forestclearings, where it often forms densethickets. Its range includes most of theeastern United States from Minnesotaand Nebraska eastward to the AtlanticOcean and south to Florida. In the West,E. maculatum is sporadically distributedfrom South British Columbia to NewMexico.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms in midsummer

Eupatorium purpureum


Parts Used: Roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic,anti-inflammatory, tonic, helps reducearthritic inflammation, helps prevent oreliminate urinary stress

Strongest Affinities: Urinary tract

Preparation: Decoction or tincture ofthe root

Common Uses: Gravelroot is traditionallyused for expelling small kidney and blad-der stones (gravel) from the urinary tract. Itis effective for reducing the pain andinflammation of cystitis, and is sometimesused to treat swollen prostates. The diuret-ic activities of gravelroot may help in theelimination of excess uric acid from thebody, making it potentially useful in thetreatment of gout and other forms ofrheumatism. Although little scientific vali-dation exists for the medicinal uses of thisplant, its abundance and long-standingreputation among herbalists as a safe andeffective urinary tract remedy warrantsattention. While this herb has been safelyused in dogs and cats, we cannot recom-mend gravelroot as a first-choice herb sim-ply because we don’t know it as well as itsalternatives. However, gravelroot is a pro-fusely abundant plant in many areas ofNorth America, and it is a valuable resourcewhen other urinary tract herbs may not beavailable. It is also a plant that is likely togain market popularity in coming years,and chances are it will someday enter themarket in some kind of pet formula. In anycase, gravelroot is a good herb to remem-ber as an emergency standby resource.

Availability: Despite its long history as anherbal medicine, commercial sources ofgravelroot are difficult to find in many partsof North America, especially in the West.The solution to this problem is simple—

grow your own! Seeds are availablethrough specialty catalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: This peren-nial is easy to grow. It sends up shootsfrom its rhizomes shortly after it is plantedand forms a self-sufficient thicket. All itreally needs is plenty of sun, rich soil, andfrequent watering. Plants do best if shel-tered from wind because the stems tendto break easily.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For removalof gravel from the urinary tract, gravelrootis often combined with demulcent herbssuch as marshmallow root, plantain, andcorn silk. In urinary disorders that alsoinvolve inflammation or bleeding, gravel-root can be combined with stronger astrin-gents or other anti-inflammatory herbssuch as uva ursi, cleavers, and corn silk. Asan alternative, consider couch grass.

Cautions and Comments: Only the rootof this plant should be used because theleaves, stems, and flowers contain echina-tine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid that may beharmful to the liver if consumed in largeenough quantities. Although direct sideeffects appear to be rare in animals whoeat this plant, raw milk taken from animalswho have grazed on gravelroot and thenfed to humans and other animals mayhave toxic effects. The symptoms of over-dose may include weakness, nausea, vom-iting, liver damage, tremors, collapse, diffi-cult breathing, convulsions, coma, ordeath. It is highly advisable to contact aveterinarian familiar with gravelroot beforeadministering it to your dog or cat.

GRINDELIAGrindelia squarrosa Sunflower Family

Appearance: When grindelia is firstencountered in the field, two thoughts

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often come to mind: This is a weed, andthis is obviously a member of the sun-flower family. Grindelia has strong butflexible 1- to 3-foot-tall stems, saw-toothed leaves, and bright yellow flow-ers that grow one per stem. Beneath theyellow rays, the flowers have distinctivecurved bracts. The flower heads have asticky gumlike substance that has earnedthe plant the common name of “gum-weed.”

Habitat and Range: Several species ofGrindelia range throughout the westerntwo-thirds of North America. All sharesimilar appearances and most are inhab-itants of wide-open plains or dry, sunnyforest clearings.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A biennialor short-lived perennial that reproducesby seed

Parts Used: Flowers and leaves

Primary Medicinal Activities: Ex-pectorant, sedative, cough suppressant,anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pres-sure, relieves poison ivy–induced con-tact dermatitis

Strongest Affinities: Respiratory tractand skin

Preparation: For internal uses: tinctureor tea. For contact dermatitis: tea (skinrinse), salve, lotion, ointment, or lini-ment (an externally applied tincture).

Common Uses: Very little scientificattention has been directed towardgrindelia, but its effectiveness and useful-ness as a respiratory herb is well knownamong Western herbalists. NativeAmericans, who passed their herbal wis-dom to us, used grindelia to treat every-thing from tuberculosis and pneumonia

to gonorrhea and postpartum pain. Froma scientific perspective, we know that thegummy substance secreted from theflower heads contains at least 20 percentresins, which are composed of substancesthat stimulate mucus secretion andreduce inflammation in the upper respira-tory tract, making a dry, hacking coughmore productive. Adding to grindelia’sexpectorant qualities are sedative andantispasmodic activities that calm a spas-tic cough by relaxing the smooth musclesof the upper respiratory tract while dilat-ing the bronchioles. This makes grindeliauseful for relieving the symptoms of asth-ma in dogs and cats, especially when it isadministered at the early onset of anattack. We also find it useful for easing thesymptoms of bordetella (kennel cough).To evaluate whether grindelia is appropri-ate for your pet and to determine a prop-er dosage, talk to a holistic practitioner.

Grindelia squarrosa


Many North American Indian tribesused decoctions or simple teas ofgrindelia leaves and flowers as a sooth-ing skin rinse for poison ivy–induced der-matitis, and in recent years, grindelialotions have started to appear inEuropean markets for the same purpose.A simple homemade decoction or tinc-ture serves this purpose—apply as need-ed to the affected areas once or twicedaily.

Availability: Grindelia herb or herbalpreparations are available through herbretailers. The seed is available throughspecialty seed catalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: Grindeliatolerates poor soil and can be propagat-ed easily from seed. Harvest the flowersand leaves when the plants are in fullbloom.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For asth-ma, a small amount of grindelia can becombined with nettle. Look at lobelia asa possible adjunct or alternative. For ken-nel cough and other respiratory infec-tions and irritations, check out hore-hound, coltsfoot, comfrey, mullein, andwild cherry as possible alternatives oradjuncts.

Cautions and Comments: Internal useof grindelia may have a relaxing effecton the heart muscle and may cause adecrease in blood pressure. As a result,grindelia may be contraindicated in ani-mals with heart or other circulatoryproblems. Excessive doses of grindeliaare believed to cause renal irritation;therefore grindelia may be contraindicat-ed in animals with renal failure or otherforms of kidney disease. Although it isgenerally regarded as nontoxic butunpalatable to livestock and other ani-mals, little research has been done on

the effects of grindelia. Its use should belimited to what the holistic pet care com-munity has learned through clinicalexperience. See your holistic veterinarianbefore administering this herb internally.Barring allergic sensitivity, external appli-cations are generally safe for home treat-ment of poison ivy dermatitis on mostanimals.

HAWTHORNCrataegus sp. Rose Family

Appearance: Hawthorn is a smalldeciduous tree or large shrub (up to 16feet tall) that is easily recognized andquickly remembered by its nasty 1- to 3-inch curved thorns that are strategicallyspaced along the branches, often at eyelevel. The leaves of most species are nar-rowly fan-shaped or oval. The margins ofthe 1- to 2-inch-long leaves are toothedwith all leaf tips pointing distinctly for-ward. The white 1⁄4-inch flowers are pre-sented in flat clusters, each blossom hav-ing five petals and numerous stamens(the pollen-bearing structures). When infull bloom, the blossoms often have anunpleasant “dead” odor. In late summer,the flowers are replaced with clusters ofred to black berries that contain two tofive seeds each.

Habitat and Range: The Crataegusgenus is large and varied with hundredsof species (all of which readily hybridize)in North America. Most species arefound in riparian thickets or moist mead-ows, where they serve as important for-age and nesting habitats for birds andother wildlife. They are found in Alaskaand British Columbia southward intoCalifornia and are widely distributedeastward throughout the western interi-or states at valley and foothill elevations.C. douglasii (black hawthorn, see photo)

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is one of the most common and wide-spread species.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Deciduousperennial; blooms sometime betweenApril and June

Parts Used: Fruits (berries) or flowersand leaf buds

Primary Medicinal Activities: Tonic(strengthens cardiovascular structuresand functions), lowers blood pressure,dilates blood vessels, nutritive, antioxi-dant

Strongest Affinities: Cardiovascularsystem

Preparation: Fresh or dried berries,tincture, tea, and decoction

Common Uses: Hawthorn berries havebeen considered one of nature’s best andsafest heart and vascular tonics for mil-lennia. A great deal of scientific study hasvalidated hawthorn’s usefulness in thiscapacity, and herbalists and researchersagree that hawthorn benefits the heartand arteries in at least three ways:

• Hawthorn dilates both coronary vesselsand vessels of the brain, helping toincrease circulation and the transportof nutrients and oxygen throughoutthe body. It accomplishes this in aneffective and unique fashion: while itdilates major vessels, it also increasesblood flow from the heart to compen-sate for any reduction of arterial bloodvolume. In other words, it helps thebody push more blood around byincreasing cardiac output and decreas-ing blood flow resistance in the arter-ies so there is more blood flow atlower pressure. This effect has beenshown in studies performed with

dogs, especially when used in smalldoses over an extended period.

• Hawthorn possesses antioxidant prop-erties. It scavenges free-radical mole-cules that are known to rob the bloodof oxygen and may lead to variousforms of vascular disease.

• Hawthorn acts to steady and strength-en a weak or erratic heartbeat. In fact,it has been shown to be a possiblealternative to the drug digitalis andmay actually serve as a potentiatingadjunct to this cardiac drug.

All of these activities are largely attribut-able to the vast array of flavonoid con-stituents held in hawthorn. Flavonoidsare typified as red pigments found inmany kinds of fruits and vegetables,and hundreds of studies have indicatedthat these compounds are essential inmaintaining disease resistance and the

Crataegus douglassi


integrity of smooth-muscle tissuesthroughout the body. It so happens thathawthorn may be the richest naturalsource of these vital nutrients. In a recentstudy using unfortunate rats, theflavonoid constituents held in hawthornwere shown to help prevent myocardialdamage in situations where the heartmuscle was subjected to physiologicalstress. This means that animals such asracehorses and working dogs, who areconstantly under cardiovascular stress,are likely to find preventative benefitsfrom daily supplements of hawthornberries in their diets. It stands to reasonthat this cardiovascular tonic is useful inthe daily care of older animals, especiallythose who suffer from chronic heartproblems such as congestive heart fail-ure, postsurgical dysfunction, or cardiacanomalies that have resulted from heart-worm, bacterial or viral infections, orprotracted chemotherapy. When com-bined with herbs that strengthen kidneyfunction, hawthorn may also serve as agood adjunct therapy in the early treat-ment of kidney failure. Hawthorn’svasodilator and hypotensive actions mayhelp to improve blood circulationthrough the renal arteries and smallervessels of the kidneys without the addedstress of increased blood pressure.

One of the nicest things about usinghawthorn in treating animals is the factthat it tastes pretty good and is one ofthe easiest herbs to feed to your pet. Ifyou are lucky enough to have ahawthorn tree near your home and ananimal who likes red fruit, you can pickthe ripe berries and feed them as tonictreats. As an alternative, the fully ripeberries can be picked, dried on a cleansheet of paper, and ground by hand witha mortar and pestle (be forewarned: thedried berries burn out small coffeegrinders) into a coarse powder. The pow-der can then be added to your pet’s

diet—1 teaspoon per pound of food fedeach day. If your animal won’t eat theberries either way, try making a tea andpouring it over the food. If that doesn’twork, you can use hawthorn gel capsuleswrapped with a little cheese, or, betteryet, you can use a low-alcohol hawthornextract.

The berries are the commonly usedand marketed part of the hawthornplant, probably because they make sucha pretty and palatable medicine. But inearly spring, before the berries are avail-able, the flowering branch ends (leaves,flower buds, twigs, and thorns) can beclipped into small pieces and made intoa decoction. Good luck getting it intoyour animal though—unlike the berries,the “twig tea” tastes awful!

Availability: Hawthorn berries and thedried leaves and flowers are availablethrough herb retailers. Various hawthornpreparations are available at health foodstores.

Propagation and Harvest: A fewspecies of hawthorn are availablethrough nurseries, particularly those spe-cializing in native plants. Hawthorn isnot difficult to grow—all it really requiresis plenty of water. But it tends to be aslow grower. Gather the berries whenthey are completely ripe, usually in mid-summer. Depending on the species, theberries are red or blue-red (almost blackin the case of C. douglasii). The berriescan then be used fresh, or they can bedried for future use. When properlystored, they should keep for at least ayear. The flowering end-twigs should beharvested and used as soon as the blos-soms open in early spring.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Whencombined with a good natural diet andother tonic herbs, hawthorn acts exactly

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as an herbal heart tonic should, fillingthe special cardiac needs in the goldenyears of an animal’s life. Other tonicherbs can be used in combination withhawthorn to round out the supplemen-tal needs of older animals. These mightinclude ginkgo or yarrow (for strength-ening capillary walls), garlic (for addedantioxidant and immune system sup-port), alfalfa and red clover (to nourishthe blood, increase appetite, and raiseenergy levels), dandelion leaf (to assist inthe removal of excess water and lendtonic support to the kidneys), and oat-straw (as a nervous system tonic).

Cautions and Comments: Hawthornis safe. In fact, in the hundreds of animalstudies that have been conducted withthis herb since 1900, hawthorn hasshown extremely low toxicity in everyanimal tested. We place the toxicitypotential of hawthorn berries on thesame level as that of rose hips, raspber-ries, or blueberries—in other words,hawthorn is a medicinal food.

HOPHumulus lupulus Mulberry Family

Appearance: Hop is a beautiful trailingvine with deeply lobed leaves reminis-cent of those of grapevines.

Habitat and Range: Originally aEurasian plant, several varieties of hopare grown throughout the world. Manyhave escaped cultivation and now adornwaste areas, railway easements, andravines throughout North America.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms in mid– to late summer.

Parts Used: Strobiles (strobili), com-monly known as hops

Primary Medicinal Activities: Seda-tive, diuretic, stimulates digestion

Strongest Affinities: Nervous system,urinary tract, digestive tract

Preparation: Tea, tincture, fresh stro-biles

Common Uses: Unlike many of thecalming herbs we refer to as herbal seda-tives, hop is truly sedative in nature. Itworks as a mild but reliable nervous sys-tem depressant and hypnotic, whereasmost other calming herbs work more asmuscle relaxants. Provided it is used withprudence and respect, hop serves as anexcellent general-purpose calming agentin cases of acute anxiety such as thedreaded trip to the groomer or a longhorse-trailer ride on the interstate.Provided the animals accept the bitterflavor, a handful or two of the fresh or

Humulus lupulus


dried strobiles can be fed to horses, lla-mas, mules, or other herbivores justbefore or during an emotional crisis. Afew drops of the tea or tincture can befed to dogs and cats.

Hop is also good for separation anxi-ety and for episodes of hyperexcitabilitythat occur subsequent to traumaticevents such as intermittent episodes ofinsomnia, whining, and restlessness thathaunt an adopted pet who is recoveringfrom physical or emotional abuse. Giving10–20 drops added to each quart of theanimal’s drinking water usually servesthis purpose well. Hop is also good forhelping an animal to relax in the pres-ence of physical pain, especially whenhop is combined with valerian. Whilehop does not lend appreciablepainkilling activities, it does assist theanimal in dealing with pain naturally.(Animals are much better at this than weare.) Giving 1⁄8 teaspoon for each 20pounds of the animal’s weight, no morethan three times daily, usually suffices forpain or acute anxiety problems.

While hop may help to relieve theseverity of pain or an emotional crisis, itis important to remember that it cannottreat the underlying causes of behavioraldisorders. Hyperactivity and excitabilitymay be symptoms of a nutritional defi-ciency, a metabolic imbalance, an infec-tion, or hyperthyroidism. Look deep intoyour animal’s crisis from as many per-spectives as you can. Even if hop seemsto be solving the problem, it may beonly masking the symptoms of a seriousdisease.

Animal studies have confirmed thatthe humulone and lupulone con-stituents in hop are active against manyforms of gram-positive bacteria as wellas some of the troublesome fungi,including Candida spp. Human studieshave also shown promising results fromthe use of hop in treating gallbladder

inflammation and urinary incontinence.In the incontinence study, 772 of 915human patients who received a formulacontaining hop, uva ursi, and vitamin Eexperienced excellent results.

Availability: Dried hop is availablethrough herb retailers or wherever beer-making supplies are sold. Avoid the com-pressed pellets or strobiles and the con-centrated hop syrups used for brewing.What you want is the whole dried stro-biles. The compressed pellets and syrupsare concentrated and may cause a serioustoxic reaction in your animal. Ideally, ofcourse, you should grow your own hop.

Propagation and Harvest: Hop vinesare easy to grow, cold hardy, and attrac-tive when trained to climb a trellis or gar-den archway. The plants need moist, richsoil and full sun in order to thrive andbloom. Plants and root cuttings are avail-able through nurseries.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For painand posttraumatic irritability, hop com-bines especially well with valerian. If thepain is attributable to nerve trauma ordysfunction, consider skullcap, oatstraw,or Saint-John’s-wort as possible adjunctsor alternatives. For anxiety and restless-ness characterized by trembling orhyperexcitability to touch or a suddensound (the animal jumps when sur-prised), hop can be combined with skull-cap or passionflower.

Cautions and Comments: In 1998,the National Animal Poison ControlCenter had recorded eight instances ofdogs dying after eating hops that hadbeen used and discarded during theprocess of brewing beer. All of thesedogs succumbed to malignant hyper-thermia—an acute, uncontrollable feverthe first symptom of which is heavy

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panting, followed by rapid heartbeatand a rapid and continued rise in bodytemperature. Seven of the dogs weregreyhounds, and it appears that thisbreed is especially susceptible to hyper-thermia from eating discarded hops. Italso should be noted that the deaths ofthese dogs were from the ingestion ofthe spent (postbrewing) hops used inmaking beer, not from the medicinal-quality hops used in making tinctures.The problem appears to stem from threecommon denominators:

• The chemistry of spent hops or themanner by which they are metabo-lized by greyhounds may be quite dif-ferent from the manner in whichfresh or dried strobiles are processedby the same animals. It is evident thatthe chemical and biochemical rela-tionships among hops, malt syrup,various sugars, and other elements ofbeer-making may be responsible forthe ultimate results and should beinvestigated. Heat raises yet anotherquestion—the process of boiling theherb is likely to change the chemistryof hop and the entire beer-makingcombination.

• The hops used may have been com-pressed and therefore would havebeen concentrated.

• Although we still do not know why, itappears that greyhounds are especial-ly predisposed to this problem, andtherefore they should never be fedhops.

In light of this problem, a subsequentstudy was conducted and published inThe Journal of the American VeterinaryMedical Association. The study found thatall of the greyhounds examined in anemergency clinic for the disorder hadingested approximately 250 milliliters ofspent hops each—that’s about one cup.

Spent brewing hops are sweet and tasty,making them a target for gluttony andtoxic excess. Despite the fact that therehave been no additional reports of hops-related hyperthermia in dogs ten yearslater, caution dictates that it is best tolimit your dogs’ access to spent home-brew hops, especially if your pet is agreyhound. Limit your use of hops tosmall quantities of a high-quality formu-lation designed for animals, or useunadulterated fresh or dried hops withmoderation.

HORSETAILEquisetum arvense Horsetail Family

Appearance: The horsetail family isgenerally divided into three groups: (1)annual varieties that produce separateand distinctly different fertile and sterilestems, (2) annuals that produce sterileand fertile stems that are similar inappearance, and (3) evergreen perenni-als that produce fertile and sterile stemsthat are alike. Despite these variances,the entire family shares fundamentallysimilar characteristics: hollow, distinc-tively grooved and jointed stems anddark, scalelike leaves that appear assheaths surrounding the stems at thejoints. In early spring, Equisetum arvenseproduces a small 3- to 12-inch fertilestem that lacks chlorophyll (the con-stituent that makes plants green). Thisstem dies back as its larger green, sterilecounterpart matures. The subsequent, 6-inch to 2-foot-tall sterile stems havewhorled branches that resemble greenbottlebrushes. Equisetum hyemale ismuch larger (up to 5 feet tall) and lacksany branching characteristics. It lookslike a prehistoric cross between minia-ture bamboo and an asparagus spear.Both species are often seen growing sideby side.


Habitat and Range: Lakeshores,stream banks, and other wet areas, upinto alpine elevations throughout NorthAmerica. Horsetails often represent theprimary ground cover in shady wetthickets.

Cycle and Bloom Season: The greensterile plants emerge in spring. Perennialvarieties remain green and usablethroughout the year; annual varieties dieback in late fall.

Parts Used: All aerial parts

Primary Medicinal Activities: Diu-retic, astringent, stops bleeding, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Musculoskeletalsystem, skin, and hair

Preparation: Tincture or decoction forinternal uses; a poultice for externalcompresses

Common Uses: Horsetail contains avast array of synergistic chemical com-pounds that all contribute to myriadmedicinal uses, but most notable is itsusefulness in healing bone and connec-tive tissue injuries.

Most of horsetail’s regenerativeactions in the musculoskeletal systemcan be attributed to its remarkable con-tent of bioactive silicon. In the body, sili-con is a fundamental starting point, ormatrix, for the formation of bone, carti-lage, skin, and other connective tissues,including those of the aorta and trachea.Silicon is perhaps the most common ele-ment on earth. In fact, most of the sandon our planet is composed largely of sili-con but not in a form that can beabsorbed and used by the body. The sil-icon contained in horsetail is unique inthat it is in a form that can be metabo-lized for tissue repair and development.

For you and your companion, horse-tail can help speed recovery from jointand bone injuries, including postsurgicaltrauma. For internal use, a decoction ortincture preparation is needed. Horsetailis poorly water soluble and is abrasive, sounless it is put into a form that the bodycan easily absorb, it may cause irritationto the urinary tract and kidneys.

To make a decoction, take a largehandful of the dried herb and place it intoa nonmetallic cooking vessel (to avoidpicking up metallic residues). Add a 1⁄2 tea-spoon of sugar and enough water tobarely cover the herb. The sugar helps toextract the silicon constituents and makesa more palatable finished product.Simmer the mixture over low heat forabout twenty minutes or until the waterhas turned dark green. Strain through afine cloth and allow to cool. The clarifieddecoction can be added directly to yourcompanion’s food—1 tablespoon per 20pounds of the animal’s body weight daily,five days a week. Horsetail tincture can beused the same way but at a smallerdosage of 1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) per 20pounds of body weight.

Horsetail is also useful for a variety ofurinary tract problems, particularly thosethat involve bleeding or an accumulationof superfluous tissue in the urinary tract.The hemolytic and antimicrobial proper-ties of horsetail make it beneficial for uri-nary tract infections that involve minorbleeding from the bladder or urethra. Tohelp avoid urinary tract irritation duringlong-term use (more than ten days), it’sa good idea to use horsetail in conjunc-tion with soothing, protecting, and lubri-cating herbs such as marshmallow, plan-tain, or chickweed. Marshmallow is ourfirst choice because it adds excellentantimicrobial properties to the therapeu-tic effort.

There is evidence to support claimsthat horsetail may help prevent bone

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degeneration, skin and coat disorders,and even senility in older animals.Scientific studies have concluded that as abody ages, silicon levels in the circulatorysystem and skin decrease, which in turnleads to tissue degeneration and a dimin-ished capacity to form new tissue. Otherstudies suggest that horsetail may be use-ful in preventing certain forms of senilityand degenerative bone disease, namelythose directly related to the balancebetween silicon and aluminum in thebody. In theory, these ailments may resultfrom a toxic excess of aluminum, a condi-tion normally counteracted by the pres-ence of silicic acid, silicon, and other vitalcompounds that are contained in horse-tail. In other words, dietary supplementa-tion with horsetail may help maintain ahealthful balance of silicon in the bodiesof aging animals. See your holistic veteri-narian to ascertain if and how muchhorsetail is suitable for your companion.

Availability: A common plant through-out most of the world. The dried herband tincture are available through herbretailers.

Propagation and Harvest: For medi-cine of optimum quality, harvest E.arvense in mid– to late spring while theleaves of the bottlebrush-like plant stillpoint skyward. Later, as the leaves spreadhorizontally, they become less water sol-uble and therefore do not make as gooda medicine. Clip the plants just aboveground level, and spread them out on apiece of newspaper to dry thoroughlybefore use.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Combineswell with marshmallow, cleavers, plantain,chickweed, corn silk, or couch grass forurinary tract problems. To help in thehealing of bone and connective tissueinjuries, horsetail tincture combines well

with comfrey or nettle and serves as anexcellent adjunct to glucosamine andchondroiton sulfate supplements. Fornervous system support in older animals,horsetail serves as an excellent adjunct tohawthorn and ginkgo.

Cautions and Comments: Do not usehorsetail in cases of hypertension or car-diac disease. Horsetail may cause breastmilk to change flavor during lactation. Ifthere is a history of silicate stones of theurinary system, caution should be used.Do not gather this plant from areas thatare downstream of commercial farmingactivities as it may contain inorganicnitrates that are metabolized into abnor-mal nicotine-like alkaloids. Livestockhave reportedly been poisoned by eatinglarge quantities of horsetail, possibly dueto alkaloid interfering with either theproduction or use of vitamin B1.

Equisetum arvense


JUNIPERJuniperus spp. Cypress Family

Appearance: There are over 130 speciesof juniper worldwide; about 26 of thesespecies are native to North America. Theberries of all are useful, but Juniperus com-munis (common juniper) has a reputationamong herbalists and wild food epicure-ans as having the berries with thestrongest medicine.

Species of this large genus of ever-greens are differentiated by their size(trees or low-growing shrubs) and thespecific characteristics of their leaves(needlelike or scalelike). All junipers canbe easily identified by their foliage andcones (commonly called juniper berries),which have a strong and distinctive gin-like aroma.

Habitat and Range: Common juniperis generally a mountain shrub that canbe found on rocky hillsides and forestclearings up to about 10,000 feet in ele-vation. Juniper is widespread from Alaskato California and throughout much oftemperate North America. The afore-mentioned tree varieties are high-desertdwellers of eastern California, Nevada,Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, andNew Mexico.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Evergreen,producing fruits that take two to threeyears to ripen

Parts Used: Fruits (berries) and leaves(often called needles)

Primary Medicinal Activities: Astrin-gent, diuretic, antimicrobial, strengthenskidney function, lowers blood sugar, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Genitourinarysystem (including the kidneys), skin

Preparation: Decoction of the leaves orberries, tincture (berries), or whole(dried or fresh) berries can be fed direct-ly or as a food additive.

Common Uses: Recent scientific studiesconducted at the College of Medicine atTaiwan National University and theUniversidad de Granada in Spain haveshown that juniper offers new hope inthe treatment of diabetes and cardiovas-cular disease. In the study conducted inSpain, a decoction of ripe juniper berrieswas administered to both diabetic andhealthy rats. In both test groups, thedecoction was found to lower blood glu-cose levels by increasing glucose uptakein the diaphragm, while at the sametime increasing the amount of insulinreleased from the pancreas. The resultwas a lower mortality rate in animalswith insulin-dependent diabetes andnew hope for those with other forms ofdiabetes. In the study conducted inTaiwan, a compound derivative of theberries called 14 acetoxycedrol wasfound to have anticoagulant effects inthe blood and a relaxing action on vas-cular tissues, actions that should proveuseful in reducing the risk of cardiovas-cular disease in humans and other ani-mals. In the minds of modern herbalists,these wonderful new discoveries onlyadd to juniper’s long history as a heal-ing ally.

During the black plague, manyEuropean physicians carried three orfour juniper berries in their mouth at alltimes to prevent infection. Medicalinstruments were soaked in a disinfect-ing decoction of the berries. NativeAmericans used every part of the shrubfor a variety of ailments ranging fromsore throats to dandruff, sometimesbathing their horses in a root tea toimprove their coats. In fact, juniper hasbeen used as a food and medicine for

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thousands of years by cultures the worldover and remains an ingredient in sever-al mainstream over-the-counter diureticand laxative remedies today. The berriesare a valuable culinary commodity aswell, being used as the primary flavoringagent in gin and as a rather expensiveseasoning for gourmet dishes. (We like touse them in place of bay leaves in chiliand wild-food dishes.)

Modern-day herbalists use juniper totreat edema and arthritis as well as acuteand severe cystitis and other infections ofthe urinary tract. Juniper is also known tostimulate kidney function by increasingthe rate of glomerulus filtration, theprocess by which the kidneys filter outimpurities and cleanse the blood. In layterms, juniper increases urine productionand waste elimination. This effect is dueto an irritant action attributable tojuniper’s generous content of volatileoils, especially one called terpineol.Because of these irritating effects, junipershould never be used in animals withpreexisting kidney problems, nor shouldit be used over long periods of time.Also, juniper is known to have a vasodi-lating action in the uterus and was onceused to promote menstrual flow; there-fore, it should never be used in pregnantanimals. Fortunately, all of this soundsmore ominous than it really is sincemany stimulatory herbs work because oftheir abilities to selectively irritate thebody. When used over a very short peri-od in the correct dosages, and in non-pregnant animals with healthy kidneys,juniper can safely increase renal circula-tion and boost overall kidney function.

The antiseptic and astringent proper-ties of the berries or leaves may be usefulin relieving itchiness and infections ofthe skin when applied topically in theform of a cooled dilute rinse. Because theplant is not water soluble, you will firstneed to make a simple decoction (see

chapter 1). After the decoction hascooled, dilute it with enough cold waterto give it the appearance of a weak tea(you should be able to see through aclear 8-ounce glass of the liquid. Nowyou can pour the liquid over your dog(and as long as you don’t mind a fewclaw scratches, your cat) until the animalis thoroughly soaked. Avoid getting anyinto your animal’s eyes.

Before using juniper in a rinse, be surethat the decoction is well diluted. Whileproblems seldom occur when usingjuniper as a skin rinse, the volatile oils inthe plant can be irritating if the solutionis too strong, especially if your animalhas sensitive skin to start with. (By theway, this applies to peppermint, penny-royal, and eucalyptus rinses as well.)

After you rinse your pet, she willsmell like a conifer forest on a warmspring day!

Juniperis communis


Availability: Juniper berries are avail-able at the supermarket, but they aremuch too expensive considering howcommon the shrubs are. Juniper leaf andberry extracts are available through herbretailers. Several shrub and small treevarieties are available from nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Severalspecies of juniper have been domesticat-ed and are available at your local nursery.Juniperus communis is frequently used asa low-growing landscaping shrub and isan excellent choice for walkway bordersand flower beds. Junipers are easy togrow but tend to grow slowly. Onceestablished, they are cold hardy (espe-cially J. communis), drought tolerant, andthey require minimal maintenance. Soilquality is of little concern to these plants,but they do appreciate at least a slightlyacidic pH level, so if necessary, amendyour soil with some redwood compost.When you visit the nursery, rememberthat only the female plants bear thesought-after berries and that you willneed at least two plants (a male and afemale) to produce fruit.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For inflam-mations of the urinary tract, considercouch grass, gravelroot, corn silk, plan-tain, and uva ursi before using juniper.Marshmallow adds soothing and lubricat-ing protection when added to juniper. Forurinary tract infections, look at echinacea,sage, thyme, and Oregon grape as alter-natives or adjuncts. For treating fleabitesand other skin irritations, juniper com-bines well in a skin rinse with calendula,chamomile, or peppermint (or for thatmatter, any kind of mint).

Cautions and Comments: Do notuse juniper internally in animals withpreexisting kidney disease or in preg-nant or lactating animals. The key rule

with juniper is one that applies to allherbal remedies: Use with caution andalways in moderation. And remember,what may be deemed excessive for oneanimal may be inadequate for another.Proper use of juniper is entirely depend-ent upon an accurate assessment ofyour companion’s specific needs andmedical condition. Please see yourholistic veterinarian first.

LAVENDERLavandula angustifolia Mint Family

Appearance: With its delicate spikelikeflowers, narrow silvery leaves, and sweetfragrance, lavender is a beautiful adorn-ment to any garden. There are severalcultivars of Lavandula; the one mostcommonly found in nurseries is Englishlavender (L. angustifolia).

Habitat and Range: A Mediterraneannative that is in cultivation throughoutmuch of the world

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms in early to midsummer

Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, and stems

Primary Medicinal Activities: Elevatesmood (antidepressive), antibacterial,astringent, analgesic, antispasmodic, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Skin, nervous sys-tem, respiratory tract, joints

Preparation: Diluted essential oil, tea,dried flower bunches, sachets

Common Uses: The essential oil oflavender works wonders to calm a nerv-ous or excited animal. In depressed oraggressive animals, lavender can be usedto lift spirits and adjust attitudes. In these

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applications, the oil is not applied to theanimal itself but is used in aromatherapy.An open bottle of the oil is waved underthe animal’s nostrils, or a few drops areput on a piece of cardboard that isplaced near the animal’s bedding, undera car seat, or on the outside of a travelcarrier. The sweet aroma helps the ani-mal (and her human guardian) to relaxduring an otherwise restless experience.Oftentimes the effects are instantaneous.A small sachet bag can be filled withlavender flowers and placed near the ani-mal for the same (but less reliable) effect.

A few drops of the essential oil can beadded to some water and placed in avaporizer (or a potpourri simmering pot)and used to treat coughs and respiratoryinfections. When emitted near the ani-mal in a closed room, the vapor helps toopen respiratory passages and inhibitbacterial reproduction in the lungs.

For joint inflammation, stiffness, orpain, 10 drops of the essential oil can beadded to 1 ounce of apricot kernel oralmond oil (these absorb into skin morereadily than olive oil). The mixture thencan be liberally massaged into the affect-ed area to bring relief. The oil mixture isalso useful for insect bites and stings andis an excellent addition to first aid salves.

A good tick repellent oil for dogs canbe made from 300 milliliters of olive oilor other oil, 500 milliliters of essential oilof terebinth, 100 milliliters of Saint-John’s-wort–infused oil, and 100 milli-liters of essential oil of lavender. Thisrecipe makes about a liter of the oil. Itcan be massaged on affected areas tohelp ticks drop off. As a preventative, itcan be massaged on areas of the dogthat are most likely to come into contactwith ticks. Avoid using essential oils on oraround cats.

A tea of the fresh or dried flowers,leaves, and stems can be used as anexternal skin rinse for relief from pain

and itching caused by seborrhea, con-tact dermatitis, or fleabites. The rinsehelps to fight bacterial infection as well.Be sure the rinse is well diluted—thewater should be slightly tinted but stillfragrant.

Availability: The essential oil can bepurchased through natural productretailers, as can the dried flowers. Plantsare available through most nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Lavenderis winter hardy, drought resistant, andeasy to grow from transplants. Plantsprefer well-drained, sandy soil with a pHbetween 6.4 and 8.3 (acidic soil shouldbe amended with hydrated lime or softrock phosphate).

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For jointproblems, lavender combines with

Lavandula angustifolia


yarrow, arnica, Saint-John’s-wort, orcayenne. For respiratory infections, tryadding yarrow to a vaporizer. For calm-ing effects, lavender aromatherapy usedin conjunction with an internal dose ofpassionflower, skullcap, valerian, or hopcan be effective.

Cautions and Comments: Althoughall parts of the dried or above-groundparts of this plant are generally safewhen used in raw form or in simple teas,the highly concentrated essential oil oflavender can be very hard on the liverand kidneys. Therefore, it should not beingested. Nor should the oil be used onthe skin in undiluted form because itmay cause irritation. Avoid using essen-tial oils on or around cats.

LICORICEGlycyrrhiza glabra Pea Familyand G. lepidota

Appearance: Licorice is a member ofthe pea family and can be characterizedby its greenish white, pealike axillaryflowers; pinnately divided pealike leaves(divided into pairs of lance-shapedleaflets); and inclination to climb and tan-gle among other plants. At first glance,licorice looks like any one of thousands ofwild legumes. Fortunately, our wildAmerican licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota)has characteristics that make it uniqueand easy to identify. It is a large legume(3–7 feet tall when mature) with anexceptionally stout reddish main stem.But even more distinguishing are its 1⁄2-inch-long, tightly clustered seed pods,which are covered with conspicuoushooked spines. No other legume in NorthAmerica presents this characteristic.

Habitat and Range: The vast majorityof licorice root sold in North America is

G. glabra, a native of southeast Europethat probably came over with the firstAnglo settlers. Of the twenty-five or sospecies that can be found worldwide, wehave only one native species in NorthAmerica: G. lepidota. All other specieshave been naturalized from Europe orAsia. American licorice occurs sporadical-ly across North America, and like its alienrelatives that in many areas have escapedcultivation, it is generally to be found inmoist ravines, in roadside ditches, inwaste areas, and along the banks of irri-gation canals where soils are rich anddeep.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A biennialor short-lived perennial that reproducesby seed. Blooms in midsummer.

Parts Used: Roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expect-orant; helps with blood cleansing; lubri-cates, soothes, and protects mucousmembranes; anti-inflammatory; antiviral;adrenal stimulant; mild laxative; immunos-timulant.

Strongest Affinities: Respiratory,digestive, and endocrine systems

Preparation: Fresh or dried choppedroot, tea, tincture

Common Uses: Numerous studies haveconfirmed that licorice is an effective andfast-acting anti-inflammatory agent. Infact, many herbalists regard it as nature’sanswer to hydrocortisone and claim thatit potentiates the effectiveness of otherherbs when added to compound formu-las. All of this is primarily attributable tolicorice’s content of glycyrrhizin, a com-pound with a chemical structure similarto that of the corticosteroids that arenaturally released by the body’s adrenal

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glands. Glycyrrhizin effectively stimulatesthe adrenals into action and is especiallyuseful for treating Addison’s disease.

Licorice provides anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial, immunostimulant, andcorticosteroid-like actions—thus helpingto relieve pain, itching, and inflamma-tion without completely bypassing thebody’s normal anti-inflammatory func-tions and without seriously compromis-ing the immune system. This makeslicorice useful for a wide variety ofinflammatory diseases. In a study wherearthritis was induced in rats throughinjections of formaldehyde, a by-productof glycyrrhizin called glycyrrhetinic acidwas produced in the body and wasshown to have obvious antiarthriticactions that were comparable to those ofhydrocortisone. Glycyrrhizin has alsobeen shown to potentiate the effects ofcortisone-like drugs in the body, whichmakes licorice a useful adjunct in hydro-cortisone therapies. The theory here isthat the potentiating effect of licoriceallows for lower drug dosages withoutcompromising therapeutic effectiveness.Used in this capacity, licorice should helpreduce the debilitating side effects ofsteroid drugs in long-term therapies andmay also assure safe withdrawal whenthe patient is weaned off of the steroids.

The anti-inflammatory properties oflicorice root are also apparent when theherb is topically applied. Licorice tea,salve, or oil infusion can be used torelieve the uncomfortable symptoms ofvarious skin disorders such as psoriasis,eczema, contact dermatitis, and fleaallergies. Used in this capacity, licoriceprovides a degree of relief during long-term holistic therapies, including adetoxification and allergy therapy con-sisting of internal doses of burdock,dandelion, alfalfa, or other alterativeherbs. In this example, the animalreceives relief from suffering, but the

underlying metabolic causes are alsoaddressed through tonification of theinvolved body systems.

To make a simple oil infusion, all youneed is some chopped dried licorice root(available at any good herb retailer) andsome olive oil. Put the root into a glassjar and cover it with enough oil to leavea 1⁄2-inch layer of liquid above the herb.Cover the jar tightly, put it in a warm(55–75° F) place, away from sunlight,and let it sit for one month. After amonth, strain the oil through a sieve,then squeeze what you can from theherb by wrapping it in unbleachedmuslin or cheesecloth. You’ll have asweet-tasting licorice oil that keeps forseveral months if refrigerated. Use it top-ically as needed, but expect your com-panion to lick it off—it tastes like candy.

In addition to its powerful anti-inflammatory actions, licorice root is

Glycyrrhiza lepidota


beneficial in the treatment and preven-tion of many forms of liver disease. Over the past two decades, medicalresearchers in China and Japan havefound (through animal studies) thatextracts of licorice root are useful in thetreatment of chronic and chemicallyinduced hepatitis and that the herb hasliver-protectant qualities similar to thoseoffered by the popular liver herb milkthistle (Silybum marianum). However,the mechanisms by which licorice rootworks in the liver are quite differentfrom those of milk thistle. While milkthistle has been shown to resist liver celldestruction largely through protectionof the cell walls and by antioxidantactions, licorice works through a broad-er set of effects. In addition to a protec-tant action that glycyrrhizin has uponthe liver cells, licorice also enhancesinterferon and T cell production, twonatural actions that are critical to liverrepair and general resistance to disease.In Chinese medicine, licorice is com-monly used as a liver detoxifier in thetreatment of obstructive jaundice. Andin several studies, licorice has beenshown to benefit animals suffering fromliver damage due to absorbed or ingest-ed toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.

In a recent study, the root of G.uralensis (an Asian species of licorice) wasfound to have a potentiating effect onthe reticuloendothelial system, thebody’s first line of defense against infec-tion. In essence, the reticuloendothelialsystem is composed of specialized cellswhose jobs are to seek out and eliminateinvading microbes and dead blood cells,and licorice helps to stimulate these littlebloodstream warriors into action.

Licorice is also an excellent demul-cent, anti-inflammatory, and expecto-rant for the gastrointestinal and upperrespiratory tracts. It is especially good forhealing ulceration of the stomach and

reducing the gastric acid secretions thatoften contribute to the severity of ulcers.For bronchitis, licorice works well atreducing inflammation while addingantiviral, antibacterial, and soothingdemulcent actions to any variety of otherrespiratory herbs that may be employedsuch as mullein, coltsfoot, and grindelia.

When giving licorice to your animal,you are likely to find the best resultswhen using liquid extracts (tinctures).Feeding dried chopped roots to herbi-vores is fine if tolerated, but dogs andcats have short digestive tracts that maynot absorb the active constituents quick-ly and completely. Herb tinctures arefree-form medicines: their active compo-nents are readily available and quicklyassimilated early in the digestive process.This means that less of the active materi-al is lost during digestion and more endsup in your cat instead of in her litter box.Dosage is entirely dependent upon indi-vidual needs and circumstances andshould be determined by a trained prac-titioner, but 12–20 drops per 20 poundsof body weight, two times daily, of low-alcohol licorice extract is a conservativestarting point for dogs, cats, and othersmall animals. Horses can be fed theequivalent of up to 1 ounce (10–30grams) of the dried root, or about 1⁄4ounce of the tincture daily. You can triplethe liquid dosages if you are using acooled tea (1 teaspoon of the root to 1cup of water).

Availability: Licorice can be plantedfrom root cuttings or seed, both ofwhich are available from nursery cata-logs that specialize in herbs.

Propagation and Harvest: To growlicorice in your garden, plant it in moist,deep, well-drained, nutrient-rich sandyloam with a neutral to slightly alkalinepH. Although it is adaptable to various

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climates, licorice does best in areas withlong, warm growing seasons. (If youcan’t meet these demands, don’t worry.This plant survives just about anywhere.)

Dig the perennial roots during the fallof their third or fourth year of growth—younger roots won’t be as potent. Afterdigging, cut the roots into small piecesand dry them on newspaper, away fromsunlight. The completely dried rootskeep for one to two years if properlystored in plastic bags in a cool, dry, darkplace.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For stom-ach ulcers and other gastric disordersthat are secondary to bacterial or para-sitic infection, licorice combines withOregon grape. To provide secondaryanti-inflammatory relief in the gastroin-testinal or urinary tract, consider cornsilk, couch grass, or uva ursi as adjuncts.For respiratory problems, consider ele-campane, coltsfoot, grindelia, mullein,slippery elm, plantain, marshmallow,and wild cherry bark as possible substi-tutes or adjuncts. For liver problems,look toward milk thistle, dandelion root,Oregon grape, red clover, and burdockas possible adjuncts.

Cautions and Comments: As for allherbal medicines, the primary rule ismoderation and insight when usinglicorice. Throughout its long history as amedicine, licorice has been the subject ofcontroversies. When used in large, high-ly concentrated doses, especially overlong periods, several hydrocortisone-likeside effects may occur: water retention,hypertension, loss of potassium, sodiumretention, and other symptoms of adre-nal hyperactivity. In human studies, thelarge majority of these side effects havebeen observed following the excessiveconsumption of European licorice candy,which is made from a concentrated

pressed extract of the root. (American-produced licorice candy contains ab-solutely no real licorice but instead anartificial flavoring or the extracts of otherplants that taste similar.) Most herbalistsand practitioners agree that the risks ofadverse side effects from licorice are lim-ited to those who abuse it. We, however,have never seen a case of licorice-induced toxicity. Nevertheless, licoriceshould not be used with reckless aban-don or in normal doses for periodsexceeding two weeks without the in-struction of a qualified practitioner. If alicorice therapy does exceed two weeks,then the treated animal’s diet should beadjusted to accommodate increasedneeds for potassium and to eliminateexcess sodium. Dandelion leaf is wellindicated here because it works as aneffective diuretic to prevent water reten-tion while providing an excellent sourceof supplemental potassium. Animals withpreexisting cardiovascular conditionsshould not be given licorice without pro-fessional guidance.

Licorice may temporarily elevateblood sugar levels and should be usedwith caution in diabetic animals. It hasalso been shown to have estrogenicproperties that may affect uterine func-tions. Therefore, licorice should be usedwith caution in pregnant or nursing animals.

MARSHMALLOWAlthea officinalis Mallow Family

Appearance: Marshmallow is a stoutplant that may grow as high as 7 feet. Ithas alternate 3- to 5-lobed leaves andshowy 2- to 3-inch flowers that range incolor from white to pale pink. The entireplant is covered with fine, soft hairs, atrait that gives the foliage a dustyappearance.


Habitat and Range: A native of west-ern and central Europe, marshmallowhas become naturalized in the U.S.,where it grows in marshes and moistmeadows throughout the New Englandstates. It has become a popular gardenherb throughout the world and is easyto grow.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms from late June throughSeptember

Parts Used: Primarily the root. Thefoliage is useful, too, but does not makeas good a medicine.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Soothesand lubricates internal tissues, soothesskin, antimicrobial, lowers blood sugar,immunostimulant.

Strongest Affinities: Skin and respira-tory, digestive, and urinary tracts

Preparation: Tea, low-alcohol tincture,fresh or dried chopped root

Common Uses: Marshmallow has along history as a medicine. The wordAlthea is derived from the ancient Greekword altheo, meaning “to cure.” Withfew exceptions, marshmallow is amongthe safest and most versatile herbs foranimals. The root of the mature plantcontains up to 35 percent mucilage.This makes marshmallow useful in situa-tions that involve surface irritation ofthe skin or internal mucous mem-branes. It is particularly helpful for uri-nary tract inflammations compoundedby the presence of gravel in the urine(urinary calculus) and in digestive disor-ders where ulceration or infection is fur-ther aggravated by the presence offood or other solids. In these cases,marshmallow provides a soothing,

lubricating, protective barrier betweenmucous membranes and substancesthat contribute to the irritation.Marshmallow also soothes upper respi-ratory irritations that are secondary to adry, raspy cough. Used on the surface ofthe body, marshmallow brings relief toinsect bites, stings, abscesses, andinflammations that are secondary toinjury or infection. In addition to thesoothing nature of mucilage, marshmal-low has antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties. In animal stud-ies, it has been shown to be activeagainst Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcusaureus, bacterial infections that arecommonly seen in the digestive tract,urinary tract, skin, and ears of dogs,cats, horses, ferrets, and other animals.A dab of marshmallow tincture alsoserves as an excellent antimicrobiallubricant for a rectal thermometer.

For internal use of marshmallowroot, a tea or low-alcohol tincture isusually the best choice. The dried orfresh root may be a better option forproblems such as colitis that are deepwithin the digestive system. This isbecause marshmallow’s mucilage ishighly water soluble and may not reachthe lower end of the digestive tractunless it is carried there in a solid con-tainer, namely the chopped or groundroot.

If you opt to use a tincture of thisherb, make sure that it doesn’t containmore than 20 percent alcohol (actually,none is needed). The mucilage con-stituents aren’t taken up well in alcohol,and if too much is used in the tincture-making process, the end product willcause nausea when ingested. We likeglycerin tinctures of this herb, not onlyfor this reason but because the glycerinitself adds soothing, protective qualitiesto the medicine. Marshmallow glycerite

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can be squirted directly into an animal’smouth—about 1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter)per 20 pounds of the animal’s bodyweight, three times daily or as needed.Alternatively, a tea can be made bysteeping a teaspoon of the driedchopped root (or 2 teaspoons of freshroot) in 8 ounces of very hot water. Stirthe tea frequently until it has cooled tolukewarm. You should be able to feelthe slippery, oily nature of the mucilagewhen you rub a few drops of the teabetween your thumb and index finger.If not, add more marshmallow root.One teaspoon of the tea is a good start-ing dose for dogs. Cats usually benefitfrom a 1⁄2 teaspoon. It’s also good forlubricating and expelling fur balls. Forlower gastrointestinal problems or tohelp relieve constipation (in a mannersimilar to that of psyllium husks), thedried powdered root can be added toan animal’s food at a rate of a 1⁄2 tea-spoon for each pound of food fed (1⁄4teaspoon for cats and other small ani-mals), once or twice daily. For horses, 1ounce of the powdered root can beadded to feed each day to aid in casesof cystitis, colitis, or chronic spasmodiccolic.

For problems that are close to therectum such as a swollen anal gland irri-tated by bowel movements, a small gelcapsule might be necessary to carry theroot powder through the digestive tractto the problem area. Another option isto administer a small amount of thecooled tea or glycerite as a rectal sup-pository using a soft plastic pipette orear syringe.

Marshmallow has been shown tocause hypoglycemic activity in animals.Although more research is warranted,marshmallow might be useful in treat-ing certain forms of diabetes. See yourholistic veterinarian before trying it inthis capacity.

Availability: Marshmallow plants areavailable through most nurseries.Marshmallow root and various prepara-tions are available through herb retailers.

Propagation and Harvest: Marsh-mallow is easy to grow. It can be propa-gated by seed, root cuttings, or trans-plants. Although it requires ample water,it’s not picky about soil and is hardy anddrought tolerant once established.Planting should occur in early spring. Theroots are ready for harvest anytime dur-ing their third year of growth and everyyear thereafter. You do not have to killyour plant to dig up some of the root—simply divide what you need from theexisting root system, and give the plantextra water until the roots regenerate.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For urinaryproblems, marshmallow combines well

Althea officinalis


with couch grass, horsetail, uva ursi, cornsilk, echinacea, ginkgo, or any of thediuretic herbs. For coughs and upper res-piratory irritations, marshmallow com-bines with mullein, coltsfoot, elecampane,or grindelia. For digestive problems, con-sider combining licorice, chamomile, cal-endula, cleavers, fennel, dill, or any varietyof mint with marshmallow. In horses, acombination of marshmallow, valerian,slippery elm, and licorice is good for aspastic colon. For infections or irritations ofthe skin of most animals, calendula,mullein flower, garlic, comfrey, and aloeare all complemented by marshmallow.

Cautions and Comments: Marsh-mallow has long been used as a foodplant, and its safety is substantiated bymany years of use in both humans andanimals. It is known to lower blood sugarlevels, however, and therefore should beused with caution in hypoglycemic ani-mals. It may also retard the intestinalabsorption of some drugs—at least forshort periods, until the thick, viscousmucilage can be broken down in thedigestive tract.

MILK THISTLESilybum marianum Sunflower Family

Appearance: From a distance, milk this-tle looks very much like any other thistle:deeply lobed, often spiny leaves; stout,often spiny stems; and large, up to 2 inch-es wide, white to purple disk flowers, eachresembling a miniature artichoke (anoth-er thistle). Closer inspection of milk thistlereveals a weblike pattern on the surfacesof the leaves, a characteristic that sets itapart from its many cousins. Milk thistlemay grow to 7 feet tall.

Habitat and Range: A native of theMediterranean region of Europe, milk

thistle has become naturalized in manyportions of North America. In manyareas it has earned the reputation ofbeing an invasive weed. Milk thistle iscultivated throughout much of the worldfor its medicinal seeds.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualor biennial that blooms June throughJuly

Parts Used: Ripe seeds

Primary Medicinal Activities: Protectsand strengthens the liver

Strongest Affinities: Liver

Preparation: Alcohol tincture or a stan-dardized powder extract (usually con-tained in gel capsules). A high concen-tration of alcohol is required to extractthe active constituents from the groundseeds. Be skeptical of milk thistle tinctureproducts whose labels claim low or noalcohol.

Common Uses: Milk thistle has along ethno-botanical history thatgives it stature as much more than aliver herb. It has been used to treateverything from cancer to poor milkproduction in nursing mothers, but itis most effective in protecting andregenerating the liver.

Most of milk thistle’s usefulness canbe attributed to its silymarin con-stituent. Dozens of studies have con-firmed that silymarin and its relatedcompounds support and protect theliver during crisis by accelerating therate of protein synthesis and stimulat-ing production of new cells to replacedamaged ones. These compoundswork as powerful antioxidants andstrengthen liver cell resistance to toxiccompounds, while at the same time

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stimulating cellular reproduction.Much of what we know about theseactivities stems from the discovery thatsilymarin can be used to antidoteamanita (death cap) mushroom poi-soning. When intravenous silymarin isadministered within twenty-four toforty-eight hours of ingestion, toxiccompounds that would normallydestroy liver cells are prevented frompenetrating the cell walls, and liverdamage is greatly minimized.

Scientific research has also con-firmed that milk thistle protects the liverfrom the harmful effects of variousother toxins. Specifically, milk thistleprotects an animal’s liver during a toxicity-related crisis (such as exposureto toxic chemicals or potentially harm-ful drug therapies) and helps the animalthrough a liver damage or disease crisis.It can be used in dogs, cats, horses,goats, ferrets, and rodents to aid in liveror kidney damage, hepatitis, jaundice,leptospirosis, and parvovirus recovery.Milk thistle may prove helpful for treat-ing liver tumors, cancers, and skin prob-lems that are secondary to liver disease.Animals who have been on allopathicdrugs, heartworm medication, de-wormers, vaccinations, anticonvulsivedrugs, or chemotherapy might benefitfrom this herb as well. Milk thistle can also help block the potential liver-damaging effects of anesthesia and isoften used both before and after sur-gery in Germany. Medical and biologi-cal studies support its use in reducingthe toxic effect of heavy metals ifadministered soon enough.

Despite much of the publicity thathas been generated about this “won-der herb,” milk thistle should not beused as a daily food supplement. Milkthistle is a medicine that is bestreserved for situations in which theliver is already under abnormal stress.

When used in absence of preexistingstress, milk thistle probably won’t doany harm, but on the other hand itmight cause digestive disorders or itmight impair other body-cleansingfunctions of the liver. Many herbalistsbelieve that it can actually slow themetabolic functions of a healthy liver.In any case, milk thistle is unnecessaryunless there is a real and present need,and its use as a dietary supplementconstitutes waste.

Alcohol tinctures are the best foradministering milk thistle because theyallow quick and complete absorptionof silymarin into the body. But in casesin which severe liver damage might becompounded by alcohol, or in animalswith alcohol hypersensitivity, a stan-dardized powder extract (formulatedto contain 60–80 percent silymarin)might be a better choice. In cases inwhich stress on the liver is suspected

Silybum marianum


but not yet serious, the alcohol extractcan be administered at a starting doseof 1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) per 20pounds of the animal’s body weight.Before feeding it to your animal, diluteeach dose with an equal amount ormore of water to make the tincturemore palatable and to minimize theastringency and burning sensation ofthe alcohol. The tincture can then beadded to the animal’s food. In any sus-pected case of liver disease, a holisticveterinarian should be consultedbefore proceeding with the use of milkthistle or any other herb.

Availability: Available in various formu-lations through herb retailers

Propagation and Harvest: Milk this-tle is easy to grow, but the small yield ofseeds per plant makes cultivation apointless endeavor unless you own afarm rather than just a garden.Harvesting must be done when theseeds are completely ripe and dry butbefore they leave the plant with a gust ofwind. In other words, leave the task tothe people who farm it.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Licorice isanother excellent liver-repairing herbthat possesses a broader spectrum ofmedicinal activities than milk thistle. Formild to moderate liver disorders that arebelieved to be toxicity related and thatare signified by chronic constipation,indigestion, or skin problems, milk thistlecan be combined with dandelion, bur-dock, yellow dock, red clover, Oregongrape, or turmeric.

Cautions and Comments: Milk thistleis a very safe herb. In studies that involvegiving laboratory animals high doses ofsilymarin over long periods, the animalsdisplay no toxicity.

MULLEINVerbascum thapsus Figwort Family

Appearance: This conspicuous plantis recognized during its first year ofgrowth as a ground-hugging rosette oflarge, up to 12 inches long, broadlylance-shaped, profusely fuzzy leaves.During its second and final year ofgrowth, mullein heads skyward with astout central stalk that may exceed 6feet in height. Numerous yellow flow-ers are then presented in a coblike clus-ter. There are several species of mulleinto be found in North America.Verbascum thapsus is the most commonand widespread.

Habitat and Range: Mullein is aEurasian import that has made itselfat home in any variety of disturbedsites throughout North America. It iscommon to clear-cuts, burned areas,and partially developed lands in theWest, where it often serves as animportant earth regenerator, helpingto regain biological balances and pre-vent erosion.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A biennialthat blooms throughout the summer

Parts Used: Leaves, flower heads, roots(each part represents different medi-cines)

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expec-torant; antimicrobial; antiviral; cough sup-pressant; lubricates, soothes, and protectsmucous membranes; astringent

Strongest Affinities: Respiratory andurinary tracts, skin, and ears

Preparation: Tea, tincture, oil infusion,compress, poultice

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Common Uses: This wayside weed isextremely useful, providing safe andeffective medicine for a wide variety ofailments. The leaves are well known fortheir ability to ease spasmodic coughswhile reducing inflammation and in-creasing mucus production in thebronchi, making coughs more produc-tive and allowing sufferers to rest easier.These qualities combine with antimicro-bial and antiviral properties, makingmullein an herb of choice in the treat-ment of canine tracheobronchitis (ken-nel cough) and various other forms ofrespiratory distress in animals.

Scientific studies have shown that asynergy of compounds contained inmullein leaf actively inhibits reproduc-tion of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Thisactivity, combined with the antitussiveand expectorant qualities of the plant,might prove useful in treating canineherpes virus (CHV) and feline viral rhino-tracheitis (FVR). Although more study isneeded to ascertain the effectiveness ofmullein against HSV infections in ani-mals, the safety of this plant and itsdemonstrated ability to relieve many ofthe discomforts of these diseases justifiesgiving it a try. A strong leaf tea can beused (10 milliliters per 30 pounds of adog’s body weight, twice daily; 5 milli-liters twice daily for cats), or a glycerintincture can be given directly into themouth (1–2 milliliters per 20 pounds ofan animal’s weight, twice daily). Mulleinleaf is also practical in the treatment ofasthma, especially when it is combinedwith elecampane, grindelia, or lobelia.(Please see the Lobelia section in the“Supplemental Herb List” for cautionsabout this herb.)

The large leaves of mullein also makean excellent antimicrobial and astringentpoultice for minor wounds and insectbites. Just mash up a few fresh or driedleaves with some water and apply the

poultice directly to the affected area.Mullein leaf is said to lower the acidity ofurine, as well, making the herb useful inthe treatment of various urinary disor-ders where urine pH levels are too low.

The flowering tops of mullein haveantimicrobial properties with a specialaffinity toward infections of the ears,including those caused by ear mites.(Note: Ear problems are a sign of chron-ic disease in an animal who is on a com-mercial diet.) The best way to use theflowers is in the form of an oil infusion.The flowers also contain rotenone and asynergy of other insecticidal compounds,making mullein effective in the fightagainst fleas and mange.

Some herbalists maintain that a tinc-ture of the root can be used to treat uri-nary incontinence. Urinary incontinencecan be due to estrogen or testosteronedeficiencies, neurogenic dysfunction,anatomical abnormalities, or paradoxical

Verbascum thapsus


obstruction from urethral calculi or neo-plasia, so contact your holistic vet to findthe cause before proceeding with the useof mullein root.

Availability: An abundant weed inmuch of North America. The seeds areavailable through specialty seed catalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: The leavesof mullein can be harvested anytime, pro-vided they look healthy. The flowers donot appear until the plants’ second yearand should be plucked from the flowerheads when they are wide open (we pre-fer to use them fresh). The first-year rootsshould be dug in fall, whereas the second-year roots should be dug in the spring,before the biennial plant begins to die.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For kennelcough and other respiratory problems,mullein leaf combines well with elecam-pane, grindelia, or horehound. For use inthe ears, nothing compares to a combina-tion of garlic and mullein flower oil. Saint-John’s-wort oil and vitamin are also greatadjuncts here. Other herbs to consider forurinary incontinence (alone or asadjuncts) include corn silk, uva ursi, couchgrass, Saint-John’s-wort, and horsetail.

Cautions and Comments: Keep mulleinaway from fish and amphibians. Therotenone contained in mullein is toxic toaquatic life.

NETTLEUrtica dioica Nettle Family

Appearance: Stinging nettle is an erectplant that may grow as high as 7 feetwhere conditions permit. It reproduceslargely from its shallow horizontallycreeping root system and is often foundin dense patches. Its leaves are broadly

lance-shaped with coarsely toothed mar-gins. Flowers are presented in inconspic-uous drooping clusters. Stems are cov-ered with fine stinging hairs. Youngplants often emerge a reddish color, laterturning green as they mature.

Habitat and Range: Several species ofnettle inhabit drainage ditches, streambanks, and other moist soils throughoutNorth America and much of theNorthern Hemisphere.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennial,annual, or biennial (depending on speciesand climate) that blooms in early summer

Parts Used: Leaves and stems of thepreflowering plant and, to a lesser extent,the root

Primary Medicinal Activities: Nutritive,antihistamine, astringent, tonic, helpswith blood cleansing

Strongest Affinities: Genitourinarytract, blood, skin, and eyes

Preparation: Dried herb (directly fed),tea, poultice, tincture

Common Uses: All species of Urticacause an instantaneous contact dermati-tis that is characterized by tiny blistersand a burning sting. Fortunately, nettle’sunpleasant, self-initiated introduction isusually short lived, and those who canlearn to accept nettle’s characteristics arebound to realize the precious gifts thissomewhat obnoxious plant has to offer.Despite its downside, we recognize thisplant as one of nature’s best nutraceuti-cals. Ironically, nettle is actually quitedelicious, nutritious, and rich with heal-ing opportunities.

Although gloves and a long-sleevedshirt must be worn when gathering the

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greens, complete drying or cooking neu-tralizes the plant’s antigenic proteins andformic acid compounds—the con-stituents responsible for the plant’s sting.These compounds break down quicklywhen exposed to air or heat, and whencorrectly prepared, the leafy greens ofyoung nettle plants are delicious andcontain a vast array of vitamins, miner-als, and nutrients. In fact, 100 grams ofdried preflowering nettle plant containsup to 30.4 grams (30 percent by weight)of crude protein, 2,970 milligrams of cal-cium, 680 milligrams of phosphorus,32.2 milligrams of iron, 650 milligramsof magnesium, 20.2 milligrams of beta-carotene, and 3,450 milligrams of potas-sium, along with vitamins A, C, D, and Bcomplex—all in a highly palatable formthat can be effectively assimilated intothe body without adding excess stressupon the liver, kidneys, or digestive tract.Nettle therefore makes an excellent addi-tion to food for animals who need extratrace minerals and vitamins in their dietbut not necessarily in huge, multivitamindoses. This applies to animals who arealready on a natural diet or those whoare sensitive to excessive vitamin or min-eral supplementation because of chronicdigestive disorders, existing systemictoxicity, or urinary tract problems. Thecompletely dried herb can be sprinkleddirectly onto the animals’ food—1⁄2 tea-spoon for each pound of food fed todogs, or 1⁄3 teaspoon per meal for cats.Herbivores can be fed the dried greens intheir usual diet, and many will relish net-tle as a special treat. In Sweden andRussia, where the problem of producingnutrient-rich feeds is compounded by ashort growing season, winter-hardy net-tles are sometimes cultivated as foddercrops and then dried.

For finicky pets who despise any-thing but what their humans are eating,try cooking the fresh young plants with

enough water to cover them until theyare soft and tender. The cooked greensare excellent with butter, and after yourfurry friend has watched you relishthem for a while, you can stir some intoher food.

Although many herbal preparationsfor the eyes typically use a plant calledeyebright (Euphrasia sp.) as a primaryanti-inflammatory agent, many herbal-ists are becoming concerned about theincreasing scarcity of this wild-harvestedherb. Fortunately, nature always providesus with a diversity of herbal options—allthat is required is for us to ignore marketsensationalism and embrace the use ofour less compromised plant allies. Nettle,a much more abundant plant, is a goodalternative to eyebright.

Nettle leaf tea is an excellent skin andcoat rinse that nourishes animals’ fur andprovides symptomatic relief for itchy skinand fleabites.

Urtica dioica


Many herbalists who suffer from sea-sonal allergies have found that nettle leaftincture or tea helps lessen their symp-toms if taken on a regular basis. In arecent study involving sixty-nine patientswho suffer from allergic rhinitis, 58 per-cent found relief after taking a freeze-dried preparation of the leaf.

Although the theories behind themedicinal actions of nettle are varied,we believe that part of the basis for net-tle’s antiallergenic usefulness may lie inthe plant’s histamine content, whichmay work in a like-versus-like mannersimilar to the concepts of homeopathy.What we mean is that by introducing asubstance into the body that acts mild-ly as an allergenic antagonist, the bodyis triggered into protecting itself fromwhat it believes to be an inevitable, all-out attack of allergens. In short, nettlemay prompt the body into preparingitself. For animals with predictable sea-sonal occurrences of allergies, dietarysupplementation with dried nettle leafmay help.

Nettle root may be useful in the treat-ment of prostate enlargement, especiallyat early onset of the disorder. Although aswollen prostate is not as common inanimals as in humans, this disorder issometimes secondary to a chronic oracute infection, poor diet, inflammatorydisease, or injuries of the urinary tract,especially in older animals. In a studyconducted on human subjects who hadmild cases or early onset of prostatic ade-noma (a degenerative enlargement ofthe glandular part of the prostate thattypically results in frequent urinationduring the night), the fluid extract (tinc-ture) of nettle root was found to reducethe duration and volume of urine reten-tion and thus the need to urinatethroughout the night. The active con-stituent in this case is believed to beBeta-sitosterol, a phytosterol known to

possess mild anti-inflammatory activity.Although this action is not likely toreduce the formation of scar tissue with-in the urinary tract and prostate, it isbelieved to relieve symptoms throughreduction of swelling in surrounding tis-sues. Given the safety of this herb andthe functional similarities between theprostates of animals and humans, nettleis certainly worth a try. Keep in mindthat large doses of nettle can be irritat-ing to the kidneys if given over anextended period of time, particularly ifan animal has preexisting kidney diseaseor if the herb was gathered too late in itsgrowth cycle.

Availability: Available wherever bulkherbs are sold

Propagation and Harvest: Nettle canbe transplanted from root cuttings, butthe plant tends to be somewhat choosyabout where it grows. Although weknow exactly where the plant shouldthrive, our efforts to introduce nettle tosuch an area have met with a less than50 percent success rate. In other words,you are probably better off finding ahealthy patch of wild plants to collectyour herb. Gather the plants before theybloom—the younger the better. Matureplants begin to develop cystoliths, tinycrystalline particles in the leaf tissues thatcan irritate the urinary tract and kidneyswhen ingested in large enough quanti-ties. After gathering, you can boil thegreens and serve them as you wouldspinach, or you can spread them ontoclean newspapers and allow them to dryin a well-ventilated, sunlight-free loca-tion until they are crispy.

For obvious reasons, gloves and along-sleeved shirt should be worn whenhandling nettle plants. If a leaf or stemmanages to sneak under your shirtsleeve,try this trick: grasp a piece of the stem

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and squeeze some of the nettle juiceonto the affected area. The stem juice isrich in lecithin, which is believed to anti-dote the sting. We manage to get stungby this plant several times each spring,and we find relief by using this methodin many of our adverse encounters.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For anti-inflammatory eye and skin washes, alter-natives include raspberry leaf, chamomile,dandelion, calendula, or oxeye daisy. Forconjunctivitis that is secondary to bacte-rial or fungal infection, nettle combineswell with Oregon grape. Nutritiveadjuncts include spirulina, flaxseed, redclover, and alfalfa. For allergies, nettlecombines well with elecampane, colts-foot, goldenrod, lobelia, or licorice aslesser adjuncts. For urinary incontinenceand inflammations of the urinary tract,consider couch grass, corn silk, cleavers,uva ursi, goldenrod, and marshmallowas adjuncts.

Cautions and Comments: Touchingthe live plant results in a painful, blister-ing sting. Thorough drying or cookingneutralizes the toxic constituents. Someherbalists believe that this plant shouldbe used before it flowers—mature plantscontain gritty particles that can irritatethe kidneys. Animals who are predis-posed to plant allergies may be sensitiveto nettle—proceed with care.

OATAvena sativa Grass Family

Appearance: Oats look very much likeany other tall grass, and positive identifi-cation can be difficult if you’re not famil-iar with the fine details specific to the var-ious cultivars of the Avena genus. Wild oat(A. fatua), a common and often hatedweed, has the same medicinal attributes

as its cultivated relatives. The leaves of theseedlings and seeds of this 1- to 4-foot-tallplant have two unique features that differ-entiate it from its cultivated cousins andmost other wild grasses. The first feature isthe leaves. Early in growth, they have acounterclockwise twist in them; as theplant matures, the leaves progressivelystraighten out. The second unique char-acteristic is the plant’s seeds, which atmaturity are presented in looselyarranged drooping spikelets. Each spikeletcontains two or three foxtail-like seedsthat have proportionately long hairlikeawns, each of which has a right angle kinkin it, giving the appearance of a crimpedcockroach feeler.

Habitat and Range: Several cultivarsof A. sativa are commercially grownthroughout the world. Wild oat (A. fatua)is a native of Europe that has been intro-duced into meadows, pastures, and

Avena sativa


waste areas throughout much of NorthAmerica.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualthat blooms from June to August. Theseeds of wild oat can remain dormant inthe soil for more than eight years, mak-ing it difficult to eradicate from areaswhere it isn’t wanted.

Parts Used: Post-flowering tops areused before the seeds fully mature. Thisis called the plant’s milk stage. Herbalistsrefer to these parts as oatstraw.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Im-proves nerve functions, nutritive, anti-inflammatory

Strongest Affinities: Nervous system

Preparation: Tea, tincture, fresh ordried herb

Common Uses: Oatstraw is perhaps thebest nervous system tonic for aging ordebilitated animals. Not only does theherb contain considerable amounts ofprotein (gluten), vitamins, and minerals(especially calcium, manganese, iron,copper, and zinc) that are essential to themaintenance of health, but it containsvarious alkaloid, sterol, and flavonoid con-stituents that act together to safely opti-mize nervous system functions while sta-bilizing the highs and lows between nerv-ousness and mental lethargy. Forinstance, when fed in moderation to ani-mals with chronic nervousness, oatstrawtends to have a calming effect, but whenfed to debilitated animals, it tends to stim-ulate the nervous system. Oatstraw tea ortincture is an excellent choice for animalsrecovering from exhaustion or sufferingfrom depression disorders. It is known toimprove nerve transmission and can beuseful for problems such as epilepsy,

tremors, paralysis, and twitching. It is agood tonic for nourishing the body andstrengthening nerve function followingperiods of sedation or anesthesia.

Dried oatstraw brews into a deli-cious tea that can be poured directlyonto dog or cat food as a quickly assim-ilated tonic supplement. Infuse a heap-ing teaspoon of oatstraw in 8 ounces ofhot water. Feeding 1 ounce of thecooled tea daily is a good amount forcats and animals of similar size. Give2–4 ounces to most dogs. Glycerintinctures are also good and can beadded to your companion’s diet at adaily rate of 1⁄4–1⁄2 teaspoon (1–2 milli-liters) per 20 pounds of the animal’sbody weight. Oatstraw is highly watersoluble, so there is no point in using analcohol-based tincture if nonalcoholalternatives are available.

Of course, oats are a well-known feedfor horses and other herbivores andshould be included as part of their dailydiet. In terms of tonic value, fresh oatgreens are vastly superior to what is pur-chased in grain bags, but the greens mustbe fed in moderation. A few large hand-fuls can be added to the daily diet, buttoo much may cause hyperexcitability.

Oatmeal can be included as part ofyour companion’s natural diet. It canalso be used externally as a soothingbath for skin problems.

Availability: Oatstraw is availablethrough health food stores

Propagation and Harvest: Oat is easyto grow, but it takes up a great deal ofgarden space. If you opt to grow it, har-vest the top 6–12 inches of the plantsafter the seeds have formed but beforethe plants begin to dry.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Fordepression disorders, oatstraw can be

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combined with Saint-John’s-wort, pas-sionflower, or chamomile (but considerchanging you companion’s diet first). Fortreating epilepsy, oatstraw combineswith skullcap, valerian, or kava kava. Inanimals who are recovering from anes-thesia or sedation, alterative and diureticherbs should be combined with oatstrawin order to help cleanse and nourish theblood and eliminate systemic waste.Possibilities include red clover, dandelionleaf, alfalfa, garlic, and nettle. For olderanimals who need continuous nervoussystem support, oatstraw combinesespecially well with nettle, red clover,alfalfa, and spirulina.

Cautions and Comments: Too muchoatstraw may cause excitability or vomit-ing. If this occurs, simply reduce theamount being fed to the animal.

OREGON GRAPEMahonia aquifolium Barberry Family

Appearance: At first glance, Oregongrape looks similar to American holly(Ilex opaca)—the stuff we deck thehalls with during the Christmas sea-son. The almost plasticlike leaves ofthis perennial evergreen plant aredivided into several opposing pairs ofoval to lance-shaped, 1⁄2- to 3-inch-longleaflets. The leaf edges have conspicu-ous sharp spines. Flowers are yellowand are borne in clusters at the end ofa sturdy central stalk. By midsummer,the flowers develop into clusters ofjuicy, purple, 1⁄4-to 1⁄2-inch fruits thatresemble tiny grapes. The fruits are edi-ble but very sour.

Habitat and Range: Three species ofOregon grape are common in the conifer-ous forests of western North America,ranging through the mountains of central

California and New Mexico northwardinto Canada. Tall Oregon grape (Mahoniaaquifolium) is a variety that grows up to 6feet tall and is abundant in the coastalforests to the west slopes of the RockyMountains. Mahonia repens and M. ner-vosa are smaller (up to 12 inches tall),ground-hugging versions that are wide-spread throughout their range. A fourthless-common species (M. pinnata) inhab-its the mountains of Baja Mexico andCalifornia. All share similar appearances,the primary differentiating factor beingtheir size.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Perennialevergreens that bloom in late spring

Parts Used: Roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-microbial, stimulates bile production, anti-inflammatory, tonic, antiparasitic

Mahonia aquifolium


Strongest Affinities: Liver and diges-tive system, mucous membranes

Preparation: Tincture, tea, decoction,oil infusion, powdered root

Common Uses: For most purposes,Oregon grape serves as an excellentalternative to goldenseal (Hydrastiscanadensis), an herb that is currently atrisk of going extinct from the pressuresof overharvest and loss of habitat.Fortunately, Oregon grape remains com-mon and abundant over a much widerrange than the overharvested goldensealand is much easier to cultivate. So unlessyou have access to a cultivated source ofgoldenseal, please use Oregon grapeinstead.

As is the case for goldenseal, a bitteryellow alkaloid called berberine is prima-rily responsible for the strong antimicro-bial activity of Oregon grape. The anti-bacterial properties of berberine havebeen shown to be more effective thansome forms of prescription antibiotics,including chloramphenicol, when usedagainst various forms of staphylococci.Berberine has also been shown to beactive against E. coli and other gram-negative-type bacteria. It is even effec-tive against giardiasis, a parasitic infesta-tion of the digestive tract that is reputed-ly difficult to remedy. Like goldenseal,Oregon grape extract is especially usefulin the ears, eyes, and the mucous mem-branes of the vagina and urinary tract,where it combats various fungal infec-tions as well.

For bacterial ear infections or earmites, an oil infusion of the fresh or driedroot works best. To make an oil infusion,cut up the root as finely as possible andplace it into a food processor or blenderthat has a glass or stainless steel blendingvessel. (The roots are tough and mightcause plastic to crack.) Cover the

chopped root with enough olive oil toleave a 1⁄2-inch-thick layer above theherb. Put the lid on and blend until theoil is a vibrant, goldenrod-yellow color(about ten minutes). Strain the choppedroot out through a fine sieve, and you’llhave a nice, antimicrobial ear oil. If youdon’t wish to use your blender, you canlet the chopped herb and olive oil mix-ture stand in a covered jar at room tem-perature for one month before straining.The finished product keeps for severalmonths, sometimes years, if refrigerated.To use the oil, apply 1–10 drops at a timein each ear one to two times a day untilthe infection is gone. It is also good as ageneral topical antibiotic for stings,insect bites, cuts, abrasions, punctureinjuries of the paws, and other injuries.

Oregon grape is effective in treatingconjunctivitis, where it fights infectionand reduces inflammation. To treat yourcompanion’s eyes with Oregon grape,dilute 4 drops of the alcohol tincture(available at your favorite herb store), or8 drops of a root decoction, into 1 ounceof sterile saline (available anywhere con-tact lens supplies are sold). Place a fewdrops into the infected eye, taking noteof any discomfort that may result fromthe berberine or the alcohol content ofthe tincture. Some animals are moreintolerant than others. If the solutionappears to irritate the eyes, dilute it withmore saline and flush the eye with plainsaline before applying more solution.

Oregon grape root is also noted for itsability to stimulate liver function. It isparticularly helpful in cases of chronicconstipation associated with poor pro-tein or fat metabolism, situations thatoften lead to itchy, flaky skin and a dullcoat in animals. Used under these cir-cumstances, Oregon grape extract canbring fast and dramatic results, and itdoes so by addressing an underlyingcause of the problem. Generally speak-

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ing from a holistic perspective, manyforms of dermatitis are symptoms of anunderlying liver dysfunction. If the livercannot eliminate excess toxins or is func-tionally compromised by blockages thatreduce bile flow or production, thedigestive tract fails at its job of eliminat-ing waste. One of the first places thebody tries to force elimination is throughthe skin. Oregon grape works in the livermuch like a strong version of dande-lion—bile production and flow isincreased, and digestive efficiency isimproved. But Oregon grape stimulatesliver function much faster than does dan-delion, irritating the organ into workingharder. For this reason, Oregon grapeshould not be used in animals with acuteliver disease or existing liver injuries with-out the supervision of a trained profes-sional. And although Oregon grape issafe when used properly, it is likely tooverexcite the liver of most animals ifused excessively. If this occurs, your ani-mal will probably vomit because ofexcessive bile in the stomach; you shouldstop using Oregon grape and consider agentler herb such as dandelion. In anycase, it is best not to give any herbalmedicine every day of an animal’s life.Instead, give whatever herbs you areusing four to five days per week, then letthe animal’s system rest for two or threedays before proceeding. This break timealso gives you an opportunity to monitorchanges that may be occurring as aresult of your therapeutic efforts.

The bitter tonic action of the alkaloidconstituents in Oregon grape make thisherb a useful digestive aid. When a dropor two of the root tincture is placed onthe tongue, or when a leaf is chewed,an instantaneous salivary responseoccurs. At the same time, mechanismsare triggered that release bile and vari-ous other enzymes and acids into thedigestive tract. The digestive system is

therefore primed into action before thefood arrives. Giving this bitter tonicdaily is an excellent holistic approach tosafely treating chronic indigestion andmalabsorption. If you or your animalhas problems with excess gas or withfoods that tend to pass through undi-gested, try using a small dose ofOregon grape before each meal. Theresults will probably amaze you.

Oregon grape can also be used as anantibacterial in the urinary tract and isregarded by herbalists as an effectiveremedy for infections of the bladder,kidneys, and urethra. Again, the anti-bacterial effect of Oregon grape in theurinary tract is attributable to berber-ine, which stays effective long enoughto reach deep into the body. Since mostinfections of the urinary tract are associ-ated with uncomfortable inflammation,combining this herb with the soothingeffects of marshmallow, licorice, orplantain is a good idea. Generally, a for-mula made with one part Oregon grapeto two parts of other soothing herbs is agood infection-fighting, pain-relievingapproach.

When combined in small proportionswith echinacea, Oregon grape combatsthe infection directly while the immunesystem plays catch-up with invadingpathogens. At the same time, Oregongrape helps to support the liver at its jobof keeping the body clean through elim-ination of waste, a critical process ofmaintaining balanced body functionswhile the body heals. And while conven-tional antibiotic therapies tend not todiscriminate between beneficial microbesand bad ones, the body is allowed to fightinfection by natural mechanisms with aproperly proportioned berberine-con-taining herbal support formula withoutcompromising its own microbial war-riors. Instead, it receives a measureddegree of outside support and is gently


stimulated into working harder towardvictory. A formula consisting of 10 per-cent Oregon grape and 90 percent echi-nacea is generally appropriate for thispurpose.

In addition to its liver and disinfectantbenefits, berberine is known to possessmild but useful sedative qualities andmay be effective as an anticonvulsiveremedy. It has also been shown to helplower blood pressure and is believed toslightly elevate blood sugar levels inhypoglycemic animals.

Availability: The plants are availablethrough landscape nurseries. Oregongrape root is available in a variety offorms from herb retailers.

Propagation and Harvest: Oregongrape is widely adaptable to gardensthroughout most of North America. TallOregon grape (M. aquifolium) is the mostcommon variety in commerce and isbecoming popular as a landscape shrub.It is quite easy to grow from root cut-tings, seeds, or transplants. These plantsare drought tolerant and winter hardy.All they essentially need is slightly acidicsoil and plenty of redwood compost, butthey flourish when afforded at least threehours of shade each day and a goodweekly watering. Roots can be dug frommature plants anytime during the year.They can be dried and kept in plasticbags for two or three years.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: In earoils, combine with garlic and vitamin E oil.To aid in liver congestion and to improvedigestion, dandelion root serves as a weak-er alternative. For Giardia and worms,Oregon grape combines with garlic. Ineyewashes, Oregon grape combines espe-cially well with raspberry leaf. For urinarytract infections, marshmallow, plantain, orlicorice serve as soothing adjuncts.

Cautions and Comments: Oregongrape should not be used in animals withacute liver disease or existing liverinjuries without the supervision of a pro-fessional. It has been theorized that toomuch berberine may inhibit vitamin Bassimilation.

OXEYE DAISYChrysanthemum Sunflower Familyleucanthemum

Appearance: It brings us satisfactionto tell you about useful plants that canbe easily grown in any garden, but itbrings us special joy to tell you aboutuseful plants that already grow on theedges of driveways and in vacant lots.Oxeye daisy is such a plant. To theherbalist, a weed is simply a plant withattributes that have yet to be realized.When the usefulness of such plants isbrought to light, people reconsidertheir approaches to weed control. Thisusually means a reduction in the use oftoxic herbicides, which end up in theenvironment.

Oxeye daisy is a wild relative ofpyrethrum daisy (genus Pyrethrum),which is cultivated for its insecticidalproperties. Oxeye daisy looks similar tothe pyrethrum daisy; in fact at firstglance it looks like any other whitedaisy. But close examination of thisplant’s unique leaf characteristicsmakes it easy to differentiate from allothers during any stage of its perennialgrowth cycle. The basal leaves of oxeyehave proportionately long petioles (leafstems) and are spoon-shaped withrounded teeth along the edges. Theleaves of the upper plant lack petioles,and the flowers are typically daisylike:white with yellow centers and up to 3inches wide. The entire plant mayreach 3 feet in height.

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Habitat and Range: Oxeye daisy is aEurasian import that is now common toroadsides and dry waste areas through-out the northern half of North America,up to about 6,000 feet in elevation.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Plants bloomfirst in early summer, then often remain inbloom until fall.

Parts Used: Leaves and flowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-histamine, insecticidal (used for fleas),diuretic, stops bleeding

Strongest Affinities: Respiratory tract,skin

Preparation: Tea, tincture, or driedpowdered herb

Common Uses: The leaves are recog-nized by some contemporary herbalistsfor their diuretic and hemostatic quali-ties, and clinical research suggests thatthe leaf tea may also be effective as anantihistamine medicine that slows thebody’s responses to allergens while help-ing to reduce excess secretions ofmucus. The flower tea is especially usefulfor helping to relieve seasonal hay fevercharacterized by sneezing and waterydischarges from the nose and eyes. Atthe onset of symptoms, 1 tablespoon ofthe strong tea can be fed to dogs as partof their daily diet throughout the crisisperiod. Cats and other small mammalsneed only 1 teaspoon. Horses and otherherbivores can be allowed to eat thefresh plants from their pastures, and rab-bits can be given a stem or two of theflowering plant each day.

As is true of its cultivated cousins,the flowers of oxeye daisy contain use-ful amounts of pyrethrin, a naturalinsecticide that is useful for controlling

fleas. To use oxeye daisy in this capaci-ty, make a skin rinse from the freshchopped flowers or apply the driedflowers as a mildly effective but safe andnatural flea powder.

As a diuretic, oxeye daisy canincrease urinary output and diluteurine that is over-concentrated, strongsmelling, and too acidic, and it lendsweak but measurable astringent andantimicrobial properties to inflamed uri-nary membranes.

Oxeye daisy is often abundant onthe margins of horse and stock trails,making it readily available as a first aidremedy for minor cuts, fly bites, andsuch. The fresh-leaf poultice can beapplied directly to the site of injury tohelp stop bleeding. Combine it withone of many antimicrobial herbs thatgrows nearby (such as yarrow or beebalm), and you’ll have an excellent,broad-spectrum field dressing.

Pyrethrum roseum


Availability: A widely distributed weed,oxeye daisy is available through nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Oxeye daisyis easy to grow from seeds or transplants.It is drought tolerant, winter hardy, andadaptable to any soil. All oxeye daisy real-ly needs is full sun.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: As a flea-fighting alternative, try feverfew. For sea-sonal allergies, oxeye daisy can be com-bined with or replaced by nettle. Dandelionleaf is a much more effective diuretic.

Cautions and Comments: Some ani-mals may be highly allergic to this plant—test a small amount of the tea on yourcompanion’s skin before using. If rednessor any other response occurs, don’t feed itto your animal!

PARSLEYPetroselinum crispum Parsley Family

Appearance: There are numerous culti-vars of this familiar herb—their primarydifferences being leaf size and root varia-tions. The most common varieties havetightly curled leaves, whereas Italianparsley (P. crispus var. neapolitanum) hasleaves that are more like those of celery.Hamburg parsley (P. crispum var. tubero-sum) has a thick turniplike taproot andfernlike leaves. All produce terminateumbel flowers, and most will grow toabout 3 feet tall.

Habitat and Range: Originally a nativeof southeast Europe and west Asia, pars-ley is now cultivated worldwide.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms in midsummer

Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, and roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expelsintestinal gas, lowers blood pressure,nutritive, diuretic, helps reduce arthriticinflammation, promotes menstrual dis-charge, insecticidal, antimicrobial

Strongest Affinities: Digestive andurinary tracts, joints

Preparation: Tea, tincture, or fresh ordried herb

Common Uses: Parsley is much morethan a plate garnish. In fact, it is one ofthe most versatile medicinal plantsaround—it is an absolute “must have” inthe home herb garden.

Parsley root is known by herbalists asan excellent diuretic that is especiallybeneficial in the treatment of rheuma-toid conditions. For humans, it is con-sidered a specific remedy in the treat-ment of gout; it is believed to help withthe elimination of uric acid that wouldotherwise contribute to the buildup ofpainful crystals in the joints. For ani-mals, parsley root is useful in cases ofarthritis that are compounded or per-haps even caused by poor waste elimi-nation, a problem that is often theresult of a poor diet. For these purpos-es, dogs and cats can be given a strongtea of the dried or freshly grated root(1 teaspoon of the strong tea per dayfor cats; 1–2 tablespoons for dogs), ora tincture can be used (1–2 millilitersper 30 pounds of the animal’s bodyweight). Horses can be fed a few hand-fuls of the entire fresh plant (leaves,roots, and all) each day, or a cup of the dried herb daily. Parsley root isespecially effective when combinedwith alternatives, hepatics, and anti-inflammatory herbs.

Parsley leaves and stems are verynutritious, containing up to 22 percentprotein and impressive amounts of vita-

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mins A, C, B1, B2, and K, as well as fiber,calcium, riboflavin, potassium, iron,magnesium, niacin, and phosphorus.This makes parsley an excellent nutritivein the treatment of anemia. The leavesalso contain apiol and several othervolatile oils that have antiseptic qualities,making the herb useful for urinary tractinfections. And because parsley is adiuretic, it may help boost kidney func-tion in cases of noninflammatory, early-onset renal failure. Apiol also has a stim-ulant and strengthening effect on intes-tinal and uterine muscles, making it suit-able for improving uterine muscle toneafter a difficult pregnancy. In the diges-tive tract, this tonic activity combineswith parsley’s carminative properties,making it effective in the treatment offlatulent dyspepsia and colic.

Perhaps the best way to use parsleyleaf for gastric or urinary disorders or forits nutritional qualities is to juice it. If youdon’t have a vegetable juicer, pack anelectric blender halfway full with freshleaves and add just enough water to liq-uefy the leaves into a dark green soup.The juice, or “blender soup,” can be feddirectly to an animal with an emptystomach (the best option) or added toyour companion’s drinking water (sec-ond best) or food (the last resort)—1 tea-spoon per 20 pounds of the animal’sbody weight. The juice (or a few drops ofthe leaf tincture) also serves as an excel-lent breath freshener.

Availability: Plants are available throughnurseries. The herb is also available invarious forms through health food andherb retailers everywhere.

Propagation and Harvest: Parsley iseasy to grow from seed or transplants. Ifgiven rich, well-drained soil, it will returnyear after year. If allowed to go to seed,it will sprout up all over the garden.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For rheum-atoid conditions, shepherd’s purse servesas an effective substitute. For urinary infec-tions, consider corn silk, couch grass, echi-nacea, uva ursi, and horsetail as alterna-tives or adjuncts. For colic and other diges-tive disorders, fennel, dill, slippery elm,plantain, marshmallow, cleavers, andlicorice should all be investigated.Raspberry leaf or nettle serves as alterna-tive uterine tonics or nutritives.

Cautions and Comments: Parsley, indried, fresh, or tea form is very safe.However, highly concentrated prepara-tions of the seed, such as parsley essen-tial oil, are rich in volatile oils that can beabsorbed into the placenta, so don’t usethe essential oil internally or externallyduring an animal’s pregnancy. While it isthought to aid the healing process afterbirthing, it may reduce lactation and

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should be used conservatively in nursingmothers. Parsley should not be used ifinflammation of the kidneys exists.

Parsley seeds contain the highest con-centration of volatile oils, including aconsiderable amount of myristicin.Myristicin can have strong hypotensiveand hallucinogenic effects, especially incats, and may cause liver damage orphotosensitivity if ingested in largeenough quantities. Although suchinstances are rare, and it’s unlikely thatan animal could eat enough parsley seedto cause such problems, it’s best to besafe by using only parsley leaves, stems,and roots, which contain much lowerconcentrations of myristicin.

PLANTAINPlantago sp. Plantain Family

Appearance: Common plantain (Plant-ago major) is characterized by its low-grow-ing rosette of broad leaves and its ratherdrab but distinctive flower cluster. The stur-dy succulent leaves are on proportionatelylong petioles and have distinct parallelveins that contain strong fibers. Flowers aresmall and inconspicuous, borne in tightlyarranged sausage-shaped spikes atop leaf-less stalks that reach well above the rest ofthe plant. Ten or more species of thePlantago genus inhabit western NorthAmerica, with common plantain by far themost widespread and abundant.

Habitat and Range: Common plan-tain is frequently found in high impactareas, growing in the center of dirtroads, walkways, and even the cracks inhighways. It is widespread throughoutmost of North America.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualor perennial that blooms March throughAugust

Parts Used: All parts of the plant

Primary Medicinal Activities: Lubri-cates, soothes, and protects internal mucousmembranes; emollient; astringent; anti-inflammatory; stops bleeding

Strongest Affinities: Digestive and uri-nary tracts, skin

Preparation: Tincture, tea, poultice, ordried seed husks

Common Uses: Plantain is one of manyuseful plants that have been forgotten byvirtue of its abundance and its reputationas a weed. Many of us step on it while enroute to the vegetable garden, unawarethat it may be more nutritious than thevegetables we tend. Plantain is high invitamins C, A, and K.

In essence, plantain can be used in thesame ways as slippery elm. The mucilagi-nous and astringent qualities of plantainmake it an excellent remedy for reducinginflammations inside and on the body.The aucubin and saponin constituents ofplantain have been shown to have anti-bacterial properties, especially againstMicrococcus flavus, Staphylococcus aureus,and Bacillus subtilus. All of these activitiescombine to make plantain useful in awide range of urinary, digestive, and res-piratory ailments.

In the urinary tract, plantain can helpstop minor bleeding, reduce inflamma-tion, and relieve pain that is secondaryto bacterial infection or the passing ofsmall stones (gravel). In the digestivetract, plantain relieves diarrhea and thesymptoms of various types of inflamma-tory bowel disease. Its lubricating prop-erties and anti-inflammatory activitiesmake it useful for treating irritations ofthe stomach and intestinal tract thatoccur when an animal eats somethingthat is difficult to pass such as pine

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needles, a bottle cap, or a brand-newsequined handbag. Plantago psyllium iswidely known for its seeds and husks,which are used as an effective laxativeand a source of dietary fiber. In theupper respiratory tract, plantain helpssoothe raspy coughs such as thosecaused by inhaled dust or canine tra-cheobronchitis (kennel cough).

Plantain is best used fresh. If youhave an electric juicer, liquefy the entireplant, roots and all. Otherwise, chopthe washed plants as finely as you can,pack them loosely into a blender, addjust enough warm water to cover theherb, and blend the mixture into adark-green gooey soup. Don’t use boil-ing water because it destroys hydrolyticenzymes that have antibacterial proper-ties. You might end up with a tangle ofthe strong leaf fibers wrapped aroundthe blades of your machine—this is nor-mal. Strain the liquid through a sieveand refrigerate it in a sealed glass jaruntil you need it. It will keep for abouttwo weeks in a very cold refrigerator. Touse the juice for internal problems, 1teaspoon can be fed for each 20pounds of a dog’s body weight, once ortwice daily. Cats can take up to a tea-spoon of the juice twice daily. It’s bestto administer the juice before a mealand with as little added water as possi-ble. If this isn’t possible, the juice can beadded to your companion’s food. Forcolic, the removal of sand in the diges-tive tract, and other digestive problemsin horses or other large animals, a hand-ful or two of the fresh plants can be fedas part of a daily diet.

A poultice of plantain is one of thebest topical first aid remedies for insectbites, stings, minor burns, and site-spe-cific contact dermatitis (such as minorbouts with stinging nettle). An oil infu-sion or salve of the fresh or dried plantcan be used for the same purposes.

Availability: A widely distributed weed.The husks of P. psyllium are availablethrough any respectable health foodstore, and several psyllium products arenow being produced specifically for usein animals. The seeds of several varietiescan be purchased through specialty catalogs.

Propagation and Harvest: Plantain iseasy to grow—all it needs is ample waterduring its germination. Sow the tinyseeds as sparsely as you can under 1⁄8inch of soil, and keep them wet untilthey sprout. The plants can be harvestedand used anytime, but the mature sec-ond-year and older plants make the bestmedicine.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Plantaincan be used as a substitute for slipperyelm, a hardwood tree that is being over-

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harvested for its medicinal inner bark.Marshmallow root contains far moremucilage than plantain does, and itserves as a more effective alternative incases in which digestive or urinary tractlubrication is needed. In situations inwhich the astringency and mucilagecontent of plantain are not enough tobring relief to urinary irritations, try com-bining marshmallow with a strongerastringent such as uva ursi or rose bark.

Cautions and Comments: Side effectsare rare with this plant, but some ani-mals may be allergic to it. If your com-panion is predisposed to plant allergies,test for sensitivity by applying a smallamount to the skin. If no reaction occurs,proceed with a small internal dose (a fewdrops), and watch for sneezing, wateryeyes, or other signs of allergic response.

RASPBERRYRubus sp. Rose Family

Appearance: Raspberries are generallycategorized by color—red or black. Leafand stem characteristics vary betweenspecies of this widespread genus ofshrubs. Most have divided leaves andfive-petal flowers that range from whiteto crimson in color. The plants are gener-ally found as tangled masses of thornytrailing biennial stems that yield a tastyreward to those brave enough to reachthe choicest berries. All species are med-icinally useful.

Habitat and Range: As one travelsnorthward through the Rocky Mountainsand the coastal states of the West, thediversity of species and the number ofroadside bramble patches encounteredprogressively increases. Many species ofRubus are regarded as invasive weeds.They are common and often abundant

inhabitants of pastures, roadside ditches,and riparian habitats. This genus oftencross-pollinates, making exact identifica-tion of species difficult in many areas.And many species have escaped cultiva-tion, making it anybody’s guess whereone of these plants will pop up next. Redraspberry (R. idaeus—illustrated) is oneof the most common indigenous speciesfound throughout North America.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Perennialsthat bloom and produce fruit from second-year plants, known as canes

Parts Used: Dried leaves and, of course,the delicious fruit

Primary Medicinal Activities: Astringent,strengthens the uterus (uterotonic), nutritive,diuretic, laxative, mild sedative

Strongest Affinities: Female repro-ductive system, eyes, skin

Preparation: Infusion, poultice, or tincture

Common Uses: Raspberry leaf is a safeand gentle medicinal food. Aside from itsnutritional value (it is especially high invitamin C), raspberry leaf tea has mildastringent qualities that make it usefulfor a wide variety of remedial and tonictherapies. Taken internally, the tea is use-ful for treating minor digestive tractinflammations and can be used as a rem-edy for mild cases of diarrhea. In suchinstances, a strong infusion can be fed ata dose of 2 ounces per 20 pounds of ananimal’s body weight (or 1 ounce forcats), twice daily as needed for relief.Alternatively, the dried leaf can beused—1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of theanimal’s weight, sprinkled onto fooddaily. For bleeding or inflamed gums, thepowdered leaf can be applied directly to

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the site of the problem, or the tea can beapplied to the gums with a cotton swab.

Traditionally, the leaf tea is perhapsthe most widely used “female tonic” inexistence. It acts to improve the toneand elasticity of smooth muscle tissues inand around the uterus. It is useful as aprepregnancy tonic and in pregnant orpostpartum dogs, cats, horses, and otheranimals during the final weeks of preg-nancy. The dried leaf can be sprinkledonto your animal’s food (at the previous-ly mentioned doses) as a daily tonic, or itcan be fed as a tea. Make the tea bysteeping 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf (ina tea ball) in 8 ounces of hot water. The tea can be added to your animal’sdrinking water until the water is notice-ably colored. The animal can then drinkat will.

Raspberry leaf is especially beneficialin the form of a saline eyewash for symp-tomatic relief of conjunctivitis. To makean eyewash, infuse 1 teaspoon of driedraspberry leaf in 8 ounces of hot distilledwater. Allow the tea to cool, strain itthrough a coffee filter, then combine itwith enough sterile saline solution toproduce a slightly tinted solution. Thecooled full-strength tea can also be usedas a soothing scalp or skin rinse—its astringency helps to relieve minoritchiness.

Availability: Raspberry leaf is availableat health food stores. The canes are avail-able through most nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Raspberriesare easy to grow. Transplanted canes pro-duce an abundance of leaves, and theyproduce their first fruit during their sec-ond year of growth and every year there-after. The plants like moist, potassium-rich soil and full sun. Harvest the leavesjust before the plants bloom in spring orearly summer. Dry them on a clean non-

metallic surface until they are crispy dry.The dried leaves can be stored in plasticbags for a year or more.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Raspberryserves as a less-threatened substitute foreyebright (Euphrasia spp.), a plant that iscurrently at risk of disappearing becauseof overharvest. The leaves of strawberry(Fragaria spp.) can be used as a substi-tute for raspberry leaf. As a female tonic,nettle leaf tea serves as a better substi-tute because it contains a much richerarray of vital nutrients. Nettle can also beused in eye and skin washes. For con-junctivitis or inflammation of the mouththat is secondary to bacterial or fungalinfection, raspberry leaf combines wellwith Oregon grape and echinacea. If theproblem appears to be of viral origin,mullein leaf or Saint-John’s-wort mayserve as an effective adjunct. For diarrhea

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and internal bleeding, stronger alterna-tives include uva ursi, horsetail, plantain,and cayenne.

Cautions and Comments: Never useraspberry leaves that are not completelydry. As the leaves wilt, they temporarilydevelop toxins that can be nauseating toyour animal.

Despite old claims of raspberry leafcausing uterine contractions, no quali-fied reports of toxicity have been record-ed for this herb.

RED CLOVERTrifolium pratense Pea Family

Appearance: Red clover was intro-duced to the U.S. from Europe as a feedcrop for livestock and has since escapedcultivation to make itself at homethroughout North America. It is charac-terized by the predominantly three-lobed leaves of the Trifolium genus, ofwhich dozens of species and cultivars aredistributed throughout the West. Thedifferences among these many speciesmay be minute, and positive identifica-tion of a specific Trifolium sp. can bechallenging. First, the identification ofred clover can begin by recognizing itsred, globe-shaped flowers and its soft,hairy stems. Second, we can see that theflower stems (pedicels) are shorter inlength than each of the leaf stems (peti-oles). And finally, red clover has a smallcarrotlike taproot, whereas many clovershave horizontally creeping roots systems(rhizomes). If all of this fails to answerthe question of identity, cheat—findsome red clover that has been cultivatedand formulate personalized notes forfuture reference.

Habitat and Range: Red clover is wide-spread in cultivated fields, road margins,

gardens, and other disturbed areas wherethe plant has been introduced largelythrough agricultural activities.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A short-livedperennial that blooms in early summer

Parts Used: Flowering tops

Primary Medicinal Activities: Helpswith blood cleansing, diuretic, expecto-rant, tonic, antispasmodic, nutritive,antitumor, effects estrogen productionin the body (estrogenic)

Strongest Affinities: Liver, blood, andskin

Preparation: Tea, dried or fresh herb,or tincture

Common Uses: Although traditionallyred clover has been used and highlyacclaimed as a blood-purifying alterativeand anticancer agent for hundreds, per-haps thousands, of years, few scientificstudies have been conducted to substan-tiate these claims. Regardless, thousandsof herbalists and an equal number ofpeople who have witnessed red clover’spotential as a healing agent and preven-tative seem to know something. At theroot of red clover’s attributes is animpressive array of protein, magnesium,calcium, potassium, and vitamin C and Bcomplex. All of these nutrients are joinedwith a complex assortment of medicinal-ly active chemical compounds. In themind of a holistically oriented herbalist,all of these components synergisticallyamount to an excellent remedy for pso-riasis, eczema, and other skin disorders,especially those believed to be secondaryto excess waste materials in the blood-stream. For such disorders, red clovermay be used internally or externally.Internally, a flower tea or tincture gently

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stimulates the liver and gallbladder tohelp optimize digestion and replenishthe blood. Externally, a cooled tea orpoultice can be applied to flaky dry, itchyskin for symptomatic relief. Added to ananimal’s daily diet as a preventive meas-ure, you can give a pinch of dried redclover to a dog; a tinier pinch to a cat;and a handful to horses, llamas, andsheep. A rabbit can be fed a flower ortwo a day, and for other animals, as withany herb, moderation is the single-wordgolden rule.

In horses, red clover is sometimes fedto speed recovery from viral infections ofthe respiratory tract, particularly when apersistent cough or excessive secretion ofthick mucus from inflamed mucous mem-branes (catarrh) seem to be slowing thehealing process by adding stress to a run-down animal. Feed 1⁄2–2 cups of the flowerheads daily as part of the animal’s feed. Iftea is a better option, 3 or 4 heapingtablespoons of the dried flowers steepedin a pint of water can be fed daily.

Much of red clover’s reputation as ananticancer herb stems from its inclusionin the famed Hoxsey Formula and thestill popular Essiac Formula, althoughskeptics argue that the effectiveness ofthese formulas are without validation.Both of these formulas have been usedextensively during the past seventy-fiveyears, and many cancer sufferers, practi-tioners, and pet owners have claimednear-miraculous results from them. Inaddition to these formulas, red clover isoften used by itself—again with manyfavorable claims. As mentioned, scientif-ic evidence to support these claims isscarce but certainly exists. In 1988, astudy published in The Journal of CancerResearch indicated that the anticanceractivity of red clover may in fact be a sci-entific reality. Specifically, it was foundthat the flavonoid constituents in redclover blossoms inhibit the harmful activ-

ities of a carcinogenic substance calledbenzopyrene, a compound present incharbroiled foods. In an earlier 1970study that was published in the samejournal, the flavonoid quercetin found inred clover was shown to prevent ben-zopyrene from becoming active in theliver and small intestines. While thesestudies fall short of identifying thebreadth of red clover’s activity againstvarious other carcinogens, they certain-ly indicate that further research is war-ranted and add credibility to whatholistic practitioners have been tellingus all along.

In animals with cancerous lesions ofthe skin or extremities, a poultice of redclover flowers can be applied in the formof a compress for several hours each dayuntil the animal’s condition (hopefully)improves. Internal doses of the flowertea or tincture can be used in dogs, cats,

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horses, and other animals as well. In thefight against cancer, anything that canbe applied safely and without contribut-ing stress to an already stressed body iscertainly worth a try. In our minds, redclover is at the top of the list.

Availability: Seed catalogs, feed stores,health food stores, and other herb retailers

Propagation and Harvest: If youhave rich, moist soil and a section of gar-den you wish to delegate to the spread-ing, strong-rooted nature of this plant,red clover can be easily propagated fromseed. Harvest the flowers during dryweather in early summer. Use them freshor dry them indoors on a piece of cleanpaper. The dried flowers keep for a yearif properly stored.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For skinproblems that are secondary to poorliver metabolism or excessive systemicwaste, red clover combines well with yel-low dock, alfalfa, burdock, dandelionroot, and nettle.

Cautions and Comments: Whenproperly used, red clover is a safe herb,but, as is true for many plants, its usedoes demand some attention andrespect. First, do not use red clover foranimals with clotting disorders or in thepresence of internal or external bleed-ing. This plant contains the compoundcoumarin, which is cited in many toxi-cology texts as having blood-thinningqualities. However, recent studies sug-gest that the coumarin alone do notreally possess blood-thinning proper-ties. Instead, it is now thought thatblood-thinning properties may onlyoccur when certain molds or fungidevelop on the herb as result ofimproper drying. Red clover is alsoknown to contain estrogenic isoflavone

constituents that may prove toxic tolivestock and other animals if fed inlarge quantities. Cases of acute skin anddigestive disorders have been reportedin horses, sheep, cattle, and other ani-mals who have been allowed to ex-cessively overgraze on fresh red clover.Red clover also possesses some phyto-estrogenic principles that contraindi-cate this herb’s use in pregnant or lactating animals.

ROSERosa spp. Rose Family

Appearance: Most people are familiarwith roses. Hundreds of cultivars adornflower beds to please the senses and stirthe emotions of millions of peopleworldwide. In addition to the healingpower of their beauty, all roses are med-icinally useful. The wild species (of whichthere are dozens in North America) offerthe best-tasting, most nutritional hips.Wild roses look and smell very much liketheir domesticated counterparts exceptthat they have smaller flowers andleaves. Characterized by their white-to-pink (sometimes yellow), five-petaledflowers, thorny stems, and bright red topurplish fruit (hips), these plants repre-sent a safe, easy-to-identify, delightfulintroduction to nature’s pantry andapothecary.

Habitat and Range: Wild roses like con-sistently moist soil and are often foundstanding in dense thickets at road mar-gins, in irrigation ditches, and especiallyas the “defensive edge” of riparian habi-tats up to about 6,000 feet in elevation.Several species are native throughoutNorth America. Wood’s rose (Rosa wood-sii) represents one of the most widespreadpink-flowered species to be found in west-ern North America. Multiflora rose (R.

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multiflora) grows profusely throughoutthe midwestern U.S. and eastern Canada,where it forms dense thickets and is oftenconsidered a troublesome weed.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms June through August

Parts Used: Hips, flower petals, leaves,stems, and bark

Primary Medicinal Activities: Nutri-tive, astringent, bacteriostatic

Strongest Affinities: Digestive system,urinary tract, skin

Preparation: Fresh or dried hips,petals, leaves, and bark; tincture, tea, ordecoction

Common Uses: When we think ofroses as medicine, we tend to remem-ber reading “Vitamin C with RoseHips” on product labels. But actually,the nutritive value of rose hips repre-sents only a small fraction of the heal-ing attributes this plant has to offer.

Native Americans used all parts ofRosa spp. in a wide variety of applica-tions. The seeds were cooked andingested for relief from muscular pains.The roots were used as a general pur-pose astringent for diarrhea, sorethroat, conjunctivitis, and to stopbleeding. The flower petals wereemployed as a bacteriostatic protectivebandage on burns and minor woundsand as a treatment for colic and heart-burn. A poultice of the leaves was usedfor insect stings and bites. All of theseuses can be safely applied to animals.

Each part of a rose plant representsa different level of astringency. Theflower petals are mildly to moderatelyastringent and can be made into asweet-smelling rinse for animals with

dry, itchy skin. Petal tea is also usefulfor mild to moderate cases of colic anddiarrhea or for minor irritations of themouth and stomach. Making a tea issimple—infuse a handful of fresh petalsin a cup of near-boiling water. Afterthe tea has cooled, it can be fed todogs and cats at a dose of 1 table-spoon per 20 pounds of the animal’sbody weight, as needed. If necessary itcan be added to your companion’sdrinking water. The cooled andstrained tea is also useful as an anti-inflammatory eyewash, especially incases where redness and eye rubbing isattributable to dust or other environ-mental irritants.

The leaves are stronger than theflower petals and can be decocted foruse as a rinse for contact dermatitis or inflamed fleabites or fly bites.Internally, the leaf decoction is useful

Rosa woodsii


for cystitis and acute digestive tractinflammations that may be secondaryto bacterial or parasitic infection. Atypical dose is a 1⁄2 teaspoon for each30 pounds of the animal’s weight,once or twice daily, for no longer thanfour days. The bark and stems offer thestrongest astringency and may be use-ful for acute cases of urinary or diges-tive tract inflammation that involvelabored or painful urination, gushingdiarrhea, or minor bleeding. Care mustbe taken to avoid feeding sharp rosethorns to your companion. The dose isthe same as for a leaf decoction, butthe maximum duration of use is short-er—the bark and stem decoctionshould not be used internally for morethan two days.

Rose hips are high in vitamin C andserve as a tasty and nutritious treat foranimals. Our dogs harvest and eatthem as trail snacks! The whole hip canbe fed either fresh or dried. Dried hipscan be ground in an electric coffeegrinder and added to your compan-ion’s food as a nutritional supplement.Dogs and cats can be fed 1⁄2–1 tea-spoon of the ground hips per cup offood. Horses and other large herbi-vores can be fed a handful or two eachday. Because of the ascorbic acid con-tent, too much rose hip causes stom-ach upset or diarrhea. If this happens,cut back on the amount in the dailyfeedings.

Availability: Hundreds of rose vari-eties are available through nurseries.The best are the smaller-flowered wildspecies that are available through nurs-eries that specialize in native plants.

Propagation and Harvest: Rosesare easy to grow. They prosper inmoist, slightly acidic soil. Leaves andflowers can be harvested any time as

long as they look healthy. The hips areharvested in the fall after they turnbright red but before they shrivel. Thehips can be dried indoors on a cleanpiece of paper. They keep for severalyears if stored in a glass jar and keptaway from direct sunlight. Don’tgrind the hips until you need them,otherwise you greatly shorten theirshelf life. Harvest the stem bark whenyou prune your roses each year. Mostdomesticated varieties have largethorns that can be snapped off. If thisisn’t possible, you can use the smallthornless end stems and peduncles(the stem part just beneath the flow-ers and hips). The stems can be cutinto small segments with pruningclippers or chopped with a sharpknife. They can then be decocted, justlike the bark.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Rasp-berry leaf, nettle, and chamomile serveas alternatives where a mild urinary ordigestive astringent is indicated. Foracute cystitis or colic, rose leaf or barkcombines with marshmallow, licorice, orslippery elm. Skin rinse alternativesinclude calendula, chamomile, uva ursi,and juniper. For conjunctivitis, raspberryleaf serves as a replacement, and Oregongrape serves as an excellent antimicro-bial adjunct.

Cautions and Comments: The hightannin content in the bark can irritatethe urinary tract and kidneys and cantrigger uterine contractions, thereforerose bark is best avoided in pregnantanimals or those with preexisting kid-ney problems. Internal use should belimited to acute disorders and short-term therapies (two days or less). Callyour veterinarian immediately if inter-nal bleeding is evident, diarrhea is per-sistent, or urination is labored.

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ROSEMARYRosmarinus officinalis Mint Family

Appearance: A creeping or erect shrubthat can grow to 6 feet tall, rosemary ischaracterized by its piney fragrance; nar-row, leathery, and densely arrangedopposite leaves; and white, pink, or blue3⁄8-inch-long flowers.

Habitat and Range: Rosemary is anative of the Mediterranean region, butseveral cultivars of rosemary are grownworldwide.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms anytime from early spring tolate summer, depending on climate

Parts Used: Leaves, stems, and flowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Tonic,antidepressant, stimulant, analgesic,expels intestinal gas, antispasmodic, pro-motes menstrual discharge, astringent,antioxidant, antimicrobial, insect repellent

Strongest Affinities: Nervous system,digestive tract, circulatory system, respi-ratory tract, and skin

Preparation: Tea, tincture

Common Uses: Rosemary is an ex-tremely useful herb. At the top of its listof medicinal attributes are nervine,antidepressant, antispasmodic, andcarminative properties that combine tomake rosemary an excellent remedy forflatulent dyspepsia and other digestiveproblems that are secondary to generalnervousness, excitability, or irritability.Adding to rosemary’s utility as a calm-ing agent are borneol and an assort-ment of volatile oils that are known tohave antispasmodic effects upon the

heart and other smooth muscles of thebody. These activities not only helpmoderate cardiac arrhythmia but alsoserve to strengthen heart function,making rosemary especially beneficialin situations where an animal is recov-ering from a fearful or traumatic expe-rience, or even shock. The rosmarinicacid contained in the plant is believedto have painkilling properties. In any ofthe aforementioned instances, about 1⁄8teaspoon (0.5 milliliter) of tincture canbe given orally as a starting dose foreach 20 pounds of an animal’s bodyweight, up to three times daily. Horsesand other large herbivores can be fed ahandful of the fresh stems and leavesdaily.

In addition to its uses as a calmingagent, rosemary can be employed as a general cardiovascular tonic, where it not only serves to moderate and

Rosmarinus officinalis


improve heart function but also helpsto strengthen capillary structures. Andwhen added to your companion’s food,rosemary helps mask the flavor of less-palatable herbs and serves as a naturalbarrier against food-borne bacteria.The ursolic acid and carnisol con-stituents of rosemary have antioxidantand antimicrobial properties that areeffective against Pseudomonas fluo-rescens, Rhodoturula glutinius, andother pathogens that contribute tofood spoilage. In fact, rosemary’s effec-tiveness is comparable to that of themore harmful chemical preservativesBHA or BHT. To use rosemary as a pre-servative, add 1⁄4 teaspoon of powderedherb to each pound of a dog’s or cat’shomemade diet.

Rosemary also has excellent antimi-crobial properties inside or on yourcompanion’s body. Scientific studieshave shown that it is active against var-ious types of fungi, as well as numerousgram-positive and gram-negative bac-teria, including Staphylococcus albus,Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Vibriocholerae, and corynebacteria.6 Thismakes rosemary useful in antibacterialskin and eye rinses; for minor cuts andburns; and for fighting infections of themouth, throat, and urinary and diges-tive tracts.

Ten drops of rosemary essential oilcan be diluted with 1 ounce of apricotkernel or almond oil for topical use inthe treatment of sprains, arthriticjoints, sciatica, and neuralgia. Rubbedinto the skin at the site of discomfort,the oil stimulates capillary circulationand helps to relieve muscular and nervepain. Do not use undiluted rosemary oilinternally or externally, though,because it is strong and can causeimmediate irritation. The oil is con-traindicated for animals who have anytype of seizure disorder.

Availability: Rosemary plants areavailable through nurseries. The driedor fresh herb is available at grocery andhealth food stores.

Propagation and Harvest: Rose-mary is easy to grow from transplantsand can be kept as a houseplant inareas where winters are severe. It’s notparticular about soil and does best infull sun. In the southern and WestCoast portions of the U.S., rosemary isoften seen as a hedge-forming land-scape shrub, which, unfortunately, isunheard of in colder climates.

Rosemary can be started from seed,but germination percentages are poorand the seedlings grow slowly. Rosemarycan be harvested anytime, but theleaves’ medicinal qualities are strongestin late summer.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Fordepressive disorders or nervousness,rosemary can be combined with skull-cap or oatstraw. If such a problem iscausing digestive disorders, such asvomiting, flatulence, and colic, looktoward fennel, dill, flaxseed, parsley,or chamomile as an adjunct. For use asan antimicrobial, rosemary is strength-ened by Oregon grape. For topicalfirst aid, rosemary oil combines witharnica, Saint-John’s-wort, cayenne,aloe, calendula, or willow bark. Foritchy skin and fleas, rosemary and cal-endula combine as a soothing, healingflea-repellent rinse.

Cautions and Comments: Inhorses, the volatile oils of rosemarymay be detectable in a blood sample;is possible that it may be considered a “prohibited substance” under JockyClub or other horse show rules.Otherwise, rosemary is a very safeherb.

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SAGESalvia officinalis Mint Family

Appearance: Over eight hundredspecies of Salvia exist worldwide, andmost are medicinally useful. Most gar-deners and Epicureans are familiar withS. officinalis, common garden sage.Many of the wild species share the sameunique “pebbled” leaf texture and havea similar but much stronger flavor andaroma. Flowers of the Salvia genus rangefrom white to deep purple. It’s importantto know that many wild plants with asagelike fragrance, or even a commonname that contains the word sage areunrelated to the sage we use in thekitchen. One example is sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata), a member of thesunflower family that smells like sage butcan be harmful if used internally. Giventhe availability and effectiveness of culi-nary sage, there’s little reason to harvestwild sage for your companion. If, howev-er, you do opt to use a wild sage, learnits Latin name first. If the plant you areconsidering isn’t a Salvia, then it’s a dif-ferent medicine as well.

Habitat and Range: Common sage isa native of the Mediterranean region.Dozens of cultivars have been developedand are farmed throughout the world.

In the coastal canyons of southernCalifornia, native species such as whitesage (S. apiana), black sage (S. mellifera),Munz’s sage (S. munzii), and purple sage(S. leucophylla) often stand as the pre-dominant flora, growing in dense standsof 2- to 6-foot-high shrubs that maycover the landscape for miles. As onetravels north or east, the distribution ofSalvia species becomes more scatteredand less varied, and the plants tend to be small and less predominant. In the deserts of eastern Washington and

Oregon, grayball sage (S. dorrii) bringsthe dry, brushy landscape alive withvibrant hues of purple.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Perennialsthat bloom in early to late spring

Parts Used: Leaves, small stems, andflowers

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-septic, astringent, antispasmodic, expelsintestinal gas, inhibits sweating (is anantihydrotic)

Strongest Affinities: Mouth, digestivetract, skin

Preparation: Tea or tincture

Common Uses: Sage is an excellentremedy for infections or ulcerations of

Salvia leucophylla


the mouth, skin, or digestive tract. Mostof its antimicrobial activity is attributableto its content of thujone, a volatile oilthat is effective against E. coli, Shigellasonnei, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella ozanae,Bacillus subtillis, and various fungi—namely Candida albicans, Candida krusei,Candida pseudotropicalis, Torulopsis glab-rata, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Astrong sage tea or tincture is useful fortreating and preventing gingivitis as wellas infection that is secondary to injury ordental surgery. For bacterial or fungalinfections of the throat and digestivetract, sage serves as a safe and effectiveantibiotic and helps to expel gas andease gastric cramping. Horses and otherlarge herbivores can be fed a handful ortwo of the fresh leaves or a cup of driedleaves in their daily food ration as a treat-ment for colic and flatulence that is sec-ondary to bacterial or fungal infection.For smaller animals, the tea can beadded to drinking water, or a tincturecan be administered directly by mouth.If you choose to make tea, steep 1 table-spoon of the dried leaves in a cup ofnear-boiling water. Stir the mixture fre-quently until it has cooled to lukewarm.Strain out the plant material but don’tdiscard it if you’re treating a localizedinfection or ulcer. It can be used as apoultice by directly applying it to anaffected area. The tea can be sweetenedwith honey (which has its own healingproperties) and fed at a rate of 1 fluidounce per 20 pounds of the animal’sbody weight, two or three times daily. Ifyou choose to use a tincture, a goodstarting dose is 0.5–1.0 milliliter per 30pounds of the animal’s body weight,twice daily.

In the form of a rinse, poultice, orfomentation, sage tea is useful for treat-ing bacterial or fungal infections of theskin, including ringworm. In suchinstances, thoroughly soak your com-

panion with the cooled tea once or twicedaily. The tea is also a safe and naturaldisinfectant for turtle or lizard enclosuresand may be combined with liquid soapfor use as a hand wash after handlinganimals who may carry salmonella.

Availability: Fresh or dried sage is avail-able at food stores. The plants are avail-able at most nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Sage is aneasy-to-grow “must have” for the homeherb gardener. It likes heavy, slightly acidsoil and full sun. It is drought resistantand winter hardy, but in regions wheretemperatures reach below –10° F, a thickfall mulch is required. Collect the leavesand small stems during midday, whenthe volatile oils are most concentrated inthe leaves, and preferably when theplants are just beginning to bloom. Thebest way to dry sage is to tie the leavesinto small bundles and hang themindoors. When the leaves are crunchydry, they are ready to store in an airtightglass jar away from sunlight. Properlystored, the herb keeps for two or threeyears—as long as it smells strong, it’s stillgood medicine.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Formouth infections, thyme, rosemary,and bee balm are also effective, andconsider Oregon grape and myrrh asstrong adjuncts or alternatives. Fordigestive problems, sage combineswith Oregon grape, licorice, fennel,parsley, dill, or marshmallow. For infec-tions of the skin, calendula, aloe, chap-arral, chamomile, rosemary, and uvaursi all deserve some study.

Cautions and Comments: The undi-luted essential oil of sage can cause skinirritation and should not be given inter-nally. Sage is said to inhibit lactation.

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SAINT-JOHN’S-WORTHypericum perforatum Saint-John’s-Wort

Family

Appearance: Saint-John’s-wort is a stur-dy perennial weed distinguished by itsyellow five-petaled flowers and its small(up to 3⁄4 inch long) narrowly lance-shaped to elliptical leaves. The flowersand leaves are covered with tiny purplishblack dots, each containing hypericin, amedicinally active compound that isoften visible as a red stain on the skinafter rubbing the foliage between one’sfingertips. Saint-John’s-wort varies in sizeamong species, but all of them are simi-lar in appearance. The largest and mostwidespread species, Hypericum perfora-tum, may reach 32 inches in height,whereas H. anagalloides (bog Saint-John’s-wort), one of the smallest species,grows in mats seldom exceeding 4 inch-es in height.

Habitat and Range: Habitat variesaccording to species, but generally thelarger species prefer dry to moist openhillsides up to about 6,000 feet in eleva-tion, whereas higher elevations and wet-ter habitats tend to yield the smallerspecies. In the Pacific Northwest, H. per-foratum and H. formosum are commonand often profuse on open range landsat foothill elevations, where they areconsidered noxious weeds because oftheir alleged toxicity to livestock. Saint-John’s-wort is a European import thatnow ranges throughout the Pacific andRocky Mountain states and in isolatedstands through the central and easternportions of North America.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat is sometimes referred to as Fourth ofJuly flower, Saint-John’s-wort usuallyblooms from early July through August.

Parts Used: The top 12 inches of theflowering plant

Primary Medicinal Activities: Woundhealing, moderates nerve transmissions(nervine), antiseptic, antiviral, antide-pressive, immunostimulant.

Strongest Affinities: Nervous system,skin

Preparation: Tea, tincture, or topicalpreparation of the fresh herb

Common Uses: It’s amazing how ouropinions can change by simply lookingcloser at what we take for granted. Saint-John’s-wort has long been regarded asan invasive weed in the western portionsof the U.S. Until recently, people wantedto eradicate this plant from the rangelands on which it so successfully flourish-es, competes with native plants, and

Hypericum perforatum


threatens grazing livestock with possibletoxic side effects. But now, in light ofextensive scientific research, Saint-John’s-wort has been promoted from thestatus of a universally hated weed to thatof a valued medicine that offers a wealthof curative power. Our awareness ofSaint-John’s-wort’s benefits comes in themidst of an enormous health care crisisand forces us to reevaluate our short-sighted approaches to plants we igno-rantly view as our enemies. As well asgiving us a valuable opportunity toreconsider the true values in our sur-roundings, Saint-John’s-wort offers newhope in the treatment of AIDS, chronicdepression, nervous system disorders,and various forms of herpes virus. A plantis seen as a weed only when we cannotrecognize its useful purpose. Because ofthe lesson we’ve learned from Saint-John’s-wort, we are forced to wonderabout the usefulness of all plants and toconsider the price we may be payingwhen we choose to eradicate certainplants in favor of agricultural economics.

Saint-John’s-wort has received a greatdeal of media attention for its demon-strated ability to act as an antidepressantin both humans and animals. Literallyhundreds of recent scientific studies haveconfirmed that it may act as a safe, effec-tive, and natural alternative to antide-pressant drugs. In Germany and otherEuropean countries, where the mostresearch is being conducted on Saint-John’s-wort and its derivatives, the planthas been deemed safe and effective bythe government, and millions of peopleare using the plant daily to treat chronicdepression without ill side effects. In fact,one pharmaceutical brand of Saint-John’s-wort is being prescribed inGermany at a rate of seven to one overthe popular antidepressant drug Prozac.And in the U.S., an increasing number ofholistic veterinarians are using the herb

to treat separation anxiety and aggres-sion disorders in dogs and cats. Contraryto popular belief, however, Saint-John’s-wort does not offer a neatly packagedholistic solution to depressive disorders,especially not for animals.

The antidepressive qualities of Saint-John’s-wort represent only a small portionof what this plant has to offer. Saint-John’s-wort also has antiviral, vulnerary(wound and burn healing), nerve tonic,and antibacterial activities that are unpar-alleled by any other herb. And while agreat deal of research and marketing hasbeen focused on the hypericin con-stituents (a red pigment contained withintiny glands that dot the flower petals andleaves of the plant) of Saint-John’s-wort,this herb contains dozens of other chemi-cal compounds that have been shown topossess a tremendous range of healingactions. These compounds include vari-ous essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, andphytosterol constituents—all of whichcombine to make Saint-John’s-wort activeagainst a wide variety of bacteria, fungi,and even viruses.

For the treatment of burns andwounds, Saint-John’s-wort helps speedthe healing process while reducing painat the site of injury. As an antibiotic,preparations of Saint-John’s-wort ex-tract have been shown to be as effectiveas many of their pharmaceutical coun-terparts, including sulfonamides, agroup of general-use antibiotics com-monly prescribed for treatment of bac-terial infections in dogs, cats, horses,and a wide variety of other animals.Saint-John’s-wort is especially useful ininstances where soft tissues, joints, ornerve endings have been crushed,crimped, or bruised, a condition thatmay occur when a cattle dog isstomped or kicked or when a catexpends another of her nine lives in arun-in with an automobile. For first aid

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purposes, Saint-John’s-wort can beapplied directly to the site of injury inthe form of a salve, a tincture, or an oilinfusion, or the tincture can be admin-istered internally. We would probablyopt to do both in the described circum-stances as the topical application helpsto prevent infection and speed healing,while the phytosterol and flavonoidconstituents of the internal dose helpwith nerve pain and repair. Giving 12drops of the tincture per 20 pounds ofthe animal’s body weight, administeredtwice daily, is a good starting point interms of internal dosage.

Saint-John’s-wort offers a great dealof promise in the treatment of variousforms of viral and retroviral infections,including AIDS, FIV, Epstein-Barr virus,influenza, herpes, and viral hepatitis(particularly in ducks and other fowl). Inessence, Saint-John’s-wort inhibits repro-duction of these viruses, especially if theherb is administered during the earlieststages of disease. In AIDS research, thehope is that Saint-John’s-wort will proveto slow the progression of the HIV virus.So far studies have been promising, but it’s too early to define the depth ofSaint-John’s-wort’s role in this capacity.Regardless, its use in fighting human orfeline AIDS is worth a serious try.

Saint-John’s-wort extract may beeffective as a preventive measure in dogswho have been exposed to a potentiallyfatal canine herpes viral infection or incats, horses, or other animals sufferingfrom a herpes virus. The point to remem-ber is that Saint-John’s-wort will not curethe animal of herpes, but it may helpkeep the virus in check. In our experi-ence with people who suffer from her-pes, simultaneous internal and externalapplications of Saint-John’s-wort extractexpedites remission of the virus andoften helps to lengthen the comfortableperiod between outbreaks.

Availability: Saint-John’s-wort is awidely distributed weed in the westernU.S. Seeds are available from specialtyseed catalogs. The dried herb and its var-ious preparations are available throughherb retailers.

Propagation and Harvest: Saint-John’s-wort is easy to transplant or startfrom seed, but before you plant it, beaware that it is listed as a harmful weedin many areas of the country. If youintroduce this plant into your herb gar-den, be careful that it doesn’t escape cul-tivation. Harvest when the plants are infull bloom, usually in early to mid-July.Clip off the flowering tops, and plan onmaking tincture or an oil infusion asquickly after harvest as possible—thisplant is most effective if made into med-icine while it is fresh.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For anxi-ety and depressive disorders, lemonbalm, skullcap, valerian, and passion-flower serve as adjuncts or alternatives.For injuries, Saint-John’s-wort combineswell with comfrey, calendula, aloe,cayenne, yarrow, or arnica. Licorice,devil’s claw, or yucca root all serve asanti-inflammatory adjuncts. Consideroatstraw, skullcap, cayenne, and valer-ian as possible alternatives or adjunctsfor nerve-related problems. As an antivi-ral or antiseptic, Saint-John’s-wort com-bines with echinacea, Oregon grape,certified organic goldenseal, bee balm,thyme, or sage.

Cautions and Comments: Recent sci-entific studies have taught us that thisherb may strengthen the effects of gen-eral anesthesia. Therefore, Saint-John’s-wort should not be used within 48 hourspreceding surgery. While other adverseside effects are rare, some animals candevelop a photosensitive rash from its


use. Specifically, people or animals withlight skin pigments may be susceptibleto sunburnlike effects if they consumetoo much Saint-John’s-wort and subse-quently spend too much time in brightsunlight. This side effect has beenobserved in livestock who have foragedon large quantities of the plants and isone of the main reasons Saint-John’s-wort is the subject of herbicidal interven-tion in some areas of the West. Commonsense should preside here—use extracaution if your animal has white hair,white or pink skin pigment, or a shortcoat. If a rash does develop, get the ani-mal out of direct sunlight and discontin-ue use of Saint-John’s-wort. Considerfinding an alternative therapy—it may bethat your animal is not a proper candi-date for Saint-John’s-wort. As always, it isa good idea to consult a holistic veteri-narian before diagnosing your pet’s con-dition and self-prescribing any course oftherapy.

SHEPHERD’S PURSECapsella bursa-pastoris Mustard Family

Appearance: Shepherd’s purse is acommon lawn and vacant lot weed thatbegins its life as a ground-huggingrosette of 1- to 2-inch leaves that arehairy underneath and smooth on top.Later, the upper plant develops one ormore slender, erect stems that can growto about 20 inches tall. The lance-shapedleaves of the upper plant grow alternate-ly, clasping the stem at their bases.

Small, white, inconspicuous flowersare presented at the top of the plant. Theflowers develop into seed-bearing cap-sules that look like tiny (1⁄2 inch or small-er), pointed heart-shaped purses—acharacteristic that likely earned the plantits common name. These little purses aretwo-celled, have a single ridge along one

side, and are slightly concave along theother. Each cell contains tiny seeds.

Many herbalists take the purse char-acteristics of shepherd’s purse for grant-ed and don’t look closely enough whenidentifying the plant before harvesting.Subsequently, many of them end upgathering and using the wrong plant.Although the impostor is usually anotherharmless member of the mustard family(Cruciferae), it is often medicinally use-less. The seed capsules of the look-alikeshave two cells, but each cell containsonly two seeds, whereas shepherd’spurse always has several seeds.

Habitat and Range: Shepherd’s purseis a European import that is widely dis-tributed across North America. It is com-mon in cultivated fields, gardens, lawns,vacant lots, livestock grazing areas, andother disturbed areas. It can be found inalmost any environment, from cracks incity streets to remote mountain camp-sites. It is adaptable to any elevationfrom below sea level to timberline.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualthat continuously reseeds itself

Parts Used: Entire plant, including roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic,astringent, stops bleeding, tonic

Strongest Affinities: Urinary tract, joints

Preparation: Tea, tincture, fresh or driedherb

Common Uses: Shepherd’s purse isespecially useful in cases of minor uri-nary system bleeding. The diureticactivity of this plant is strong enough toincrease urinary volume and thus lowerthe concentration of acidic strong, darkurine, while its mild astringency helps

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to reduce inflammation in the bladder,urethra, and kidneys. Although it is arelatively weak diuretic, its low volatileoil content makes it a gentle alternativeto oil-rich herbs such as parsley root,which are contraindicated in preexist-ing cases of kidney disease. Shepherd’spurse is indicated for arthritic condi-tions that are believed to be com-pounded by retention of excess sys-temic waste materials, where it isbelieved to help with the removal offluid and various acid compounds fromthe joints.

Studies have shown that the hemo-static activity of shepherd’s purse in theuterus and urinary tract is attributableto more than just simple tissue-shrink-ing astringency. The plant contains anassortment of amine and flavonoid con-stituents that are believed to actuallystrengthen capillaries and reduce theirpermeability. This makes shepherd’spurse an excellent urinary tonic for ani-mals who exhibit occasional blood inthe urine as a result of structural anom-alies, scar tissue, or nonspecific atony ofthe bladder. It has also been found toenhance uterine tone, contract theuterine walls, and lower blood pressure,making it useful in postpartum bleedingand difficult placenta delivery.

Externally, a poultice of the freshplant can be applied to wounds to stopbleeding. A tincture, poultice, or wateror oil infusion can be applied to theskin, as a weak alternative to mustard,to increase subcutaneous capillary cir-culation at the site of closed-tissueinjuries and to help improve thestrength and structure of capillaries.

Availability: A widespread weed; avail-able through specialty seed catalogs

Propagation and Harvest: Ratherthan buy dried shepherd’s purse at an

herb store, it’s best to harvest your ownfresh herb. The herb loses much of itsmedicinal potency when it dries andshould be used or made into tincture assoon as it is harvested. This plant is easyto grow and spreads all over the gardenif allowed. It grows in most soils butgrows best in heavily manured soil,which is why it is so common in pas-tures. Harvest by pulling up the entireplant after the seed capsules have devel-oped but before the plant dries.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Shepherd’spurse can be combined with yarrow infresh herb tea for bleeding fibroids or asan external first aid remedy (use the twoherbs in a poultice). For arthritis, shep-herd’s purse combines with yucca root,boswellia, devil’s claw, licorice, or alfalfa.Dandelion leaf serves as a stronger, yet equally safe, diuretic. For urinary

Capsella bursa-pastoris


bleeding that is secondary to infection,combine with marshmallow, echinacea,and Oregon grape.

Cautions and Comments: The authorshave never witnessed any side effects fromthe use of this herb, but it has been theo-rized by others that Shepherd’s pursecan cause contractions of the uterus andshould not be administered to pregnantanimals—reserve it for the postpartumperiod. It is also thought to have hemo-static properties that may interfere withblood-thinning drugs. Therefore, cautionand common sense dictates that thisherb is best avoided in animals with clot-ting disorders.

SKULLCAPScutellaria lateriflora Mint Family

Appearance: Skullcap is differentiatedfrom other mints by its blue or whiteflowers, which are borne (in mostspecies) at the top third of the plant insymmetrically arranged sets of two ormore. The flowers are two lobed andtubular; one lobe forms an upper lip, andone forms a larger apronlike lower lip.The lance-shaped, finely to coarselytoothed leaves oppose one another, as inall mints. Like most mints, skullcap hasdistinctly four-sided stems.

Habitat and Range: Several nativespecies of skullcap grow in NorthAmerica, most of which live in moistmeadows, seeps from springs, and ripar-ian thickets. Scutellaria lateriflora andseveral other cultivars are grownthroughout the world.

Cycle and Bloom Season: An annualor perennial (depending on species andclimate) that blooms from June toAugust


Primary Medicinal Activities: Mod-erates nerve transmissions, sedative,antispasmodic, anticonvulsant

Strongest Affinities: Nervous system

Preparation: Tea, tincture, dried orfresh herb

Common Uses: For centuries, herbalistshave recognized skullcap as one of themost effective herbal nervines available.It is commonly used for acute or chroniccases of nervous tension or anxiety andto help relieve pain from nerve-relatedinjury or disease. Historically, it has beenused to treat convulsions, epilepsy, mul-tiple sclerosis, hysteria, and deliriumtremens, which is shaking and deliriumassociated with withdrawals from alco-hol (also called d.t.’s). Scutellaria lateriflo-ra is still known by many people as “maddog weed” from its use in the eighteenthcentury as a cure for rabies. Yet despiteits rich history and current popularityamong herbalists, very little scientificstudy has been focused on this plant.From the studies that have been con-ducted, we have learned that the chem-istry of skullcap varies considerablybetween species, although all species thatare marketed and used as herbal medicinecontain scutellarin, a flavonoid compoundthat has been shown to possess sedativeand antispasmodic qualities.

We find skullcap especially effectivefor general nervousness and excitabilityin dogs and cats and for any conditioncharacterized by oversensitivity of theperipheral nerves. It helps relieve nerv-ous tension related to pain or a traumat-ic experience, and it is useful as an anti-spasmodic in nervous irritations of thecerebrospinal system such as sciatica orposttraumatic neuralgia.

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Unlike valerian and other herbal seda-tives, skullcap by itself does not bringabout drowsiness, nor does it dull thereflexes or interfere with motor coordi-nation. Instead, skullcap acts to moder-ate an animal’s responsiveness to physi-cal or nonphysical stimuli and helps toalleviate general restlessness and nervoustwitching. This makes it suitable for high-strung felines who are recovering from afrightful experience but who need all oftheir survival mechanisms intact duringtheir daily outdoor adventures.

Herbalists consider skullcap a specificremedy for grand mal epileptic seizures.We have received several encouragingreports from people who are using skull-cap to reduce the severity and frequencyof seizures in their epileptic dogs, espe-cially when the herb is combined inequal parts with valerian. Science has notyet revealed exactly how skullcap worksin this capacity, but herbalists theorizethat it may calm nerve impulsesthroughout the body, while inhibitingactivity in higher brain centers whereepileptic seizures might be triggered.Skullcap’s effectiveness in moderatingepileptic episodes may explain its tradi-tional reputation as a cure for rabies:back in the eighteenth century, little wasknown about epilepsy, and it’s likely thatmany epilepsy sufferers were misdiag-nosed as having rabies.

For epileptic dogs, 0.5 to 1 milliliter ofa low-alcohol tincture can be fed two orthree times daily, but see your holisticveterinarian for a thorough workup ofyour companion before proceeding. Forgeneralized nervousness or to helprelieve pain in dogs and cats, 0.5 milli-liter per 20 pounds of the animal’sweight can be fed as needed, up to threetimes daily for up to a week. It’s impor-tant to remember, though, that skullcapand other herbal sedatives can onlyrelieve the symptoms of such disorders;

they cannot address the underlyingcauses. For nervousness in a horse, mule,or goat, 1⁄2–1 ounce of the dried herb canbe added to the animal’s feed once perday, as needed.

A study in 1957 showed that skullcapcan prevent a rise in serum cholesterol inanimals on a high-cholesterol diet, whichmeans that the herb might be useful as adietary adjunct in animals, such as minia-ture schnauzers and beagles, who arepredisposed to hyperlipidemia.

Availability: Skullcap can be purchasedthrough herb retailers in dried herb formor tinctures. The plants are availablethrough nurseries that specialize inherbs.

Propagation and Harvest: Easy togrow from transplants, skullcap likesconsistently moist, rich soil and does

Scutellaria lateriflora


best when allowed a few hours of shadeeach day. Harvest the plants by clippingthe upper third of the flowering plant.The plant can be hung in small bunchesand dried for later use (the herb keepsfor about a year), or the fresh herb canbe made into tincture (the optimumchoice).

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For epi-leptic dogs or for use as a nerve-calmingsedative, skullcap can be combined withan equal part of valerian. Oatstraw andgotu kola also serve as good adjuncts.For nerve pain and spinal injuries, com-bine skullcap with an equal amount ofSaint-John’s-wort.

Cautions and Comments: Some textsand many toxicology databases stillclaim that skullcap, when used in largequantities, can be damaging to the liver.However, in the years following the firstwriting of this book, we have learnedthat such claims are inaccurate. Thereports of hepatotoxicity that fueled ear-lier controversies over the safety of thisherb involved skullcap that had beenadulterated with germander; an inex-pensive look alike that really can be dam-aging to the liver. Fortunately, the stan-dards by which skullcap is cultivated,processed, and analytically identified arebetter than ever, and safe, good qualityskullcap is in ample supply. Just buy itfrom a reputable source. This is a verysafe herb.

SLIPPERY ELMUlmus fulva Elm Family

Appearance: Slippery elm is a decidu-ous tree that can grow to 80 feet tall.The outer bark is thick, furrowed, andpinkish brown. The broadly lance-shaped alternate leaves are 4–8 inches

long and have toothed margins. Theupper surfaces of the leaves feel likesticky sandpaper.

Habitat and Range: Deciduous forestsof the eastern half of the U.S. andCanada; slippery elm is at risk of endan-germent in many areas.

Cycle and Bloom Season: The tree flow-ers from March to June and loses its leavesin the fall.

Parts Used: Inner bark

Primary Medicinal Activities: Lubri-cates, soothes, and protects internalmucous membranes; emollient, astringent,anti-inflammatory, nutritive

Strongest Affinities: Digestive tract,respiratory tract, skin

Preparation: Tea, tincture, dried andpowdered inner bark

Common Uses: Slippery elm is bestused in the digestive tract, where itserves as a soothing, protecting, andlubricating demulcent and a generalastringent at the same time. Theseeffects make slippery elm applicable in awide variety of circumstances. For diar-rhea, enteritis, colitis, and irritations ofthe stomach, the tannin constituents ofslippery elm tighten digestive mucosa toreduce inflammation and inhibit theentrance of excess fluids into the intes-tines. At the same time, the slippery, oilymucilage constituents of the herb helplubricate the digestive tract to assist inthe elimination of waste. In cases of con-stipation, slippery elm soothes, protects,and lubricates mucous membranes,assisting and relaxing smooth musclesthat have been working extra hard to eliminate waste. Higher up in the

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digestive tract, the mucilaginous astrin-gency of the herb lubricates and helpsreduce inflammation in the throat, mak-ing swallowing easier and soothing apainful cough. It plays the same roles inthe upper respiratory passages, where itrelieves the discomforts of kennel coughand other types of bronchitis.

Slippery elm is also nutritious; it wasused as a food staple during times ofeconomic hardship in Appalachia. It con-tains vitamins A, B complex, C, and Kand high amounts of calcium, magne-sium, and sodium. The fresh inner barkhas a slightly sweet pecanlike flavor andwas often given to children as a treat tochew on (like chewing gum). It can befed to convalescing animals as a nutri-tional digestive tonic—1 teaspoon of thedried inner bark steeped in 8 ounces ofhot water to which 1 teaspoon of honeyhas been added. If constipation is aproblem, 1 teaspoon of organic yogurt(a brand that has live cultures) can beadded to the mixture. The entire mix-ture, inner bark and all, is then fed to theanimals. Many animals will eat this for-mula in the absence of anything else,and it is useful for a wide variety of diges-tive or respiratory problems in dogs andcats. If your companion cannot toleratehoney because of diabetes, allergies, orother problems, eliminate honey fromthe recipe. If your companion won’t eatthe bark, strain the fluid through a finesieve and pour it onto her food. A glyc-erin-based tincture is also effective andoffers the convenience of administeringa squirt or two into the mouth. A goodstarting dose for the tincture is 1⁄4–1⁄2 tea-spoon (1–2 milliliters) for each 20pounds of the animal’s body weight,once or twice daily.

On the skin, a poultice of slippery elmbark can be applied to wounds, ulcers,boils, or abscesses. In essence, it is usedthe same way as plantain (Plantago sp.),

a common weed that is better suited forthis purpose because of its abundanceand resilience to human impact.

Availability: Available at herb retailers.When you buy slippery elm bark, makesure that you’re getting the inner barkonly. The powder or bark should belight, fluffy, and pale pinkish tan in color.If it has darker flecks in it or appearscorky, stringy, or woody, it was probablycarelessly harvested and the inner barkwas not separated from the outer bark.Inclusion of the outer bark dramaticallychanges the nature of the medicine. Theouter bark contains a greater amount oftannin constituents, which may causedigestive or urinary tract irritation.

Propagation and Harvest: Slipperyelm is available through nurseries thatspecialize in native plants. This tree is not

Ulmus fulva


difficult to grow, but, like most trees, itgrows slowly. If you have room for one ofthese beautiful shade trees, by all meansplant one! You will be doing a dwindlingspecies a great favor.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Slipperyelm has remained quite popular amongherb users for centuries. Unfortunately,many of its consumers remain unawareof its declining population in the wild.Slippery elm is being overharvested, andmany of the trees are succumbing toDutch elm disease—a fungal infectionthat kills trees. Adding to these problemsare careless methods by which much ofthe bark is harvested: the entire tree,which may be one hundred years old, iscut down, stripped of its bark, then usedas firewood or hardwood lumber with lit-tle regard to sustenance of the species.All in all, consumer demand is currentlyoutstripping natural supply.

We include slippery elm here so thatyou know to use this herb conservative-ly, respectfully, and in a proper therapeu-tic context. Slippery elm should bereserved for circumstances where alter-natives are ineffective, and every effortshould be made to support the tree’s cul-tivation and conservation in the wild.Fortunately, some effective and accessi-ble alternatives exist for slippery elm. Inmany instances, slippery elm can be sub-stituted with the common weed plantain(Plantago sp.). If a more mucilaginousremedy is needed, marshmallow root(Althea officinalis) is an excellent alterna-tive, especially when it is combined withan astringent such as goldenrod or rasp-berry leaf, or a tincture or decoction ofuva ursi or juniper.

Cautions and Comments: With therare exception of possible allergic reac-tions, slippery elm is generally safe foranimals. The outer bark, however,

(which shouldn’t be in the slippery elmyou buy) can cause irritation to thedigestive and urinary tracts and mayinduce abortion in pregnant animals.

THYMEThymus vulgaris Mint Family

Appearance: Most species of thyme areground-hugging plants with strongsprawling stems, small (1⁄8 inch) oppositeleaves, and tiny cylindrical flowers thatrange in color from white to pale purple.There are countless variations of leafcolor, fragrance, and even flavor avail-able to the gardener. In fact there are somany variations of Thymus spp., it is pos-sible to dedicate an entire garden tothem.

Habitat and Range: Thyme originatedin the Mediterranean region. Over 350species of Thymus exist worldwide mostof which are cultivated as a seasoningherb or landscape shrub.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Most of thespecies of thyme are evergreen perenni-als. Blooming occurs from early spring tomidsummer.


Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-microbial, expels intestinal gas, antispas-modic, cough suppressant, expectorant,astringent, expels worms

Strongest Affinities: Digestive andrespiratory tracts

Preparation: Tea or tincture

Common Uses: Most of thyme’s medic-inal activity is attributable to its volatileoil constituents, which are thymol and

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carvacrol. Thymol is a good antiseptic forthe mouth and throat and is useful forfighting gingivitis in dogs and cats. Infact, it is used as the active ingredient inmany commercial toothpaste andmouthwash formulas.

Combined with thyme’s infection-fighting qualities are cough suppressantand expectorant properties, which makethe herb effective against raspy, unpro-ductive coughs that are secondary tofungal or bacterial infection. As an anti-spasmodic, thyme helps to easebronchial spasms related to asthma. Aglycerin tincture, or an alcohol tincturethat has been sweetened with honey,serves well for most internal applica-tions—1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) for each30 pounds of an animal’s body weight(12–20 drops for cats), fed to the animalas needed up to twice daily. A cooled teaworks too, provided it has been brewedwith near-boiling water to draw out thevolatile oil constituents—1 teaspoon per30 pounds of body weight for dogs, 1⁄4teaspoon for cats, fed directly into themouth two to three times daily. Forinfections of the mouth or as a preventa-tive against gingivitis, the tincture or astrong tea can be directly applied to thegum lines or infected sites with a swab.In the digestive tract, it is a useful carmi-native and antispasmodic in cases of dys-pepsia, irritable bowel, and colitis. It alsohelps expel parasites, especially hook-worms. In these cases, the dried or freshherb can be fed with your companion’sfood—1 teaspoon per pound of food fedto dogs, a sprinkling for cats. Horses andother large herbivores with digestiveproblems can be fed a 1⁄2 cup of the driedherb or a handful of the fresh plantsdaily. Rabbits, birds, and other small ani-mals can be fed a couple of fresh sprigsdaily. On the surface of the body, thymetea (skin rinse) or an oil infusion is appro-priate for various fungal or bacterial

infections of the skin. In the urinary tract,the tea or tincture serves as an antimicro-bial as well as a mildly astringent tonicthat is said to treat urinary incontinence.Use the tincture doses we have suggest-ed for respiratory problems.

Availability: Thyme can be purchasedat any food market. The plants are avail-able at nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Thyme iseasy to grow from seeds or transplants. Itprefers light soil with neutral acidity butcan be grown just about anywhere. It isan excellent choice for rock gardens andwalkway borders.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For infec-tions of the mouth, thyme combineswith myrrh, Oregon grape, certifiedorganic goldenseal, bee balm, or sage.

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Thymus vulgaris


For respiratory infections, combine withgarlic, echinacea, bee balm, or sage. Forasthma, thyme works best when used inconjunction with elecampane, mulleinleaf, nettle, or lobelia. For digestive prob-lems, fennel, parsley seeds, chamomile,and peppermint are all good herbs tocombine with thyme. For worms, trycombining thyme with equal amounts ofgarlic and raw pumpkin seeds.

Cautions and Comments: Thyme issafe, but when it’s ingested in largeamounts, it has been known to affectmenstrual cycles. Therefore, it shouldbe used with moderation in pregnantanimals. When isolated from the rest ofthe plant, thymol is toxic. Do not usean essential oil of thyme in or on youranimal.

In horses, the volatile oils of thymemay be detectable in a blood sample,and it may be considered a “prohibitedsubstance” under Jockey Club or otherhorse show rules.

UVA URSIArctostaphylos uva-ursi Heath Family

Appearance: Also known as kinnikin-nick (an American Indian word meaning“smoking mixture”), uva ursi is a mat-forming, densely branched ground coverwith woody trailing stems. Several otherspecies of Arctostaphylos are small tomedium (up to 10 feet tall) erect hard-wood shrubs. In mountainous areas ofthe southwestern U.S., A. manzanita isoften seen as a predominant shrub.Despite their size differences, all speciespresent leaf, flower, and fruit characteris-tics that distinguish them as members ofthe Arctostaphylos genus, and all aremedicinally useful despite the fact that A.uva-ursi is the species of primary interest

among herbalists. The leathery leaves arespoon to lance shaped, with upper sur-faces darker green than their undersides.Flowers are pink and urn shaped, andthey are arranged in nodding, few-flow-ered terminal clusters. The fruits aremealy red berries that look like tinyapples.

Habitat and Range: Open forest clear-ings from the montane zone up to thetimberline. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is thepredominant species, ranging through-out the northern third of the U.S.,Canada, and Europe. In the mountainsof Washington, Oregon, Nevada,Arizona, New Mexico, and especiallyCalifornia (where A. manzanita is pro-tected by law), several of the largershrub varieties are predominant.

Cycle and Bloom Season: Blooms Aprilthrough June. Fruits begin to develop inmidsummer.

Parts Used: Leaves and twigs

Primary Medicinal Activities: Astrin-gent, antimicrobial, diuretic

Strongest Affinities: Urinary tract andskin

Preparation: Decoction or tincture

Common Uses: Uva ursi contains a con-siderable amount of tannins (up to 40percent), making it one of nature’s mostpowerful astringents. It also containshydroquinones—an assortment of chem-ical compounds that are active against awide variety of pathogens, includingMycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylo-coccus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, E. coli, andvarious Shigella species. Each of thesepathogens are often implicated in uri-nary tract infections. It’s important to

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know, however, that for uva ursi to be aneffective treatment for urinary tractinfections, an alkaline reaction is neces-sary to release the hydroquinone into anactive form. This means that uva ursicannot contribute antibacterial activitiesto a urinary system in which urine isacidic, a condition that is common inanimals, especially cats, with chronic uri-nary tract problems. In these circum-stances, it is necessary either to elevateurine pH into a healthier alkaline state orto combine uva ursi with other antibac-terial herbs (the easier option).Regardless of urine pH, uva ursi serves asan effective astringent to stop bleedingand reduce urinary tract inflammation.

Uva ursi is a strong herb, and its hightannin content can irritate the kidneys ifused for more than a few consecutivedays. Therefore, it is best reserved for sit-uations in which quick intervention isneeded.

To use uva ursi internally, make adecoction from the fresh or driedleaves and stems. Use 1 cup of thedried herb for each 3 cups of water.The leathery, almost plasticlike struc-ture of this plant makes it nearly imper-vious to water, so a simple tea is not anoption. For dogs, 1 teaspoon of thecooled decoction can be fed once dailyfor no more than three days. Cats andferrets require only 1⁄4–1⁄2 teaspoon. Havethe animal drink as much water as pos-sible when using this herb, even if youmust resort to using a meat broth. Theidea is to course the herb through theurinary tract so it can quickly alleviateinfection and reduce inflammation.Then, after a day or two, gentler astrin-gent herbs can be used to finish thetherapy safely and effectively. Horsesand other large herbivores can be fed 1cup of the dried leaves daily for up tothree days. For contact dermatitis, seb-orrhea, and fleabites, the decoction can

be diluted (1 cup decoction to 1 quartof water) and used as an antibacterialand astringent skin rinse.

Availability: Uva ursi is availablethrough herb retailers. The plants areavailable through nurseries that special-ize in native plant landscaping.

Propagation and Harvest: Uva ursi ishardy northward to central Canada andserves as an excellent antierosionground cover. It’s not particular aboutsoil but prefers slightly to moderatelyacid conditions. Uva ursi and othermembers of the Arctostaphylos genusare especially good landscape choicesin mountain areas of the westernUnited States and Canada. The leavesand trailing stems can be clipped,dried, and used anytime during theirevergreen growth.

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Arctostaphylos uva-ursi


Alternatives and Adjuncts: Whentreating most forms of urinary tractinfection, it’s a good idea to help flushthe animal’s system with the use ofdiuretic herbs. Dandelion leaf, chick-weed, cleavers, or shepherd’s purseserves this purpose well. For animals withoverly concentrated acidic urine, uva ursican be preceded (by an hour or so) by adose of mullein leaf tea, which is moder-ately effective at alkalinizing the urine.Uva ursi also can be combined withantimicrobials such as Oregon grape,sage, thyme, or echinacea. Marshmallowserves as a soothing and lubricatingadjunct in urinary tract therapies and isespecially useful in the passage of stonesand gravel. Corn silk, couch grass, horse-tail, raspberry leaf, and cleavers all serveas weaker urinary astringents that aresuitable for minor to moderately severeurinary ailments.

Cautions and Comments: Uva ursi isbelieved to inhibit oxygen delivery to theuterus and therefore should not be usedin pregnant animals. Like all strongastringents, long-term internal use of uvaursi may irritate the kidneys, bladder,and urethra. Uva ursi may be contraindi-cated in cases of preexisting kidneyinflammation or renal failure. See yourveterinarian in these circumstances.

VALERIANValeriana officinalis Valerian Family

Appearance: Many people relate thestrongly aromatic roots of valerian to theodor of dirty gym socks. Once you haveexperienced the odor of this plant, identi-fication becomes as simple as probing afinger into the soil to scratch a root. Thefoliage of this plant is unique as well—theplant first emerges as a cluster of looselyarranged lance-shaped leaves that usually

remain larger than the leaves of themature upper plant. Upper leaves aredivided and become progressively smallertoward the top of the plant. Flowers areborne in branched clusters of small whiteto pink blossoms at the top of the plant.Roots are stringy, brown, and pungent.Several native species of Valeriana occurthroughout North America, with sizebeing the primary difference amongspecies. Most wild valerians remain undera foot in height, while domestic valeriancan grow in excess of 5 feet tall.

Habitat and Range: Valerian is gener-ally found in soils that retain moisturewell into summer. Look for it on north-facing banks or hillsides or in partiallyshaded soils that are high in organicmatter. Several native species occurthroughout the western third of the U.S.and Canada. It is less common in themidwestern and eastern portions ofNorth America, but in some areas, espe-cially in New England, V. officinalis hasescaped cultivation and is thriving.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms from May to July

Parts Used: Primarily the fall root. Theupper parts of the plant are useful, too,but make weaker medicine.

Primary Medicinal Activities: Sedative,antispasmodic, anticonvulsive, expels intes-tinal gas, lowers blood pressure

Strongest Affinities: Nervous system,digestive tract

Preparation: Tincture, tea, fresh ordried root

Common Uses: Valerian is withoutdoubt the most widely recognizedherbal sedative. As a sedative, valerian

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works safely and gently to help calm thenerves and achieve physical relaxation.It does not induce an altered state likeone would expect from a prescriptionsedative or from consumption of alco-hol. Contrary to what many peoplebelieve, valerian is not a precursor ofthe tranquilizer Valium. Valium is thebrand name for diazepam, a prescrip-tion drug that shares no chemical rela-tionship with valerian.

Herbalists use valerian for insomniaand nervous anxiety and to help thebody relax in the presence of physicalpain. It is useful in calming animals dur-ing thunderstorms and on trips to thevet or groomer or to help your compan-ion rest after surgery. For epileptic ani-mals, it sometimes helps to reduce thefrequency and severity of seizures.

Animal studies have concluded thatvalerenic and valerenal acid work simi-larly to the drug phenobarbital, a cen-tral nervous system depressant that isused as an anticonvulsive. And the herbhas been shown to inhibit production ofan enzyme that breaks down gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an aminoacid that is responsible for inhibitingand regulating neurotransmissions inthe brain. The theory is this: by prevent-ing the breakdown of GABA with valer-ian, the increased neural activity thatprecedes an epileptic seizure is circum-vented, and the triggering mechanismis disabled.

When employed as a sedative, valerianis most effective when small doses are fedseveral times daily over a period of sever-al days. This is especially true when it isused in anticipation of a high-anxietyevent, such as a planned interstate trip ora show. In these circumstances, dogs canbe fed 5 drops of the tincture three orfour times daily, starting three days priorto the event. Cats need only 1 or 3 dropstwo or three times daily.

In the digestive tract, valerian is auseful antispasmodic for situations inwhich nervousness is compounded by aspastic colon or an upset stomach. Butbecause of valerian’s soaplike content,large amounts of this herb may causenausea and vomiting. For digestive andantiepileptic uses, 0.25–0.5 milliliter ofthe tincture can be fed for each 30pounds of an animal’s body weight twoto three times daily. In horses, valerianhelps to reduce anxiety and nervous-ness without inducing drowsiness oraffecting physical performance. Add 1⁄2ounce of the dried and chopped herbor 2 tablespoons of the tincture to thehorse’s daily feed.

For reasons that remain a mystery, asmall percentage of human or animalsubjects experience completely oppositeeffects from valerian—it acts as a stimu-lant rather than a sedative.

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Valeriana officinalis


Availability: Various forms of valerianpreparations are available through herbretailers. Plants are available throughnurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Valerian canbe grown from seeds or transplants. It likesrich, consistently moist soil and full sun orpartial shade. It is best to plant valerianearly in the spring, when the seedlingsand young plants can fully benefit fromcool temperatures and precipitation. Theroots are dug in late fall of the secondyear of growth. The fresh roots can bemade into tincture or they can bechopped and dried for later use. Whenproperly stored in plastic bags, the driedroots keep for up to three years.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For epilep-tic animals, valerian combines well withskullcap. For anxiety and nervousness,valerian can be combined with skullcap,passionflower, hop, oatstraw, or catnip.These herbs also serve as alternatives foranimals who have an opposite responseto valerian.

Cautions and Comments: Valeriancan cause digestive upset if used in largedoses, and it should not be used in preg-nant animals. Otherwise, it is a safe herb.

WORMWOODArtemesia absinthum Sunflower Family

Appearance: Wormwood is attractiveto the eyes and intriguing to the nose. Ithas silky, finely divided, gray-greenleaves and a strong fragrance that is rem-iniscent of both sage and pine. The tinyyellow ball-like flowers of the plant arepresented in loose clusters on the upperbranches of the plant. The entire plantmay grow to the size of a small bush upto 4 feet tall.

Habitat and Range: A native ofEurope, wormwood is cultivated as agarden plant throughout the NorthernHemisphere and has found its way intowild areas throughout most of NorthAmerica.

It is most commonly found alongroadways, in vacant lots, on the edges ofcultivated fields, and in other wasteareas.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A long-livedperennial that blooms from June toAugust

Parts Used: Leaves

Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-septic, antifungal, astringent, expelsworms

Strongest Affinities: Skin and diges-tive tract

Preparation: Tea or dried leaves

Common Uses: As its common nameimplies, wormwood is among the mostwell-known herbal worming agents.Hundreds of years of successful use standin testament to its ability to expel tape-worms, threadworms, and especiallyroundworms from the intestinal tracts ofdogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep, cattle,and humans. We seldom use it, however.

Although wormwood makes life miser-able for intestinal parasites, it can also behard on the host. This is because worm-wood contains an assortment of strongvolatile oils, bitter principles, and tannins.If used excessively, these constituents canbe irritating to the liver and kidneys, andin extreme cases may even damage thenervous system. This is not to say thatwormwood can’t be used safely, but anextra measure of care and moderation iscertainly warranted. The problems with

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using wormwood are multifaceted: toosmall a dose is ineffective, but a largerdose might be toxic. Small doses admin-istered over a long period might be effec-tive, but at what cumulative cost to theanimal’s kidneys, liver, and nervous sys-tem? Our conclusion is this: wormwood isuseful when the absolute necessity ofquick parasite intervention outweighs therisk of toxicity. In holistic animal care, thiscircumstance is a rarity because thera-peutic focus is placed upon the whole ani-mal, not just one or more symptoms ofdisease.

To use wormwood, up to 1⁄4 teaspoonof the dried powdered herb or about 1⁄8teaspoon (0.5 milliliter) of a low-alcoholtincture can be administered daily atmealtime for each 30 pounds of a dog’sbody weight. Cats can receive up to 1⁄8teaspoon daily. Do not administer worm-wood internally for more than three con-secutive days. Wormwood has anextremely bitter flavor, making it a diffi-cult herb to use. To ease the process ofgetting it into a hissing cat or tight-lippeddog, the powder or tincture can beplaced in a small gel capsule and wrappedwith cheese, meat, or other special treat.Externally, wormwood is an effective skinrinse (see chapter 1) for bacterial or fungalinfections of the skin, including variousforms of dermatophytosis.

Availability: Wormwood is availablethrough herb retailers. Plants and seedsare available from nurseries that specializein herbs.

Propagation and Harvest: Wormwoodis easy to grow, requiring average soil, fullsunlight, and only occasional watering. Itis hardy northward to central Canada, andplants often live in excess of ten years. Theleaves can be harvested anytime, but theyare most potent when gathered on a hotsummer afternoon.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For intes-tinal parasites, garlic, pumpkin seeds,black walnut hulls, sage, thyme, andOregon grape all serve as effective andsafer substitutes. For infections of the skin,wormwood combines with calendula,gotu kola, or aloe. Sage serves similar pur-poses as a topical antimicrobial.

Cautions and Comments: The volatileoil thujone, which may be present in alco-hol extractions of this plant, can be dam-aging to the liver, kidneys, and nervoussystem if used excessively. Alcohol prepa-rations of this herb should never be usedin animals who suffer from seizures, kidneyproblems, or liver disease. Wormwood isgenerally safe when used in dried herbform, or when prepared without alcohol inthe form of water infusions (teas) or as aglycerite. However, all forms are bestavoided in pregnant or lactating animals.

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Artemesia absinthum


YARROWAchillea millefolium Sunflower Family

Appearance: Yarrow is characterized byits flat-topped terminal clusters of smallwhite to pinkish white flowers and itsalternate, finely dissected, featherlikeleaves (millefolium translates to “thou-sand-leafed”). The entire plant is strong-ly aromatic, with a pungency much likethat of mothballs. Stems are often wool-ly haired. Several cultivars of yarrow havebeen developed for the floral industry,and many have escaped cultivation.These plants are usually not as coldhardy as their wild cousins and can beidentified by their yellow, peach, or redflowers.

Habitat and Range: Yarrow is a nativeof Asia that has made itself at homethroughout the northern hemisphere fromsea level to above the timberline. The den-sity of plant populations increases as onetravels north through the western U.S.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat often remains in bloom throughoutthe spring and summer

Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, and stems

Primary Medicinal Activities:Antiseptic, analgesic, dilates blood ves-sels, promotes sweating, expectorant,anti-inflammatory, stops bleeding, tonic,lowers blood pressure, fever reducing(febrifuge), insect repellent, expelsworms

Strongest Affinities: Circulatory andrespiratory systems, urinary and diges-tive tracts, skin

Preparation: Dry or fresh herb, tea,tincture, or oil infusion

Common Uses: Yarrow is one of themost versatile and well-known herbs innature’s apothecary. In ancient Europe,yarrow was known as “wound wort” bywarriors who used the plant (presumablyfor their horses as well as themselves) tostop bleeding and disinfect wounds onthe battlefield. The genus name, Achillea,is derived from the name of the ancientGreek warrior Achilles.

The powder or poultice of the driedor fresh plant is useful for treating lessdeliberate open wounds such as abarbed wire cut or a foot pad lacerationcaused by a broken bottle. To effectivelystop bleeding and inhibit bacteria, sim-ply crush the herb as finely as possibleand apply it directly to the wound. Acooled tea of the plant can be used as apain- and itch-relieving antiseptic skinrinse, and the aromatic nature of theplant may be of help in repelling fleas,mosquitoes, and biting flies.

Yarrow is a unique peripheralvasodilator and vascular tonic. Whentaken internally, the flavonoid con-stituents of yarrow act to dilate andstrengthen peripheral blood vessels andhelp clear away small blood clots, thusincreasing circulation to the skin andextremities. Combined with this are anti-inflammatory qualities, making yarrowhelpful for problems such as arthritis,navicular syndrome in horses, and severecases of dermatitis in which peripheralcirculation has been impaired by inflam-mation. It is also useful for subcutaneousblood clots of the ears and the skin,especially when internal doses of thetincture are used simultaneously withexternal applications of an oil infusion.

In the urinary tract, a yarrow tea ortincture serves as a bacteriostatic agentin the treatment of chronic or acute cys-titis. It is useful in the early stage of a kid-ney infection. In the lungs, yarrow’s bac-teriostatic and expectorant properties

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help the body in its effort to eliminateinvading microbes and other foreignbodies. At the same time, the herbdilates and tonifies respiratory blood ves-sels to improve pulmonary efficiency.Because of this remarkable combinationof activities, yarrow is among the firstherbs we reach for in cases of pneumo-nia. Yarrow also may be beneficial forracehorses who suffer from hemorrhagicpulmonary edema (bleeding from therespiratory tract) as a result of too muchstrenuous exercise.

In the digestive tract, yarrow is mar-ginally effective at expelling worms andis useful for inflammations, bleeding,and bacterial infections of the stomachand colon. The bitter principles stimu-late digestion and appetite. And yarrowis well known among herbalists as afever-reducing remedy. It is especiallyeffective when taken as a tea at theonset of a fever.

Scientists once thought that yarrow’stherapeutic qualities were chiefly attrib-utable to tannins and a volatile oil calledazulene. The chemical makeup of yarrowis extremely complex, however, andrecent studies have found that the plantcontains sterols and various other com-pounds that possess a much wider rangeof medicinal activities than originallythought. One study suggests that yarrowmay be a useful antitumor agent andmay play an active role in the treatmentof certain types of leukemia.

To use yarrow internally in dogs andcats, a tincture is usually preferable overa tea because the herb is bitter and hardto feed in appreciable quantities. Fordogs, about 1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) ofthe tincture can be fed for each 30pounds of an animal’s body weight, twoto three times daily. Cats and similar-sized animals need only 1⁄8 teaspoontwice daily. Horses and other large herbi-vores can be allowed to eat the plants

from their pastures as they wish, or theycan be fed 1 ounce of the dried herb aspart of their daily ration.

Availability: Yarrow is a widely distrib-uted weed that is also available throughherb retailers and nurseries.

Propagation and Harvest: Yarrow iseasy to grow from seed or transplants.True yarrow (A. millefolium) is hardydown to at least -30° F and is droughttolerant as well. The yellow and hybridvarieties (of which there are several col-ors) are less hardy but are still easy togrow in most areas of North America.Moderately rich, slightly acid soil and fullsun yields healthy plants, which usuallydon’t bloom until their second year ofgrowth. Harvest the upper third of theflowering plant (stems, leaves, and flow-ers) in midsummer on a dry, warm day—

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this is when the highest concentration ofactive constituents are found in theplant.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: To stopbleeding, nothing compares with a firstaid powder made from a fifty-fifty mix ofdried yarrow and cayenne. For situationsrequiring a vascular tonic or peripheralvasodilator, yarrow combines well withgarlic, cayenne, ginkgo, hawthorn, orginger.

For urinary tract infections, marsh-mallow, couch grass, horsetail, echi-nacea, and Oregon grape combine wellwith yarrow. For infections of the diges-tive tract, combine yarrow with Oregongrape. For topical treatment of inflam-mations and infections of the skin, con-sider sage, rosemary, calendula,chamomile, and juniper as adjuncts oralternatives. For topical treatment ofclosed injuries, yarrow combines espe-cially well with arnica.

Cautions and Comments: Allergicreactions to yarrow are fairly common,and the volatile oils of the plant maycause dermatitis when they are appliedto the skin of sensitive animals. This plantcontains thujone, a substance that ispoorly water soluble but may be presentin alcohol extractions of the herb. Anyherb preparation that contains apprecia-ble amounts of thujone has a potential ofbeing toxic, especially if large quantitiesare consumed over an extended periodof time (meaning that moderation is thekey to safe long-term use). Like mostherbs that are rich with volatile oils,yarrow should be used with caution inpregnant or lactating animals, as theseconstituents have been shown to crossthe placenta to the fetus and are knownto have stimulant effects upon the uterusif they are ingested in sufficiently largequantities.

YELLOW DOCKRumex crispus Buckwheat Family

Appearance: Yellow dock is a heartyperennial that may grow up to 5 feet.The elongated lance-shaped leaves atthe base of the plant grow up to 12 inch-es long and 4 inches wide. The leaves areoften curled at their margins (henceanother common name for the plant:curly dock). The alternate stem leavesare smaller but more numerous. The sin-gle stout stem is often red and bearslong clusters of small, greenish whiteflowers above the rest of the plant. Asthe flowers mature and dry, they turn arust-red color that often stands in boldcontrast to the surrounding flora.

Habitat and Range: Widely distrib-uted in disturbed areas throughoutNorth America. The entire Rumex genusis imported from Europe.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennialthat blooms May through August

Parts Used: Roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Stim-ulates bile production, helps withblood cleansing, laxative, antimicro-bial, nutritive

Strongest Affinities: Digestive tract,skin, and liver

Preparation: Tincture, tea, and driedroot

Common Uses: Yellow dock is welldescribed as a quick-cleansing herb.The root contains a combination ofanthraquinone, small amounts of oxalicacid and oxalates, and other con-stituents that stimulate liver function

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and contractions of intestinal smoothmuscles (peristalsis). In effect, the bodyis prompted to work harder at eliminat-ing waste from the bloodstream anddigestive tract. This makes yellow dockespecially useful for treating chronic oracute dermatitis that may be attribut-able to toxic excesses and eliminationdeficiencies in the body. It is also bene-ficial in treating rheumatoid arthritisthat is secondary to similar circum-stances. Because of its ability to quicklyflush the body of systemic waste, yellowdock is sometimes used in the herbaltreatment of cancer. Because the root isextremely high in iron, it is considered atraditional remedy for anemia.

Yellow dock is effective when usedwithin the parameters we have justdescribed. It is somewhat of a “heroicremedy,” an herb that forces quick, dra-matic responses in the body, much likean allopathic drug. Therefore, its use inthe holistic care of animals should belimited to short-term applications at theonset of detoxification therapies thatare focused on long-term holisticresults. Alternatively, it can be used as apotentiating adjunct in combinationwith tonic herbs such as burdock, dan-delion, red clover, slippery elm, andalfalfa. Using yellow dock as a sympto-matic quick fix (such as for constipa-tion) amounts to little more than substi-tuting an herb for a drug.

Externally, yellow dock can be usedas an itch-relieving, alterative skin rinseor poultice in the treatment of skin dis-orders such as seborrhea, pyoderma,and contact dermatitis. To use yellowdock internally, consult your holisticveterinarian.

Availability: A widely distributed weed.Available through herb retailers and seedcatalogs that specialize in medicinalplants.

Propagation and Harvest: Yellowdock is easy to grow once it’s estab-lished, but the seeds can remain dor-mant in the soil for several years beforegerminating. However, the plants growin just about any soil and need little care.The roots are dug in fall after the planthas gone to seed and the leaves havebegun to die back for winter.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: For situ-ations that require stimulation of theliver, consider dandelion root andOregon grape as less “heroic” alterna-tives. For anemia, yellow dock com-bines well, in proportionately smallamounts, with alfalfa, garlic, red clover,spirulina, and nettle.

Cautions and Comments: Eventhough yellow dock is a much gentlerlaxative than most herbs that contain

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considerable amounts of anthra-quinones, yellow dock should not beused in situations involving either intes-tinal bleeding or preexisting obstruc-tions such as intestinal tumors. When itis used in moderation, yellow dock isquite safe, but excessive use of the herbis likely to result in intestinal cramping,diarrhea, and vomiting, and it may leadto laxative dependency. Like all stimu-lant laxatives, yellow dock should notbe used during pregnancy.

YUCCAYucca schidigera Lily Family

Appearance: Although argument existsamong botanists over yucca’s specificfamily classification, yucca is not a cactus.Essentially, “old scholars” consider yuccaa member of Agavaceae, the agave fami-ly, while current botanists refer to yucca asa member of Liliaceae, the Lily family. Weopt for the latter. Once you see yucca’sbeautiful cream-colored flower clusters,you will likely agree that it’s a lily. Theshowy 1- to 3-inch flowers are presentedin dense clusters atop a proportionatelytall central stalk.

The rest of the plant is characterizedby its sharply pointed, swordlike leaves.The various species differ primarily bytheir size, but the most distinguishable ofthem is Y. brevifolia, commonly calledJoshua tree, which grows up to 20 feettall. This large yucca is an inhabitant ofthe high southwestern deserts ofArizona, Nevada, western New Mexico,and especially California, where it is pro-tected by law. Most yucca species, how-ever, share similar appearances with Y.schidigera (Mojave yucca), a long-leafedvariety that grows as a 1- to 6-foot-highclump of pain-inflicting puncturinggreen swords.

Habitat and Range: Yucca schidig-era’s natural habitats are the drycoastal canyons of California and theinland deserts of the western U.S. Thisis the primary variety of commerce,and it is widely harvested and market-ed by the natural products and land-scape industries.

Several other species of yucca rangethroughout the deserts and plains ofNorth America. Although most of usassociate plants such as yucca with hot,dry desert environments, the true defini-tion of desert pertains only to rainfall lim-itations, and various species of yuccahave adapted to dramatically contrastingtemperatures. For example, Y. glauca(small soapweed) thrives in many areasof the northern plains states and Canada,where summers are excruciatingly hotand dry, but winters are subarctic inaverage temperature.

Cycle and Bloom Season: A perennial,yucca’s bloom frequency and durationdepend largely on available precipita-tion. Cultivated plants may bloom onceevery one to three years, while wildplants may remain dormant for decades.

Parts Used: Roots

Primary Medicinal Activities: Nutritive,anti-inflammatory, and antitumor

Strongest Affinities: Digestive tract,musculoskeletal system

Preparation: Chopped and dried herbor tincture

Common Uses: Yucca contains notablequantities of vitamin C, beta-carotene,calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese,niacin, phosphorus, protein, and B vita-mins, but its greater healing powers arechiefly attributable to its impressive con-

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tent of saponin compounds. Saponinsare a group of soaplike plant glycosidesthat are characterized by their tendencyto dramatically foam up when agitatedwith water. While dozens of saponins arepresent in hundreds of useful plants, tworoot-borne saponins stand out amongothers as yucca’s primary active con-stituents: sarsasapogenin and smila-genin. These two compounds are irritat-ing, cleansing, and penetrating to themucous membranes of the small intes-tine. It is theorized that these actions aidin the assimilation of important mineralsand vitamins by allowing increased pas-sage of critical nutrients through theintestinal walls. This in turn optimizes thenutritional value of an animal’s food.

Although many of the specifics ofyucca’s medicinal actions remain unclearto scientists, the results of feeding yuccacan be astounding. In studies conductedat Colorado State University, cattle whoreceived a small quantity of yucca intheir feed showed greater weight gainthan those who didn’t. Other trialaccounts have concluded that chickenswho are fed yucca have a tendency to laymore eggs, and dairy cattle tend to pro-duce more milk.

Another reason you may find yucca indog, cat, horse, or cattle feed is becauseit has been found to reduce the emissionof unpleasant odors in urine and feces. Instudies that examined the chemicalbreakdown of urea (the body’s final by-product of digested proteins), it wasfound that the anhydrous ammonia thatis largely responsible for the less-than-delightful odor of animal excrement iscaused by a single microbial enzymecalled urease. Further studies concludedthat food supplements of Y. schidigerainhibit the production of urease, and as aresult, fecal and urine odors are reducedby up to 56 percent in dogs and 49 per-cent in cats. Believe it or not, this attrib-

ute has brought about tremendous mar-ket appeal for yucca, as millions of peo-ple find the notion of less offensive ani-mal waste an attractive alternative topromptly cleaning it up. The holisticquestion is, What are the deeper purpos-es of the urease enzymes we wish to sup-press? Urease is a natural by-product ofa natural metabolic process, and wecan only speculate about the long-termresults of our interference. People whoaccept this concept without questionsimply don’t realize (or don’t care) thatpoor-quality proteins produce excessurea and larger, more offensive stools.If an animal is fed a balanced naturaldiet, excess fecal and urine odorshouldn’t occur.

Although much of yucca’s nutritivevalue is likely attributable to its actionsupon the intestinal membranes, themystique surrounding this plant’simpressive track record as a medicine

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becomes much clearer when we take aclose look at its active ingredients.Sarsasapogenin and smilagenin areknown by the scientific and herbal com-munity as phytosterols, or more specifi-cally steroidal saponins, which are com-pounds that act as precursors to the cor-ticosteroids naturally produced in thebody. Both of these compounds areextracted from yucca and various otherherbs as starter substances in the pro-duction of pharmaceutical corticosteroiddrugs. If this sounds ominous to those ofyou who are seeking natural alternativesto such drugs, please rest assured.

The differences between a phytos-terol and a synthetic steroid drug areextreme. The process by which phytos-terols are used to manufacture pharma-ceutical steroids starts with a simpleplant compound and proceeds fromthere into a complex scientific processthat would have given Einstein aheadache. Comparing yucca to a corti-costeroid drug is like comparing a singlechemical compound in a packet of activedry yeast with a loaf of finished twelve-grain bread. The terms plant steroids andplant hormones are erroneous—noknown plant actually carries steroidalhormones into the body. In essence,phytosterols stimulate and assist thebody in using and producing its owncorticosteroids and corticosteroid-relatedhormones. Furthermore, steroidal sa-ponins work with the natural immunefunctions of the body, whereas syntheti-cally produced counterparts such as theprescription drug prednisolone aredesigned and introduced into the bodywith the intent of suppressing immunefunctions to attain the desired results.

Although this theory has not beenproven as fact by the scientific communi-ty, it can be reasonably hypothesizedthat the natural corticosteroid-likeactions of yucca may play a role in the

body’s natural production of growthhormones. This in turn may contributesignificantly to the accelerated growthand production we see in animals whoreceive this plant in their food. We doknow, however, that yucca is safe whenfed in moderation.

A water extract (tea) of Y. glauca(small soapweed) has been shown tohave antitumor activity against certainmelanomas in mice. Its mechanism inthis context is believed to stem frompolysaccharide constituents, not neces-sarily steroidal saponins.

In a study conducted at the begin-ning of the twentieth century, the“saponin extract” from the “desert yuccaplant” was found to bring about safe andeffective relief from pain and inflamma-tion in human arthritis patients whowere given the extract four times dailyover an extended period. Although thisstudy has been repeatedly discredited bythe American Arthritis Foundationbecause of the controversial manner inwhich it was conducted, the beneficialeffects of yucca in humans and animalsremain clearly validated in the minds ofholistic practitioners who have used itrepeatedly and have witnessed positiveresults. Several contemporary natur-opaths, veterinarians, and animal nutri-tionists who use yucca in their practicesclaim that yucca has a 50 to 80 percentsuccess rate in bringing relief to patientssuffering from either osteoarthritis orrheumatoid arthritis. Again, yucca’seffectiveness here is likely attributable tothe plant’s nutrition-assisting and anti-inflammatory actions of its steroidalsaponin constituents.

To stimulate appetite and increaseabsorption of nutrients or to relieve thepain and inflammation of arthritis, add a1⁄2 teaspoon of the dried and powderedroot to each pound of a dog’s daily foodration. Cats need only 1⁄4 teaspoon daily.

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If you opt to use a tincture, find or makeone that contains less than 5 percentalcohol because high-alcohol prepara-tions of this herb may nauseate animals.A good tincture dose is about 1⁄8 tea-spoon (0.5 milliliter) for each 20 poundsof an animal’s body weight, once dailybefore a meal. Half a cup of the dried,chopped root is a sufficient daily dose forhorses and other large animals.

Availability: Herb retailers and land-scape nurseries

Propagation and Harvest: Because oftheir moderate size, attractive flowersand foliage, and low water and mainte-nance requirements, Y. schidigera and Y.glauca have become popular as land-scape plants in areas with moderate tem-peratures and low to moderate precipita-tion. These plants do well in depletedsoils, and once established they requirelittle care.

Alternatives and Adjuncts: Forarthritis, yucca combines well with al-falfa, licorice, dandelion, or shepherd’spurse.

Cautions and Comments: If used inlarge dosages or over an extended periodof time, yucca may become irritating tothe stomach lining and intestinal mucosa,which may cause vomiting. This problemcan be especially dangerous in horses andother large animals who are unable tovomit (instead they bloat). Many Indiantribes of the American Southwest usedyucca preparations to induce vomiting incases of food poisoning. For this reasonwe would not use any food additive thatcontains in excess of 15 percent yuccaroot unless instructed to do so by a veteri-narian or trained animal nutritionist. Wedo not recommend feeding yucca everyday in an animal’s diet either; rather, givethe animal at least a two-day break fromthe herb each week. Many holistic prac-titioners believe that if the plant is usedconstantly over an extended period oftime, the saponins in yucca actuallybegin to have a reverse effect, slowingnutrient absorption (especially fat-solu-ble vitamins such as vitamin D) in thesmall intestine. Allowing breaks in youranimal’s diet helps to alleviate the possi-bility of a cumulative irritating effect inher digestive tract.

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Ashwaganda

Withania somniferaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Strengthensthe body’s resistance to stress (adaptogenic),anti-inflammatory, antitumor, lowers bloodpressureCommon Uses: Coughs, debility, nausea,fever, tumors, wounds, senilitySafety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus Primary Medicinal Activities: AntispasmodicCommon Uses: Eye problems (given inter-nally) Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroidesPrimary Medicinal Activities: Uterinetonic, antispasmodic, promotes menstrualdischarge, antirheumaticCommon Uses: Can be used during preg-nancy in humans anytime there is threat of

miscarriage. It eases false labor pains. It canbe used in cases of coughs, colic, and asthmaand to ease rheumatic pains.Safety/Cautions/Contraindications: Bluecohosh should be taken only in small dosesduring pregnancy and used only under pro-fessional guidance.

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Relaxing tomucous membranes, antispasmodic, expec-torant, mild laxative, tonic, increases perspi-ration Common Uses: Pain reliever, upper respira-tory tract, bronchitisSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Some Eupatorium spp. may contain PAs. Theyshould not be taken by pregnant or lactatingindividuals.

Boswellia

Boswellia serrataPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-inflam-matory; diuretic; lubricates, soothes, andprotects internal mucous membranes; helpswith blood cleansing; appetite stimulant;helps reduce arthritic inflammation; pro-

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Eupatorium perfoliatum

SUPPLEMENTAL HERB LIST


motes menstrual discharge; analgesic, anti-fungalCommon Uses: Liver disorders, bronchialasthma, ringworm, arthritis, lung diseases,and diarrhea. Researchers found that theresin was as effective as sulfasalazine, thestandard drug treatment for ulcerative colitis.(I. Gupta et al., “Effects of Boswellia serratagum resin in patients with ulcerative colitis,”Eur. J. Med. Res. 2, no. 1 [1991]: 37–43.)Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

Caraway

Carum carviPrimary Medicinal Activities: Expectorant,expels intestinal gas, antispasmodic, stimulatesmilk production, aromatic, astringent, pro-motes menstrual dischargeCommon Uses: Stimulates appetite; helpsto ease diarrhea, flatulence, and colic; bron-chitis; helps increase milk in nursing mothersSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

Cascara Sagrada

Rhamnus purshianaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Bitter tonic,purgativeCommon Uses: A strong laxative thatshould be reserved for situations whereimmediate relief from constipation is neces-sary and where other, less purgative, meas-ures have failedSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Should not be used in pregnant or nursinganimals as its laxative effects are passed onthrough the milk. (Varro E. Tyler, Herbs ofChoice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals[Binghamton, N.Y.: Pharmaceutical ProductsPress, 1994].)

Cat’s Claw

Uncaria tomentosaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor,antispasmodic, antiarthritic, reduces fever,

helps with blood cleansing, immunostimu-lant, antimicrobialCommon Uses: Abscesses, arthritis, asth-ma, cancer, chemotherapy side effects, con-traception, fevers, gastric ulcers, hemor-rhages, inflammations, kidney cleanser,recovery from birthing, rheumatism, urinarytract infections, wounds, boosts theimmune system at the onset of viral infec-tion. Alternatives: Organically cultivated echi-nacea serves as a more earth-friendly alter-native because cat’s claw is harvested fromthe wilds of imperiled South American rainforests. Veterinary Common Uses: Allergic reac-tions to insect bites (hair loss and itching);dull coat, hair loss, lethargy, poor skin;inflammation of the muscle, prostate, stom-ach; mammary tumors; osteoarthritis; par-vovirus; dermatitis; inflammation of the ver-tebrae (spondylitis); arthritis. (KennethJones, University Mayor de San Marcos,Lima, Peru, Cat’s Claw—Healing Vine of Peru[Seattle, Wash.: Sylvan Press 1995].)Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

Celery

Apium graveolens Primary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic,sedative, expels intestinal gas, antirheumaticCommon Uses: Arthritis, rheumatismSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Celery seed should be used with caution andmoderation in pregnant animals or thosewith preexisting kidney disease.

Coriander

Coriandrum sativumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Aromatic,expels intestinal gasCommon Uses: Flatulence, spasms fromcolic pain, stimulates digestive secretions andincreases appetiteSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

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Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarponPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-septicCommon Uses: Prevents urinary tractinfections caused by E. coli by preventingthe microorganisms from adhering to theepithelial cells of the urinary tract. (A. E.Sabota, Journal of Urology 131 [1984]:1013–6; M. S. Soloway and R. A. Smith,JAMA 260 [1988]: 1465.)Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Use with caution in animals with kidneyinflammation

Devil’s Claw

Harpagophytum procumbrensPrimary Medicinal Activities: soothespain (anodyne), anti-inflammatoryCommon Uses: Reduces inflammation incases of arthritis but may not always be effectiveSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Devil’s claw is not to be taken by diabeticsbecause it has a hypoglycemic action.Excessive doses may interfere with treat-ment for cardiac disorders and with hyper-and hypotensive therapies. It should notbe taken during pregnancy because it isoxytocic (induces contractions) in animals.(R. Mabey, The Complete New Herbal[London: Elm Tree Books, 1988].)

Eyebright

Euphrasia officinalisPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-inflammatory, astringentCommon Uses: Conjunctivitis, astrin-gent, nasal catarrh Availability: Use only organically culti-vated eyebright (or grow it yourself). Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:It is best to avoid eyebright during preg-nancy and lactation. This herb may becompromised in the wild. Please use onlyorganically cultivated sources, or use otherherbs instead.

Evening Primrose

Oenothera spp.Primary Medicinal Activities: Sedative,astringentCommon Uses: Asthmatic coughs, gastroin-testinal disorders, psoriasis, excess choles-terol in the blood (hypercholesterolemia),arthritis, diabetic neuropathySafety/Cautions/Contraindications:May have the potential to manifest temporallobe epilepsy in those receiving epilepto-genic drugs. (Melvyn R. Werbach andMichael T. Murray, Botanical Influences onIllness, a Sourcebook of Clinical Research[Tarzana, Calif.: Third Line Press, 1994], 112.)

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulusPrimary Medicinal Activities: Antiseptic,reduces inflammation of respiratory mucosa Common Uses: Flea prevention, bronchitis,asthma (inhaled through a vaporizer)Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Eucalyptus may antidote homeopathic treat-ments or remedies, so it should not be usedwith homeopathic remedies. The oil shouldnot be used unless suitably diluted. The oilshould not be used at all during pregnancy

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because it may interfere with existing hypo-glycemic therapies.

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Antiseptic;lubricates, soothes, and protects internalmucous membranes; tonic; expectorant;stimulates milk production; reduces fever;laxative; nutritive; lowers blood sugarCommon Uses: Antidiabetic and anticholes-terolemic activities; stimulates milk in lactat-ing mothersSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:May interfere with hypoglycemic therapies.The absorption of drugs taken concomitantlymay be affected because of the highmucilaginous fiber content. It is reputed toinduce contractions (oxytocic); in vitro uter-ine stimulant activity has been documented.(Carol A. Newall, Linda A. Anderson, and J.David Phillipson, Herbal Medicines, a Guide forHealth Care Professionals [London, England:Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1996], 118.)

Fleabane

Conyza canadensis Primary Medicinal Activities: Stops bleed-ing, possible flea repellentCommon Uses: This common weed tradi-tionally has been used as a broad-spectruminsecticide. The plant contains considerableamounts of limonene, a compound known forits flea-killing properties. However, little isknown about the totality of the plant’s chem-istry or the safety of this herb. Aside from whatwe know about the limonene content of flea-bane, scientific study is still lacking. Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Fleabane may cause spontaneous nasal andupper respiratory irritation in horses. It is high-ly allergenic.

Gentian

Gentiana luteaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Bitter, promotes salivation (sialagogue), stimulates

bile production, and is a gastric stimulantCommon Uses: Stimulates the digestivesecretions in the mouth and stomach to aiddigestion and increase appetite. Helps withflatulence and dyspepsia. Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Gentian may cause headache in certain pre-disposed individuals (Varro E. Tyler, Herbs ofChoice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedi-cinals [Binghamton, N.Y.: PharmaceuticalProducts Press, 1994]). Gentian should notbe used in individuals who have high bloodpressure.

Ginger

Zingiber officinalePrimary Medicinal Activities: Expels inter-nal gas, stimulant, increases perspiration,causes redness of the skin Common Uses: Indigestion (dyspepsia), flat-ulence, and colic. Used to increase peripher-al circulation. May help in some cases ofmotion sickness. In small animals, the pun-gent constituents have been shown to becardiotonic, fever reducing, analgesic, anti-tussive, and sedative. Safety/Cautions/Contraindications: Ithas been reported to tend to increase thetone of the heart muscle and blood vessels(cardiotonic) and to inhibit blood clotting invitro. It also has hypoglycemic activity in invivo studies. Excessive doses may interferewith existing cardiac, antidiabetic, or antico-agulant therapies. Doses that greatly exceedthose normally found in foods should not beadministered during pregnancy or lactation.

Ginseng

Panax spp.Primary Medicinal Activities: Increasesphysical and mental performance, antide-pressiveCommon Uses: Raises low blood pressure,helps to eliminate exhaustion and weaknessSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Ginseng should not be used in cases of highblood pressure and may, on occasion, produce

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headaches. It is contraindicated during acuteillness, any form of hemorrhage, and duringthe acute period of coronary thrombosis. Itshould be avoided by those who are highlynervous, energetic, and tense.

Kava Kava

Piper methysticumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-spasmodic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsiveCommon Uses: It may be useful for epilep-tic animals and as a sedative or antispasmod-ic for animals who have nervous disordersthat involve muscle spasms and generaltightness.Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Preliminary studies indicate that this herb canbe damaging to the liver if used in excess.Kava kava appears to be safe if used prudent-ly and in moderation, but little is knownabout its effectiveness or safety in animals.

Kelp

Fucus vesiculosusPrimary Medicinal Activities: Antihypo-thyroid, antirheumaticCommon Uses: Obesity, goiter, arthritis,and rheumatismSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Prolonged ingestion may reduce gastroin-testinal iron absorption resulting in a slowreduction in hemoglobin, packed cell vol-ume, and serum iron concentrations.Prolonged ingestion may also affect absorp-tion of sodium and potassium ions and causediarrhea. (Carol A. Newall, Linda A. Anderson,and J. David Phillipson, Herbal Medicines, aGuide for Health Care Professionals [London,England: Pharmaceutical Products Press,1996], 125.)

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalisPrimary Medicinal Activities: Slows thy-roid function, lowers blood pressure, increas-es perspiration, anti-spasmodic, antidepres-sive, expels intestinal gas

Common Uses: Lemon balm is believed toblock iodide uptake and inhibit antibodyattachment at thyroid cells, therefore it maybe useful for decreasing thyroid output infelines with overactive thyroid glands (hyper-thyroid). Also, it is useful in some cases ofdepression, anxiety, indigestion, and for low-ering blood pressure.Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Use with caution and moderation in preg-nant animals. Contraindicated in animalswith hypothyroid conditions.

Lobelia

Lobelia inflataPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-asthmatic, respiratory stimulant, antispas-modic, expectorant, induces vomiting,increases perspirationCommon Uses: Used in bronchitis and asth-ma. Lobelia has a general depressant actionon the autonomic and central nervous sys-tems, as well as on neuromuscular action. Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Lobeline, a nicotine-like constituent oflobelia, may stimulate respiration in animals;in higher doses it causes vomiting. It shouldnot be used during pregnancy or lactation.Lobelia is similar in action to nicotine.

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Lovage

Levisticum officinalePrimary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic,expels intestinal gasCommon Uses: Relieves gas painsSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Lovage should not be used in cases of kidneydisease. Furocoumarins, chemical com-pounds that may cause photosensitization,are present in the oil. (Varro E. Tyler, Herbs ofChoice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals[Binghamton, N.Y.: Pharmaceutical ProductsPress, 1994], 78.)

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmariaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-inflammatory, stimulates the stomach, allevi-ates vomiting, astringent, antirheumaticCommon Uses: Protects and soothes themucous membranes of the digestive tract,reduces acidity, and eases nausea.Meadowsweet can be used for fever and thepain of rheumatism. It has been reported toincrease bronchial tone in cats. (O. D.Barnaulove et al., “Preliminary Evaluation ofthe Spasmolytic Properties of Some NaturalCompounds and Galenic Preparations,”Rastit. Resur. 14 [1978]: 573–9.)

Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid com-pounds (spiraein and gaultherin), so it shouldnot be used for cats or other animals who areallergic or sensitive to aspirin. Other thanthat, no side effects are documented.Meadowsweet should be avoided duringpregnancy and lactation.

Myrrh

Commiphora molmol Primary Medicinal Activities: Astringent,antimicrobial, expels intestinal gas, expecto-rant, wound healingCommon Uses: Mouth ulcers, gingivitis,sinusitis, respiratory problems, brucellosis,and wounds and abrasionsSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

Oregano

Oreganum vulgare or O. heracleoticumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Anti-spasmodic, expectorant, digestive, mildtranquilizer Common Uses: May assist in expelling par-asites from the digestive tract Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:May stimulate the uterus if used in medicinalquantities

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnataPrimary Medicinal Activities: Mild hypnotic, sedative, antispasmodic, and painrelieverCommon Uses: Seizures, hysteria, neuralgia,insomnia, spasmodic asthmaSafety/Cautions/Contraindications: Noreported side effects. Excessive doses maycause sedation and may potentiate MAOI ther-apy. Uterine stimulant activity in animal studieshas been reported. (Carol A. Newall, Linda A.Anderson, and J. David Phillipson, HerbalMedicines, a Guide for Health Care Professionals[London, England: Pharmaceutical ProductsPress, 1996], 206.)

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Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegiumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Promotesmenstrual discharge, increases perspiration,expels intestinal gas, stimulantCommon Uses: The weak tea as a flea repel-lent in nonpregnant, nonlactating animals Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:The oil should be avoided in animals becauseit is strong and can cause death. The abor-tion inducing effects are reliable only in near-lethal dosages. (Varro E. Tyler, Herbs ofChoice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals[Binghamton, N.Y.: Pharmaceutical ProductsPress, 1994].) It is toxic to dogs and cats athigh doses. (M. Sudekum et al., “PennyroyalOil Toxicosis in a Dog,” J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.200, no. 6 [March 15, 1992]: 817–8.) Itshould not be used in animals with existingkidney disease. Use the herb (not the oil) top-ically with great caution only in nonpreg-nant, nonlactating adults. Pennyroyal herbteas have been reported to be used withoutside effects. (J. B. Sullivan et al., “PennyroyalOil Poisoning and Hepatotoxicity,” JAMA 242[1979]: 2873.)

Peppermint

Mentha piperitaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Alleviatesvomiting, expels intestinal gas, moderatesnerve transmissions, antiseptic, increases per-spiration, analgesic, astringent, stimulatesbile production, stimulates the stomachCommon Uses: Flatulence, intestinal colic,irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting,motion sicknessAvailability: Peppermint is easily grown inthe garden but may take over, so plant it in acontainer. It can be purchased readily at moststores, in tea, or dried in bulk form.Safety/Cautions/Contraindications: Itmay antidote homeopathic treatments, so itshould not be used with homeopathy.

Pineapple Weed

Matricaria matricarioides

Primary Medicinal Activities: Expels intes-tinal gas, expels wormsCommon Uses: Similar but weaker in actionto chamomile. It may be effective in treatingroundworms. Safety/Cautions/Contraindications: Usewith caution and moderation in pregnantanimals.

Pipsissewa

Chimaphila umbellataPrimary Medicinal Activities: Astringent,antibacterial, tonic, diuretic, strengthens kid-ney functionCommon Uses: Urinary tract astringent,infections, and inflammation of the kidneysSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:This herb may be compromised in the wild.Use only organically cultivated pipsissewa oruse other herbs such as pyrola instead.

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repensPrimary Medicinal Activities: Diuretic,urinary antiseptic, strengthens and nourishesthe prostate and smooth muscle tissues ofthe urinary tractCommon Uses: Cystitis, testicular atrophy,prostatic enlargement, and sex hormonedisordersSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Human studies report that saw palmetto iswell tolerated. It may effect existing hormon-al therapies. Avoid during pregnancy and lac-tation.

Senna

Cassia angustifolia or C. sennaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Cathartic,strong laxativeCommon Uses: Powerful cathartic to relieveconstipationSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Long-term use can cause dependence and canbe detrimental. Prolonged use or over dosagecan result in diarrhea with excessive loss ofpotassium; an atonic nonfunctioning colon

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may also develop. Senna should not be givenin cases of intestinal obstruction or with undi-agnosed abdominal symptoms. Care shouldalso be taken by those with inflammatorybowel disease. (J. E. F. Reynolds, ed.,Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopeia, 28th ed.[London: Pharmaceutical Products Press,1982]; DeSmet PAGM, ed., et al., AdverseEffects of Herbal Drugs vol. 2. [Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1993].) Excessive use of senna mayhave an adverse effect on cardiac function dueto excessive potassium loss. Anthraquinones,the laxative component of senna, may causediscoloration of the urine, which may interferewith diagnostic tests (J. E. F. Reynolds, ed.,Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopeia, 29th ed.[London: Pharmaceutical Products Press,1989.)

Siberian Ginseng

Eleuthrococcus senticosusPrimary Medicinal Activities: Improvesthe body’s resistance to stress, circulatorystimulant, dilates blood vesselsCommon Uses: Debility; helps the body todeal and adapt to stressful situations andsome types of depressionSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Siberian ginseng is safe but should be avoid-

ed in animals that have been diagnosed withhypertension.

Spirulina

Spirulina spp.Primary Medicinal Activities: Nutritive,helps with blood cleansing, tonicCommon Uses: A complete and digestiblesource of vitamin B complex, beta-carotene,protein, and a wide variety of minerals. Itserves as an excellent nutritional supplementfor dogs, cats, and other animals.Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Spirulina is safe for daily use in animals, butits nutrient content is so concentrated that itcan cause diarrhea and digestive upset if fedin excessive quantities. A daily dosage of 1⁄4teaspoon per pound of food is generallyacceptable for most animals (1⁄8 teaspoon forcats).

Turkey Rhubarb

Rheum palmatumPrimary Medicinal Activities: Astringent,purgative, bitterCommon Uses: ConstipationSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Turkey rhubarb may color the urine yellow orred. It should be combined with carminativeherbs to prevent intestinal cramping.

Turmeric

Curcuma longaPrimary Medicinal Activities: Helps withblood cleansing, analgesic, anticoagulant,antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic,antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aro-matic, astringent, stimulates bile production,circulatory, promotes menstrual discharge,strengthens liver function, stimulant, woundhealingCommon Uses: Arthritis, asthma, blood clotinhibitor, cancer, candida, inflammation ofthe mucous membrane, eczema, gastritis,excess cholesterol in the blood, jaundice,nausea, restorative after birth, trauma, uter-ine tumors

Cassia sp.


Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Infrequently turmeric may cause gastric dis-turbances. Turmeric is contraindicated incases of bile duct blockage or gallstones.(Varro E. Tyler, Herbs of Choice: TheTherapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals[Binghamton, N.Y.: Pharmaceutical ProductsPress, 1994], 62.)

Usnea

Usnea barbataPrimary Medicinal Activities: Antibiotic,immunostimulantCommon Uses: Infections, mouthwash,woundsSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Care needs to be taken that Usnea barbata isused and not some other types of lichen thatcan be toxic.

Vervain

Verbena officinalisPrimary Medicinal Activities: Sedative,nerve tonic, antispasmodic, supports liverfunctions Common Uses: Seizures, for hepatic andgallbladder inflammation Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:None found

White Oak Bark

Quercus sp.Primary Medicinal Activities: Antiseptic,astringent, anti-inflammatory, stops bleed-ing, pain reliever, diuretic, fungicideCommon Uses: Can be used in small fre-quent doses in cases of acute diarrhea Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Excessive doses of white oak bark should beavoided, and it should be avoided by preg-nant and lactating adults.

Wild Cherry Bark

also known as Chokecherry Prunus virginiana Primary Medicinal Activities: Cough sup-pressant, astringent, expectorant, sedativeCommon Uses: Helpful in reducing symp-toms of respiratory distress due to its power-ful sedative action on the cough reflex. Usedas a respiratory sedative in acute conditionswith hectic coughing, heat, rapid breathing,and rapid pulse. It is used in many over-the-counter cough medicines.Safety/Cautions/Contraindications:Avoid during pregnancy. The seeds, bark,and leaves of this plant contain hydrocyanicacid, which can cause severe diarrhea andvomiting if ingested.

Willow

Salix spp. Primary Medicinal Activities: Anti-inflam-matory, fever reducer, astringent, analgesic,and antisepticCommon Uses: Pain after surgery, rheuma-tism, connective tissue inflammation, andarthritisSafety/Cautions/Contraindications:Willow should not be given to cats withoutprofessional guidance because it contains sal-icylic acid (aspirin), which can be fatal tocats.

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginianaPrimary Medicinal Activities: AstringentCommon Uses: Swelling or dilation of veinsand capillaries (varicosities), bleeding, diar-rhea, dysenterySafety/Cautions/Contraindications: Thedrugstore preparation is in alcohol andshould not be administered internally.

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AILMENTS AND TREATMENTS


In this chapter we discuss some of the more common ailments an animal guardianmay encounter in the holistic care of animals. Each ailment is categorized by thebody system in which it predominates—for example, kennel cough is discussed

in the “Respiratory Problems” section, and the issue of fleas is discussed under“Parasite-Related Problems,” and so forth. For each ailment discussed, we include avariety of herbal treatments and other holistic measures that you may find helpful inreaching a remedial or curative solution for your companion.

To learn more about the herb choices we present in this chapter, and to deter-mine whether one or more of these choices may be appropriate for your compan-ion, we recommend that you refer to chapter 3. There you will find detailed infor-mation such as dosages and parts of the herbs used, preparation and administra-tion options, contraindications, and possible side effects of most of the herbs in therepertory. By no means, though, is this repertory a complete representation of allmeasures of herbal healing. There are hundreds of potentially useful herbs not dis-cussed here, and we urge you to also access the excellent texts included in the bib-liography. This repertory is also not intended to serve as a substitute for the adviceand care of a licensed veterinarian. Its purpose only is to express our experiencesand opinions. Please keep in mind that we are herbalists, not licensed animal careproviders.

Anxiety, Nervousness, and Behavioral Problems

HOLISTIC APPROACHESIt is part of human nature to impose our ideals of acceptable behavior upon ourbeloved animals. Unfortunately, though, many of us find it difficult to separate

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these ideals from what makes each ani-mal special, unique, and happy.Thousands of animals are euthanizedeach year because they were “untrain-able” or “uncontrollable,” “barked toomuch,” or were simply “too much tobear.” Many of these animals were put todeath not because there was somethinguntreatably wrong with them butbecause their identities clashed with theircaregivers’.

One of the greatest gifts offered to usby animals comes when we learn to lookbeyond our own needs to their happi-ness. Our eight-year-old shepherd/huskydog, Willow, still barks incessantly,whines obnoxiously on trips to the river,and jumps up onto house guests despiteour continuing efforts to direct hertoward our needs. Sometimes we wantto pull out our own hair and tie her snoutshut with it, but instead we have devel-oped patience and respect for her per-sonal nature. Willow is simply doing whatshe must do to be complete and happy,and while we are still working on theguest-mauling issue, we have learned toaccept her just the way she is. By reach-ing this level of acceptance, we have

been rewarded with the joy she brings tous as we rejoice with her in her rapturousjourney through life. Granted, there is asocial stigma attached to certain types ofanimal behavior. However, before westep in and choose what is best for us, weowe it to our animal companions to tryto look at the world through their eyes—perhaps even before we bring one ofthem home.

Anxiety, nervousness, fear, occasionalaggression, and depression are normalemotions of each and every animal’s life.Some animals may be terrified of thunder,cars, vets, and stairs. Others may dislikechildren or other animals. Active dogbreeds (such as border collies) usuallyneed wide-open spaces to run, and theybecome anxious if confined. Many catswho would rather sleep than play becomenervous wrecks during car rides. But ifyour animal’s behavior changes suddenlyor if his nervous tendencies worsen overtime, your animal may be ill.

Contrary to conventional standards,holistic treatment of anxiety, nervousness,or behavioral problems does not beginwith the use of sedative or antidepressivemedicines but with a critical examinationof the caregiver’s perspective of a situa-tion. Are we really treating anxiety oraggression, or is the problem a symptomof something deeper within the animal orhis environment? Perhaps the problem isnot really the animal’s at all but insteademanates from the caregiver’s unfulfilledexpectations.

CHRONIC PROBLEMSEmotional, behavioral, and nervous dis-orders can result from nutritional defi-ciencies, endocrine disease, vaccinosis,drug side effects, parasites, neurologicaldisease, or psychological problems. Likehumans, animals can suffer from chronicdepression that is secondary to chemicalimbalances in the brain. But before treat-

We owe it to our animal companions tolook at the world through their eyes.


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ing depression with Prozac (fluoxetineHCl) or Saint-John’s-wort, you shouldmake a thorough assessment of the ani-mal’s diet, health care history, and envi-ronment. In most cases, the caregiver islikely to find that the problem is cor-rectable with dietary changes, some lov-ing attention, and perhaps the correcthomeopathic remedy.

Our approach toward aggression,depression (which is manifested by a lackof energy, whining, separation anxiety, toname a few symptoms), nervousness,chronic anxiety, or hyperactivity alwaysbegins with changing the animal’s diet(usually to raw food) and supplementingit with a complement of vitamins, miner-als, and EFAs. If this does not effect a pos-itive change, the animal should bechecked by a veterinarian for underlyingphysiological disorders such as thyroid oradrenal gland problems, malabsorption,tumors, parasites, or diabetes mellitus.Once the underlying causes are identi-fied, they can be treated with applicableherbs, homeopathic remedies, aroma-therapy, flower essences, or nutritionaltherapies. Behavioral training, therapeu-tic touch, or a few sessions with a rep-utable animal communicator may alsoyield good results.

In all chronic cases, the sedative herbs(e.g., valerian, skullcap, passionflower)should be limited to temporary controlof symptoms during times of addedstress such as dreaded car rides to theveterinarian. We do not condone the useof sedative herbs on a daily lifelongbasis—not only because of potential sideeffects but also because they may masksymptoms that are important to recog-nize in reaching curative solutions.Similarly, Saint-John’s-wort and otherantidepressants should be reserved forcases in which chronic depression isknown to be secondary to brain chemi-cal imbalances.

Adaptogenic herbs such as Siberianginseng, astragalus, and certified-organicginseng, may be used continually inmoderation to boost the body’s function-al abilities under stress.

AGGRESSION ANDDEPRESSION DISORDERSAs of 1999, the use of Prozac hadbecome almost as fashionable for treat-ing aggressive animals as it had forhumans with chronic depression disor-ders. Likewise, Saint-John’s-wort hadbeen touted as “the herbal alternative toProzac,” and it too had become popularfor treating aggression and other behav-ioral and emotional disorders in animals.

Although Saint-John’s-wort and psy-chotropic drugs may have a place in thetreatment of certain disorders, they arenot the panaceas that some companieswould like us to believe they are. Manyexperts believe that these substancesmay actually cause a reverse effect insome animals. In Peter Neville’s ac-claimed book Do Dogs Need Shrinks? hecites case histories in which Prozac notonly failed to curb aggression but seem-ingly increased it. One case involved a

Determine the cause of any emotional orbehavioral disorder before treating it.


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two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrierwho was given the drug to stop himfrom assaulting other dogs. Initially theattacks stopped, but later the dogresumed his hostile behavior—and whenhe was taken off Prozac, he becamemore aggressive than ever. Another caseinvolved a three-year-old pointer whowas given Prozac to stop her from con-stantly chasing shadows. After three daysshe began attacking real dogs instead.

Compounding the potential prob-lems of reverse or other adverse sideeffects is our limited ability to identifyaccurately the causes of aggression anddepression disorders in animals. Thediagnosis needed to prudently prescribesuch drugs is severely limited by lack ofverbal communication between animaland healer. In other words, psychotropicdrugs (and even the safer Saint-John’s-wort) are usually prescribed as a specula-tive “shot in the dark” approach to sup-pression of symptoms, rather than aspart of a curative solution that is basedon holism.

From a holistic perspective, treatmentof aggression begins in the mind of thehuman guardian—not the animal. The

question of what may be missing fromthe animal’s well-being must beanswered before anything else. Is theanimal receiving all of the nutrientsneeded for proper brain function? Wasthe animal abused or neglected in thepast? Is there a genetic predisposition tobe addressed? Is there anything in theanimal’s living environment that mightbe contributing to the problem? Has theanimal had adequate opportunities tosocialize with other animals and people?Is the animal’s behavior related to yourown? (This is fairly common—animalsoften pick up the emotional tone of theirliving environment.)

After the animal’s diet is changed andsupplemented, sessions with a good ani-mal behaviorist are highly recommend-ed. Animal behaviorists do not teach“sit-stay” obedience but use their expertknowledge of animal behavior andhuman-animal relationships to helpidentify and provide fulfillment of psy-chological requirements. For instance,most dogs who are “fear biters” do notexhibit aggressive behavior out of hateor neurological disease but because theyare insecure in the hierarchy of their“pack.” These dogs feel that their humanalpha leader is not in charge of their sur-roundings and therefore feel constantlythreatened. The animal behaviorists’ jobin this situation is to help the guardianand the animal define their positions asleader-protector (the human) and safe-subordinate pack member (the dog).Horses and other herbivores, of course,have completely different psycholo-gies—but they too can find a happiercoexistence with their humans withsome help from a professional behaviortrainer.

Once you have begun a curative,long-term approach toward your ani-mal’s aggression or depression, herbscan be used for symptomatic relief dur-

Chamomile can help lift your pet’s moodnaturally.



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ing occasions when stress levels are par-ticularly high. Although many herbalistsrecommend valerian as a first choice herbfor anxiety and aggression, it can have areverse, sometimes stimulating, effect insome animals. It’s a depressant and tendsto compound irritability and depression.Instead of lifting the subject’s spirit, itslows him down and often turns him intoa groggy grump. So rather than reachingfor valerian, we opt for herbs such as pas-sionflower, lemon balm, chamomile, orcatnip that serve more as mood eleva-tors. Rescue Remedy (a flower essenceformula) is also one of our first choices.

ACUTE NERVOUSNESSAND ANXIETYEveryone has his or her own sources ofpsychological stress. Some people getnervous and tense during airplane land-ings. Our dogs get anxious and fright-ened while inside crowded buildings.Stephanie the cat trembles during thefirst half-hour of long car rides.

Herbs can be helpful for gently calm-ing an animal during stressful occasions.In circumstances in which fear and anxi-ety prohibit an otherwise passive animalfrom relaxing, valerian may induce justenough sedation to allow napping. If theanimal’s anxiety is causing him to hiss,spit, bite, or make other demonstrationsof potential violence, a dose or two ofpassionflower, lemon balm, or catnipmay help normalize attitude and defusethe situation. If nervousness is causingtrembling or hypersensitivity to touchand sound, skullcap or oatstraw can bevery effective—especially if combinedwith valerian or passionflower. A smalldose (0.25 milliliters per 30 pounds of ananimal’s body weight) of vervain(Verbena officinalis) tincture may reducemuscle twitching and restlessness, buttoo much of this herb may have a reverseeffect. In situations in which nervousness

is causing an upset stomach, chamomile,valerian, catnip, or a combination of allthree may help induce relaxation andprevent vomiting.

Before you reach for valerian or anyother herb, try giving your pet a fewdrops of Rescue Remedy (flower essenceformula), which you can purchase athealth food stores. You and your com-panion may be pleasantly surprised.

Arthritis and

Hip Dysplasia

The term arthritis is general, referring tothe inflammation of a joint. Polyarthritisis the inflammation of several joints.Degenerative arthritis is a term that refersto the condition caused by the wearingof joints as the animal ages. It is alsoknown as degenerative joint disease andis sometimes caused by trauma to thejoints, bones, ligaments, or cartilage.Osteoarthritis is usually the result of sometype of secondary damage to the jointstructures. The damage could result fromrupture of ligaments, poor anatomicalalignment, or joint dislocation.

Inflammatory arthritis can be causedby an infection or an immune-mediated

Catnip can help calm an animal who issuffering from anxiety.


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disease that leads to destructive arthriticlesions. In other words, its onset is causedwhen the immune system actually turnsagainst the body it’s supposed to protect.

Arthritis may also take the form of hipdysplasia. Hip dysplasia is the abnormaldevelopment of the “ball and socket”joint of the hips of dogs. This conditionmay vary from a slightly abnormal hipjoint to the actual dislocation of thejoint. There is controversy among holis-tic and homeopathic veterinariansregarding the underlying cause of hipdysplasia. Some holistic veterinariansbelieve that this condition might becaused by vaccinations, specifically therabies vaccine. Others say it is caused by

heredity—but if this is so, and conscien-tious breeders are taking care not tobreed animals who show signs of it, thenwhy is it not being eliminated? Why is itappearing in an increasing number ofbreeds more frequently? Despite the evi-dence, many veterinarians maintain thathip dysplasia is a genetic predispositionin many breeds of dogs. To an extentthis may be true, but we believe thatthere are too many coincidencesbetween hip dysplasia and overvaccina-tion. If your dog is young and may beprone to hip dysplasia, you might wantto consider not vaccinating every year.

The belief that hip dysplasia is strictlya hereditary disease discourages manypeople from growing attached to dogswho are believed to be predisposed. Thisis truly a shame. Not only can a predis-posed breed of dog lead a normal,healthy life but there is a good possibilitythat hip dysplasia can be prevented bytaking some simple, lifelong measures.

In the book Alternative and Comple-mentary Veterinary Medicine: Principlesand Practice, Wendell O. Belfield, D.V.M.,states that hip dysplasia may be causedmore by biochemical factors than bygenetic inheritance. He believes that hipdysplasia may be an easily controlled bio-chemical condition in most breeds ofdogs caused by insufficient collagen syn-thesis. He says that if insufficient amountsof Vitamin C exist in affected dogs, theymay have difficulty synthesizing enoughcollagen to assist in maintaining joint sta-bility. Dr. Belfield substantiates his state-ment with a study he conducted involv-ing eight litters of German shepherdpuppies who came from bloodlines thatwere believed to be afflicted with heredi-tary hip dysplasia. During their pregnan-cy, bitches were administered megadosesof vitamin C, and the puppies were main-tained on a similar regimen until adult-hood. As a result, no signs of canine hip

Comfrey can help repair aching bonesand joints.



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dysplasia were noted in any of the offspring.

Unless onset is acute, such as after ajoint injury, the first sign of arthritis isusually lameness that may be worsenedby cold, inclement weather or exercise.You might first notice that your animalisn’t getting around as easily as he oncedid. You might observe your companionhaving difficulty getting on or off thecouch, climbing the stairs, or perhapsjumping in and out of the car. If you arekeenly perceptive of subtle changes inyour companion, early onset of arthritismight be signified by abnormal behaviorthat points to physical discomfort—per-haps your friend just isn’t his “old self” orappears irritable for no apparent reason.Watch the daily appearance and behaviorof your companion closely. Keep a healthcare diary for your animal, bearing inmind that nothing you observe isinsignificant. If you do keep a diary, youwill be much more effective in prevent-ing simple morning stiffness frombecoming a crippling disease.

As an animal ages, his joints don’tmove quite as easily as they once did(Don’t we all know that feeling whengetting in and out of our favorite easychair?), but if joint stiffness appears to beprogressing ahead of your companion’sage, it’s time to take remedial measures.But before you start administering herbalremedies, you should know the exactnature of your companion’s arthritis. Thismay require the opinion of a holistic vet-erinarian who can diagnose the many dif-ferent kinds of arthritis.

HOLISTIC APPROACHESIf your animal has arthritis, his immunesystem needs either to be boosted orbrought back into balance with the restof his body. But if the arthritis is related toimmune system dysfunction, you mayfind that immunostimulant herbs such as

echinacea aggravate your companion’scondition. Remember that the inflamma-tion associated with rheumatoid arthritisis likely caused by an autoimmune attackupon the joints. If we stimulate theimmune system into working harder, wemight actually make the arthritis worse.

Instead, holistic efforts should bedirected at what is causing the dysfunc-tion. This starts with a critical assessmentof the animal’s diet, an evaluation of pos-sible food allergies, and a thoroughinvestigation of present and historicalinfluences that may be affecting yourcompanion’s immune system. Such influ-ences may include vaccinations, antibiot-ic or steroid drug therapies, or toxic ele-ments in your animal’s environment. Anyassociated disorders should be identifiedand corrected as well. For example, doesyour arthritic companion suffer fromchronic constipation, weight problems,hair loss, diarrhea, bladder or kidneyproblems, chronic infections, or a skincondition? If so, such conditions arelikely related to the arthritis. When youhave identified as many of these factorsas possible, it’s time to take remedialaction by piecing this holistic puzzletogether. It’s important to rememberthat because arthritis is such a complexand variable disease, there is no singularherbal approach to treating it. Instead,holistic treatment is multifaceted,including nutritional supplementationand herbs that are tailored to an ani-mal’s individual needs.

If the arthritis is due to wear-and-tearjoint deterioration (a frequent problemwith working or hard-playing animals),then the supplements glucosamine sulfateand chondroitin sulfate might assist thebody in repairing itself. Glucosamine andits related products, glucosamine sulfateand n-acetylglucosamine, have found ause as nutritional anti-osteoarthriticagents by helping protect and regener-


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ate connective tissue and cartilage inaffected joints. N-acetylglucosamine hasshown promise in the treatment ofinflammatory disorders, including inflam-matory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease,and colitis.

Bovine or shark cartilage, vitamin C,and EFA supplements help repair joint tis-sue damage. Horsetail herb might be ofhelp too, as it contains a bioavailableform of silicon, an element that serves asthe active matrix in connective tissuedevelopment. Comfrey is also considereda classic bone and joint repair herb. Inaddition to their internal uses, these herbscan be effective when applied in the formof an external compress, especially whencombined with cayenne and willow bark,which should not be used in cats.

Mineral- and vitamin-rich herbs suchas nettle and dandelion provide nutrientsthat are needed for joint repair alongwith diuretic activities to help removeexcess metabolic wastes from the body,via the urinary tract, that may otherwisecontribute to solid buildups in the joints.These herbs also help strengthen kidneyfunction during the ordeal. Another herbto consider is shepherd’s purse—thisdiuretic is believed to have a special affin-ity toward removal of waste compoundsfrom arthritic joints. Celery seed andparsley root are also excellent choices.

Alterative herbs such as alfalfa, redclover, and burdock are strongly indicat-ed to build up blood structure and toassist with the transport of systemicwaste from body tissues. Liver supportingherbs (hepatics) such as dandelion root,yellow dock, and Oregon grape help bystrengthening liver and gallbladder func-tion, thus helping with digestion, nutri-ent absorption, and solid waste elimina-tion. Lymphatic herbs such as cleaversand calendula may be of assistance byaiding the circulation of tissue-cleansinglymph in and around inflamed areas.

Cayenne and ginger also may be use-ful. Both are vasodilators and may bene-fit the arthritic animal by increasingblood circulation to affected areas. Insome animals, though, these sameactions may aggravate an inflammatorycondition. For this reason, internal use ofthese herbs should proceed with caution,and it is best to administer them in smalldoses that are proportioned as lesseringredients to a formula composed ofother anti-inflammatory and alterativeherbs.

Herbs that are useful internally forinflammation and pain of arthritis andhip dysplasia include licorice, yucca, andwillow bark (the latter is not for cats).Alfalfa also has a long-standing reputa-tion for relieving the discomforts ofarthritis. It should be among one of thefirst herbs to be considered for internaluse because it can be safely fed as a dailyfood supplement (1 teaspoon per poundof food fed each day).

Tonics as well as herbs can be helpfulin treating arthritis. Circulatory tonicssuch as yarrow, hawthorn, rosemary, andginkgo are worth considering for internaluse. They provide a gentle increase ofblood flow in tissues surrounding arthrit-ic joints, so muscles remain oxygenatedand more flexible.

On the facing page is a basic tonic for-mula for arthritic animals. Ingredientscan be changed, added to, and propor-tioned to serve the specific needs of youranimal. The arthritis relief compress thatfollows might also help to relieve thepain of arthritis.

Animals have a reputation for not let-ting their chronic problems slow themdown much. As a result, arthritic jointssometimes become aggravated andinflamed because of physical exertion orinjury. Provided that there is no openwound, a simple external application ofarnica oil or tincture on the affected



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A SYSTEMIC SUPPORT FORMULA

FOR CHRONIC ARTHRITIS

Combine the following either as dried herbs or tinctures:2 parts alfalfa

1 part dandelion root

1 part parsley root

1 part cleavers or calendula

This formula can be used as a dry herb food supplement. If you do choose touse dry herbs instead of tinctures, use calendula instead of cleavers becausecleavers is almost useless after it is dried. An appropriate dose for each 30pounds of the animal’s body weight is 1 tablespoon mixed into food daily. Ifyou opt to use tinctures, find those that contain little or no alcohol. (They aremuch easier to feed and much safer on the digestive tract.) You can adminis-ter 2–4 milliliters of the tincture for each 30 pounds of body weight directlyinto the animal’s mouth or drop it onto his food daily. This combination is safefor dogs, cats, horses, and most other mammals and can be given over anextended period with no ill side effects. If your companion tolerates its bitterflavor, a one-part portion of yarrow can be added to this formula to serve as avascular tonic.

Arthritis Relief Compress*3 parts dried willow bark

3 parts dried comfrey leaf

3 parts dried yarrow

1 part powdered cayenne

*not for use on cats

To make this compress, first make a decoction from the willow bark by gentlysimmering in enough water to cover it for about 20 minutes. Remove fromheat but do not drain. While the water is still hot, add the other three ingre-dients. Mix thoroughly, adding just enough boiling water to make a thickpaste. Let the mixture stand until it is cool enough to handle but still hot. Thepoultice is now ready to use as a compress. (See the “Basics of HerbalPreparations” in chapter 1 for further instructions.)

After applying the compress, check it after about 5 minutes to assure thatthe cayenne is not causing excessive irritation to the animal’s skin. If it is,remove the compress and either lower the proportion of cayenne or removeit from the formula (make a new batch). For best results, the compress shouldbe left on the animal for an hour.


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joints often brings fast symptomaticrelief. Some good “strain and sprain”herbal ointments, salves, and linimentsare also available on the market, many ofwhich contain time-proven topical anal-gesics such as eucalyptus, cayenne, orcamphor. Olbas oil or tiger balm areamong our favorites, but do not usethese products if your animal is underhomeopathic care as they may antidotethe homeopathic remedy. Also, be care-ful not to apply any undiluted oil orherbal ointment to an animal, especiallycats, who can be sensitive to these typesof products. Animals also may lick theseproducts off of their fur and skin, andsome of these products may prove toxicif ingested.

The discomforts of arthritis can beapproached with internal herbal therapiesas well, and often the fastest results arereached when topical and internal appli-cations are used simultaneously. See thebox on this page for a simple formula forsymptomatic relief.

Of course, nutrition is the crux of anyof the holistic healing modalities and isthe most important factor in the preven-tion of arthritis. Many times changing toa raw food diet helps the animal andobviates more drastic measures.

Some animals benefit from occasionalchiropractic adjustments from a qualifiedholistic vet who is trained in the propermanipulation of an animal’s spine.Acupuncture may also help many arthrit-ic animals who are in pain.

Cancer

When we hear the word cancer, manyof us immediately think, “Oh no—thisis the end!”

But cancer is not always a death sen-tence. There are many ways to deal withcancer, and many types of cancer can betreated holistically with the help andadvice of a qualified holistic veterinarian.

In traditional Western medicine, wehave been taught to believe that the bestway to treat cancer is to poison it or cutit out. In holistic medicine, the treatmentof cancer goes far beyond the physicalnature of the disease to address the emo-tional and spiritual aspects of the suffereras well. Many holistic practitionersbelieve that by cutting out or poisoningthe cancer, we are only driving it else-where—perhaps deeper into the bodywhere it can progress more insidiously.

For example, when the “check engine”light goes on in your car, you may stop,check under the hood, and add some oil ifneeded, or you may park the car and notdrive it until the problem is identified.You’re not going to rip out the wire thatcontrols the light so it won’t be a nuisanceanymore. Unfortunately, in the case ofyour car, this quick-fix approach doesn’taddress the worn-out crankshaft bearingthat degenerates and grinds away theengine block as you continue drivingdown the road—and when the car breaksdown next, the damage is far more likelyto be irreparable. Ripping out the wire is

A SYMPTOMATIC

RELIEF FORMULA

Combine the following tinctures:1 part alfalfa

1 part yucca

1 part licorice

for dogs, cats, horses, and mostother mammals

Feed 1–2 milliliters of this formula foreach 20 pounds of an animal’s bodyweight, one to three times daily forup to ten days or until pain andinflammation are reduced.



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exactly what traditional Western medi-cine does in many cases of cancer. Voilà,cut and yank, and the problem has been“remedied.”

In holistic medicine, the whole indi-vidual is treated, not just the cancer.Cancer is only a symptom of what isgoing on deeper within the being. In thetreatment or prevention of cancer, allcomponents of body, mind, and spiritneed to be evaluated and supported. Acritical assessment of diet is the first placeto look—feeding poor-quality commer-cial food that is laden with artificial col-ors, preservatives, and by-products onlymakes the problem worse. The secondstep is to eliminate unnecessary vaccina-tions from the animal’s life. A body that isworking extra hard to build a cancer-fighting immune system doesn’t needthe stressful interference of vaccinations.

HOLISTIC APPROACHESNothing would please us more than toinform you of a new herbal “silver bullet”against cancer, but unfortunately such athing does not exist. Although countlessstudies support the usefulness of herbsand various other holistic medicines intreating cancer, the disease is far toocomplex, variable, and adaptable for sin-gular therapeutic approaches. In fact,cancer has so many faces that its earlysymptoms can include anything from aminor cough or excess shedding to occa-sional diarrhea. Just as varied is the list ofpossible causes—it seems that everythingscience looks at closely enough (foods,environmental toxins, natural and syn-thetic chemicals) carries the potential ofcausing cancer.

When cancer has progressed to apoint where the diagnosis is certain, cur-ative treatment is often less effective. But,if the disease is caught in its earlieststages, the prognosis can be quite posi-tive. Effective prevention and treatment

of cancer must begin with the guardian’sintimate familiarity with his or her ani-mal. Nobody offers more diagnosticinsight into cancer than the person whokeeps a detailed observational diary of hisor her companion animal.

The diary should include lifelongrecords of illnesses or odd behavior orappearances. More important, though, itshould reflect what the animal is like dur-ing times of optimal health. Theguardian’s capacity to notice minor devi-ations from perfect health is the mostpowerful tool in the early treatment ofcancer and most other types of chronicdisease.

Following are a few common warningsigns the Veterinary Cancer Society rec-ommends that pet owners look for indogs. These symptoms apply to otheranimals as well. Remember, nothing hererepresents a conclusive diagnosis of can-cer, but any symptoms listed should illu-minate a red “check engine” light:

• abnormal swellings that continue togrow, especially in the lymph

• sores that do not heal • bleeding or discharge from the mouth,

nose, urinary tract, vagina, or rectum • offensive odor • difficulty eating or swallowing • difficulty breathing • difficulty urinating or defecating • hesitation to exercise or loss of energy • loss of appetite, weight loss • persistent lameness or stiffness of

movement • lumps in the mammary glands • abnormalities or difference in size of

testicles

All of these symptoms may represent acancer that has developed beyond itsearly stages, and therefore the animalshould be taken to a holistic veterinarianimmediately.


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What might be indicative of the earli-est onset of cancer? Well, just about any-thing out of the ordinary: a chroniccough or skin problem, decreased ener-gy, aggression, pain, or stiffness—the listof early symptoms is endless. This doesn’tmean you should live in constant fear ofyour companion developing cancer, butyou should remain aware that a changethat appears to be minor can developinto a serious condition. Don’t ignore anychanges in your animal. If a minor prob-lem persists, consult a veterinarian.

All forms of cancer share a commoncharacteristic: the disease starts whenatypical cells begin reproducing andinvading other cells. As healthy cells aredestroyed and replaced by cancerousones, lesions and tumors form and thebody structures they occupy becomedysfunctional.

Many holistic healers theorize thatcancer is not really an acquired diseasebut rather the result of a metabolicimbalance that has progressed out ofcontrol. Cancerous tumors begin as smallpinpoint lesions that occur off and onthroughout an animal’s lifetime. In mostcases, the immune system is able to stopthe tumors before they develop theirown blood supply and begin consumingcell structures elsewhere in the body. Butif the body is not in homeostasis (a stateof balanced, harmonious health), it maynot be able to eliminate the tumor beforeit takes control of its surroundings and amalignancy results. From this holistic per-spective, carcinogenic compounds,excess ultraviolet light and radiation, andother substances that are said to causecancer are not seen as “carriers” of thedisease but as triggering or encouragingmechanisms.

The potential for cancer exists withinevery animal (human and otherwise).The key to preventing it lies inside ahealthy body, not only in the outside

influences that we consider threats.Perhaps you have noticed (as we have)that a disproportionate number of seem-ingly healthy people develop cancerdespite all external efforts to avoid it.Why is this? It is because despite all themeasures they may have taken towardeliminating potential carcinogens fromtheir lives, deeper issues of physical, emo-tional, and spiritual health have not beenaddressed, and the people have fallenfrom homeostasis.

None of this is to say that we shoulddisregard the existence of carcinogenicsubstances in food, water, and the envi-ronment. To the contrary, every effortshould be made to become aware of andeliminate cancer-causing factors in ourlives and the lives of our animals. But wemust also provide our bodies with theproper elements of nutrition and sys-temic support that are needed to main-tain homeostasis and prevent cancer.Furthermore, the immune system mustbe properly equipped and always readyto respond to a nearly infinite number ofcancer-causing influences. It must beallowed to do its job without interferencefrom antibiotics, immune-suppressingcorticosteroid drugs, and vaccine thera-pies. Every time we interfere with naturalimmune system functions we may becompromising the body’s ability torespond to and correct cellular orimmune system imbalances that coulddevelop into cancer.

WHEN CANCER OCCURSThe immune system represents the mostcomplete form of disease intervention onearth. If allowed or enabled to function,it is infinitely more efficient than any-thing human beings can comprehend,much less devise. When cancer takeshold, the body’s defenses need all of theirresources to fight it. The holisticapproach to cancer begins, then, by pro-



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viding the body with every opportunityto perform optimally. This means supply-ing it with supplemental measures ofnutritional and systemic support.

Several diet programs have beendesigned to strengthen and support ani-mals with cancer. Many involve foodsthat are rich in fiber and antioxidantcompounds. Intensive vitamin, mineral,and other supplemental therapies areoften employed as well. These typicallyinclude vitamins A, B complex, C, and E,as well as selenium, iron, coenzyme Q10(CoQ10), EFAs, digestive enzymes, anddimethylglycine. The best anticancer dietfor your animal is one tailored specifical-ly to his individual needs by a holistic vet-erinarian who is familiar with treating thedisease.

HERBAL THERAPIESHerbs play important roles in supportingthe body in its effort to rid itself of can-cer. Herbal therapies focus on tonic sup-port of organs and systems that havespecial significance in the fight. Becausecancer is so variable, it’s difficult to gen-eralize an herbal approach. Every case ofcancer is different, as are the metabolicrequirements of each animal who hascancer. But a good starting point forherbal treatment of all animals with can-cer is to support the liver, kidneys, andlymphatic system—the body’s waste fil-tering and elimination systems. By help-ing the body cleanse itself, the immunesystem is less encumbered with cleanupchores and better able to fight cancer.The infamous Essiac and Hoxsey formulaswere designed for this purpose. Althoughthe formulas for both have likely beenchanged several times over the pastyears, each contains an array of alterativeand cholagogue herbs that are targetedtoward cleaning the blood, improvingdigestion, and eliminating waste (prima-rily via the digestive tract). The Essiac for-

mula is commonly marketed in healthfood stores.

The Hoxsey formula is available in var-ious interpretations most of which con-tain at least six different herbs. Someherbalists, however, believe that the orig-inal formula contained only two: redclover and burdock.

Red clover is at the top of our list ofanticancer herbs because it inhibits theactivities of carcinogenic compounds,helps improve blood structure, andstrengthens lymphatic functions that arecrucial in cleansing cell tissues through-out the body. It also contains sterol con-stituents that may inhibit the productionof blood vessels that supply and supportnewly formed tumors. Alfalfa providessimilar alterative activities, but we don’tknow yet if it possesses the same tumor-inhibiting properties as red clover.

Burdock and dandelion root providegentle stimulation to the liver, thusimproving digestion and the removal ofwaste. These herbs do not cause addedstrain upon the filtering organs, andtherefore they can be used continuouslyover a long period. In situations in whichtoxic buildup of systemic waste must be

Red clover has many anticancer andtumor-inhibiting properties.


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eliminated quickly in order to liberate theimmune system, yellow dock serves as amuch stronger liver stimulant and in factis known as a traditional remedy forheavy metal toxicity (it is also a laxative).Milk thistle may be helpful for protectingthe liver against harmful by-products ofthe cancer or from damage that mayresult after protracted drug therapies.

Diuretic herbs may also aid in removalof systemic waste via the kidneys and uri-nary tract. At the top of the diuretic listare dandelion leaf and nettle. Theseherbs stimulate urine production andprovide potassium and other mineralsthat need to be continually replacedthroughout the cleansing process.

To help remove toxic waste, slipperyelm, marshmallow, flaxseed, and plantainserve as useful devices for lubricating, pro-tecting, and reducing inflammation ofmucous membranes throughout the uri-nary and digestive tracts. If poor liver func-tion has caused chronic constipation, fre-quent small doses of turkey rhubarb tinc-ture (0.25 milliliters per 30 pounds of theanimal’s body weight, three times daily)serve as an effective laxative. It should belimited to as-needed, short-term usebecause it can cause diarrhea, intestinalcramping, and other discomforts.

Immunostimulant herbs may helpboost your companion’s immuneresponse to the cancer. Astragalus isespecially well suited for this purposebecause it adds energy-boosting adapto-genic qualities to its immunostimulantproperties in cancer-debilitated animals.Garlic is another excellent immune sys-tem tonic to consider. While boostingproduction of killer T cells and otherimmune system components, it has alsobeen shown to trigger enzyme responsesthat help break down waste materialsbefore they enter the bloodstream.

Once the specific characteristics of thecancer have been identified and correlat-

ed with the animal’s holistic needs andcancer-fighting abilities, herbal medi-cines may be administered directlyagainst the cancer. As we mentioned ear-lier, this approach requires the experi-ence of a trained professional who is usedto recognizing and treating cancer. Manyherbal devices have shown great promisein combating specific forms of cancer.Acemannan, a compound derived fromaloe vera, has been shown to be effective

A TONIC SUPPORT

FORMULA FOR

ANIMALS WITH CANCER

Combine the following low-alcohol(glycerin) herb tinctures:2 parts red clover

1 part astragalus

1 part dandelion root

1 part garlic

This formula can be fed to the ani-mal continuously over a long peri-od: 0.5 milliliters per 20 pounds ofthe animal’s body weight, threetimes daily. If constipation is part ofyour animal’s problem, try adding 2parts marshmallow to the formula. Ifthis fails to bring results, add 1 partyellow dock. If that doesn’t work, trysubstituting the yellow dock withturkey rhubarb. If liver damage isevident or a threat, twice-dailydoses of milk thistle may be fed inaddition to this formula to helprepair and protect the liver. A stan-dardized milk thistle preparationthat contains at least 70 percent sily-marin constituents is best for repair-ing an already damaged liver.



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against fibrosarcoma and FeLV. It is theo-rized that acemannan triggers an increasein the immune attack upon the virusesbelieved to cause these usually fatal dis-eases. An intravenous drug calledCarnivora is derived from the Venus’s fly-trap plant for treatment of malignanttumors. Although it has not beenapproved for use in North America as of1999, Carnivora has shown some incredi-ble tumor-reducing results in Europe.Herbalists have also seen good resultsfrom the use of violet leaf extract in thetreatment of certain cancers. It, too, isbelieved to have tumor-reducing qualities.

Cardiovascular

Problems

In contrast with the vast array of cardio-vascular disorders that loom over theirhuman guardians, animals have littlerisk of contracting heart or arterial dis-ease during the first three-quarters oftheir lives. Strokes and heart attacks arealmost unheard of in dogs and cats sim-ply because their bodies are naturallydesigned to metabolize the meat andanimal fats that send many of theircaretakers to an early grave. This does-n’t mean that animals aren’t susceptibleto the ills of chemical preservatives,excess sodium, and refined sugar. Nordoes it mean their cardiovascular sys-tems are more resilient to abuse or neg-lect. It means only that unhealthyfoods, chemicals, and environmentalinfluences may have a different effecton our companion animals than theydo on us. Simply put, a dog or cat on alow-quality, poorly digestible commer-cial diet is far more likely to die fromkidney failure than arteriosclerosis. Onthe same note, an animal’s cardiovascu-lar system will fail, just as ours will,unless all requirements of good nutri-tion, exercise, and environmental quali-ty are met.

The heart and vascular system oper-ates continuously and under constantpressure throughout an animal’s life.Factors such as excessive body fat,chronic illness, secondhand smoke, andaging add to the stress and inevitablewear and tear of this vital system. Unlikeus, however, our companions have littlechoice in how their cardiovascularhealth is maintained—that determina-tion is left up to us.

DIET AND EXERCISE: THE HEART OFHEART HEALTHCardiovascular health all begins with acomplete diet. The heart consists of spe-cially adapted smooth muscles and con-nective tissues that must perform opti-mally throughout every moment duringan animal’s life; therefore, the heartneeds to be continually fed and repaired.The vascular system must remain strong,free of obstructions, and responsive tothe body’s needs. It, too, must be contin-ually supplied with the tools and fuelneeded for self-maintenance and flawlessfunction. A big problem arises, however,when an animal is afforded only an aver-age “maintenance diet” for subsistence.The cardiovascular system’s nutritional

Ginkgo helps to increase circulation.


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daily requirements are never static butinstead are continually fluctuating andchanging as challenges arise. This meansthat no single commercial diet, no matterhow complete, organic, or digestible itmight be, can contain all of the nutrition-al elements your companion’s heartneeds on a day-to-day basis.

The only way to be sure that your ani-mal is receiving the nutrition needed forgood cardiovascular health is to providea diversity of fresh whole foods through-out his life. Supplemental vitamins, min-erals, and EFAs also help assure that yourcompanion’s cardiovascular system isgetting the special considerations itneeds. Amino acids are especially impor-tant, as they serve as the protein buildingblocks of smooth-muscle developmentand repair. Cats must have taurine intheir diets, and dogs must have a suffi-cient supply of l-carnitine, or degenera-tive heart disease (idiopathic dilated car-diomyopathy) may result. Coenzyme Q10

also plays important roles in preventionand treatment of heart problems. It hasbeen shown to help protect the heartmuscle from damage secondary tohypoxia, infection, and inflammation.

CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS INDOGS AND CATSIn cats, the most common form of nonin-herited (acquired) heart disease is hyper-trophic cardiomyopathy, an enlargementof the left ventricular wall and septumthat reduces the heart’s functional abilityto pump blood. In dogs, the most com-mon form of acquired heart disease isvalvular degeneration in which the heartvalves fail to completely close when theyshould, causing an audible (with astethoscope) heart murmur anddecreased cardiac output. This conditioncan lead to poor circulation to theextremities, the formation of blood clotsin the veins and arteries, and congestive

heart failure. In both dogs and cats,acquired cardiomyopathy is most likelyto occur in middle-aged or older animals.

Animals may suffer from inheritedforms of heart disease as well. In dogs,one of the most common is patent duc-tus arteriosus, a congenital defect (mostcommonly seen in miniature poodles andGerman shepherds) that essentiallyamounts to a leak between chambers ofthe heart. In cats, congenital defects inthe mitral and tricuspid valves of theheart are fairly common.

Other forms of cardiovascular diseasemay be secondary to bacterial, proto-zoan, or viral infection. Congestive heartfailure, a condition in which high pres-sure in the left atrium of the heart causesa backup of fluid into the pulmonary cap-illaries and lungs, is common in obese orgeriatric animals or those with heartdefects or dysfunction.

Animals with heart problems mayexhibit shortness of breath, coughing,and diminished physical stamina. Furtherexamination may reveal cardiac arrhyth-mia, pulmonary edema, or blood pres-sure problems. If you suspect that youranimal companion has a heart problem,you should get him to a holistic veterinar-ian right away.

HERBAL THERAPIESThe herbal approach to heart disorders isto strengthen and support cardiovascularand pulmonary function and efficiency.Tonic herbal therapies are especially help-ful in older animals who need a gentlemeasure of daily cardiovascular support.In all cases, a daily supplement ofhawthorn helps improve coronary bloodflow, moderate blood pressure, andstrengthen heartbeat. Garlic may also beof benefit. Ginkgo, yarrow, or cayenneshould also be considered to helpincrease circulation in the extremities,brain, and throughout the peripheral



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capillaries of the body. If rapid, erraticheartbeat is part of your companion’s dis-order, bugleweed may be useful to safelyslow and strengthen the heart. If myocar-dial inflammation or pulmonary edema ispresent (such as with congestive heartfailure), a daily regimen of strong dande-lion leaf tea helps remove excess fluidfrom the body. At the same time, it sup-plies the body with potassium, a mineralthat is essential to healthy heart function.

Adaptogenic herbs such as astragalusor Siberian ginseng may increase overallenergy levels in the animal. Astragalus isalso known to have antiviral qualities thatare specific to heart infections. Echinaceaor other immunostimulant herbs are indi-cated in circumstances where bacterial orviral infection is involved.

Digestive System

Problems

We are all familiar with the sounds andsights of an animal suffering from diges-tive upset—and with cleaning up theaftermath. This is not a pleasant part oftaking care of animals, but it’s a fact oflife, nonetheless.

It’s normal for a healthy animal tovomit or get diarrhea on occasion. Dogsand cats may intuitively induce vomitingby eating grass or other plants. Thisaction serves to cleanse the stomach.Diarrhea may occur if your animal eatssomething that he is not accustomed toor eats too much of something that hisbody doesn’t need, such as salty foodthat was sneaked beneath the dinnertable. Vomiting and diarrhea are usuallyharmless and self-correcting, but theycould also be symptoms of a much moreserious condition.

Digestive upset could be indicative ofa parasite imbalance, pancreatitis, colitis,giardiasis, ulcers, liver dysfunction, bacte-rial or protozoan infection, or even can-cer. This leads us back to what holisticanimal healing is all about: caring aboutyour animal enough to recognize the dif-ference between an isolated incident anda serious illness.

THE REALITY OF DIGESTIVE UPSET Human nature dictates that anythingunpleasant to any of the human sensesmust be immediately suppressed orignored. To think about vomit or diar-rhea, much less look at what it contains,is virtually taboo. Humanity’s aversiontoward secondhand food material is alimiting factor in the holistic care of ani-mals. If we are to care for beloved com-panions who cannot articulate how theyfeel, we must learn to set aside this aver-sion long enough to consider fully whatvomiting and having diarrhea mightactually mean in terms of their health. Is

A CARDIOVASCULAR

TONIC

Combine the following glycerintinctures:2 parts hawthorn

2 parts dandelion leaf

1 part yarrow

1 part ginkgo

An appropriate dose for dogs, cats,and other small animals is 0.05–1.0milliliter for each 20 pounds of theanimal’s body weight daily. Horsesand other large herbivores canreceive 20–30 milliliters daily. Ifmore practical, horses and otherlarge herbivores can be fed 1–2 litersof the fresh herbs daily (in lieu of thetincture formula).

In addition to this formula,dietary supplementation of garlicmay be of benefit to the animal.


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that mess on the sofa just a wad of grassor a hair ball, or does it contain blood(which sometimes looks like coffeegrounds), worms, or thick yellow dis-charge? Forcing yourself to thoroughlyexamine the mess rather than covering itup immediately with half a roll of papertowels might make the differencebetween health and sickness for yourcompanion.

The conventional way of dealing withdigestive upset is to suppress the uncom-fortable or unpleasant symptoms. Fordiarrhea, there are stool hardeners. Forconstipation, there are laxatives. Forvomiting, there are antiemetic drugs. Butfrom a holistic perspective, the para-mount question of what caused theproblem in the first place remains unan-swered with these approaches. In fact,stopping the body’s efforts to purge itselfmay do more harm than good.

If your animal is experiencing chronicdiarrhea or is vomiting but is exhibitingno other signs of disease, try changinghis diet. Oftentimes when an animal isplaced on a natural diet, these occur-rences are greatly diminished or eliminat-ed altogether. Food supplementationwith digestive probiotics and enzymesoften helps too. If your animal’s stool orvomit looks odd or if the situation issevere or persistent, see your veterinarianimmediately.

APPETITE LOSS (ANOREXIA) ANDMALABSORPTIONLoss of appetite in animals is seen inmany different illnesses. It can be verydangerous for cats, who may suffer fromhepatic lipidosis, a degenerative condi-tion where the liver becomes congestedand dysfunctional from a rapid buildupof fat. A cat with hepatic lipidosis loseshis ability to use stored fat, and as aresult, the body utilizes its own musclemass as a source of protein. About 35

percent of cats with this disease eventu-ally die from it.

If your companion chooses not to eat,don’t jump to conclusions and panic. Forvarious reasons, some animals may natu-rally decide to fast. Fasting should beallowed if it doesn’t continue for morethan a few days and as long as the animalseems healthy in all other ways. Keep aclose eye for signs of weakness, weightloss, fever, runny eyes, or any other signsof ill health. If after a few days of fastingyour companion is still turning up hisnose to his favorite treats, assume thatsomething is wrong—even if he seemsotherwise healthy—and get to a vet!

A gum or tooth infection, ulcers ofthe mouth, periods of strenuous exer-cise, or warm weather may causedecreased appetite. Intestinal parasites,digestive ulcers, tumors or other masses,digestive flora imbalances, bacterial orfungal infections, and liver dysfunctionare just a few causes of appetite loss.Your companion also may be depressedor simply bored with his diet. In otherwords, the possibilities are endless andsome are life threatening. If your com-panion isn’t eating and you can’t pin-point the cause on your own within afew days, the best course of action is toconsult your holistic veterinarian formedical help.

It’s difficult to generalize about howto approach appetite loss because thepossible causes are too diverse andextensive. It is safe to say, however, thatvitamins, probiotics, and enzyme supple-ments play important roles in animalswho aren’t cleaning their plates. In addi-tion, a few herbs stand out in their abili-ties to stimulate appetite and improvenutrient absorption in the digestive sys-tems of some animals. One such herb isyucca, which contains saponin con-stituents that are believed to increasenutrient permeability in the small intes-



231

tine while at the same time stimulatingappetite. By improving the absorption ofnutrients, animals who are eating less areable to make the best use of the foodthey do eat. Alfalfa is another herb toconsider—it is nutritious and is alsoregarded as an appetite stimulant in ani-mals. Both yucca and alfalfa should beused in moderation (especially with hors-es), as they may actually cause digestiveupset or bloat if fed in too much abun-dance. Bitter herbs such as gentian, dan-delion, and Oregon grape may help getthe digestive juices flowing to trigger anincrease in appetite, as might pepper-mint, fennel, or garlic.

COLIC AND FLATULENCEThe term colic is generic, referring toany condition that causes pain, inflam-mation, or other discomfort in thecolon. Most commonly, colic is causedby flatulence (trapped gas), which isusually associated with abdominal dis-tention and irritability. Colic is mostoften caused by something the animalingested, but bacterial, fungal, or para-sitic infection may also be the cause, ascould a deficiency in liver or gallbladderfunctions or an ulcer, a tumor, or aninjury somewhere in the digestive tract.Regardless of the onset, colic can beespecially serious in horses—so seriousthat herbs may not act fast enough toprevent a life-threatening situation. Ifyour horse is suffering from colic, callyour vet immediately!

To find a long-term solution to colic(especially chronic, recurring cases), youmust first identify the underlying causes.Then and only then can a holistic, long-term solution be found. Until you findthe answer, it is possible to relieve theuncomfortable symptoms of colic withherbs. The first course of remedial actionis to aid in the elimination of excess gasand help reduce pain and spasms in the

colon. Chamomile, fennel, dill, catnip, orpeppermint are all good choices for this.If inflammation appears to be part of theproblem, slippery elm, plantain, marsh-mallow, raspberry leaf, certified organicgoldenseal, or nettle may help. If an ulceris suspected, licorice lends antimicrobialand anti-inflammatory properties that areespecially well suited for the problem. Ifgiardiasis, E. coli, or some other form ofparasitic, bacterial, or fungal infection ispart of the problem, consider combiningOregon grape or goldenseal tincturewith an equal amount of licorice tincture(0.5–1 milliliter for each 20 pounds of ananimal’s body weight, twice daily). Thishelps inhibit the invading microbes whilespeeding the healing of digestivemucosa. Fresh echinacea can be especial-ly helpful for horses suffering from colicof bacterial origin—allow the animals toeat as much of the fresh plants (roots,flowers, and all) as they intuitively desire.

DIARRHEADiarrhea is caused by an overabundanceof fluid entering the intestinal tract. Thisin turn can interfere with the digestionprocess and may result in malabsorption

Dill expels intestinal gas and soothes thestomach.


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and severe dehydration if left unad-dressed. From a holistic perspective, diar-rhea is a by-product of systemic dysfunc-tion or the body’s effort to deal withsome form of excess. Normally, nutrientspass through intestinal mucous mem-branes to enter the bloodstream. To aidin this metabolic process, the mem-branes allow a measured amount ofwater, bile, and other digestive fluids toenter the intestinal tract from the oppo-site direction (from the body). When toomuch fluid is allowed to enter the intes-tinal tract for whatever reason, loosestool is the result. Conversely, when toolittle fluid is allowed into the intestinaltract, constipation occurs.

The standard, symptomatic ap-proach to diarrhea is to inhibit theentrance of fluid into the intestinal tract.This is usually accomplished with the

use of astringent herbs or drugs—thosethat cause contraction (shrinking) ofmucous membranes. By quickly shrink-ing intestinal membranes, excess fluid isprohibited from entering the digestivetract, and the stool firms up. If herbs arethe medicine of choice, those contain-ing large amounts of tannin con-stituents, such as uva ursi, rose bark, orwhite oak bark, are generally the quick-est acting. The problem is that theseand most other “tannin heavyweights”can be irritating to the stomach and kid-neys and therefore must be used onlyfor a short duration—about a day or twoat a time. The better approach is to bepatient. Try gentler astringents first,such as chamomile or raspberry leaf. Ifthese fail, try slippery elm or plantain(our favorite)—these herbs combinetheir tannin constituents with the sooth-ing and protecting effects of mucilage.If these herbs fail, try combining one ofthe aforementioned astringents with anequal amount of marshmallow root. Thesoothing, mucilaginous quality of themarshmallow helps moderate the irritat-ing effect of the tannins.

With all of that said, it’s now time toreconsider the use of astringents alto-gether. Remember, the goal of holisticherbal medicine is to assist the body inits abilities to correct and heal itself.When we use astringent herbs to treatdiarrhea, we are only suppressing thebody’s response to deeper problems.Plus, we have to consider that the diar-rhea actually might be part of thebody’s natural healing process. The bot-tom line is this: if your animal is suffer-ing from a sudden onset of diarrhea, tryto make lifestyle arrangements thatallow you to live with the situation for aday or two—until it passes. Encourageyour animal to drink plenty of water,restrict salt intake, and let nature takeits course. If bacterial infection or giar-

A BASIC FORMULA

FOR COLIC

Combine the following ingredientseither as teas, tinctures, or driedherbs:1 part fennel seed

1 part marshmallow root

1 part chamomile

An appropriate starting dose formost dogs is either 1 tablespoon ofthe dried herbs, 1 milliliter of a low-alcohol tincture combination, or 2tablespoons of a strong tea sprin-kled on a small amount of food,twice daily. Cats should receive halfof the dog dose. Horses and otherherbivores can be fed 2–4 cups ofthe dried herbs or 4–8 cups of thefresh herbs daily.



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diasis is the suspected cause, Oregongrape or certified organic goldensealmight help solve the problem.

Regardless of what you might suspect,if the problem persists or worsens, takeyour companion to a holistic vet for athorough examination. At the very least,have the stool analyzed for the presenceof blood, worms, or other evidence ofdeeper health problems, and be sure thatthe animal is drinking plenty of water toavoid dehydration. Once the underlyingcauses are identified, a holistic course ofaction can be directed at the root cause(not the symptoms) of the problem.

CONSTIPATIONConstipation is usually caused when thebody is unable to fully digest food orwhen other materials cause a blockage. Ifan animal is receiving a healthy, well-bal-anced diet, constipation should not be aproblem, and contrary to what manyconventional dog and cat care texts maysay, a healthy diet should include freshraw bones from an organic source, if pos-sible. The idea that raw bones causedigestive blockages in dogs and cats isuntrue, at least if the animal is healthy tostart with. Carnivores are naturallydesigned to digest and metabolizebones. If they can’t digest them and con-stipation occurs, it’s because their diges-tive system is not working efficiently (orperhaps they’re eating too many bones).

In treating constipation, the first stepis to rule out the possibility that yourcompanion ate something he shouldn’thave—such as a piece of wood; pine nee-dles; some tough dry grass; or perhapsthat heirloom tapestry that was handeddown through your family for fifteengenerations. If ingestion of “somethingdifferent” is ruled out, then look deeperfor some sort of interrelated problem.Start with a thorough reevaluation of dietand make sure that your animal is receiv-ing the enzymes and probiotics neededfor healthy digestive flora. Try feedingyour companion some organic, live-cul-tured yogurt. Eating yogurt activatesreproduction of digestive flora and oftenhas quick and natural laxative effects. Ifthe animal is straining to pass stool, thensome ground flaxseed, psyllium husk, ormarshmallow root might help lubricatethe intestines. Feed 1⁄4 teaspoon of anyof these herbs for each 20 pounds of ananimal’s weight along with plenty ofwater. Fresh chickweed can be fed tohorses, goats, llamas, dogs, cats, birds,and other animals for a gentle laxativeand soothing effect.

A TONIC FORMULA FOR

CHRONIC CONSTIPATION

Combine the following as eitherdried herbs, low-alcohol tinctures,or strong teas:2 parts dandelion root

2 parts marshmallow root

1 part Oregon grape

1 part yellow dock

1 part fennel (to relieve anyassociated gas or griping)

*This diet should be supplementedwith flaxseed or psyllium husks.

For dogs, try 1 teaspoon of thestrong, combined, cooled teas or 1milliliter of the tincture per 30pounds of body weight, two orthree times daily.

Cats can receive 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoonof the strong, combined, cooledteas or 0.25–0.50 milliliters of thetincture per 15 pounds of bodyweight, two or three times daily.


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Chronic constipation is often a cumu-lative effect of liver or gallbladder con-gestion or dysfunction. If bile productionis reduced in the liver, or if the gallblad-der or a bile duct is blocked by solidwaste or inflammation, then the diges-tive tract cannot receive the chemicals itneeds to effectively break down foodmaterials. The result is constipation.Again, this condition is usually caused byone or more elements of the diet (such aslow-grade protein or too much fat) thatcannot be effectively digested andmetabolized. Aside from a change indiet, the herbal approach is to improvebile production and transport with chol-agogue herbs such as dandelion root andOregon grape. If the problem is believedto be associated with liver damage orinflammation, milk thistle, turmeric, orlicorice should be added to the programto help protect and regenerate liver cells.Essential fatty acids, such as those foundin the oils of flaxseed, evening primrose,and borage, serve critical roles in liverrepair as well.

By now you may have noticed that wehave not mentioned the use of laxativeherbs. This is because constipation isalmost always a by-product of a deeperproblem for which a laxative can serveonly as a symptomatic quick fix. Thestrongest laxative herbs are those con-taining anthraquinone constituents.Anthraquinones stimulate peristalsis—spasmodic smooth-muscle contractionsof the bowels. In effect, these spasmsforce stool out of the body, causinguncomfortable cramping, griping pain,gas, and loss of smooth-muscle tone.With long-term use, laxatives can evencause digestive dependency (i.e., youranimal will not be able to pass stool with-out the laxative). Since the holisticapproach to animal health is focused onassisting (as opposed to forcing) thebody with its natural functions, strong

laxatives such as senna, aloe, cascarasagrada, and turkey rhubarb should bereserved for times when all else fails andbowel movement is an immediate neces-sity. Before resorting to any of theseherbs, give yellow dock a try. Although ittoo contains considerable amounts ofanthraquinones, it tends to be muchmore gentle, and it imparts liver anddigestive stimulating qualities that add toits value in treating constipation. We findit especially effective when used in smallproportions with liver tonic herbs, suchas dandelion root.

Finally, when encountering constipa-tion in pregnant animals, the safestapproach is to avoid anything that con-tains anthraquinones. Instead, look tomarshmallow, chickweed, flaxseed, orpsyllium husks to provide colonic lubrica-tion without stressing the reproductiveorgans or the fetus.

Horses and other herbivores seldomget constipated, but they commonly suf-fer from various other forms of colic.When these animals do get constipated,it’s usually attributable to poor-qualityfeed or forage or to the ingestion of sand,gravel, and other nonorganic materials.In these circumstances, dietary supple-mentation with a few tablespoons ofground or finely chopped marshmallow,flaxseed, or psyllium husks usually assistwith elimination.

HAIR BALLSAnyone who has been licked by a catknows that felines have rough, “barbed”tongues. This makes it difficult for themto spit hair out after each of their hun-dred or so daily baths, so they must swal-low the hair. This in turn may lead tovomiting and the possibility of intestinalobstructions.

One conventional approach to hairballs is to feed the affected cat somepetroleum jelly, a practice we feel is espe-



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cially dangerous because the jelly, beingtotally insoluble in water, can be aspirat-ed into the lungs of a choking or vomit-ing cat and cause life-threatening pneu-monia. Other approaches employ laxa-tives, the theory being that the hair ballscan be expeditiously eliminated out theopposite end of the kitty. Again wefrown—the poor cat is having a toughenough time without suffering a caretak-er-induced case of intestinal crampingand diarrhea.

Fortunately, there are some safe andeffective actions you can take to helpyour feline eliminate hair balls more easi-ly. Foremost is a well-balanced, raw fooddiet. Raw meats, bones, and vegetablescontain the fiber and roughage necessaryto bind with ingested hair and carry itout of the body. Giving 1⁄4 teaspoon ofbran, psyllium husks, or ground flaxseedalso provides fiber and lubricatingmucilage to help remove hair balls.Giving 1⁄2 teaspoon of marshmallow roottea or 12–20 drops of the glycerin tinc-ture will likely help lubricate the processas well. If your cat will eat marshmallowroot au natural, 1⁄4–1⁄2 teaspoon of fresh ordried root can be finely chopped andadded to Kitty’s food for a similar effect.Adding a teaspoon of olive oil to the foodcan be helpful too.

For rabbits who get intestinal obstruc-tions of fur, a common practice by somerabbit caretakers is to feed pineapplejuice to “melt” the fur away. The fur pass-ing more easily is probably due to theenzymatic action of the juice, and sup-plementing with digestive enzymeswould most likely work in a similar fash-ion when used as a preventative.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASEInflammatory bowel disease and colitisinvolve mucosal inflammation of thecolon. Animals with inflammatory boweldisease often suffer from severe diarrhea,

labored or painful bowel movements,gastric distention, and rectal bleeding ormucus discharge. In cats, the problem issometimes labeled Crohn’s disease.Causes are often difficult to pinpoint,even with the best diagnostic methods.Immune system disorders, circulatoryimpairment in the intestinal tract, para-sitic infections, defects in permeability ofthe intestinal wall, dietary sensitivities, oradverse drug reactions are all part of along list of causative possibilities.

Conventional approaches to inflam-matory bowel disease include feeding acontrolled diet that may include supple-mental dietary fiber and the use of corti-costeroids and other immunosuppressivedrugs. In cats, inflammation is oftentreated with sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), acompound that is also used in humansfor similar disorders.

Natural therapies usually start withadjustments in diet and supplementationwith vitamins and probiotics that supportdigestion and moderate immune systemactivities. A daily regimen of n-acetylglu-cosamine (250–1,500 milligrams), glut-amine (250–3,000 milligrams), Lacto-bacillus acidophilus (20–500 millionmicroorganisms), proanthocyanidincomplex (10–200 milligrams), dimethyl-glycine (50–250 milligrams), and vita-min C (250–3000 milligrams) representsone suggested nutritional therapy fordogs and cats. Papaya supplements mayalso prove beneficial in improving diges-tion, but care must be taken to assurethat any or all of these supplements donot cause or worsen diarrhea.

The symptoms of inflammatorybowel disease can often be relievedwith the same herbs we recommend fortreating gastritis. Because reduction ofmucosal inflammation is of criticalimportance, anti-inflammatory anddemulcent herbs such as licorice, slip-pery elm, plantain, marshmallow,


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flaxseed, and psyllium husks may beespecially useful. Aloe vera juice or cal-endula may also relieve the discomfortsof inflammatory bowel disease.Certified organic goldenseal may helpto reduce mucosal inflammation.Astragalus is well suited for immunesupport in cases in which infection maybe involved because it tends not tooverstimulate the immune system whenan increased autoimmune responsemay already be a contributing factor inthe inflammation.

LEAKY GUT SYNDROME(INTESTINAL DYSBIOSIS ANDHYPERPERMEABILITY)Leaky gut is a term used for a conditionin which food compounds abnormallypermeate intestinal barriers to enter the

bloodstream. Oftentimes, this leads to animmediate defensive attack by theimmune system and severe food aller-gies. In some cases, systemic infection,arthritis, seborrhea, or other forms ofautoimmune disease may result.

Leaky gut syndrome has many causes,any number of which may be secondaryto another. Poor diet; excessive use ofantibiotic drugs; or bacterial, parasitic, orfungal infections may alter digestive florato the point that intestinal mucosal barri-ers will be vulnerable and weakened bycertain food-carried chemicals. The prob-lem may also be caused by chronicinflammatory bowel disease—when theintestinal mucosa is inflamed, its structur-al integrity may be altered in a way thatallows unusually large food particles, bac-teria, parasites, fungi (such as Candidaalbicans), or protozoa to cross intestine-blood barriers.

The most effective approach to avoidleaky gut is with a natural diet that con-tains all of the probiotic elements neces-sary for healthy digestive flora, struc-ture, and function. Research has shownthat glutamine, a fatty acid component,plays important roles in maintaining guttonicity, thus reducing the possibility ofleaky gut. One study concluded thatanimals deprived of glutamine weremore likely to suffer sepsis, bacterialinfection of the blood.

Leaky gut can be progressive anddebilitating shortly after onset. Theholistic approach toward correcting theproblem is to provide supplementalmeasures of digestive probiotics to buildintestinal flora and strengthen mucosalbarriers. Plantain, marshmallow, rasp-berry leaf, certified organic goldenseal,and chamomile can be used to reduceinflammation, tonify intestinal mucosa,and provide an additional barrieragainst invading microbes. Flaxseed isalso strongly indicated, as it provides

A FORMULA FOR

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL

DISEASE

Combine the following as eitherteas, tinctures, or dried herbs:2 parts slippery elm or plantain

1 part marshmallow root

1 part licorice

1 part fennel seed

For dogs, 1 tablespoon of the driedherbs, 1 milliliter of a low-alcoholtincture combination, or 2 table-spoons of a strong tea can be fedtwice daily. Cats should receive halfthe dog dose. Horses and other her-bivores can be fed 2–4 cups of thedried herbs or 4–8 cups of the freshherbs daily.



237

soothing, cleansing, and protectivemucilage and fiber constituents as wellas an added measure of mucosa-strengthening omega-3 fatty acids.

Ear Problems

Ear problems most commonly come in theform of bacterial or fungal infections, mites,fleas, or foreign objects (foxtails, dirt, etc.)lodged in the ear canal. Some other com-mon problems include hematoma of theearflap and tumors of the inner ear.

Mullein flower, Oregon grape, garlic,marshmallow, ginkgo, and yarrow areespecially well suited for treating infec-tions and parasite infestations of the ear.Mullein flower, garlic, and Oregon grapeare all strong antimicrobials with strongaffinities toward inhibition of mites andvarious pathogens that may cause ear

problems. The slippery oily mucilage ofmarshmallow root provides soothingrelief and a protective, antimicrobial bar-rier on inflamed tissues of the outer ear.Yarrow is especially useful for treatingsmall hematomas of the earflap. Usedexternally, the oil helps strengthen exteri-or capillary walls, while internal doses ofyarrow and ginkgo tea or tinctureimprove capillary circulation and internaltonicity. Witch hazel may also be effectivefor external treatment of earflaphematomas, as its strong astringencyquickly constricts weak or inflamed bloodvessels.

Elderly Animal Care

What is considered old for a pet? Weknow that to a certain degree longevityvaries with the type, size, and breed of ananimal. For example, a small dog maylive into his teens, while a larger breed ofdog may be entering his golden years atonly seven or eight years of age. But forthose of us who strive to understandwhat life must be like from the animal’sperspective, a different question comesto mind: What would our pets them-selves regard as old age?

We all grow old. Various body partsbecome fatigued from oxidation and wearand tear, systemic efficiency begins todecline, and certain bodily functions sim-ply don’t work as well as they used to. Buthow much of the aging process is actuallyrelative to time and physiological degener-ation, and how much is the result of sur-rendering to the thought of being old andfeeble? We raise this question on behalf ofthe animals who have taught us just howcarefree and fun the latter part of life canreally be. Unlike humans, animals agewithout even considering the concepts ofmortality and personal vanity, and those ofus who pay close enough attention tothem can gain some precious insightabout what being old really means.

ANTIMICROBIAL AND

ANTIPARASITIC EAR OIL

Combine equal amounts of thefollowing oil infusions:Mullein flower

Oregon grape

Garlic

Marshmallow

You can add 10–20 drops of vitaminE oil to this mixture to act as a pre-servative and aid in skin healing. Forear mites or infections of fungal orbacterial origin, 6–12 drops of theoil can be applied to affected areasof the earflap or ear canal. A softplastic dropper is best for applica-tion into the ear canal, while a pieceof soft cotton, gauze, or even cleanfingertips will suffice as an externalapplicator.


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For humans, old age is as much aproduct of mind-set as it is of physical cir-cumstances. To animals, the entire ideaof “yielding to the wheels of time” doesnot apply—an elderly animal does notlive in anticipation of death but in cele-bration of life. As his human guardiansroll their tired old bodies out of bed inthe morning and moan, groan, and com-plain about their hemorrhoids, the elder-ly dog waits by the door virtually shout-ing, “Who cares about not having teethanymore? There’s a squirrel out there andit’s near my doghouse! Let’s go get him!”There are some powerful lessons aboutlife and happiness here.

Chronic diseases are often disregard-ed as just a part of growing old. In fact,many pet owners see their animals’ old

age as a downhill slide to inevitable suf-fering and death. As a result of this mind-set, countless numbers of animals areeuthanized not because their time hasnaturally passed but because theirguardians are fearful of watching the ani-mals grow old and die a natural death.Granted, it’s difficult to live in anticipa-tion of a companion’s death, but allthings considered, this is really our prob-lem, not theirs.

The fact that an animal is growingold and becoming more susceptible toillness does not automatically predis-pose him to chronic disease, it justmeans that he needs some added careand attention. With your loving support,your old best friend can enjoy life rightup to his last day.

We are firm believers that animalswho receive plenty of love and atten-tion, a wholesome homemade diet, aminimum of vaccinations, and holisticmeasures of health care throughouttheir lives can beat the odds of longevi-ty set by genetics, breeding, and physi-cal size. By affording them the elementsof sustained health and well-being, ani-mals reward us before and after theypass from our lives. They leave us withthe peace of mind that comes fromknowing that their lives were totally ful-filled by kindhearted and respectfulhuman beings who cared enough toallow them to live and age gracefullyand innocently—as animals do.

HERBAL THERAPIESMost chronic problems seen in elderlyanimals are the results of poor or incom-plete nutrition. Liver problems, chronicrenal failure, diabetes, arthritis and hipdysplasia, and neurological problems(such as canine cognitive dysfunction)are just a few of the conditions that maybe prevented by lifelong good nutrition.Tailor a dietary program to your com-

Providing your pet with a healthful diet,holistic lifestyle, and a lifetime of love canhelp him enjoy his later years.



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panion’s specific needs as early as possi-ble. Each month of nutritional deficien-cy can trim healthy years from the latterend of your animal’s life. A holistic vet-erinarian can assist you in determiningthe proper diet and nutrients for theage, physical condition, and lifestyle ofyour companion.

In older animals, herbs are especiallyuseful for providing added support tobody functions and systems that arebecoming less efficient. Nothing cancompare with spirulina or other forms ofblue-green algae for tonic nutritionalsupport of an aging body. Astragalus isan especially well-suited general tonic forolder animals because it provides a meas-ured degree of immune system supportwhile also strengthening the animal’sresistance to stress. Garlic serves this pur-pose as well, but added care must beexercised in assuring that it does notcause digestive upset in elderly animals.

The liver and digestive organs endurea lifetime of abusive environmental tox-ins and systemic waste materials, so itstands to reason that they will eventuallybegin to fail in the later years of life. Tosupport liver and digestive functions, ananimal’s diet should be frequently reeval-uated and adjusted as needed to accom-modate any reduction in these organs’metabolic capacities. Additionally, diges-tion and waste elimination can beimproved with digestive enzymes andmild liver stimulants, such as dande-lion or burdock root. These help withthe removal of solid wastes from thebody while increasing the productionof bile and digestive enzymes.Marshmallow root, fed fresh, dried, orin any form of low-alcohol liquid, aidsin the passage of stool by providing aprotective, anti-inflammatory, andlubricating barrier to the intestinalmucosa. Flaxseed or psyllium huskswork in a similar manner as well.

The kidneys have a difficult life toobecause they must filter and eliminatewaste from the blood over the course ofa lifetime. Over time they may becomescarred and dysfunctional from repetitiveinfections, stones, and other damaginginfluences that may or may not havebeen detected earlier. To increase urinaryefficiency and help strengthen mucousmembranes in the urinary tract, a tea ofdandelion leaf, nettle, cleavers, or parsleyleaf can be added to the animal’s drink-ing water—just enough to noticeably tintthe water. Giving one of these herbs pro-vides alterative qualities that the animal’sbody can selectively utilize to eliminatewaste and maintain clean, well-nourishedblood. This can be done every day for theremainder of the animal’s life.

If the animal displays early symptomsof renal failure, twice-daily doses of gink-go and hawthorn help to improve bloodcirculation and reduce blood pressure inthe kidneys, while corn silk, marshmal-low, and plantain help to reduce anyinflammation.

Oatstraw serves as an excellent nerv-ous system tonic that can be fed daily tohelp improve and regulate nerve trans-mission. In animals who display dimin-ished mental clarity or odd behavior thatis attributable to brain dysfunction (e.g.,cognitive dysfunction in canines) bloodcirculation and neurological functions ofthe brain can be assisted and sometimesimproved with the use of ginkgo, gotukola, or peppermint. In certain cases,Saint-John’s-wort may be beneficial aswell, but this determination should bemade by a holistic veterinarian who isfamiliar with your animal.

Aches, pains, and loss of mobilitythat result from joint and connective tis-sue degeneration may be relieved withsupplements of glucosamine or chon-droitin sulfate, horsetail, or yucca root.In cases of arthritis flare-ups, licorice,


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devil’s claw, or boswellia may bringsymptomatic relief.

Cardiovascular efficiency can be sup-ported with daily supplementation ofhawthorn berries. If circulatory impair-ment is evident in the legs, ears, or tailof the animal, ginkgo, yarrow, orcayenne may be of assistance. TheAnimal Essentials dry herb and vitaminformula is also a good broad-spectrumdaily supplement.

WHEN THE END IS NEARIf your companion receives a good diet,plenty of exercise, and a lot of lovingattention, chances are excellent that hewill live happily to a ripe old age.However, any animal guardian must beprepared for the inevitable end. This caninvolve the need for you to make theweighty and difficult decision of whetheryour pet’s death should be kindly assist-ed. This choice is ultimately up to you,and there’s no easy way around it.Recently, there has been some interest inhospices for animals, similar to the hos-pices we are familiar with for people. Vetsbecome involved in the hospice-careteam and help teach a caregiver how tomaintain and care for an animal who isdying in the home. It can make the dyingexperience much less confusing for boththe animal and his guardian.

Endocrine System and

Related Problems

The endocrine system consists of glandu-lar organs and structures that are situat-ed throughout the body, each of whichproduces and secretes specific hormonesand other substances for distribution viathe blood or lymph. The specific sub-stances produced by the various compo-nents of the endocrine system play keyroles in activating or regulating organfunctions and countless other metabolicactivities and balances throughout the

body. If one or more components of thiscomplex and interrelated system fails, achain reaction of dysfunction can be trig-gered throughout the body.

Because endocrine system diseasesand disorders can affect a wide variety oforgans and functions throughout thebody, such conditions are easily misdiag-nosed and often written off as behavioraldisorders or dietary problems. The insidi-ous nature of endocrine disease is com-pounded by its typically slow progres-sion, and oftentimes a problem is notaccurately identified until the animal’scondition is irreversible. This is when lov-ing attentiveness and a well-kept diary bya holistic caregiver can really pay off. Bynoticing and addressing subtle symp-toms when they first occur, a guardiancan take corrective measures againstmost endocrine system problems beforethey become life threatening.

ADRENAL GLAND DISORDERSThe adrenal glands produce various hor-mones that are important in nervous sys-tem functions, regulation of the immunesystem, and bodily responses to stressfulsituations. The adrenal cortex (the outertissues of the adrenal glands) is chieflyresponsible for the body’s production ofcorticosteroids, the hormones responsi-ble for natural control of inflammation.

Addison’s Disease(Hypoadrenocorticism)Addison’s disease is caused by deficientsecretion of cortisone and other hor-mones from the adrenal cortex. Thecause of the disease is unknown, but itmay be secondary to an immune systemdisorder that is responsible for destroyingthe adrenal glands. Usually the diseaseprogresses slowly, allowing an attentivecaregiver to take remedial action early.

Secondary hypoadrenocorticism iscaused when synthetic corticosteroids



241

are introduced into the body, naturaladrenal functions are replaced, and theadrenal cortex subsequently begins toshut down. Many animals who are finish-ing prednisolone or other steroid thera-pies or animals who have been subjectedto excessive vaccinations suffer from thisform of hypoadrenocorticism.

Addison’s disease occurs most fre-quently in middle-aged female dogs. Itrarely occurs in cats. Early symptoms maybe subtle and include occasional lack ofappetite, digestive upset, and decreasedenergy and stamina. In many cases,symptoms may be apparent only duringor after an activity that causes physical orpsychological stress, such as a car ride, afrightening encounter with a big, meandog, or a dreaded trip to the vet.Symptoms progressively worsen overtime until the slightest measure of stressmay result in debilitation.

Degeneration of the adrenal glands isgenerally irreversible, but if the nutrientsneeded for maintaining a healthy bodyand balanced immune system are provid-ed, progression of the disease can beslowed dramatically. An organic raw fooddiet, free from pesticide residues, antibi-otics, and livestock growth or milk pro-duction hormones, is likely to yield thebest results. Additionally, a high-qualitydietary supplement that contains a fullcomplement of vitamins, minerals, andEFAs is strongly indicated. Supplementalfeeding of dried nettle, dandelion leaf, orparsley leaf provides the body with anarray of vitamins and minerals that areessential in maintaining strong adrenalfunctions. Any or all of these herbs canbe mixed with the animal’s food—1 levelteaspoon per pound of food fed daily.Spirulina is also an excellent supplementfor adrenal care—1⁄4 teaspoon for eachpound of food fed daily. An excellentherb and vitamin supplement calledAnimal Essentials is well suited for

animals that have Addison’s disease ordiabetes mellitus.

Borage leaf may help gently boostadrenal output, particularly in cases asso-ciated with extended steroid therapies.Licorice offers a much stronger boost toadrenal function. It’s important to note,however, that these herbs only stimulateadrenal function, they do not repair oradequately nourish the glands. Siberianginseng or other adaptogenic herbs maybe useful for reducing the impact ofstress upon the adrenal glands.

Cushing’s Disease(Hyperadrenocorticism)The opposite of Addison’s disease isCushing’s disease in which overactiveadrenal glands produce too much corti-sone and other hormones. This is mostcommonly caused (in about 85 percentof all cases) by a malignant or benigntumor of the pituitary gland. The tumorcauses the pituitary to overproduce ahormone that stimulates the adrenalgland, causing Cushing’s disease. Thedisease may also be caused by excessiveuse of corticosteroid drugs or by a tumorof one or both adrenal glands.

Cushing’s disease occurs in dogs,cats, horses, and other animals. Thecondition progresses with tumor growth.Symptoms include increased thirst andappetite; increased urination; abdomi-nal distention; increased panting; obe-sity; muscle weakness; hair loss; anddry, scaly, or wrinkled skin.

Conventional treatment is based onthe diagnosis of the cause. In cases thatstem from a pituitary or adrenal glandtumor, surgical removal or drug therapiesare both options. The prognosis is vari-able according to the amount of diseaseprogression.

Herbal therapy is limited to tonic sup-port of organs and systems that are sub-jected to additional stress because of the


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disease. Dandelion root, burdock, garlic,and nettle are good choices for support-ing an overtaxed liver and digestive sys-tem and to help replace potassium that islost as a result of increased urination.Adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian gin-seng or astragalus help buffer adrenalresponses to stress. Kelp is especially use-ful for maintaining iodine and other tracemineral levels that are essential for adre-nal function. If your companion hasCushing’s disease, avoid licorice, borageleaf, and other herbs that stimulate adre-nal activity.

DIABETES MELLITUSDiabetes comes in many forms, eachrequiring specific courses of treatment.To simplify, the most common form ofdiabetes (diabetes mellitus) occurs whenthe pancreas becomes dysfunctional andproduces too little insulin. Because of thisdeficit, the body is unable to effectivelyutilize or store the glucose, proteins, fats,and carbohydrates needed to maintainhomeostasis. Consequently, serious im-balances are triggered throughout thebody. If left untreated, animals with dia-betes mellitus suffer and are likely to suc-cumb to kidney failure, loss of vision, orany number of autoimmune, heart, ornervous system problems.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dia-betes. Conventional treatment of ad-vanced cases usually involves insulinreplacement therapy. This approach canbe effective, but all too often other rela-tive factors are never addressed. Thesefactors include special trace mineral orEFA needs that arise from special de-mands placed upon overworked organs,as well as kidney damage that has alreadyoccurred from the disease.

Diabetic animals should receive regu-lar exercise and good, wholesome foodfed in small amounts, several timesthroughout the day. By ingesting many

small meals, the body has an easier timeproducing, using, and stabilizing insulinand glucose levels. Dietary yeast may beadded to the animal’s diet to aid in themetabolism of glucose, and 25 to 200 IUof vitamin E each day may help reducean animal’s insulin requirement. For dogsand cats, a daily regimen of 50–300micrograms of chromium; 500–6,000milligrams of vitamin C; 4–160 mil-ligrams of digestive enzymes; 200–1,500milligrams of n-acetylglucosamine; and10–200 milligrams of proanthocyanidincomplex may be of benefit as well.Regular exercise is important for main-taining healthy body weight and car-diopulmonary function and may alsohelp decrease the animal’s insulin need.

The primary role of herbs in treatingdiabetes is to help strengthen and sup-port systems of the body that have beenravaged by the metabolic chaos of thedisease. Because a diabetic body has adiminished capacity to utilize criticalnutrients, herbs that strengthen diges-tion and nutrient absorption are stronglyindicated. These include bitter herbssuch as dandelion leaf, chamomile (boththe leaf and the flower), calendula, andhop. In addition, yucca and alfalfa areuseful for increasing absorption of nutri-ents in the small intestine. Dandelionroot and burdock root both contain con-siderable amounts of inulin, a compoundthat helps moderate and maintain bloodsugar levels. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)or huckleberry leaf (Vaccinium sp.) mayalso be effective in moderating glucoselevels in the blood, and a few juniperberries added to each feeding may helpoptimize the body’s utilization of insulin.Cardiovascular and kidney efficiency canbe improved with the use of hawthornand ginkgo. Scientific studies haveshown that aloe vera and chemical com-pounds found in fenugreek seeds mayalso reduce blood glucose levels and



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stimulate insulin production in diabeticanimals. Animal Essentials is an excellentherb and vitamin supplement for diabet-ic dogs and cats.

PANCREATITISThe pancreas produces insulin, a sub-stance that enables the body to utilizeand store glucose (the body’s fuel). It alsoproduces pancreatic enzymes that areessential for digesting food and assimilat-ing nutrients in the digestive tract. It is adelicate organ that is easily damaged andslow to heal.

Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pan-creas, can result from a high-fat diet,obesity, traumatic injury, or excessive useof corticosteroid, antibiotic, or diureticdrugs. It can also be related to underly-ing systemic problems such as liver, gall-bladder, or kidney disease; cardiovasculardisease; or bacterial infection. Symptomsmay include abdominal pain, restless-ness, severe vomiting and diarrhea(sometimes with blood present), dimin-ished appetite, and weakness. Onset canoccur quickly (acute pancreatitis), orsymptoms can progressively worsen overtime (chronic pancreatitis). Pancreatitis ismost common in middle-aged dogs,especially those who are overweightfrom being “pampered” with generousjunk-food handouts. The disease is lesscommon in cats.

Natural treatment of pancreatitis iscentered on diet and nutrition. To easethe inflamed organ’s burden, mealsshould be doled out in small portions andfed three or more times per day. Foodshould be served with probiotic (e.g., aci-dophilus, bifidus) and enzyme supple-ments at room temperature, which makethe food easier for the animal to digest.And excess fat and foods that contributeto digestive upset should be eliminatedfrom the diet. In addition to healthy foodand food combining, daily supplements

of EFAs such as stabilized flaxseed, fishoils and vitamins A and E are said to helprepair and strengthen the pancreas.

Meats, grains, vegetables, and fats aredigested and absorbed at different meta-bolic rates, the pancreas must producedifferent enzymes for each. A diseasedpancreas may have difficulty producingall the enzymes needed to digest a mealthat includes too many food groups; sotherefore, pancreatic efficiency can beoptimized if each meal is composed offood types that are of similar digestibility.For example, grains and vegetables canbe served together, as can grains andfruits or protein (meat) and vegetables.Meat and grains should not be combinedduring the same meal, however, becausetheir digestion requirements are differ-ent. (For more information on food com-bining, pick up a copy of Keep Your PetHealthy the Natural Way by Pat Lazarus.)

Herbal therapies are best directedtoward supporting organs and systemsrelated to pancreatic function and theonset of pancreatitis. A thorough veteri-nary examination is needed to determinewhich therapy to use. In almost all cases,treatment of pancreatic disease requirestonic support of the liver and digestivesystem. Milk thistle helps to regenerateand restore normal function to a liverthat is damaged as a result of drug ther-apies or infection. Dandelion, burdockroot, or Oregon grape can help improvedigestion and reduce pancreatic stress bygently increasing bile and enzyme pro-duction in the liver. If bacterial infectionis present, echinacea helps to boost theimmune system’s response to the invad-ing microbes. Yarrow is said to helpreduce pancreatic inflammation andimprove blood circulation to the organ.

THYROID PROBLEMSThe thyroid gland consists of two lobes,one located on each side of the trachea.


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The gland secretes important hormones,including thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine(T3), and calcitonin. Release of these hor-mones is controlled by yet another hor-mone, called thyroid stimulating hor-mone (TSH), which is produced by thepituitary gland.

Thyroid hormones control the intensi-ty of critical functions throughout thebody, including heart rate, body temper-ature, fat and glucose metabolism, diges-tion, and neurological activities. If thethyroid becomes dysfunctional, someserious health problems occur.

HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism occurs when a thyroidtumor, a viral or bacterial infection, orenvironmental or nutritional factorscause the thyroid gland to secrete excesshormones into the blood. Symptomsmay include ravenous appetite, weightloss, increased water consumption andurination, aggressive or hyperactivebehavior, and rapid or erratic heartbeatand respiration. The problem occursmore frequently in cats than in dogs orother animals.

Conventional treatment of hyperthy-roidism ranges from chemotherapy tosurgery to radiation therapy. Oneapproach involves destroying the thyroidcompletely with radiation and then put-ting the animal on hormone replacementtherapy for the rest of his life.

Once the thyroid becomes damagedor dysfunctional, its condition is difficult(some say impossible) to reverse. There-fore, the best holistic approach towardhyperthyroidism is to help prevent it byproviding a good natural diet and avoid-ing unnecessary chemical or environ-mental hazards, including X-rays, anti-biotic therapies, food preservatives, andunneeded vaccinations. Daily supple-ments of vitamin B complex, vitamin C,CoQ10, and EFAs are also important con-

tributors for maintaining healthy thyroidfunction.

Herbal therapies include symptomatictreatment and tonic support of systemsthat are under added stress from anincreased metabolic rate. Bugleweed isconsidered a specific symptomatic reme-dy for hyperthyroidism because it isknown to slow thyroid function by reduc-ing production of TSH. Its use, however,should be monitored by a holistic veteri-narian. Hawthorn is helpful for moderat-ing an erratic heartbeat, while skullcapand valerian may help calm and reducethe “jittery jumpiness” of a hyperthyroidanimal. Kelp and other rich sources ofiodine should be avoided because iodinestimulates thyroid function.

HypothyroidismThe opposite of hyperthyroidism ishypothyroidism—deficient production ofhormones by the thyroid. Hypothy-roidism is usually caused by physicaldegeneration of the thyroid gland, whichcan be the result of protracted drugs ortherapies, radiation such as X-ray expo-sure, vaccinosis, genetic predisposition,or nutritional deficiencies. Hypothyroid-ism occurs rarely in cats and horses orother large animals, but it is fairly com-mon in dogs. Destruction of the thyroidis generally irreversible, and animals whoare suffering advanced stages of thyroiddegeneration may need hormone re-placement therapy.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism includeweight gain, reduced appetite, mentaldullness, lack of energy, hair loss on thetrunk and tail, and a dry coat that pullseasily from the skin. If left untreated, theproblem can lead to chronic seizures,head tilt, lack of coordination, and otherserious neurological disorders.

Iodine is critical in the functions of ahealthy thyroid, and many holistic practi-tioners believe that dietary supplementa-



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tion of iodine-rich kelp helps stimulate anunderactive thyroid. Many researchersand practitioners believe, however, thatsupplemental iodine may contribute toimmune-related factors of the diseaseand trigger a worsening effect.

Licorice may have a slight stimulanteffect on an unproductive but physicallyintact thyroid, and adaptogens such asorganically grown ginseng, astragalus, orSiberian ginseng might help energy lev-els and the body’s response to stress.Otherwise, herb use is limited to treatingthe discomforts subsequent to hypothy-roidism. For instance, related digestivedisorders can be treated with dandelionroot, Oregon grape, or yellow dock,whereas seborrhea might be relieved bygotu kola, burdock, or red clover.

In our opinion, homeopathy and theuse of glandular preparations offer moreeffective courses of early- to late-termtreatment than herbs do.

Epilepsy, Convulsions,

and Seizures

A seizure can be frightening if you’venever seen one before. Some animalsmay experience a seizure once in theirlives and then never again. On the otherhand, some have several seizures everyday of their lives.

The causes of seizures are widely var-ied, ranging from epilepsy to nervoussystem disease or injury. In dogs, hyper-thermia, poisoning, low blood sugar,nutritional deficiencies, distemper, intes-tinal parasites that have entered thebloodstream, tumors, low blood calciumafter birthing, liver or kidney disease, andthyroid problems may be underlying fac-tors. In cats, convulsions may be linked tofeline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxo-plasmosis, lymphosarcoma (leukemia),thiamine deficiency, or a heart disorder.

All cases of seizures involve electricaldisturbances of the brain that result in

muscle contractions of variable intensityand loss of motor control. Many animalslose consciousness and bladder or bowelcontrol during a seizure, and some mayexhibit overly affectionate, frightened, or“clingy” behavior immediately before anepileptic episode. Digestive disorders,hair loss, neuralgia, and several otherproblems may also be associated withchronic convulsive disorders.

Conventional therapies typicallyinvolve the use of phenobarbital, potassi-um bromide, or other anticonvulsantdrugs. These measures can prove to beeffective, but they cannot address theunderlying causes of chronic convulsivedisorders.

HOLISTIC APPROACHESHolistic treatment usually entails a life-long effort, beginning with a dietary andenvironmental assessment and adjust-ment, and continuing with nutritionalsupplementation and herbal therapiesthat focus on normalizing and maintain-

Skullcap is one of several herbs that canbe used to treat epilepsy.


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ing nervous system function. All possibleenvironmental causes of or contributorsto seizures should be removed from yourhome. Eliminate all possible contact withantifreeze fluids, household chemicals,pesticides and herbicides, lead-basedpaints, and other neurotoxins from yourcompanion’s environment. (These sub-stances are harmful to humans, as well.)

Animals with epilepsy or other convul-sive disorders should be on a natural,whole foods diet. Cats with epilepsy,however, should not be fed raw fishbecause it contains thiaminase, anenzyme that breaks down vitamin B1 (thi-amine). Vitamin B1 is essential for healthynervous system functions. In all animals,dietary supplementation with omega-3and omega-6 EFAs is important in thedevelopment and maintenance ofhealthy nervous system structure andfunction. Animal Essentials makes anexcellent EFA supplement for dogs andcats. In addition to EFAs, supplementingyour companion’s diet with essential andnonessential vitamins, minerals, anddigestive enzymes and with probiotics isindicated to assure that the nervous sys-tem is getting everything it needs to healand function optimally. A daily supple-mentation of 100-300 milligrams ofbetaine HCl; 50-500 milligrams ofdimethylglycine; 200-1000 milligrams oftaurine; and 10-200 milligrams of proan-thocyanidin complex is said to be helpfulfor epileptic dogs. Recent studies haveshown that a ketogenic diet can be effec-tive for treating severe epilepsy inhumans, but at this point we can onlyspeculate about the usefulness of thisapproach in animals.

We have seen promising results withthe use of skullcap in the treatment ofepileptic animals. This nervine is believedto moderate overactive synaptic activityin the higher brain centers in whichepileptic episodes may be triggered. We

have received many good reports aboutvalerian and oatstraw, too, especiallywhen they are combined in equal pro-portions with skullcap. Although theseherbs do not represent a cure for epilep-sy, their reported effects include less fre-quent and less severe episodes. Lemonbalm, ginkgo, rosemary, hop, passion-flower, and perhaps kava kava (researchis promising in the area of controllingseizures in rodents) may also be effectivein the treatment of chronic seizures.Additionally, flower essences of vervain orchestnut bud may be helpful in moderat-ing seizures.

FIRST AID FOR SEIZURESIf your animal experiences a seizure, gen-tly protect his head from sharp or hardobjects until the episode passes. Don’tattempt to restrain the animal’s body—the muscle contractions of a violent con-vulsion can be self-injurious if the animalcannot move and jerk about freely. Neverplace your hand in or near your animal’smouth during a seizure—your compan-ion may be unaware of your presenceand may unknowingly bite you withincredible force! If you are indoors duringthe episode, dimming the lights andspeaking softly to your companion helpsreduce the fear and confusion that some-times precedes and usually follows theepisode. Rescue Remedy rubbed on theears before, during, and after a seizuresometimes helps moderate the episodeand calm the animal. Be sure to take ahearty dose yourself!

Eye Problems

Many eye problems are just subtle signsof chronic underlying diseases. Youmight think your animal is the “picture ofperfect health,” but if he has runny eyesor the beginning of cataracts, these con-ditions indicate that there is an underly-ing imbalance. Many times herbs alone



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are not enough to correct that imbal-ance. A vet who is trained well in classichomeopathy can address the underlyingdisease and help the body heal itself.

In some cases of simple infection orirritation, an herbal wash of saline solu-tion and raspberry leaf tea clears up theproblem immediately. In other cases, eyeproblems mark the beginning of a life-long course of holistic therapy.

CATARACTSCataracts are white opacities that blockthe passage of light into the eyes. Theyare caused by loss of water or rearrange-ment of fibrous tissue in the eye lens.Formation of cataracts (known as senilecataracts) is a normal part of the agingprocess. They seldom result in blindnessand usually cause little or no visionimpairment in older animals, even if thepupils take on the blue-white hue that ischaracteristic of the condition. Cataractssometimes involve leakage of lens pro-tein into the inner eye. When this hap-pens, an immune response is triggeredand the animal suffers serious inflamma-tion of the eye.

Providing a well-balanced natural dietthroughout an animal’s life is the surestway to prevent the development of prob-lematic cataracts. In cats, cataracts havebeen linked with vitamin B2 (riboflavin)deficiency, a problem that stems morefrom poor nutrient assimilation than itdoes from lack of vitamin B2 in the aver-age feline diet. Lactation is also believedto deplete the feline body of B2.Therefore, dietary supplementation ofthe digestive enzymes and probioticsnecessary to metabolize B2 is an impor-tant part of cataract prevention—espe-cially in nursing cats. Other recommend-ed vitamin supplements include glu-tathione, vitamin C, CoQ10, proantho-cyanidin complex, vitamin E, anddimethylglycine.

A SIMPLE ASTRINGENT

EYEWASH

Using a clean dropper bottle, com-bine the following: 1⁄2 tsp of cooled clear raspberry leaf or

nettle tea *1⁄2 tsp of Oregon grape or goldenseal

tea *Add 1 oz of sterile saline (availablein the eye care section of supermar-kets and pharmacies) Shake the mixture thoroughly—thefinished solution should be tintedyellow.

* Make sure that the tea is absolute-ly free of particles—you don’t wantthem in your animal’s eyes!

If possible, hold the animal’s head toone side and use a dropper pipetteto thoroughly rinse the eye laterally,from the nose outward, toward theanimal’s cheek. The idea is to washany irritating particles away fromthe animal’s eye. This process can berepeated two or three times dailyuntil the condition improves. If therinse causes further irritation, stopusing it—your companion may besensitive to the herb you areusing. Other herbs to consider foruse in eyewashes include calendu-la, chamomile, thyme, bee balm,chickweed, dandelion leaf, or rosepetals. Regardless of which herbsyou use, be extra careful in assuringthat they are free of dust, pollen, ortoxic residues (such as herbicides or car exhaust), as the eyes areextremely sensitive to such foreignsubstances.


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Both conventional and herbal approach-es to treating cataracts are limited.Conventional treatment includes cataractsurgery, a procedure that can be very effec-tive. While some herbalists claim that a smalldab of eucalyptus honey applied to theinside of the lower eyelid each day for sever-al weeks can reduce the opacity of the eyelens, another approach involves the internaluse of an ancient Chinese herbal formulacalled Hachimijiogan. Animal studies haveshown that Hachimijiogan is capable ofslowing the progression of cataracts, espe-cially if therapy commences during earlystages of the disease. Bilberry, when used inconjunction with vitamin E supplements,has been shown to help stop progression ofsenile cataracts in humans. In this approach,a standardized (to 25 percent anthocyano-sides) bilberry extract is administered at adose of 20-40 milligrams per 40 pounds ofbody weight, three times daily.

According to veterinarian Susan G.Wynn, homeopathic preparation eye-drops made from the juice of Cineraria

maritima can be effective for eliminatingcataracts in animals. Wynn says to dilutethe drops by half with artificial tears (ster-ile saline solution) because the juicestings when used full strength. Whenusing this method, she sometimes seescataracts disappear in two to threemonths.

CONJUNCTIVITISConjunctivitis is a generic term that refersto inflammation of the mucous mem-branes and soft tissues surrounding theeye. The problem occurs when bacteria,fungi, or other foreign substances comein contact with these tissues and tearingfails to eliminate the irritating elements.Most cases are acute and are caused bydust, plant material, or other environ-mental irritants. In these cases, a simplesaline eye rinse usually brings relief. Anastringent eyewash using raspberry leafor nettle tea combined with a tea of cer-tified organic goldenseal or Oregongrape root offers further assistance by

An herbal wash may clear up a simple eyeinfection or irritation.

Homeopathic eyedrops may eliminatecataracts.



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fighting infection and quickly reducinginflammation and soreness.

GLAUCOMAGlaucoma involves abnormally highinner eye pressure. It can occur in mostanimals, but it is especially common incats and in certain breeds of dogs. Thedisease is often secondary to otherintraocular diseases such as inflammatoryadhesions and tumors. Signs of glauco-ma may include swollen or reddenedeyes, dilated fixed pupils, loss of vision,and corneal edema. Conventionalapproaches to glaucoma usually involveantiglaucoma drugs that help reduceintraocular pressure. In some cases, corti-costeroid therapies are used.

Although glaucoma is difficult totreat with herbs, perhaps the greatestsuccess comes from the reduction ofintraocular pressure with herbs such asginkgo and bilberry. Cannabis sativa(marijuana) can be effective, too, but, ofcourse, its accessibility is severely limitedby legal restrictions.

Coleus forskohlii, an herb that’s used inayurvedic medicine, contains forskolin, asubstance that has been shown to signif-icantly reduce intraocular pressure inhumans, monkeys, and rabbits. However,its safety and effectiveness in variousother animals have yet to be determined.

First Aid

BE PREPARED!The old scout motto “Be Prepared” real-ly rings true if you’re out walking yourdog and he is attacked by another dog,cuts himself on barbed wire, or sprainshis paw while playing Frisbee. Having afirst aid kit specially designed for youranimal and knowing how to use it pro-vides insurance for the well-being of yourcompanion. Taking a course from theRed Cross or a local vet, kennel, or shel-

ter enables you to deal with everythingfrom life-threatening emergencies tominor cuts and sprains.

In addition to the basic first aid neces-sities (plenty of gauze dressings and

IDEAS FOR A

FIRST AID KIT

Place some of the following items ina water-resistant carrying case:

• Blankets, extra collars, leashes,muzzles, water bowls

• Gauze, bandages, small flashlight,scissors, tweezers, swabs,Vetwrap™, hemostats, rectal ther-mometer (with case), ear scope,hydrogen peroxide (for use as anemetic in certain poisonings, aswell as an antibacterial woundwash), activated charcoal powder(for poisonings); preserved, sterilesaline solution (for washing outwounds and eyes and to washminor burns)

• Herbal salve, Rescue Remedy,cayenne pepper and yarrow mix(to stop bleeding), herbal tinc-tures such as Oregon grape andechinacea

• A list of items in the kit and briefdescriptions of how they are used

First aid kits for animals are avail-able through many catalogs, andyou can add your own items to per-sonalize the one you choose. A cat-alog company called PetSage car-ries several nice ones, includingone for birds.


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bandages, tweezers, cotton swabs, abulb syringe, and a variety of herbalmedicines), we also carry a homeopathictravel kit with us wherever we go.Homeopathic remedies are compact,convenient, effective, and especially use-

ful for emergency situations. It’s alsoimportant to learn canine and feline car-diopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) andthe ABCs of basic first aid. Regardless ofhow extensive your first aid kit or class-room training might be, everything youcompile is functionally useless if you areunable to react properly in a crisis situa-tion. The most crucial aspects of emer-gency preparedness are proactive studyand mental conditioning. An emergencysituation is a poor time to read up onwhat to do or give. During a crisis, timeis of the essence, especially if your com-panion is bleeding severely or having adifficult time breathing. When placedunder the stress of an emotional, adrena-line-pumped situation (such as after youwatch your cat get hit by a carelessmotorist), the human mind loses muchof its ability to formulate an effective planof action—the mind begins to race, theknees start to shake, dizziness sets in, andit’s difficult to think. Instead of thinkingthe situation through, the brain mustreact by instinct. If there is no planimbedded deep in the mind’s subcon-scious, panic sets in and all control of thesituation is lost to a rampant avalanche ofemotion and confusion.

Panic is our worst enemy in an emer-gency situation because the confusion itcauses paralyzes our abilities to takeeffective actions. It’s best to prepare forstressful emergency situations beforethey occur. This is done by visualizing cri-sis situations so that the mind is betterprepared to respond intuitively and effec-tively when a real emergency occurs. Forinstance, if you are an avid backcountryequestrian, spend some time each weekwith your eyes closed, imagining variousemergency situations that could occur toyou and your companion on yourupcoming trail trips. Be creative but real-istic in your visualization of each unfortu-nate event—imagine the fall, your com-

ECHINACEA AND

OREGON GRAPE

CLAY POULTICE

Combine the following:4 oz green or bentonite clay

(powder)*1⁄2 oz echinacea tincture

(alcohol based)1⁄2 oz Oregon grape tincture

(alcohol based)

*Be sure to use only supplement-grade clay (available at health foodstores)

Bentonite clay that is sold at hard-ware and feed stores often containsharmful bacteria and other impuri-ties. Alcohol-based tinctures (asopposed to glycerin-based) arepreferable because they add astrin-gency to the formula and serve aspreservatives in a poultice that issaved for future use. Thoroughlycombine the three ingredients,adding just enough distilled waterto make a thick paste. The poulticecan then be applied to the affectedareas and left on to dry, if possible.Leftover poultice can be put into anairtight container and stored in therefrigerator almost indefinitely. If itdries out, just add more water ortincture to soften it.



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panion’s pain and terror, your racingheart, and the initial surge of panic anddoubt that starts to envelop you. Thenimagine overcoming that surge and tak-ing control of your emotions to assess thesituation. Imagine opening your first aidkit and systematically selecting the itemsyour companion needs as you calm himdown by softly petting him and assuringhim that you are in charge of the situa-tion. Imagine yourself remedying the sit-uation and knowing that everything willbe fine.

When we worked in emergency serv-ices, we called this exercise “crisisrehearsal”—others call it “creative visual-ization.” To some of you, this may sound

like a program for paranoia, but it is quitethe opposite. Paranoia is born from fearand a conscious sense of being helplessand out of control. Crisis rehearsal buildsconfidence and subconsciously preparesthe mind for unforeseeable events. Eachtime you practice this technique, yoursubconscious mind stores experientialmemories from which to act in emergen-cies. In other words, you don’t need tothink, worry, or be paranoid of unfore-seeable possibilities each time you takeyour companion on an adventure—instead, you have the elements of effec-tive crisis management stored beneaththe enjoyment of your adventure, whereinstinct can retrieve and use them if theneed arises. This is an extremely effectivetechnique for preparing for the worst. Ithas saved our lives and the lives of othersmore than a few times. Crisis rehearsalcan make the difference between life anddeath for you and your companion.

BITES AND STINGSIf your companion receives a bite or asting, the first course of action is to try toidentify what launched the attack. Ofcourse, this is not always possible, but ifyou can learn about the nature of thebite or sting, you will be more effective attreating it. In most cases, the primarycourse of action is to minimize pain,swelling, and the possibility of infectionwith the use of astringent and antimicro-bial herbs. A poultice or infusion of plan-tain, sage, bee balm, mullein, calendula,or chamomile can be directly applied tothe site of an insect bite or sting for thesepurposes. To make a poultice, simplymash a few fresh leaves of the herb witha small amount of water to make a crudepestolike paste. In the field, the herb canbe crushed and chewed in your mouth,then applied as a paste to the wound.Oregon grape, goldenseal, myrrh, thyme,or echinacea tincture, oil infusion, or salve

FIRST AID OIL FOR

CONTUSIONS AND

BLUNT TRAUMA INJURIES

Combine equal parts of the follow-ing oil infusions*: Yarrow

Comfrey

Saint-John’s-wort

*See “Basics of Herbal Preparations”in chapter 1 for instructions on howto make an oil infusion.

Apply this first aid oil immediately toblunt injuries where subdermalbleeding is evident. After a day ortwo when the bleeding has stoppedand the healing process has begun,arnica oil can be applied sparingly tothe injury site for up to three days(any longer might irritate the skin).This will help move congested fluidsout of the injured area by opening upcapillaries.


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can be applied to the area if strongerantimicrobial agents are warranted. Oneor all of these herbal preparations areexcellent choices for building a first aidkit. An infusion of rosemary can be usedfor a bite or sting to gently bathe andsoothe the surrounding area. Adding 6–8drops of tea tree oil diluted in 1 ounce ofwater is also good for direct applicationto bites and stings, but be careful withanimals who have sensitive skin—the oilis strong.

For severe welts and inflammation,strong astringents such as decoctions ofuva ursi, rose bark, white oak bark, orjuniper leaves can be liberally applied toaffected areas. A clay poultice made withbentonite clay is also effective, especiallywhen herbs such as echinacea andOregon grape are added to support lym-phatic functions and inhibit infection.When applied to the site of a sting orbite, the clay pulls antigens away fromthe body to reduce swelling and helpprevent capillary transport of venom intoother areas.

Bites from toxic spiders, such as thebrown recluse or black widow, or ven-omous snakes should be immediately fol-lowed with large doses of vitamin C andechinacea to build the body’s immunedefenses and increase lymphatic cleans-ing of involved tissues. Immediateadministration of the appropriate home-opathic remedy is also highly advisable.In the case of a bee or wasp sting, thehomeopathic remedies Apis and Ledumhelp relieve stinging and swelling. Ifthere is an anaphylactic reaction, or if theairway is compromised in any way, get toa veterinarian immediately. If you alreadyknow that your companion is predis-posed to acute allergic reactions, youshould be carrying a prescriptioninjectable epinephrine and antihistaminekit (Anakit or Epipen) that helps to anti-dote your animal’s reaction to insect or

reptile venoms. See your veterinarianabout obtaining a kit.

BRUISES, BUMPS, ANDOTHER BLUNT TRAUMASContusions (bruises) are caused whenblunt impact or crushing pressure causestissue damage and bleeding beneath theskin. In humans, contusions are usuallycharacterized by their purplish red color.Because animals have different skin pigments and hair, feathers, fur, or scalesto hide such evidence of injury, contu-sions and other forms of traumatic, sub-dermal hematoma must be identified byother symptoms. Usually there is swellingand tenderness at the site of a contusion.The animal may favor or lick the injuredbody area. Close examination (beneaththe animal’s coat) usually reveals discol-oration at the site.

Since contusions are containedbeneath the skin, the risk of infection islow (provided the animal is healthy tobegin with). First aid usually begins withapplying an ice pack to slow bleedingand assist the coagulation process.Contrary to what some herbalists maythink, arnica oil or salve is sometimescontraindicated in the early treatment ofcontusions or subdermal hematoma.Arnica, a peripheral vasodilator thatworks rapidly, may actually increasebleeding at the site of injury. Instead ofreaching for your handy first aid vial ofarnica oil, reach for an oil infusion ofyarrow. Yarrow is remarkable because itacts as a vasodilator when ingested butas a fast-acting vasoconstrictor andhemostatic agent when applied topically.This makes it very useful for reducing theseverity of fresh contusions, especiallywhen combined with an oil infusion ofSaint-John’s-wort. Having a special affini-ty toward the repair of crushed nerveendings, Saint-John’s-wort helps torelieve pain and minimize the possibility



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of lasting nerve impairment. Comfrey oil,salve, and poultice are also excellent firstaid devices for blunt trauma injuriesbecause they gently assist with lymph cir-culation without contributing to internalbleeding, and they accelerate the regen-eration of damaged cell structures.

BURNS AND SCALDSThere are two important considerationsto keep in mind when your companionsuffers a burn. One is that until the site ofthe injury cools down, cellular damagecan continue for several minutes after aburn first occurs. This is especially true ifthe burn was caused by steam or scald-ing fluid, which can penetrate tissues andcarry injurious heat deep beneath theskin. Another consideration to keep inmind is that when the skin is damaged,its ability to resist infection is greatlyimpaired. To defend itself against invad-ing bacteria, the skin relies upon delicatecell membranes and thousands of tinycapillaries to carry lymph, blood, and var-ious antibodies throughout its structure.When a burn occurs, circulation isobstructed within the site of injury, andthe deprived tissues are left vulnerable toinfection.

The first course in treating a burn is tocool it down. Ideally, the site of the burnshould be liberally irrigated with coolsterile saline, which greatly reduces thecontinued destruction of cells. If sterilesaline is not available, clean water(preferably distilled), snow, or ice can begenerously applied—just keep in mindthat the area you are irrigating is espe-cially susceptible to any infectiousmicrobes that may be in the water (i.e.,the cleaner it is, the better). Never applya salve, oil, or ointment to a burn—thesetypes of preparations can seal in heat andbacteria, making the situation worse.Don’t cover the burned area with a band-age either unless you will be able to keep

the dressing continually soaked withcool, clean water.

If the burn appears to be deep (sec-ond or third degree) or if it involves themouth, nose, feet, or a large percentageof the animal’s body, get the animal to aveterinarian immediately—the situationmight be serious.

The second course of action (forminor burns) is to take continuing meas-ures to assure that the burn is kept clean.Irrigate the burn several times each daywith sterile saline. Aloe juice can bedirectly applied to the burn after eachirrigation to help fight infection, reducepain, and speed the healing process. Acooled tea of chaparral, calendula, orgotu kola can be effective for these pur-poses as well, as might a poultice of freshchickweed. Comfrey is useful too, but itshould not be applied until you areabsolutely sure that the risk of infectionhas passed. Comfrey heals wounds sofast that it can seal bacteria or fungi intothe wound! A skin rinse of chamomile,peppermint, catnip, bee balm, or thymemay bring relief from pain. Lavender oil(8 drops diluted into each ounce of cleanwater) is also good for relieving the painof burns and scalds.

The homeopathic remedies Apis andUrtica spp. (nettle) are effective treat-ments for burns. We keep a bottle ofdiluted Urtica tincture in our kitchen foruse on burns. It takes the sting awayimmediately and prevents blistering. Itcan also be given internally.

To help the healing process frominside out, dietary supplements of vita-mins C and E are important, as are fattyacids. Gotu kola can be added to an ani-mal’s diet to help with skin regeneration,as can horsetail.

FRACTURESObviously, herbs cannot be expected to realign and set a broken bone, but a


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variety of herbs are useful throughout thepostclinical healing process. Horsetail,nettle, comfrey, and alfalfa all containnutritional components that play impor-tant roles in the healing of bone tissue.Yarrow and ginkgo help by increasingblood circulation in impaired extremities.Licorice, yucca, devil’s claw, Saint-John’s-wort, and cayenne are all useful forreducing inflammation and pain.Valerian, skullcap, passionflower, or hopcan be used to help a recovering animalrest and relax.

HEATSTROKE, HYPERTHERMIA, ANDHEAT EXHAUSTIONHeatstroke or heat exhaustion can occuras a result of too much strenuous exer-cise or excessive exposure to heat. Ifheatstroke is not treated immediatelythe animal’s body temperature may riseto irreversible levels and brain damage,kidney failure, or death may quickly fol-low. Symptoms of heat illness includeexcessive panting or difficulty breath-

ing, high body temperature (above104° F for a dog or cat), lethargy or col-lapse, loss of appetite, bloody diarrheaor vomit, increased heart rate, increasedrespiratory rate, reddened tongue oreye tissues, hot and flushed skin, andseizures or coma.

Perhaps the most common cause ofheat-related illness and death in dogsand cats occurs when they are left in carson a warm or hot day. Don’t ever leaveyour companion in the car unless theweather is mild, there is ample shade topark under, the windows can be leftrolled down, and the animal is left withplenty of drinking water. Even on daysthat don’t seem hot, the temperature ina well-ventilated vehicle can exceed 100°F in a matter of minutes. With the win-dows rolled up, the temperature canclimb to 180° F (a steak cooks at 140° F)!Dogs and cats need to pant and get freshair to cool themselves. If you find an ani-mal in a car that is closed up, try to con-tact the owner and offer to give a bowl ofwater to his or her companion who“looks thirsty.” If done in a nonthreaten-ing way, without offending the person,you could save an animal’s life. If the per-son insists on letting the animal suffer,call the local law enforcement agency.

If your companion displays signs ofheat-related illness, get to a cool areaimmediately, wet the animal with water,and if possible, take the animal’s rectaltemperature. If the animal’s temperatureseems abnormally high, get to a vetimmediately. If you are carrying a home-opathic kit with you, you might tryadministering a dose of Glonoinum(30C) while en route. Rescue Remedy (aflower essence formula) might be helpfulas well. Allow your animal to drink asmuch cool water as he needs.

After the danger has passed and yourcompanion appears to be recovering,you can begin replacing lost minerals

ALL-PURPOSE FIRST AID

OIL OR SALVE

Saint-John’s-wort oil infusion

Oregon Grape oil infusion

Comfrey oil infusion

1 oz grated beeswax

Combine equal amounts of the oilinfusions. Add the grated beeswaxto the combined oils. Gently heatthe mixture over a low flame, stir-ring constantly until the beeswaxhas completely melted and com-bined with the oils. Remove fromheat and pour into salve jars imme-diately—it thickens as it cools.



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and nutrients by feeding him herbs suchas nettle or chickweed tea.

MOTION SICKNESSMotion sickness is fairly common amongdogs and cats, especially puppies andthose who seldom take rides in cars. Thecauses of motion sickness are varied. Theinner ears of puppies and other younganimals continue to develop until theanimals approach adolescence, whichmeans that their equilibrium may beespecially sensitive to motion. Anotherfactor comes into play in animals who arefrightened or become hyperactive duringcar rides. In these animals, extreme nerv-ousness may cause stomach upset, dizzi-ness, or hyperventilation, all of which canresult in vomiting.

In most cases, motion sicknessbecomes less of a problem as an animalmatures or becomes accustomed to thefeeling of hurtling through space in a“crate on wheels.” Have you everthought about how an animal mightperceive such an unnatural occurrenceas a car ride? With this in mind, it’simportant to help your companion toconsider car rides to be fun as early inlife as possible. Make a point to playwith your companion at the destina-tions of her first couple dozen car tripsto replace confusion and fear withanticipation of a good time. For manyanimals, this approach is effective. Wedearly remember riding to our moun-tain cabin with our dog Mollie on week-ends. The winding highway and steepravines often made her nervous andcarsick, so each time we reached themost challenging part of the highway,we would begin saying to her, “Getyour Frisbee! Get your stick! Do youwant to go swimming? Find the cat (herbeloved friend and playmate)!” After afew verses of this, her mind would be sofocused on the playtime that would

soon follow that she would forgetabout the frightening ride and car sick-ness wasn’t a problem. Eventually, hernervousness during car rides was com-pletely replaced by the thrill of anotheradventure.

Of course, some animals may never getover motion sickness, and anything thatmight help is certainly appreciated, espe-cially if you’re sharing a subcompactsedan with a Newfoundland. Ginger, pep-permint, catnip, fennel, or dill might helprelieve an upset stomach that might leadto vomiting. Ginkgo is known to improveblood circulation in the inner ear and mayhelp with equilibrium problems. Valerianhelps calm a hyperactive animal and alsoeases a nervous stomach. Skullcap, pas-sionflower, and oatstraw are all excellentnervine-sedatives that can help reducenervous anxiety. Of course, before you tryany of these (in combination or singular-ly), give Rescue Remedy (flower essences)a try. A few drops on your animal’s tonguejust before you get into the car mightmake the difference between an unpleas-ant episode and a fun car ride.

PENETRATING INJURIES (CUTS,SCRAPES, PUNCTURES)Penetrating injuries are part of life, espe-cially if you have an active outdoor ani-mal. Animals tolerate wounds much bet-ter than we humans do, and providedanimals have healthy lymph and immunesystems and no blood-clotting disorders,minor open injuries usually heal quicklyand completely. The primary concernhere is that the injury is kept clean and aswell ventilated as cleanliness allows.From a holistic perspective, an animallicking his open wound is a natural partof the healing process. This is how ani-mals cleanse wounds, and, in fact, thesaliva of dogs and cats contain antimicro-bial properties that help fight infectionand speed healing.


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At the onset of a penetrating injury,the first course of action is to make surethat the bleeding is in no way life threat-ening. If bleeding is profuse, nothingserves as a better hemostatic agent thana half-and-half mix of powdered cayenneand yarrow. When applied liberally anddirectly into a wound, these two herbswork amazingly well to stop hemorrhageand inhibit infection. After the powder isapplied, gauze compresses can then beplaced on top to assist the process andkeep the injury clean. Treat for shock,and get your companion to a veterinari-an immediately.

If the wound does not appear to belife threatening, allow it to flush and sealitself, and thoroughly clean the site withfresh water (use sterile saline if possible)or some hydrogen peroxide as soon aspossible. Oregon grape, goldenseal,Saint-John’s-wort, thyme, sage, echi-nacea, or yarrow tea or liniment can beused to irrigate the wound each day tohelp prevent infection. Tea tree oil iseffective too, but it must be diluted. Add8 drops into 1 ounce of olive, almond, orapricot kernel oil. Calendula, comfrey,gotu kola, or aloe can be added to thedaily regimen after risk of infection haspassed to help speed the healing processand reduce scarring. Any or all of theherbs we just mentioned can be used inthe form of a first aid salve that is appliedbetween each daily cleansing. The salveis also useful for field treatment of minorwounds.

POISONINGA shocking number of companion ani-mals die each year of poisoning. Somecases involve cruel human intent, othersan unfortunate discovery or accident. Butmost companion animal poisonings arethe direct result of carelessness.Improperly stored or disposed of auto-motive antifreeze fluid represents one of

the most frequent causes of accidentalanimal poisoning. Ethylene glycol, thecompound found in antifreeze, has asweet flavor that is appealing to dogs,cats, and other animals. It destroys thekidneys, and as little as 1 tablespoon canbe fatal to a medium or large dog.

Lead poisoning from old house paint,discarded batteries, spilled petroleumproducts, or industrial waste is also acommon cause of companion animalpoisoning. Pesticides, herbicides, andhousehold cleaning chemicals are famil-iar toxins as well.

The mechanisms by which poisons actagainst the body are as varied as theirchemistries. Lead-based poisons causebrain damage, while pesticides, herbi-cides, and household chemicals maycause nervous system damage, liver andkidney damage, internal bleeding,hypoxic blood disorders, or even cancer.Certain plants may cause poisoning too,although animals are less likely to ingestthem, and their effects are mostly limitedto digestive upset, photosensitive reac-tions, rashes, and in a few cases, internalbleeding. Food poisoning is usually limit-ed to the digestive tract and is generallycorrected by vomiting.

The chemical structure of a poisonand the way it behaves in the body dic-tates the manner in which an animal istreated. In some cases, vomiting isinduced to expel the poison from thebody as quickly as possible. But in otherinstances, such as ingestion of petroleumproducts or acids, vomiting may furthercompound the problem by allowing poi-son to enter the lungs or burn the esoph-agus on the way out. This makes a gen-eral approach to poisoning impossibleand illustrates why it’s critically importantto identify the source of poisoning asquickly as possible.

To prepare for the unforeseeable,keep some activated charcoal on hand.



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This is fed to a poisoned animal underthe direction of a veterinarian to helpabsorb many forms of poison as the ani-mal is rushed to the veterinary hospital.

If a poisoning does happen, don’twaste time with home treatment—getyour companion to a veterinarian imme-diately! If two or more humans are pres-ent, one should transport the animal,while the other(s) should confirm theidentity of the suspected poison andrelay that information to the waitingveterinarian.

Although many types of herbs such asviolet root, elderberry, and aloe can beused to induce vomiting in certain casesof poisoning, this action is not recom-mended unless you know the exactnature of the poison and the propercourse of action. Guessing can be fatal.Therefore, herbs are best reserved to sup-port and help rejuvenate an animal’sbody after the crisis has passed.

To help repair the liver after a poison-ing, milk thistle is strongly indicated. If theliver is inflamed, licorice may be of bene-fit. Mild cholagogue, alterative, anddiuretic herbs, such as dandelion (rootand leaf), burdock, alfalfa, and red clover,assist the body in efforts to eliminate resid-ual toxins and their metabolic by-prod-ucts. Yellow dock is believed to helpremove heavy metals from the body.Immunostimulant and antioxidant herbssuch as echinacea and garlic give theimmune system a needed boost, whileadaptogens such as astragalus or Siberianginseng can help improve the body’soverall responses to the added stress. Ifkidney damage is evident, marshmallow,corn silk, ginkgo, hawthorn, horsetail, andcouch grass are all candidates for use.

If you wish to learn more about poi-sonings or need help during an emer-gency, call the Animal Poison ControlCenter at 1-888-426-4435. A consulta-tion fee of $60 applies.

SHOCKShock occurs when the vascular system isunable to provide adequate blood supplyto vital organs. Hemorrhagic shock iscaused when blood pressure and volumeare reduced as a result of internal orexternal bleeding. Cardiogenic shockoccurs when heart disease or dysfunctioncauses a reduction of blood delivery toother organs. Septic shock is causedwhen bacteria invade the heart muscle,other organs, or the blood itself andcause enough injury to cells to interferewith their ability to utilize oxygen. Alltypes of shock create a situation in whichvarious body tissues are deprived of oxy-gen that would normally be provided bythe blood. Shock is therefore a life-threat-ening situation that demands immediateand decisive first aid attention. Get to avet! You must stop bleeding and takemeasures to increase blood volumeimmediately. If the animal’s breathing islabored, try to position his body in a waythat appears to make breathing easier. Ifpossible, try to keep the lower half of theanimal’s body slightly higher than theheart and head—this helps to keep bloodvolume at the brain, heart, and lungs.

While en route to the veterinarian,Rescue Remedy can be applied to theears, paws, or lips of a conscious orunconscious animal. TTouch, acupres-sure, and homeopathic remedies(Aconite and Arnica) may also provehelpful. If you’ve been trained, be pre-pared to perform CPR in the event of car-diac arrest.

After a shock crisis is over, cardiopul-monary function can be assisted with theuse of cardiovascular tonics. Hawthornand ginkgo can be fed to strengthen theheart and increase blood circulationthroughout the body. Yarrow or cayennecan be used to increase blood circulationand oxygenation in the lungs. Nettle,spirulina, and alfalfa are good nutritives


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for building healthy blood. Garlic feedsthe blood and also has antioxidant, vas-cular tonic, and immunotonic qualities.

TENDONITIS, SPRAINS, ANDLIGAMENT INJURIESInjuries of fibrous tissues that connectmuscle with bone can be extremelypainful and slow to heal. Generally speak-ing, the sooner herbal therapy starts, thefaster the animal’s recovery will be.

Arnica oil, salve, or poultice should beapplied immediately after the injuryoccurs—this begins the healing processby increasing capillary circulation andlymphatic infusion. However, Arnicashould not be used on open wounds. IfArnica is not available, yarrow, cayenne,or Saint-John’s-wort may prove benefi-cial, as will a poultice compress of com-frey. Homeopathic Arnica, Ledum, Rhustoxicodendron, or Ruta (depending onsymptoms) may be effective first aidtreatments as well.

To continue the healing process, theanimal’s diet can be supplemented withvitamin C and glucosamine sulfate orchondroitin sulfate. These supplementsplay positive roles in the reconstructionof connective tissues. Feeding your com-panion animal horsetail and comfrey canalso aid in the reconstructive process. Tohelp minimize pain and inflammation,yucca, licorice, willow bark (but not forcats), devil’s claw, and boswellia are allchoices to consider. Yarrow and ginkgocan be fed to maintain good blood circu-lation in the affected extremity.

Immune System Care

To recognize and treat immune systemdisorders effectively, it’s important tohave a general understanding of whatthe immune system is and how it works.The immune system is composed of acomplex assortment of various cells andmolecules, all of which are joined in an

interdependent effort to maintain a bal-anced state of health. Each and everyorgan, tissue, and cell of the body has anintegral role in this effort—the liver andkidneys, for instance, are responsible forfiltering toxins and waste from the blood,and the skin serves as a first line ofdefense against pathogenic microbesand other environmental threats.Working beneath or within the structuresand functions of the various organs andtissues of the body is a sophisticatedarmy of frontline defenders—the millionsof special cells, molecules, and microbeswe know specifically as the immune sys-tem. Each member of this elite army hasa special function—some members serveas sentries and detectives with the solepurpose of seeking out and identifyingharmful invaders or waste products,while others serve as responding attack-ers to kill and remove invading microbesand other foreign substances.

Like any army, the immune systemmust quickly reach each battlefield, orsite of infection, to be effective. To allowa rapid response, the blood and lymphat-ic system serve as the army’s transportand incursion system. The blood carriesantibodies (specialized proteins thatserve to detect and report any foreignpresence to the army’s soldiers), lympho-cytes and monocytes (the first-responseassault teams), and interleukins and vari-ous other cytokines (messenger mole-cules that provide communicationbetween other elements of the army), aswell as oxygen and nutrients that arenecessary to feed tissues and wage a bat-tle wherever the immune army is need-ed. To clean up the aftermath of battle,the spleen filters the blood and serves asa fatal trap for foreign bodies that werenot killed by the body’s warriors.

The lymphatic system’s purpose is tocleanse and nourish cells and tissues andto carry the immune effort across barriers



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that cannot be effectively reached by theblood. Lymphocytes are produced in thebone marrow, thymus (hence the “T” inkiller T cells), and throughout the body invarious mucosal-associated lymphoidtissues. The lymph (a clear, viscous fluid)then carries these warriors via an intri-cate network of tiny vessels on an end-less journey in and out of the blood-stream and the body’s various tissues. Asthe lymphocytes seek and destroy for-eign invaders, the lymph picks up theirdead bodies and other debris. The wasteis then filtered out and survivinginvaders are destroyed at lymph nodesthat are strategically positionedthroughout the body.

Autoimmune disease or dysfunctionoccurs when one or more elements ofthe immune system becomes deficient,overwhelmed, or overactive. Holistictreatment of autoimmune diseases (suchas lupus, arthritis, FIV, allergies, to namea few) centers on assisting the body in itsinnate ability to establish and maintainbalance and preparedness within theimmune system. The use of vaccines,antibiotics, and steroid drugs is contra-dictory to the holistic healing effortbecause these substances are antagonis-tic to the body’s natural defense mecha-nisms. Such measures work by suppress-ing, confusing, or bypassing naturalimmune functions, which amounts to anartificially induced state of autoimmunedeficiency.

Barring genetic predisposition, ani-mals who are consistently well nourishedand properly cared for have strongimmune systems throughout their long,healthy lives. On the other hand, animalswho are subjected to immunosuppres-sive drug therapies eventually developsome form of immune dysfunction—per-haps arthritis, chronic seborrhea, aller-gies, or diminished resistance to certainstrains of bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

Whether or not to vaccinate yourcompanion involves heated argumentsamong animal care professionals on bothsides of the issue, as well as political,social, economic, and legal interests. Atthe root of all the confusion lies a press-ing question: Should well-informed ani-mal guardians be allowed to decide whatis best for their beloved companion ani-mals? We, of course, believe that ownersshould have that right. Although we can-not advise anyone to break the law inareas where vaccinations are deemedmandatory, we are holistically opposedto vaccinating animals.

HERBS FOR IMMUNE SYSTEMSUPPORTMany of the diseases and problems dis-cussed in this book are related to theimmune system. A few diseases or syn-dromes are recognized as being directlyrelated to immunity and might be con-sidered autoimmune diseases. When

Stimulating the immune system withechinacea may be counter-productive tothe healing process.


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most herb users think of immune systemsupport, immunostimulant standbyssuch as echinacea immediately come tomind. For many immune-related disor-ders, however, increased stimulation ofimmune system functions represents onlya small part of a complete herbal therapy,and in some cases, stimulation ofimmune activities may actually be coun-terproductive in the healing effort. Agood case in point is discoid lupus ery-thematosus (DLE), a disease that occursprimarily in dogs and less commonly incats. Discoid lupus erythematosus is achronic inflammatory condition of theskin (primarily that of the nose, lips,cheeks, and ears) that occurs as the resultof a failure in the regulating mechanismsof the immune system, specifically thosethat prevent the body from attacking itsown cells. In other words, the immunearmy works against the body it is sup-posed to protect. Animals with DLE typi-cally suffer from pyoderma, seborrhea,and other chronic conditions of the skin,as well as arthritis, kidney problems, andother immune-mediated forms of dis-ease. For obvious reasons, it would beinadvisable to further stimulate theimmune system with herbs such as echi-nacea. On the other hand, many herbscan act as immune moderators, meaningthat they help adjust the immune systeminto balance. Such herbs include astra-galus, shiitake and reishi mushrooms,garlic, and ginseng.

The immune system and its variableproblems are complex, and no singleherb serves as a panacea for immune sys-tem dysfunction. Because a great deal ofsensationalism has been placed on herbsthat have been shown to stimulateimmune system functions, many peoplehave been led to believe that an herbsuch as echinacea is always the first thingto reach for to fight any problem thatinvolves the immune system. Entre-

preneurs have made such claims a multi-million dollar affair, but the claims simplyaren’t true.

Contrary to what many herb productmanufacturers might lead you to believe,immune system support does not beginwith stimulation. In fact, stimulationshould be limited to activating a healthyimmune system in times when increasedimmune response is necessary to repelviral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Insome cases of immune-mediated disease,immunostimulants may ultimately domore harm than good. For instance,echinacea and Saint-John’s-wort arecapable of stimulating reproduction ofkiller T cells, the search-and-destroy sol-diers whose numbers are severely dimin-ished in people or animals with AIDS. Onthe surface of the problem, stimulation ofT cells may sound like a good idea, butby stimulating their reproduction, wemay also be aggravating and accelerat-ing the mechanisms that are causingtheir destruction. Therefore, the bestcourse of action in immune-mediatedproblems is to support the body in itsefforts to reestablish and maintainhealthy balance among all aspects of nat-ural immunity.

If stimulating the immune system isindicated, several herbs are available thathave immunostimulant qualities. Someherbs, such as echinacea, have strongand specific immune-stimulating activi-ties, making them especially useful whenthe immune system needs a quick boost.Others, such as garlic, Siberian ginseng,astragalus, licorice, shiitake and reishimushrooms, and turmeric, offer im-mune-supportive qualities in addition toa wide spectrum of tonic activities. Forinstance, astragalus, shiitake and reishimushrooms, and Siberian ginseng are alladaptogens, meaning that they helpincrease energy levels and improve thebody’s ability to respond to stressful situ-



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ations (such as systemic disease, infec-tion, or emotional trauma). Garlic offersstrong antimicrobial, antioxidant, andhypotensive activities in addition tobeing an immunostimulant device.Turmeric stimulates liver and digestivefunctions as part of its immune-boostingagenda. Licorice and borage stimulatethe adrenal glands and support and pro-tect the liver, making them useful intreating Addison’s disease (hypoadreno-corticism) or problems that stem fromsteroid drug use or excessive X-rayexposure.

In summary, before you pick up echi-nacea for immune system support, edu-cate yourself. Find out more about yourcompanion animal’s condition and readup on echinacea and other herbs men-tioned in this book as well as otherimmune-supportive herbs. You will likelyfind an herb that is specifically suited toyour companion’s needs.

ALLERGIESAllergies occur when antigenic sub-stances (allergens) enter the body andtrigger a disproportionately aggressiveimmune response. Conventional treat-ment usually involves the use of antihista-mine and corticosteroid drugs. Thesedrugs suppress immune system functionsso that the uncomfortable symptoms ofallergy cannot occur. This action allevi-ates the symptoms for a while but leavestheir actual causes unaddressed. In fact,such drugs may compound the underly-ing immune system dysfunction that iscausing the problem in the first place.

Allergies are a symptom of animmune system disorder that may berelated to a nutritional deficiency orexcess, steroid or antibiotic therapies,vaccinosis, or metabolic dysfunction.Therefore, the questions to ask in theholistic treatment of allergies are three-fold: (1) What substance is causing an

immune response, (2) Why is theimmune system responding so dispro-portionately to the substance, and (3)What can be done to help correct thisresponse?

Holistic treatment is focused on mod-erating immune responses and improv-ing the body’s ability to process and elim-inate potential allergens. The effortbegins with an intensive assessment ofthe animal’s diet, environment, andhealth care history. As causative factorsare identified and dealt with, herbal ther-apy begins with tonic support of liver,digestive, lymphatic, and urinary func-tions that are responsible for filtering andeliminating problematic substances fromthe body. This in turn supports andimproves immune activities by helping toremove antigenic substances and meta-bolic waste products that might be com-pounding the problem. At the core ofthis approach are alterative, diuretic, andcholagogue herbs. Burdock, red clover,dandelion root, spirulina, and alfalfa areall worthy candidates for improving liverefficiency and building strong, healthyblood. The oils or stabilized powders offlaxseed, borage seed, black currantseed, and evening primrose seed containEFAs that play important roles in immunesystem development and health.Dandelion leaf serves especially well asan effective diuretic agent to aid in theelimination of waste products that arecarried out of the body via the urine.Nettle is an excellent tonic for animalswho suffer from seasonal allergies, as itlends mild antihistamine relief in addi-tion to strong diuretic and blood-nour-ishing qualities. The Basic SupportFormula under “Skin Problems” is usefulfor all of these purposes.

Uncomfortable symptoms of allergycan be approached according to the sys-tems involved. In severe cases in whichidentification of causative factors proves


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to be a lengthy process, licorice can beused as a less-obtrusive alternative tosteroid drugs. The Systemic DetoxifyingFormula under “Skin Problems” may beeffective. It’s important to remember,

however, that symptomatic suppressiondoes not amount to a cure. Don’t befooled into action by the joy of seeingyour companion feel better—keep look-ing for answers until a long-term holisticsolution is found.

Because an allergy equates to an over-active immune system, immunostimulantherbs (such as echinacea) may be con-traindicated. Adaptogenic herbs, thoseherbs that improve or support the body’sresponse to stressful circumstances suchas Siberian ginseng or astragalus may behelpful in re-establishing and maintain-ing immune system balances in animalswho suffer allergies.

Mouth and Nose

Problems

MOUTH PROBLEMSSome animals have problems with theirteeth and gums throughout their lives.Others seem to be lucky or in such goodhealth that their gums and teeth remainhealthy for life. A healthy, natural, rawfood diet is paramount to healthy gumsand teeth. For dogs and cats, this meansraw, meaty bones and a diversity ofenzyme- and nutrient-rich fresh vegeta-bles. Many herbivores have needs thatgo beyond simple dietary cleansing andnutrition—their teeth need to be contin-uously worn down by the foods they eatto prevent the teeth from becoming toolong and to remove weak and decayingouter layers of enamel. Fresh, whole,fibrous vegetables and grains are anabsolute necessity for this process.

Most mouth problems are easily takencare of at home with a few simple herbalpreparations. But if your animal is havingdifficulty chewing and eating or is paw-ing at his mouth, he may have a minortooth or gum infection that can progressinto a serious condition if not addressed.In cases of gingivitis, bacteria can eventu-

ANTIMICROBIAL

NOSE DROPS

Calendula tincture *

Oregon grape tincture *

Usnea lichen tincture *

2 oz sterile saline

Combine 10 drops of each of thealcohol tinctures with the sterilesaline.

*Tinctures are available throughmost herb retailers

To use for sinusitis, drop or spray theabove solution into each nostril,preferably with the animal’s headtilted slightly skyward. Expect resist-ance and sneezing during adminis-tration—your companion probablywon’t like this. Adverse reactions arerare with this formula, but beforeadministering a full dose, check forhypersensitivity by placing a smalldrop onto the rim of one nostril. Ifyour companion starts sneezing anddoesn’t stop within a few minutes,he may be sensitive to one or moreof these herbs or the alcohol, sodon’t use the drops.

A drop or two per nostril twicedaily is a sufficient dose for cats andsimilar-sized animals. Dogs need4–6 drops per nostril (or a shortsquirt of the sprayer). Horses andother large animals require 10–20drops per nostril.



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ally infect the kidneys, causing irre-versible damage to these vital organs. Ifyour herbal efforts fail to remedy yourcompanion’s bad breath or oral discom-fort or if the animal’s gums are severelyinflamed, bleeding, or discharging pus,get to a veterinarian immediately. A redgum line (along the base of an animal’steeth) may also be indicative of a seriousunderlying problem that demands pro-fessional attention.

Gingivitis andInfections of the MouthGingivitis is an inflammation of the gumsthat is usually caused by bacterial infec-tion. Symptoms may include bad breath;reddened, swollen, and sometimes ulcer-ated gums; and pain and difficulty whileeating. Gingivitis rarely occurs in healthyanimals who receive a balanced, rawfood diet. It’s therefore important tomake sure your companion receives thevitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probi-otics he needs to maintain a strongimmune system and good oral health.For dogs and cats, nothing compareswith raw, meaty bones for maintaininghealthy teeth and gums.

Other causes of oral infection includepuncture wounds from fights or ram-bunctious play (puppy and kitten teethmake for dangerous jaw wrestling), abra-sions or lacerations from chewing onnonfood items, wood splinters, and den-tal cavities.

Dietary supplementation of CoQ10,vitamin C, and a variety of antimicrobialherbs may prove useful for reducinginfection and activating the healingprocess in the mouth. Echinacea providesa needed boost to the immune system.To inhibit bacteria or fungi directly, atincture of certified organic goldenseal,Oregon grape, thyme, sage, rosemary, orbetter yet, myrrh, can be liberally applieddirectly to the animal’s gums (or any

other site of oral infection) with a cottonswab. If the animal is less than coopera-tive, a turkey-basting syringe can be usedto rinse the animal’s mouth—put 20drops of tincture in 2 ounces of water orgive 2 ounces of tea for each 20 poundsof the animal’s weight, two to threetimes daily. To freshen bad breath, pars-ley leaf can be fed as a tincture, as acooled tea, or in its whole form. If badbreath is not a problem, dietary supple-mentation of garlic can also be helpful.Propolis is also excellent for infectedgums or mouth ulcers.

NOSE AND SINUS PROBLEMSNose and sinus problems are usually dueto environmental influences such asbites, stings, allergens, microbial infec-tion, or litter box dust (a major cause ofsinus problems in cats). Provided theproblem is isolated to the nose and nasalpassages and is related to foreign sub-stances, not a tumor or other metabolicdisorder, nose and sinus problems can betreated effectively with simple herbalpreparations. If the problem is secondaryto other disorders, the therapeuticapproach varies according to the natureof onset. For instance, sinusitis secondaryto seasonal allergies is best approachedwith dietary adjustment and herbs that

Swab antimicrobial herbal tincturesdirectly on your dog’s gums to treat oralinfections.


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support the various systems involved.Inflammation secondary to an insectsting requires topical (astringent) appli-cations to help relieve uncomfortablesymptoms and immunotonic and lym-phatic herbs such as echinacea and cal-endula to support the metabolic process-es of removing foreign substances frominvolved tissues.

Sometimes, abnormal nasal dis-charge, inflammation, sneezing, orother symptoms may be difficult to linkto a cause. In these cases, the diagnosticcapabilities and holistic insights of anexperienced veterinarian should not beoverlooked. If a problem is found tostem from deeper health issues, holistictreatment must begin at those issuesand not with the nasal symptoms. Thisis important: Don’t assume anything.Identify the cause of disease beforebeginning any herbal treatment. If youdon’t, you may be neglecting your com-panion’s real needs.

For bacterial or fungal infections ofthe nostrils, sinuses, or outer tissues ofthe nose, a saline-based preparation ofcalendula, Oregon grape, and usnealichen can be effective against a broadspectrum of bacteria and fungi.Externally, this preparation can be liberal-ly applied to all affected areas. For infec-tions inside the nose and sinuses, it canbe administered with a dropper or as anasal spray (empty bottles for nasal sprayare available from pharmacies).

Parasite-Related

Problems: How to

Live with Fleas,Worms,

Mites, and Other Things

That Suck

If you’re like most people who share theirhomes with companion animals, there’sa good chance that this is the first part ofthe book you’ve turned to. Parasites arethe most common source of torment and

frustration shared by animals and theirhuman guardians. From an animal’s per-spective, fleas, mites, and other blood-sucking freeloaders are often the causesof sustained torture and misery. To ananimal guardian, parasites are evil, dis-gusting, and invasive. Creatures thatlatch onto flesh and suck the life fluidsfrom their hosts have earned top billingin our nightmares.

Unfortunately, while we struggle withour hate for such creatures by engagingin a relentless and futile battle to wipeparasites from the face of the planet, weoften overlook the deeper reasons theycause so much misery to our animals.After all, tapeworms, fleas, ticks, mites,and other sucking insects have coexistedwith animals for millions of years, whichimplies that there must be natural provi-sions to allow for a more harmoniouscoexistence. How did animals copebefore humanity developed poisons andvaccines to reduce parasite populations?Did all animals suffer from chronic prob-lems such as flea allergies, digestive dys-function, or heart disease because theywere infested with too many parasites?Of course not. Then why do some ani-mals nowadays live their entire lives virtu-ally undisturbed by parasites, while oth-ers with the same level of exposure areconstantly tormented by them? To findthe answers to such questions, we needto step away from our antiparasiticobsessions long enough to consider thelife of a parasite.

HOLISTIC APPROACHESParasites, as repulsive as the fact may be,exist inside and on top of every livingthing on earth. They even live on eachother. In fact, a body (human or other-wise) is home for a teeming biocom-munity of millions of interdependent life-forms, many of which happen to beparasites. From a holistic perspective,



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parasite-related health problems ema-nate not from the mere presence of thesevampires but from the host’s inability todeal with them effectively. Some animalsmay test positive for Dirofilaria immitis(heartworm) but never suffer ill health.On the other hand, some animals whoappear to be healthy cannot tolerate asingle fleabite without getting sick.

Parasites are opportunity seekers thatexploit the weaknesses of their host.Their goal in doing so is to reproduceand take control of their environment. Ifthe host is malnourished and poorlyequipped to keep parasite populations incheck, the parasites will take advantageof the body’s inadequate defenses andbegin reproducing, eating, and creatingwaste faster than the body can clean andreplenish itself. If the immune system isdysfunctional and responds too aggres-sively to the parasites, an “allergicresponse” occurs.

The most effective and holisticapproach to parasite infection is to keepyour animal well nourished and healthy.An animal with a strong, properly func-tioning immune system presents aninhospitable living environment for par-asites and is less likely to suffer from par-asite-related allergies. But there’s still animportant question to be asked beforethe holistic picture is complete: Whathappens to this scenario when we givein to our hatred and fear of parasitesand opt to use preventive drug meas-ures in our pets? Any answer to thisquestion is likely to raise controversy.Antiparasitic drugs represent a multibil-lion-dollar industry in the U.S., andmany veterinarians support manufactur-ers’ claims that modern dewormers,skin-absorbed flea control agents, andother internal measures are effectiveand generally safe. On the other side ofthe issue, though, holistic practitionersand naturally oriented animal guardians

are concerned about the serious long-term effects associated with such drugs.Of course, we’re among those on thisside of the issue, and here’s why.

To start with, anything that can poi-son a parasite cannot be good for thehost. From a holistic standpoint, any-thing that bypasses or interferes with nat-ural body functions is likely to create itsown state of imbalance in the body. Forinstance, chemical wormers (aside frombeing potentially toxic to animals) arenot 100 percent selective in what theykill, meaning that beneficial microbes,such as those that play important roles indigestion and nutrient absorption, mightbe compromised. In addition to this pos-sibility, most antiparasitic agents comewith their own long lists of potential sideeffects, including seizures, liver failure, oreven death. Ivermectin, a drug common-ly used to treat and prevent heartworminfection, may not only cause centralnervous system depression but also act asan immunosuppressant. That is, while itworks to kill heartworms it also makes thebody more vulnerable to countless otherdiseases.

The holistic herbalist does not see par-asites as a cause of disease but as symp-toms of a deeper imbalance. Parasitesthemselves are viewed as what they real-ly are—tough, adaptable, ancient life-forms that will likely inhabit the earthlong after humankind is gone. They arepart of nature. Therefore, effective natu-ral solutions to parasite-related disordersare not found through fervent and dan-gerous attempts to destroy them butfrom learning to coexist with them.

In our minds (and remember, we’reherbalists, not veterinarians), stopping asymptom with chemicals that can harmthe patient does not constitute preven-tive or curative medicine—it only repre-sents a dangerous, short-term interven-tion that may actually compound the ani-


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mal’s health problems. Indeed, someforms of parasitic infection can be serious,even life threatening. The benefits ofantiparasitic drugs are their convenienceand their effectiveness at bringing symp-tomatic relief to an animal who is alreadysuffering. But what are the potential coststo the animal? To find answers, check theback label or product information sheetfor a list of side effects of the next antipar-asitic drug you consider for your compan-ion. Regardless of the danger issues, youowe your animal the opportunity to stayhealthy and naturally free from parasite-related problems. This, of course, is whatholistic animal care is all about.

NUTRITION AND OTHERPREVENTION CONSIDERATIONSAs we’ve stated before, the most effec-tive treatment and prevention for allproblems related to parasites is to makesure your companion gets the nutritionhe needs. Without a complete naturaldiet, your animal’s resistance and abilityto adjust to parasites is greatly dimin-ished. Equally important is the need toidentify and correct any element of diet,environment, or activity that may becausing added stress on one or morebody systems. If, for instance, your doghas an allergy to the wheat he receivesin his daily meals, his immune systemwill already be compromised when newparasites enter his body. Likewise, if hehas undergone long-term drug thera-pies, his immune system may be in adepressed state and his defenses may below. Remember that parasites areopportunity seekers.

Digestive enzymes and probiotic bac-teria supplements can be of help in main-taining a healthy balance betweenpotentially harmful “digestive bugs,” andthose that lead the preventive fights forgood health. A full array of vitamins andminerals is necessary to keep the blood

healthy and the immune system operat-ing at its peak potential. Omega-3 andomega-6 EFAs, along with the properbalance of antioxidant vitamins (especial-ly C, A, and E) and minerals, are neces-sary for healthy, resilient skin that offersless opportunity for enterprising mites,fleas, and parasitic fungi. In addition tovitamin C’s roles as an essential nutrientand antioxidant, it has been shown tolend allergy relief through the antihista-mine qualities it possesses. Exercise is alsoimportant, as is a clean environment. Theharder you work at helping your animalstay healthy, the less time and moneyyou’ll spend on treating parasite-relatedproblems after the fact. As is the case inall forms of medicine, prevention truly isthe cure.

FLEASAnimals who are hypersensitive to fleasmay suffer a severe reaction from a singlebite—so severe that they pull their hair outand chew bloody patches from their skin.Conventional approaches to flea-contactdermatitis typically start with medicatedshampoos, flea control devices, and corti-coid ointments and then lead to internalcorticosteroid drug therapies if conditionsworsen. Anyone who has watched a com-panion suffer from a flea allergy knowshow easy it is to look past the dangers ofprednisolone. The problem is, pred-nisolone and other corticosteroid drugsdon’t just suppress uncomfortable symp-toms but they also suppress the immunesystem. Add to this the possible long-term side effects of water retention,hypertension, liver damage, thyroiddysfunction, obesity, and heart attack,and suddenly the corticosteroid optiondoesn’t sound so kind.

To approach the flea dilemma from aholistic standpoint means to embrace aperspective that includes the animal as awhole body in crisis. We must ask our-



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selves why fleas are bothering our ani-mals in the first place rather than focussolely on their elimination. Effective fleacontrol starts inside your pet and in hisliving environment. Holistic therapy doesnot begin with shampoos, coat dips, rins-es, or sprays; it begins by strengtheningthe host and by making your animal’s liv-ing quarters less hospitable to fleas. It’simportant to remember that flea prob-lems are always secondary to somethingelse, and it’s that “something else” thatmakes your companion an attractive“bed and breakfast” for fleas. Healthyanimals with healthy coats and properlyfunctioning immune defenses generallydon’t have many fleas. And even ifhealthy animals do pick up a few fleas,their systems are able to handle the biteswithout the excessive histamine respons-es that cause all of the itching.

To help your healthy animal deal withparasites comfortably, feed him smallamounts of garlic as a supplement to aproper diet. Contrary to what manybelieve, though, garlic should not be fedin quantities that cause that garlic odorto exude from the animal’s skin. This isnot only a waste of garlic but potentiallyharmful to your animal.

Dietary supplementation with brew-er’s yeast and vitamin B complex havebeen popular for years as antiflea meas-ures, the theory being that these supple-ments adjust body chemistry in a waythat makes the animal less appealing tofleas. The effectiveness of such measuresis questionable, and many animals areallergic to brewer’s yeast (especially if it islow grade), but nevertheless, these sup-plements are worth a try.

If your animal has an autoimmune defi-ciency, immunostimulants such as echi-nacea, Saint-John’s-wort, or astragalus maybe of help. However, immunostimulantsshould be used with caution or may becontraindicated in animals with severe

allergies or other diseases that are associat-ed with an overactive immune system orwith immune functions that are workingagainst the body (such as lupus and FIV).

In addition to garlic, alterative herbssuch as burdock root, dandelion, and redclover serve as useful dietary adjuncts byhelping the body eliminate waste andallowing natural defense systems to workmore freely in coping with fleabites.Nettle may be sprinkled onto your ani-mal’s food to lend nutritive support and amild antihistamine action that mayreduce the severity of an allergicresponse. Giving 1⁄2–1 teaspoon of thedried herb for each pound of food fed isa good starting dosage range. If your ani-mal won’t eat dried nettle, you can steepit in hot water or salt-free meat broth,which you can then add to your compan-ion’s food. Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemumleucanthemum), a common waste-areaweed, is also said to have mild antihista-mine qualities that don’t really block

Nettle (dried or steeped in hot water orbroth) can reduce an animal’s allergicresponse to fleas.


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histamine but may help slow its release. If fleabite allergies are severe, itching

is persistent, and the skin is red andinflamed, licorice can be used as an inter-nal anti-inflammatory remedy.

Externally, fleas and their effects canbe addressed several ways. The animals’living environment can be sprinkled withdiatomaceous earth, the sandlike remainsof ancient marine organisms. Its activityagainst parasites is strictly mechanical, aseach tiny particle has sharp points andedges that penetrate the bodies of fleasto cause their miserable deaths. Becauseof its gritty, penetrating nature, diatoma-ceous earth should not be applied to dry,irritated, hypersensitive skin, and itshould never be allowed to contact eyesor other mucous membranes. Care alsoneeds to be taken when spreading thesubstance onto carpets since walkingaround can stir up the dust and maycause silicosis, a form of pneumonia relat-ed to breathing the dust of silica andother sands. Otherwise it’s generallyquite safe. In fact, it’s approved by theFDA for both internal and external use inlivestock animals and has been used safe-

ly in the natural care of companion ani-mals for years.

Some pet owners may have heardthat borax products are good flea exter-minators, but borates can be quite toxicand may cause death if misused, accord-ing to Dr. Michael W. Dryden of theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA). One of the manufacturers ofborax states that borax is not intendedfor application to carpet and upholstery.

Frequent vacuuming, washing youranimal’s bedding, and regularly steam-cleaning your carpet also helps reduceflea populations in the environment.Some products made with nematodesare available to “infect” and kill fleaswhere they live in your house and in thelawns around the house. All of thesemeasures are available through naturalpet-product retailers.

To help eliminate fleas from your ani-mal’s coat and to soothe and heal his itchyskin, several herbs come to mind. Flowersof feverfew, pyrethrum daisy, or oxeyedaisy (or just about any other flower fromthe Chrysanthemum genus) contain com-pounds known as pyrethrins. Pyrethrinsare well known to have paralytic activitiesin fleas. In fact, pyrethrins and their syn-thesized derivatives are common in manybrands of flea spray. In their natural form,pyrethrins are safe and can be quite effec-tive. Pyrethrins used in the form of a crudeherbal preparation, however, won’talways kill fleas but may only paralyzethem temporarily. This means you shouldtake additional measures to assure thatfleas are out of your life forever.

Making a pyrethrin flea rinse is as sim-ple as plucking a few handfuls of feverfewflowers, putting them into a cup, andsteeping them in enough hot water tocover them. Briskly stir the mixture everycouple of minutes until the mixture iscool enough to pour over your pet. Youcan strain the tea away from the flowers

HERBAL FLEA

REPELLENT POWDER

Combine the following dry ingre-dients:1 part diatomaceous earth

2 parts feverfew flowers

2 parts mullein flowers

2 parts yarrow flowers, leaves,

and stems

1 part sage or thyme

Sprinkle and brush into your animal’scoat daily



269

or just pour the entire mixture over yourpet, but use the rinse right away—theactive compounds break down and losepotency shortly after the tea is made. Besure to soak the animal all the way downto the skin, and allow the rinse to air dryon your companion until the fur is dampbut not dripping. Then, at a location thatis as far away from the house as possible(remember, many of the fleas will recov-er with a hunger), rinse the animal with astrong stream of water while combing hiscoat, and look for paralyzed vampires.

Other flea-killing plant compoundsinclude rotenone and limonene. Rotenoneis readily available in the flowers of mullein(Verbascum thapsus), an Asian weed thatoccurs in waste areas throughout most ofNorth America and Europe. The floweringtops are best if used fresh in the form of astrong decoction, but the dried blossoms(available through herb retailers) can beused too, again in the form of a cooled tea.When using mullein flowers or any otherform of rotenone, be sure to keep the herbaway from fish tanks or any amphibians—although it’s safe for mammals, it is quitetoxic to aquatic life forms. Limonene is avolatile oil found in citrus and many of theculinary herbs belonging to the parsley(Umbelliferae) family. A good source of

limonene is contained in celery seeds (upto 60 percent limonene). For the bestresults, harvest the seeds while they aregreen and juicy, and make a tea rinseimmediately. Good-quality dried seeds canbe used as a second source. Otherlimonene-bearing “umbels” include dill(leaf and seed) and fennel (seed).

Another herb that has been regainingpopularity in recent years as an antifleadevice is Canadian fleabane (Conyzacanadensis). Until recently, Canadian flea-bane (also called horseweed) was knownby herbalists primarily as a urinary astrin-gent. Its common name has caught theattention of several natural pet-productmanufacturers, who claim that it is one ofnature’s greatest allies against fleas.Current research has concluded thatCanadian fleabane contains flea-killinglimonene as well. A much strongersource of limonene is essential oil of bit-ter orange, available through most storesthat carry aromatherapy oils. This essen-tial oil is very concentrated—just 6–10drops diluted into 8 ounces of water issaid to be an effective rinse against fleas.Simply moisten the animal’s skin andcoat with the mixture daily.

GARLIC AND

MULLEIN EAR OIL

Combine the following: 1 part garlic oil

1 part mullein oil

10–20 drops of vitamin E oil for each

1 oz of the garlic and mullein oil

mixture

For instructions on how to make anherb oil, turn to the “Basics ofHerbal Preparations” in chapter 1.

Apply oxeye daisy flowers as a flea rinse.


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To help relieve itching and promotehealing, a calendula rinse is a goodchoice, as is aloe juice, which can bediluted with 4 parts water (e.g., 1 cup ofaloe juice to 4 cups of water).Peppermint or lavender may help bringrelief as well. If scratching has left oozing,infected scabs, yarrow, rosemary, orthyme can be generously added to therinse. One advantage of using yarrow isthat it adds its own insect-repellent qual-ities to the effort. If inflammation issevere and scratching has lead to hairloss, an astringent skin rinse may be indi-cated. Also, many good herbal flea andcoat shampoos are on the market. Thesecan be useful for bringing soothing relief.Don’t shampoo your animal too often,though, or you might dry out the skinand cause added irritation. When usingshampoos, also remember that theiroveruse can result in microbial imbal-ances on the surface of the body. Youranimal’s skin supports a natural commu-nity of interdependent organisms, manyof which serve antiparasitic or cleansingpurposes. To let them do their jobs it’sprobably best not to shampoo your ani-mal more than once or twice a week dur-ing a crisis.

By now you might be wondering whywe haven’t mentioned North Americanpennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides). Well,we won’t argue about the effectivenessof pennyroyal at deterring fleas. In fact,it’s one of the best antiflea herbs around,which is why it is included in dozens ofcommercial flea preparations. The prob-lem with it is that the volatile oils (com-posed mostly of an oil called pulegone)contained in pennyroyal can be toxic toanimals, with the list of potential sideeffects beginning with nausea, vomiting,and abortifacient properties and endingwith elevated blood pressure and possi-ble kidney and liver damage. While mostflea dips, sprays, and powders that con-

tain pennyroyal include relatively diluteconcentrations of the volatile oil, a cumu-lative risk may exist to animals who lickoff these topical preparations. Cats canbe very sensitive to pennyroyal, andthose with preexisting kidney disease (awidespread, chronic problem in cats)might even die from it. In our minds,such risks are unnecessary in the pres-ence of safer, more holistic flea controlmeasures. One such measure is theTriple-Punch Herbal Flea Rinse.

Herbal flea powders usually aren’t aseffective as rinses, but they are handy foranimals and people on the go. The key tosuccess in making a powder is to be surethat all of the herbal ingredients are asfresh as possible. Pyrethrin-bearing plantslose much of their potency after they aredried, and aromatic herbs such as laven-der or yarrow lose their flea-repellentpungency eventually. The best you can

TRIPLE-PUNCH

HERBAL FLEA RINSE

1 part feverfew flowers1 part mullein flowers (keep away

from aquatic animals!)

1 part yarrow flowers, leaves,

and stems1 part celery seeds (freshly ground)

3 parts calendula flowers

Make a tea rinse of the herbs by cov-ering the mixture with boiling waterand allowing it to stand untilcooled. To add even more “punch”to the formula, 6–10 drops of BitterOrange essential oil can be added toeach 8 ounces of rinse.



271

hope for with a homemade flea powderis “flea discouragement.” It’s unlikely thatyou will succeed in eliminating orrepelling every biting flea without takingother measures as well. To keep your fleapowder as fresh and active as possible,make it in small, frequent batches. Anelectric coffee grinder or a mortar andpestle can be used to grind your herbsinto powder.

MITESMites are an excellent example of justhow common parasites are. These tiny,often microscopic, arachnids are every-where and on everything. A healthyhuman body carries millions of them. Infact, all living land animals carry mites—even fleas and mites have mites!

When you’re finished scratching, it’simportant to know that relatively few ofthe parasitic varieties of mites causeproblems. Those that do cause problemsburrow under the top layers of the skin tocause hair loss, skin disfigurement, andpainful lesions on the skin and in the ears.In dogs, cats, horses, and other mam-mals, various species of skin mites arecommonly referred to as mange. Ininstances of human infection, we usuallyrefer to them as scabies.

Various species of mange are differenti-ated by the specific nature of the infec-tions they cause. Sarcoptic mange(Sarcoptes scabiei) is the most contagious(some species can be transmitted tohumans) and often the most severe formof mange, characterized most frequentlyby crusty, reddish brown lesions that usu-ally appear first on the head and neck,between the legs, or in the “armpits” ofthe victim animal. Demodectic mange, orred mange (genus Demodex), is a far lesscontagious mite that infects hair follicles,often causing hair loss and a foul-smellingbacterial infection of the skin. Both chori-optic mange (genus Chorioptis) and

psoroptic mange (genus Psoroptes) arecommon in cattle, horses, sheep, andgoats and produce similar symptoms.Otitis externa, or otodectic ear mange,occurs in dogs and cats and is character-ized by inflammation and brown, waxydischarge from the ears. Rabbits are sus-ceptible to ear mange as well. Occurrenceof ear mites in horses and other large ani-mals is relatively uncommon.

All of the mange-causing mites haveone thing in common: they are all oppor-tunity-seeking parasites that prefer adefenseless host. Therefore, prevention inthe form of a well-balanced natural dietthat provides immune system supportshould begin before an infection occurs.

Fortunately, herbal measures can bequite effective against the various formsof mange. The foremost herb to consideris garlic. Mites don’t tolerate sulfur com-pounds, and garlic contains hundreds ofthem (which is why garlic smells like itdoes). For ear mites or localized miteinfestations on birds and mammals, gar-lic oil can be applied to the affected areastwice daily. In addition to its direct inter-vention with mites, garlic oil helps mini-mize bacterial infection. When using gar-lic oil, however, make sure that it’s nottoo concentrated or it may cause irrita-tion. Another good ear mite herb ismullein flower oil. Mullein flowers pos-sess antiparasitic and antibacterial activi-ties that seem well suited to infections ofthe ear, especially when combined withgarlic oil. Vitamin E oil can be added tothis combination to help promote heal-ing. The olive oil used as a base for bothof these oils also lends soothing and heal-ing qualities to the skin.

For mange infestations that are local-ized close to the eyes of an animal, youwill probably want to purchase or makean ointment or salve preparation. Thisminimizes the risk of the herb contactingthe eyes.


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Other herbs to consider for mite infec-tions are lavender, yarrow, Oregon grape,goldenseal (provided it is from cultivatedsources), and licorice. Any of these herbscan be used in oils, salves, or ointments aswell, or they can be made into a skin rinse(a good option for infections that are gen-eralized over larger portions of the ani-mal’s body). Licorice serves as a goodalternative for animals who are sensitive totopical applications of garlic. If you haveaccess to it, neem leaf (Azadirachta indica),from a tree found in India and Pakistan,can make an effective skin rinse againstmany forms of mange.

For birds who are crawling with mites,a pinch of Oregon grape or lavender canbe infused into their birdbath. For lizardswith mite infections, a wet towel wipe ofweak Oregon grape, yarrow, or lavendertea might help.

LICESeveral species of lice can infest bothmammals and birds. They can generallybe divided into two categories: thosethat suck blood from their hosts(Anopleura) and those that bite their vic-tims (Mallophaga). Regardless, the termlousy is derived from the concept of louseinfestation, and the repulsiveness theword conveys describes the situationaccurately. Louse infestation is a commonproblem for animals who live in crampedor unclean living quarters. The problem ischaracterized by irritated, itchy skin andfrequent scratching.

Lice are tough critters and can behard to beat with herbs. The most effec-tive and time-honored herb approachesfor lice include toxic heavyweights suchas tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and evenwater hemlock (Cicuta spp.), either ofwhich can kill an animal host. On thesafer side of the herbal spectrum arelicorice, yucca, wormwood, sage, yarrow,yellow dock, lavender, and bee balm. All

of these herbs can be used singly or incombination in the form of a daily skinrinse. A daily sprinkling of diatomaceousearth onto the animal’s coat may beeffective, too.

INTESTINAL WORMSWorms are often viewed as parasites attheir most disgusting worst, but againthis is largely because we have a bigproblem with the thought of thingscrawling around inside our bodies. Sorryif this gives you the “crawlies,” butworms are a natural fact of life. We allhave them in one form or another.

Animal guardians tend to overreact tothe possibility of worms with the precau-tionary use of chemical wormers. As wementioned earlier, such practice is con-trary and counterproductive to the pur-poses of holistic health care. We are notsaying that worms cannot be life threat-ening but that the health risks associatedwith preventive drug therapies may out-weigh the actual need for them, especial-ly in healthy animals who are not likely tobe exposed to roundworms, whipworms,or hookworms.

The most common type of intestinalparasites are known as cestodes, or tape-worms. Tapeworms can be transmittedby fleas, feces, or food sources. In ruralareas, dogs and cats often becomeinfected by eating rodents. Tapewormsmay live in an animal’s digestive tract forquite a while, sometimes indefinitely,before they are detected, and they areseldom harmful to the host animal.Usually, we won’t even know that ourcompanions have tapeworms until a fecalanalysis is done or until we see theworms’ body segments in the animals’stools. The segments (put your sandwichdown!) look very much like grains of rice.The potential of tapeworms to causeharm to an animal is relative to the gen-eral health of the animal and the extent



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of the tapeworm infestation. In otherwords, if an animal is generally healthy, amoderate population of intestine-dwelling tapeworms is usually harmless.And if the animal is holistically healthy,has a strong immune system, properlybalanced intestinal flora, and is being feda good diet, tapeworm infestations arelikely to be a temporary issue. Forinstance, we live on 60 remote acres inthe Montana Rockies, where our twodogs roam freely around the house. Bothoccasionally eat a ground squirrel or two(sometimes in the form of carrion), andwe expect both of them to have tape-worms by the end of summer. Butbecause they are healthy, most if not allof the worms (as confirmed by fecalanalysis) are gone from their bodies aftera couple of months of infestation. Theopportunity seekers just can’t find astronghold, or they don’t like the accom-modations.

It’s our contention that in mostinstances, the reason tapeworms areapproached with chemical interventionsis not always because a real and urgentneed to eliminate them exists butbecause we can’t deal with their less-than-appealing nature. Yes, they’re dis-gusting. But are we really helping an ani-mal when we use unnecessary, potential-ly toxic measures to expel them? Wedon’t think so.

Roundworms, hookworms, whip-worms, and threadworms present a muchgreater risk to your companion becausethese worms can cause severe intestinaldamage and can leave the digestive tractto infest the blood and other organs. Oncethese parasites leave the digestive tract,they can be difficult to treat.

To help your dog or cat keep intestin-al populations in check and to encourageearlier expulsion by less invasive, morenatural means, garlic can be fed in mod-eration on the animal’s food. Fennel,

grated raw carrot, shredded coconut,and cooked grains also might be of ben-efit if added to the animal’s diet. (Feed asmuch as the animal wants to eat.) Fresh,raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds help expelworms and generous portions can be fedas a wholesome treat to any animal. Theseeds may need to be ground up andadded to your pet’s food. (You can grinda small batch ahead of time and keep itin a jar in the freezer until you’re ready touse it.) Diatomaceous earth is effective atreducing intestinal parasite populationsand can be fed at the following recom-mended rates (approved by the FDA)—large dogs over 55 pounds can have upto 1 tablespoon per day, small dogs andcats can have 1 teaspoon per day. Goats,sheep, cattle, horses, and other large ani-mals can be fed in portions up to 1 per-

ANTIWORM

FOOD SUPPLEMENT

Combine the following dry ingre-dients:2 parts unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds

(ground or whole)

1 part garlic powder

1 part fennel seed

1 part yucca root

Feed the mixture as part of yourcompanion’s diet at a dosage of 1teaspoon per pound of food feddaily. Feed five days on and twodays off each week until worm pop-ulations are reduced to acceptablelevels. If this formula proves to beineffective, try adding 1 partOregon grape root powder or 1 partwormwood.


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cent of their daily dry rations; and chick-ens and most birds can receive up to 5percent. Oregon grape may be giveninternally to birds, dogs, cats, horses, andother mammals as a low-alcohol tinctureor decoction. A dose of 12 drops per 20pounds of the animal’s body weight (orjust a few drops for birds), twice daily forup to one week is appropriate. After oneweek, give the animal’s system a breakfor two or three days before continuingthe twice-daily doses. Chamomile hasmild worm-expelling properties, andpineapple weed (Matricaria matricari-oides), a wild and weedy cousin ofchamomile, is believed to possess muchstronger activities against roundwormsand whipworms.

Other worming agents include blackwalnut and wormwood. Black walnuthull is an effective worming agent, butit must be used with care because ofthe potentially irritating tannin con-stituents it contains. Black walnutshould not be used in or around horses,as it may be toxic to them. Wormwood,of course, is a classic dewormer, but itshould not be used for long periods andnot at all in animals with liver disease.Even more dangerous are tansy andrue. In our opinion, these herbs shouldbe avoided altogether because they’retoo harsh on the liver.

Herbs that are rich in soaplike saponinconstituents such as yucca, valerian, andlicorice are sometimes effective as worm-ing agents. Yucca also helps by optimiz-ing absorption of nutrients in the smallintestine, an attribute that might be use-ful in cases of severe infection in whichnutrient absorption is hindered by thepresence of too many hungry parasites.

Many herbal wormers contain laxativeor emetic herbs such as senna, cascarasagrada, aloe, or turkey rhubarb. Theidea behind their inclusion is to flush outthe parasites by stimulating bowel move-

ment and loosening the stool. In holisticreality, this approach adds stress to thebody, causes discomfort to the animal,may cause dehydration and nutrientdepletion, and may lead to laxativedependency if used for too long a period.The overall effectiveness of expellingworms is outweighed by the invasivenessof the therapy. If constipation is associat-ed with a worm infestation, marshmal-low, plantain, or slippery elm can be usedto lubricate the digestive tract withoutpulling needed fluids from the body, andhepatics such as yellow dock, Oregongrape, or a small pinch of turmeric canbe fed to increase bile production andimprove digestion. Slippery elm or plan-tain may be beneficial in cases of worm-related diarrhea because these herbs con-tain astringent qualities that gently regu-late the passage of fluid into the intes-tine. A safe, general worming remedythat can be added to your companion’sfood can be found on page 273.

GIARDIASISGiardiasis is a digestive disease caused bycyst-forming impregnation of protozoaof the Giardia genus in the mucosal liningof the intestines. The result is nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, and other flulikesymptoms for several weeks. The mostcommon means of infestation comesfrom ingestion of water that has beencontaminated by the fecal matter of fishand other animals. Animals are muchmore resistant to Giardia than humansare, but they are still susceptible. As withall parasites, severity of infestationdepends on the overall health of thehost. Symptoms range from loss ofappetite to diarrhea, vomiting, weightloss, dehydration, and general debility.

Herbal interventions are moderatelysuccessful at best. Tinctures are the bestform of application here because theirhigh concentrations of readily available



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constituents are needed against thesetough little beasties. Of particular interestare Oregon grape, goldenseal (from cul-tivated sources), and other herbs thatcontain the active alkaloid constituentberberine. Berberine, being water solu-ble, highly assimilable, and able to with-stand the digestive acids that destroymany other types of antibiotic agents,finds it way deep into the digestive tractto work its wonders, especially whengiven in concentrated extract form overperiods of several days. Garlic may lendantiprotozoa support as well. Licorice is agood adjunct, lending antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, and healing proper-

ties to the effort. Cleavers helps drainlymph-engorged tissues that surroundthe cysts.

HEARTWORMThe term heartworm is really a mis-nomer, as the parasitic worm (Dirofilariaimmitis) that causes the disease usuallyinfects the pulmonary arteries, not theheart itself.

Heartworm is generally passed bymosquitoes, who pick up the parasitefrom the bloodstreams of dogs (less fre-quently from cats and ferrets) while theworms are in their prelarval stage. Whileinside the mosquito, the infant parasitescalled microfilaria mature into infectiveadults that are deposited into other hostanimals. After two to four months, theparasites penetrate blood vessel wallsand travel to the pulmonary arteries,where they reproduce if conditions areright. While the worms are in the pul-monary arteries, the body launches animmunologic attack against them. If theworms have already reproduced to num-bers that the immune system cannoteffectively control, an allergic responseensues, and the pulmonary arteries andsurrounding lung tissues may becomeseverely inflamed, causing a life-threaten-ing situation. Animals with advancedstages of heartworm infestation mayexhibit chronic coughing; laboredbreathing; diminished physical staminaand a low tolerance to stress; weight loss;and heart failure.

Unfortunately, the scenario becomeseven more frightening when we considerconventional treatment of the disease,which involves the use of thiacetar-samide, an intravenously administeredarsenic derivative that poisons the para-sites at great expense to the host animal’sliver. In our opinion and that of severalholistic veterinarians, the dewormingmedication ivermectin and other preven-

A REMEDY

FOR GIARDIASIS

Combine the following tinctures:2 parts Oregon grape

2 parts licorice

2 parts cleavers

1 part garlic

This formula can be fed to dogs,cats, birds, horses, and other largeherbivores at least one hour beforefeeding, at a dosage of about 1⁄4 tea-spoon (1 milliliter) per 20 pounds ofthe animal’s body weight, twicedaily for up to ten days. If positiveresults aren’t seen within ten days,it’s time to call your holistic vet.Low-alcohol tinctures are bestbecause of their relative ease ofadministering, but alcohol tincturescan be used provided they are dilut-ed to half-strength with water,which means you will have to givethe animal twice the liquid volume.


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tive measures for heartworm can also bedetrimental to an animal, which bringsus to an especially important point in theprevention of the disease.

In some areas of the U.S., heartwormis a real and constant threat to compan-ion animals. But in many areas of NorthAmerica, it is more of a fear-inducedparanoia than an actual danger. InMontana, for instance (where we live),heartworm is almost unheard of.Unfortunately, horror stories about heart-worm lead many people to medicatetheir animals anyway. We believe thatpeople should rationally weigh the prosand cons as well as the need of adminis-tering a preventive heartworm treatmentto their animal companions.

Another problem arises from theblood and antigen tests that are per-formed to detect heartworms. In thesetests, 30 percent of infested dogs do nottest positive, meaning that the diseasemay progress unchecked. Likewise, apositive test for heartworm does not nec-essarily mean that the parasites willbecome problematic, especially if thehost animal is healthy.

Natural prevention of heartwormbegins with identifying just how much“at risk” your companion is. If you live ina high-risk area, your animal’s coatshould never be cut. Allow it to grow tofull length and serve its natural functionas an antimosquito barrier. Areas wheremosquito populations are especially high(such as swamps, sloughs, and otherbreeding grounds) should be avoided,and perhaps a tightly knit cotton orbreathable nylon garment is in order forshorthaired dogs. (Several clothing cat-alogs for dogs are available.) Propernutrition and tonic immune system sup-port will build and maintain your com-panion’s resistance to the parasite. Inaddition to a full array of supplementalvitamins and minerals, garlic can be

added to an animal’s diet to strengthenthe immune system. When venturinginto higher-risk areas, echinacea can bepreventatively administered for two orthree days before the excursion andcontinue for three days after.

If your animal does contract heart-worm, don’t panic. Instead, continuesupporting the immune system and callyour holistic veterinarian to determinethe next step of action. There are manyoptions. Among them may be black wal-nut hull tincture (made from unripegreen hulls instead of dried ones). As of1999, we had been contacted by severalindividuals who claim that black walnuthull may be effective at controlling theparasites. Given what we know about thisherb and the parasite, we remain skepti-cal but hopeful that clinical use will vali-date this claim.

Pregnancy and Lactation

One of the most frequently asked ques-tions we hear as animal herbalists is,What should I be giving to a pregnantanimal? Our response is often a cause ofdisappointment: Aside from the elementsof good nutrition, as little as possible.

During pregnancy and lactation, amother’s body is in a state of continualhormonal fluctuation. Her nutritionaldemands change as her body experi-ences a roller-coaster ride of metabolicevents that are incomparable to anyother experience. It is a period when herbody must maintain delicate checks andbalances while responding to unprece-dented demands. These are times whenthe proactive efforts of an animal herbal-ist really pay off. Having received a goodnatural diet, a healthy living environ-ment, and complementary measures ofhealth-supporting vitamin, mineral, andherb supplements throughout her life,the pregnant animal is physically andmentally prepared to undertake the rig-



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ors of childbirth and motherhood. This isa time when the body should be allowedto work its natural wonders withoutinterference from introduced stimulation,suppression, or irritation. With this inmind, the bigger and better question is,What herbs shouldn’t be used in preg-nant or lactating animals?

HERBS TO AVOIDMany herbs should not be given topregnant or lactating animals. Herbsthat contain considerable amounts ofvolatile oil constituents such as juniper,any of the aromatic mints, and parsleyseed should not be used during preg-nancy because the oils are capable ofcrossing the placenta to the fetus.Volatile oils may also infiltrate a moth-er’s milk, so these herbs should beavoided during lactation as well. Herbsthat stimulate or suppress hormoneproduction should also be avoided—these include licorice, wild yam, andyucca root. Herbs that are high in tan-nin constituents such as uva ursi, whiteoak bark, black walnut hulls, and slip-pery elm may cause uterine contrac-tions and miscarriage. Herbal laxativesthat contain anthraquinone con-stituents such as senna, cascara sagra-da, turkey rhubarb, and yellow dockshould be avoided as well. If your com-panion becomes constipated duringpregnancy, try lubricating her digestivetract by feeding marshmallow, flaxseed,or psyllium husks. Chickweed can alsoserve as a safe and effective laxative inpregnant animals.

Herbs that contain large percentagesof bitter alkaloids such as Oregon grapeand goldenseal may have abortifacientactivities and should not be used. Redclover, feverfew, and ginkgo all inhibitplatelet aggregation in the blood andmay contribute to excessive hemor-rhage during or after birthing.

In summary, if you’re not sure aboutthe safety of an herb during pregnancy,assume that it’s contraindicated anddon’t use it!

TONIC SUPPORTContrary to what many herbalists regardas tradition, we do not use most of the“classic birthing and pregnancy herbs”(such as blue cohosh) during this fragiletime. Instead, our approach is strictlynutritive. Raspberry leaf tea has beenlong regarded as an excellent uterinetonic for pregnant humans and animals,but it should not be given during the firstfew weeks of pregnancy. Nor should it befed in large amounts, as there is a smallrisk that its astringent activities may trig-ger abortion in sensitive animals (espe-cially cats). In our opinion, nettle leaf andspirulina are both better choices as uter-ine tonics because they contain higherconcentrations and broader assortmentsof essential and trace minerals and vita-mins. This means they can be fed moreconservatively, and the risk (as low asthat risk may be) of inducing uterine con-tractions is thereby reduced.

HERBS AND LACTATIONHealthy animals who receive all necessaryelements of nutrition during motherhoodshould have no problems with milk pro-duction or quality. If a nursing mother isnot providing her young with enoughmilk, it’s probably because of a nutrition-al deficiency, hormonal imbalance, oranother dysfunction. Fennel seed, bor-age, dill, and yucca root are all said toincrease milk production in nursingmothers, but these herbs are useful onlyto healthy animals who need more milkto feed a big, hungry litter. If your dog orcat has given birth to a small- or average-sized litter and is having trouble feedingher young, then deeper problems needto be addressed before you start trying to


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induce milk production. Forcing a moth-er’s body to perform beyond its capacitywith estrogenic herbs may only worsenan already serious situation. In manycases, switching an animal from a com-mercial diet to one that offers a diversityof whole, raw foods makes a world of dif-ference. Moderate quantities of supple-mental vitamins, minerals, probiotics,and EFAs can be of tremendous help aswell because lactation can deplete ananimal’s reserve supply of vital nutrients.In cats, this depletion can cause a life-threatening deficiency of taurine, anamino acid that is critical to the heart.

Respiratory Problems

COUGHING AND SNEEZING:NATURAL HEALING MECHANISMS Occasional coughing or sneezing is partof a body’s normal health maintenanceprogram. Most animal guardians knowthat when dust particles, pollen, or otherforeign matter enters the trachea, spasmsare triggered to expel the material fromthe body. Yet many people try to sup-press coughing and sneezing rather thanallow the body to do its job because theconventional Western mind-set dictatesthat anything that is socially offensive orthat causes discomfort must be sup-pressed. To tend to an animal’s holistichealth needs, we must learn to controlour urge to interfere with the body’s nat-ural functions. Suppressing activities suchas sneezing, coughing, and dischargingmucus deprives the body of its naturalhealing mechanisms and may actuallycontribute to the underlying disease byprohibiting expulsion of pathogenicmicrobes and other foreign substances.

Instead of suppressing disease symp-toms, the holistic healer’s efforts are cen-tered on assisting the body to cleanseand heal itself. In the respiratory tract,this entails supporting and encouraging

the productivity of coughing, sneezing,and expulsion of mucus. Most animals donot produce mucus as readily as humansdo. Therefore, herbs and other remediesthat serve as cough suppressants or dis-courage expectoration (such as wildcherry bark) should be reserved for spe-cial circumstances, such as when a con-tinuous, unproductive cough hasdeprived an animal of sleep for severaldays. Even then, such remedies shouldbe used in moderation as adjuncts toherbs that support productive coughing.

Many respiratory ailments can betreated at home with some simple herbalpreparations. But if your companion’scoughing or sneezing continues or wors-ens, or if you have any doubt whatsoeverabout its cause, you should have yourfriend examined by a holistic vet. A per-sistent cough can mean minor throat irri-tation caused by chewing on a stick, or itcan be a symptom of a life-threateningsituation such as heartworm, pneumo-nia, cardiopulmonary disease, or a seri-ous viral infection.

ASTHMAAsthma is characterized by a suddenonset of bronchial inflammation and res-piratory distress. Animals with severeasthma may begin an attack by wheez-ing, sneezing, and coughing, which mayquickly progress to obstructed airways,labored breathing, and a life-threateningcrisis. According to most veterinarians,dogs do not suffer from asthma, but thisdisease is known to occur frequently incats and many other animals.

Many people regard asthma as acause of respiratory distress, but in mostcases it’s really only a symptom of adeeper immune-mediated disorder.Asthma usually occurs as part of a severeallergic reaction. Therefore, holistic treat-ment does not focus solely on suppres-sion of asthma attacks but also on proac-



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tive correction of the dysfunctionalmechanisms that trigger the attacks. (Formore information on long-term holistictreatment, see “Allergies” in the“Immune System Care” sections of thischapter.)

Symptomatic herbal treatments fornon-life-threatening cases of asthma areessentially the same as those used forkennel cough and other forms of bron-chitis (see below). Lobelia may be usefulfor suppressing asthma attacks in cats,especially if a tincture is administered atthe first signs of onset. Lobeline, theactive constituent of lobelia, is potential-ly toxic (it has central nervous systemeffects similar to those of nicotine), so itshould be administered only under thedirection of a holistic veterinarian.

BRONCHITIS AND KENNEL COUGH The term bronchitis refers to inflamma-tion of one or more of the large air pas-sages of the lungs. Causes are variable,ranging from inhalation of dust andother airborne irritants to viral, bacterial,or fungal infection; tumors; or cancer. Anaccumulation of mucus in the bronchiand a deep, rumbling cough are usuallyassociated with bronchitis.

Bronchitis that is secondary to bacter-ial, fungal, or viral infection is oftenaccompanied by elevated body tempera-ture and mucus discharge. If your com-panion is coughing up fluid, take anunpleasant moment to examine it. If it’spink, frothy, blood streaked, or brightyellow, get your companion and a speci-men of the discharge to a veterinarianimmediately. Respiratory infections orbleeding progress rapidly and need to betreated aggressively.

Kennel cough is a generic term for adry, hacking cough that occurs in dogsand sometimes cats. It is caused by viral(such as canine adenovirus II, parain-fluenza) or bacterial infection (such as

Bordetella bronchiseptica) and is generallyself-limiting in that it rarely progressesbeyond minor inflammation of the tra-chea. No discharge, fever, respiratoryedema, or other symptoms are associ-ated with kennel cough—just coughing.This is an important point to rememberbecause if your animal is exhibitingsymptoms in addition to a hackingcough, you may be facing a conditionmore serious than kennel cough.

Once diagnosed, kennel cough andmost other types of bronchitis can betreated safely at home. If other animals inthe home are susceptible to infection,take preventive measures to keep themhealthy. We administer immune-support-ive herbs to our animals before, during,and after suspected exposure to infec-tious bronchitis. Dietary supplementationof fresh chopped garlic is a good preven-tive measure because garlic has excellentimmunotonic qualities and antibacterialand antiviral principles that are exhaled

Elecampane can decrease the symptomsand shorten the duration of bronchitis and kennel cough.


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through the lungs. Astragalus or organi-cally grown echinacea are also well suit-ed for boosting your companion’simmune system against kennel coughbefore or during an infection. Eucalyptus

essential oil can be placed into a vaporiz-er with some water and left within a fewfeet of your companion’s resting quar-ters. (Don’t use this method in conjunc-tion with a homeopathic prescription, asit may antidote the remedy.) The vaporhelps open the animal’s respiratory pas-sages and provides a continuous measureof antimicrobial intervention.

Coltsfoot, grindelia, mullein leaf, andelecampane offer antiviral, antibacterial,expectorant, and antispasmodic quali-ties that can help shorten the durationof your companion’s ailment. Yarrow isalso strongly antimicrobial and helpsincrease pulmonary efficiency by dilat-ing blood vessels of the lungs. Slipperyelm, plantain, and marshmallow eachlend soothing relief to sore and inflamed

AN HERBAL FORMULA

FOR ASTHMA,KENNEL COUGH,AND BRONCHITIS

WITH DRY COUGH*Combine the following low-alcohol (glycerin) tinctures:1 part coltsfoot

1 part grindelia or elecampane

1 part mullein leaf

1 part yarrow

1 part marshmallow

* This formula eases spastic cough-ing, fights bacterial infection, and soothes inflamed membranes.

This combination can be added toa small amount of honey and fed todogs or cats two or three timesdaily until the illness has run itscourse. An appropriate dose is0.25–0.5 milliliters for each 20pounds of the animal’s bodyweight. Additionally, a twice-dailydose of echinacea or astragalus isrecommended for immune support.If the coughing is associated withnervousness or hyperexcitability,bugleweed, skullcap, valerian, hop,or a small measure of wild cherrybark can be added to the twice-daily regimen.

AN HERBAL FORMULA

FOR WET COUGHS

1 part coltsfoot

1 part goldenrod

1 part yarrow

If your companion’s cough involvescopious amounts of thick, hard-to-expel mucus, this formula serves toreduce inflammation of mucousmembranes, reduce and thin mu-cous secretions in the bronchi, andhelp to make the cough less violentand more productive.

This formula can be added to a smallamount of honey and fed to dogs orcats two or three times daily untilthe illness has run its course. Anappropriate dose is 0.25–0.5 milli-liters for each 20 pounds of the ani-mal’s body weight.



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membranes of the trachea and bronchi.Goldenrod is especially helpful in casesin which bronchial inflammation isyielding excessive mucus that the bodycannot effectively expel (e.g., bronchialpneumonia).

PNEUMONIA ANDPULMONARY EDEMAPneumonia is a condition in which lungvolume and pulmonary efficiency isreduced by the presence of fluid (edema)or a solid mass (tumor). Pneumonia canoriginate from bacterial, viral, fungal, orprotozoan infection; allergy; cancer; injury,or systemic dysfunction. Pneumonia is alife-threatening situation that can be pro-gressive. Treatment varies according to thecause and symptoms.

The term pulmonary edema refers tothe presence of fluid in the lungs. With

few exceptions (such as drowning), pul-monary edema is secondary to other dis-orders, such as congestive heart failure,inhalation of toxic chemicals, or damageof lung tissues.

In cases of pneumonia or pulmonaryedema, pulmonary (lung) efficiency isreduced so the blood does not receivethe oxygen it needs to supply tissuesthroughout the body. In other words, thebody progressively suffocates as the con-dition worsens. Symptoms at onsetinclude reduced physical stamina;coughing, panting, or gasping for air;and diminished mental capacity. As thesituation worsens, the tongue andmucous membranes of the eyes begin toturn blue from lack of oxygen, the animalbecomes weak and lethargic, and thebrain and other vital organs begin to die.Even if you have only a hunch that youranimal may have pneumonia or a condi-tion involving pulmonary edema, the firstcourse of action is to consult a veterinar-ian immediately to rule out the possibili-ty of a life-threatening situation. Don’thesitate. Pneumonia can be aggressive inanimals, especially those who are agingor weakened by chronic illness.

Conventional approaches usuallyinvolve the use of furosemide or otherstrong diuretics to help move fluid out ofthe lungs, as well as antibiotic therapiesdirected toward any bacteria or fungithat might be involved.

Once the nature of the problem hasbeen identified and the animal’s condi-tion has stabilized, herbs can be used tostrengthen the immune system and sup-port the body in its efforts to regain well-being. Large doses of a strong, dark dan-delion leaf tea (as much as you can getthe animal to drink) serves as a strongdiuretic to help with the elimination offluid from the lungs. If the animal won’tdrink the tea, use a salt-free meat or veg-etable broth instead of hot water or

A TONIC FORMULA FOR

ANIMALS WITH

PNEUMONIA

Combine the following glycerin-based herb tinctures:2 parts echinacea

1 part astragalus

1 part coltsfoot

1 part yarrow

This formula can be added to dan-delion leaf tea and fed two or threetimes daily until the disease has runits course. The dose for dogs, cats,and other small animals is 0.25–0.5milliliters for each 20 pounds of theanimal’s body weight. Horses andother large herbivores can receive20–30 milliliters.


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sweeten the tea with honey. Unlike theaforementioned furosemide, dandelionhelps replace potassium and other nutri-ents that are usually lost through increasedurination.

Dandelion leaf tea should be fed con-tinuously. Provide as much as the animalwill take throughout the therapy.Echinacea and garlic can be used to boostyour companion’s immune system, andastragalus or Siberian ginseng mayincrease his body’s ability to functionunder the added stress. Coltsfoot and ele-campane are both good choices for stimu-lating respiratory function, inhibiting bac-terial reproduction, and helping with theelimination of mucus from the bronchi.Inhalation therapy using a vaporizer andeucalyptus oil (as mentioned for bronchi-tis) can also bring relief. Yarrow andcayenne can both increase pulmonary cir-culation and increase oxygen delivery tothe blood. Used in combination with thediuretic qualities of dandelion leaf, thesetwo herbs may be especially useful forracehorses who suffer acute respiratorybleeding and pulmonary edema as a resultof strenuous exercise. Cayenne can also beused as part of this program as a respirato-ry stimulant and to assist the activities ofthe other herbs—one small gel cap dailyfor dogs and cats and five to ten large gelcaps daily for horses.

In animals who are suffering pulmonaryedema secondary to congestive heart fail-ure or other cardiopulmonary problems,hawthorn, ginkgo, or bugleweed may beindicated. Other herbs worth consideringin a wide variety of respiratory problemsinclude horehound (excellent, but hard toadminister because of its bitterness),thyme, rosemary, and lovage.

Skin Problems

Skin is something we tend to take forgranted. After all, we see it all the time.It covers our dogs, cats, horses, birds,

and our own bodies. And unlike treat-ments for a diseased organ that is hid-den deep and mysteriously within thebody, our approaches to skin disordersare often as shallow as we perceive theskin itself to be.

The skin regulates body temperatureas well as peripheral blood and lymph cir-culation and provides frontline protec-tion from harmful influences that existoutside the body. The skin also helps withthe elimination of systemic wastes thatare not effectively eliminated through theurinary and digestive tracts. Therefore,what might appear to be nothing morethan a superficial annoyance such as askin disorder might indicate a seriousunderlying disease. Animals don’t com-plain as much as people do and areunable to express the discomforts of adeep-seated disease. That means thecauses of a chronic skin problem may gounnoticed until they progress to a pointwhere an animal is noticeably sufferingfrom a condition such as arthritis, liverdisease, kidney failure, or even cancer.Compounding the problem is the diffi-culty of accurately identifying the under-lying causes of many skin-related disor-ders—the list of possible causes is almostunlimited. As a result, many convention-al therapies amount to nothing morethan relief of surface symptoms.

In conventional veterinary medicine,skin problems are most often treated asconditions occurring on the outside ofthe body, and a common course of ther-apy typically involves topical creams,salves, rinses, or shampoos. When theseexternal measures fail, corticosteroids,antihistamines, or other drugs are usuallyprescribed to depress the immune sys-tem and thereby squelch the uncomfort-able symptoms. While this approach toskin disease can ease an animal’s discom-fort quickly or even make the diseaseappear to go away, the underlying causes



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of the disease may never be considered,much less acted upon. As a result, theymay progress to other, more seriousproblems. In human dermatology,eczema or psoriasis present excellentexamples. Both are viewed by Westernmedicine as symptomatic manifestationsof various systemic or external causessuch as hormonal imbalances; systemicdysfunction; or viral, fungal, or bacterialinfection; but the reasons the bodyallows such problems to occur remainlargely unknown. In the absence of cura-tive answers, only the symptoms areaddressed.

The principles of holistic herbal medi-cine do not allow healers to employ solu-tions that address only the surface mani-festations of disease. While it’s true thatfinding a cure for chronic skin disorders isas difficult for holistic healers as it is forconventional research scientists, we aregifted with a special weapon: a holisticperspective that enables us to help thebody find a cure for itself. The holisticherbal approach to skin disease reachesbeyond symptoms to accept the fact thatthe body has mysterious but powerfulabilities to heal itself. Fully understandingthese abilities is not absolutely necessary.The function of the herbalist is not tosubstitute the body’s natural methods oftreating disease with new methods butto assist the body in healing itself natural-ly. This applies to all forms of skin disease.Whether the problem is a contact der-matitis that can be quickly relieved withan application of herbal salve or a morecomplex condition that emanates fromwithin the body to create chronic sebor-rhea, the approach is to assist the body’sefforts to heal while trying to identify andaddress the underlying causes.

Writing comprehensively on herbalapproaches to animal skin problemswould entail writing an entire book—per-haps even multiple volumes. So instead

we present some generalized herbaltreatments with strong emphases on theholistic principles by which they are mosteffectively applied, for a few of the mostcommon skin problems in companionanimals.

SKIN PROBLEMSOF INTERNAL ORIGINChronic, or recurring, skin conditionsthat cannot be attributed to elementsoutside the body usually indicate sys-temic disease. Generally speaking, if ananimal’s body system cannot effectivelyeliminate waste or if foreign bodies ortoxins cannot be effectively dealt with bya strong immune system, the body triesto push the problem outward, away fromthe vital organs. When the body resortsto such measures, it is usually becauseone or more of the organs or body sys-tems that monitor and respond to for-eign bodies and systemic waste havesomehow become dysfunctional. Theliver, kidneys, and immune and lymphsystems become overburdened, the skinis asked to take actions it cannot take,and a “skin problem” erupts in the formof an oily, flaky coat; irritated, itchy skin;subcutaneous cysts; excessive hair loss;pus-filled eruptions, and so forth.

Treating skin conditions that are sec-ondary to systemic disorders is difficult.Persistent skin conditions such as sebor-rhea (dry or greasy, flaky or scaly skin) orpyoderma (pus-filled eruptions) may beattributable to any number of deep-seat-ed factors, including dietary deficiencies,food or environmental allergies, immunesystem disease, or a microbial infectionthat may or may not be evident uponanalysis of the skin itself. In such cases,the entire system must be evaluated, sys-temic deficiencies must be identified andcorrected, and the search for direct caus-es must continue throughout the thera-py, even if the symptoms are under con-


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trol. The golden rule to remember is this:The outward symptoms of many types ofchronic skin disease represent only asmall part of the holistic picture. We can-not expect to find curative solutionsunless we focus our efforts beyond thesymptoms to identify and address theunderlying causes. This rule applies to allforms of skin disease, from an allergicresponse to fleabites to chronic hair loss.

SKIN PROBLEMS OFEXTERNAL ORIGINSkin problems that are triggered fromoutside the body are often, but notalways, easier to identify and quicker tocorrect than those that emanate fromwithin. For example, the cause of recur-rent urticaria (an inflammation of the skinsurface characterized by small, itchingwelts) may be quickly identified andeliminated when it is discovered thatRover has been sleeping in a patch ofstinging nettles growing along the back-yard fence. In this case, the holisticapproach might be to neutralize thestinging acids with a dandelion flower ornettle tea rinse. A problem such as der-matophytosis, or ringworm, a parasiticfungal infection of the skin in dogs, cats,horses, and many other animals (includ-ing humans), presents the holistic care-giver with a more complex scenario.Ringworm is passed directly from aninfected environment to the animal host.And like most parasites, including fleasand various skin-burrowing mites (sar-coptic mange, barn itch, demodecticmange, to name a few), ringworm ismore likely to infect diseased or immuno-compromised animals than those withhealthy disease resistance. Therefore, toholistically treat an animal suffering fromringworm, we must take the animal’senvironment and his general state ofhealth into consideration. Ringworm canbe largely prevented by keeping the liv-

ing environment clean, but infectionmust also be discouraged by maintainingthe health of the potential host.

This brings us right back to our mainpoint: Before other causative factors canbe addressed, the overall health of theindividual must be fully evaluated andsupported.

HOLISTIC APPROACHESIt’s important to keep in mind that herbsalone are seldom curative solutions tochronic forms of disease. In holistic med-icine, most skin problems are viewed asindicators of systemic dysfunction withinthe body. Rather than working in waysthat exclude natural body functions (asmany drugs do) to suppress the symp-toms of disease, herbs serve best as func-tional adjuncts to a variety of other cor-rective measures. Nutrition; the animal’sage; his physical, psychological, and neu-rological conditions; genetic predisposi-tions characteristic to his breed; and thequality of his living environment must betaken into account as equal parts of aholistic health picture.

Feeding the SkinYour effectiveness at treating conditionssuch as flaky skin and a dull coat isgauged by how deeply you are willing tolook into your animal’s whole body,lifestyle, and environment. To begin thehealing process, some careful measuresmust be taken to assure that the skin isproperly fed. Start with a critical assess-ment of your companion’s diet, lookingnot just at the diversity and types of foodingredients but at the quality of eachingredient as well. The skin is an organthat must continually regenerate itself tosurvive the constant effects of aging andbombardment from environmental ele-ments. To do so it must receive a uniquearray of special nutrients and nutritionaladjuncts, many of which will not be



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found in a typical commercial diet. At thetop of this special-requirement list areantioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E), miner-als, proteins, and especially EFAs, whichcan be administered to an animalthrough supplementing his diet.

Essential fatty acid supplements mightinclude flaxseed powder or oil, fish oil, orwheat germ oil. Vitamins A, C, and E areneeded for their regenerative and antioxi-dant effects, and digestive enzymes arealso required. In terms of herbs, horsetailand gotu kola may help regenerate andstrengthen skin structure; and nutritiveherbs such as spirulina, nettle, alfalfa, andred clover can provide trace minerals andantioxidant vitamins. Fresh burdock root isavailable at many health food stores andcan be grated (raw) directly into your ani-mal’s food. Burdock is considered a specif-ic alterative for chronic skin problems. It issafe and nutritious and gently supports ananimal’s liver and gallbladder. Feed youranimal as much as he likes.

The quality of protein you are feedingalso plays a vital role here—low-grade pro-teins (such as soy-based fillers and mostmeat by-products) are difficult for animalsto metabolize, and instead of beingreceived as nutritive protein, they aretreated as hard-to-eliminate wastes. Byfeeding your animal a diversity of high-quality, fresh foods and the proper nutri-tional supplements, you are equippinghim with the components he needs tomaintain healthy skin. Without the propernutritional components, the skin becomesweak and vulnerable to the effects of theenvironment, its related body functionsbecome compromised, and the entire sys-tem falls out of holistic balance.

Piecing Together a PuzzleOnce you are sure that your companionis getting the nutritional componentsneeded for healthy skin and coat, consid-er the potential sources of any chronic

problem. Does your animal have a foodallergy? This can often be determined byremoving food ingredients from the dietone at a time. For a dog or cat, start bychanging the type of meat your animal iseating—especially if he is eating beef or afood that is made from mostly one typeof meat. Next, try weeding out grainsand yeast one at a time. Start by eliminat-ing soy, then try wheat, then yeast.

While you are ruling out food aller-gies, also consider anything else that maybe compromising your companion’simmune system. It is the immune sys-tem’s job to react to invading microbesor harmful substances. If the system iscompromised and cannot react correctlyor effectively, it may overreact, causingan allergic response.

Is your companion hypersensitive tofleabites? Is the animal subjected to fre-quent vaccinations (a major cause ofmany skin and immune system prob-lems, in our opinion), protracted antibi-otic therapies, or any environmental tox-ins that may be depressing or stimulatingimmune functions? Find out the answers.Any of these factors may contribute to achronic skin problem.

After you have an idea of what mightbe entering your companion’s body totrigger the problem, then start lookingfor telltale signs of which organs or bodysystems might be affected. Is your animalfriend suffering from constipation or diar-rhea, and does his skin, coat, or breathsmell bad? If so, the digestive system andliver probably need herbal support. Is theurine concentrated and strong smelling,or does it have blood in it? Are urinaryinfections or stones a problem? In thesecases, you need to optimize urinary effi-ciency and perhaps relieve inflammationin the urinary tract and kidneys.

It’s impossible to ask yourself toomany questions when looking for cluesto the causes of a chronic skin problem.


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Just remember to conduct your investiga-tion throughout the body, focusing onthe organs and systems responsible forelimination of waste: the liver, kidneys,gallbladder, stomach and intestines,immune system, and lymph system. Ifyou’re having problems doing this your-self, ask your holistic vet for help.

HERBAL THERAPIESSince most forms of skin disease are relat-ed to poor elimination of systemic wasteor immune system deficiency, a greatdeal can be accomplished by supportingthe liver, kidneys, lymphatic system,immune system, and digestive functionswith herbs. You should begin tonicherbal therapy while you are trying topinpoint the actual causes of disease.Using tonic herbs to gently support thebody’s cleansing systems helps the bodyto heal itself. Oftentimes, tonic alterativeherbs change the course of systemic dys-function, and the body regains its abilityto deal with whatever was triggering theskin problem. In these cases, the animal’sbody finds its own cure, even though younever identify a cause.

The herbs of choice for treating skinproblems are stimulatory tonics and alter-natives that can be used safely over a longperiod as daily dietary supplements.Burdock has long been regarded as a spe-cific alterative for treating chronic forms ofdermatitis. Cleavers improves lymph circu-lation, thus helping to remove waste andtoxins from body tissues. It is also a diuret-ic and is mildly astringent, so it reducesinflammation that may exist in the urinarytract while encouraging elimination.Dandelion (root and leaf) is diuretic andnutritive and serves as a safe and reliableliver stimulant. It increases bile productionand gently stimulates the gallbladder andthe kidneys to help improve digestion andaid in the elimination of both solid andurine-carried wastes. Red clover helps bur-

dock work and adds antioxidant andimmune supportive qualities to a broadspectrum of vitamins and minerals. It isgenerally considered to be a blood purifi-er because it helps improve blood struc-ture, which in turn allows for better trans-port of waste products and toxins fromthe body. Garlic offers immune systemsupport, liver support, antimicrobial activ-ities, and antioxidant properties. All theseherbs are ingredients in the following for-mula for skin problems.

As the symptoms and mechanisms ofa chronic skin problem become moredefined, herbs can be used to provideadded support to specific body systemsin need. Herbs can also be used to relieveuncomfortable symptoms. The ingredi-ents of the Basic Support Formula (seebox on page 287) can then be adjustedto suit special needs. For instance, for adog suffering from seborrhea attributedto food-borne heavy metals (a conditionyour holistic vet must diagnose), a short-term regimen of yellow dock can beadded to the formula to help to quicklyeliminate toxic buildups of metals orchemicals in the body. For an animal witha skin disorder associated with chronicconstipation, Oregon grape may be use-ful to quickly increase bile productionfrom the liver and improve digestion andelimination of waste, while marshmallowmay also benefit the animal by lubricat-ing the colon.

When using herbs to relieve the symp-toms of disease, it’s important to keep yourperspective holistic. Remember, symptomsare valuable evidence of what’s going onwithin an animal’s body—don’t suppressthem unless you are finished using them todetermine corrective measures for theunderlying problem. For instance, if youuse licorice to relieve your companion’sinflamed skin without improving his diet,the goal of finding a curative solution willnever be reached. Dermatitis—a symp-



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BASIC SUPPORT FORMULA

Combine the following:2 parts burdock root

2 parts cleavers *

1 part dandelion, in equal proportions of root and leaf

1 part red clover (flowering tops)

1 part fresh organic garlic powder

*Tincture, tea, or the pressed juice of the fresh herb must be used

Flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, fish oil, or a prepared multi-EFAsupplement should be fed to the animal with this formula.

This formula can be used in several forms. A combination of the dried ingredi-ents (except cleavers) can be fed directly to an animal or sprinkled onto his fooddaily at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 40 pounds of the animal’s body weight. Thecleavers has to be added in the form of a liquid preparation because it oxidizesquickly and loses its potency when dried. Therefore, 1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) of aglycerin-based cleavers tincture or 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of strong cleaverstea should be fed in place of the dry herb for each 40 pounds of an animal’s bodyweight. For cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds, and other small animals, the dosage is pro-rated according to the animal’s estimated weight. A parrot, for example, needsonly a few drops of the tincture each day.

Another option that is particularly good for horses, goats, llamas, and otherherbivores is to administer the Basic Support Formula as fresh herbs. For theselarge animals, a few heaping handfuls of the herb mix should suffice each day.For rabbits and other small vegetarians, 1⁄2 cup of the mixture can be fed. If theanimal eats a portion of the serving and then stops, it might mean that he hasreceived all he needs. Take the remainder away. Cats, dogs, and other carnivorescan be fed a raw mixture too, but keep in mind that they may have problemsswallowing the cleavers—especially if it is Galium aparine, the species most com-monly used for herbal medicine. Galium aparine has a clinging nature that caus-es it to stick in the throats of animals who are not accustomed to eating liveweeds. While this situation is not life threatening, it can cause some gagging andcoughing. You may choose to feed your animal a species of Galium that doesnot share this characteristic, such as Northern bedstraw (Galium boreale—acommon weed), or a garden variety such as sweet woodruff, (Galium odoratum)which does not have a sticky nature.

It’s important to remember that the intent of this formula is to assist organfunctions and to optimize the body’s absorption of needed nutrients. Providing ahigh-quality, natural diet is therefore paramount. It’s also important to keep inmind that tonic herbs, being noninvasive, work only at the body’s natural pace.Therefore, a tonic herbal therapy may take several days or even weeks to showresults. Be patient, and allow your companion’s body an opportunity to heal itself.


tom—may be temporarily relieved withlicorice, but the underlying causes can-not be addressed unless we look at theentire problem holistically.

SEBORRHEASeborrhea is a term that is widely usedfor any form of skin-related disease char-acterized by dry or greasy, inflamed oritchy skin. Seborrhea may stem from anynumber of possibilities. At the top of thelist are poor food quality and nutritionaldeficiency, followed by flea- or food-related allergies, vaccinosis, and exces-sive antibiotic use. Bacterial, fungal,viral, or parasitic (mite) infection andimmune system dysfunction are alsopossible causes.

Conventional treatment of seborrheatypically begins with the use of medicat-ed shampoos and topical steroid andantibiotic preparations. In cases in whichclinical diagnosis identifies skin infec-tions, these measures can bring quickrelief, but they usually do not address thereasons the skin became infected in thefirst place. Antibiotic and corticosteroidtherapies are often used in cases of sebor-rhea that do not respond to topical treat-ment. From a holistic standpoint however,such measures compound the situation byinducing their own levels of systemicimbalance. Antibiotic and steroid thera-pies may make the symptoms disappear,but the underlying cause continues to gounchecked; the disease may be pusheddeeper into the body and result in a muchmore serious disorder.

The holistic approach begins when werealize that seborrhea is not really a dis-ease itself but a term used for a variety ofskin-related disorders. There is no stan-dard herbal treatment to use for everykind of seborrhea. All forms of chronic skindisease, however, have two things in com-mon: all are connected to diet and all areless likely to occur or progress in animals

who have healthy waste elimination andstrong immune systems.

Diet should be critically evaluated andimproved to optimize the animal’s resist-ance to disease. Supplemental EFAs (e.g.,flaxseed), digestive enzymes, minerals,and vitamins (especially vitamins E, A, andC) should be provided, and the possibilityof food allergies should be considered.

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ASTRINGENT HEALING

SKIN RINSE

Combine the following:1 part juniper or uva ursi leaf

decoction*

1 part calendula flowers, steeped

into a strong tea

1 part peppermint

*See “Basics of Herbal Preparations” in chapter 1 for instructions on mak-ing a decoction

Combine all ingredients, herb mate-rial and all, and allow the mixture tostand until cooled. Strain the cooledfluid through a sieve, then soak theanimal’s skin and coat (avoid theeyes) with the solution. Let the ani-mal drip dry.

If the animal insists on licking offthe solution, you can use the rinse asa fomentation—wrap an old towelor cloth (preferably undyed andunbleached) around the affectedbody parts, then thoroughly soakthe towel with the cooled solution.This prevents the animal from lick-ing off the solution and enables youto keep the solution on your com-panion animal for several hours.



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First make a decoction of the juniper orthe uva ursi leaves.

Strain the cooled fluid through a sieve.

Pour the liquid over your animal’s skinand coat.

If your animal licks the rinse off his skin,use the rinse as a fomentation instead.


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At the same time you are adjustingdiet, treatment should begin with herbsthat offer tonic support to the immunesystem and all organs involved in foodmetabolism and waste elimination. TheBasic Support Formula serves as a goodstarting point. The animal’s entire healthhistory should be evaluated to find cluesto possible causes. Animals who havebeen subjected to prolonged antibiotic

therapies may respond well to immune-modulating herbs such as astragalus orechinacea.

To relieve itching and inflammation onthe surface of the body, herbs with astrin-gent and wound-healing properties areindicated. In dogs or cats with itchy skinthat exhibits little or no change of appear-ance, a liberal application of oatmeal maybe applied to affected areas—cook theoatmeal into a loose, wet consistency andallow it to cool before putting it on youranimal. A peppermint or lavender skinrinse is another option to help relieve itch-ing. If the itching is associated with minorredness, a daily skin rinse of cooledchamomile, plantain, or calendula teamay bring relief. Completely soak the ani-mal with the tea and allow him to drip dry.If open scratches, scabs, or sores are visi-ble, try combining calendula and comfrey,with sage, bee balm, thyme, or yarrow teain equal proportions. When cooled andused in a rinse, this mixture accelerates thehealing process and helps inhibit bacterialinfection.

If your companion’s condition issevere—the skin is flaky and red andscratching or chewing is continuous—stronger astringents may be needed. Adecoction of uva ursi, juniper leaf, or rosebark are strong astringents that shouldserve well here. When using strongastringents on animals, proceed withcaution. Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, andother small creatures have skin that isoften quite sensitive. Before soaking youranimal with a fluid that is intended totighten the skin, test it first—put a smallamount on a portion of the animal’sbody to make sure that there will not beany adverse reaction. One example of abasic astringent skin rinse can be foundin the box on page 288.

Birds have especially tender skin, andrinses consisting of strong astringentsshould be avoided in most cases. Sage,

ECHINACEA AND

OREGON GRAPE

CLAY POULTICE

Combine the following:4 oz green or bentonite clay

(powder)*1⁄2 oz echinacea tincture

(alcohol based)1⁄2 oz Oregon grape tincture

(alcohol based)

*Be sure to use only supplement-grade clay (available at health foodstores)

Thoroughly combine the threeingredients, adding just enough dis-tilled water to make a thick paste.Then apply the poultice to theaffected areas and leave it on to dry,if possible. If licking, rolling, scratch-ing, or other attempts at removalare a problem, wrap the area with acloth or a piece of gauze. Leftoverpoultice can be put into an airtightcontainer and stored in the refriger-ator almost indefinitely. If it driesout, just add more water or tinctureto soften it.



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bee balm, or peppermint tea often workwell in a birdbath. (Sage may help elimi-nate mites as well as relieve itching.) Adda dilute concentration of the tea to a bowlof clean, chlorine-free water (just enoughto tint the water) and place it in the cage.Most birds enjoy taking an occasionalbath, especially if they’re itchy!

If an established bacterial infection isevident (an area is swollen and red, andsores are discharging pus), internal dosesof echinacea tincture can be coupled withexternal applications of echinacea andOregon grape (or organically farmedgoldenseal) powder, tincture, salve, orointment at the sites of infection. Thisboosts immune system response to theinfection while adding direct antibacterialintervention. Another effective option fortreating isolated infections of the skin is anechinacea and Oregon grape clay poul-tice, which is discussed in detail below.

In cases in which itching and inflam-mation are severe, internal doses oflicorice may bring relief by boosting pro-duction of corticosteroids in the body andlending direct anti-inflammatory activitiesto the effort. But licorice may not be agood choice in chronic, perhaps inheritedskin disorders that require continuouslong-term treatment because of its possi-ble side effects. In these cases, herbaltreatment is limited to nutritional supportand topical relief measures.

If the animal has a fever, a good possi-bility exists that the infection has movedinto the body, meaning it’s time to callyour veterinarian immediately.

PYODERMAThe term pyoderma refers to infections ofthe skin that are characterized by thepresence of subsurface pus. Most often,pyoderma is caused by foreign bodiessuch as splinters, insect bites or stings,fleas, or mites that have entered the skinand caused infection. In these cases,

basic first aid or antiparasitic measuresusually solve the problem. But in caseswhere pyoderma is secondary to systemicdisease or dysfunction, its presence mayindicate a serious, even life-threatening,condition. The possible causes range froma minor nutritional deficiency or allergy toinherited or acquired metabolic dysfunc-tions, autoimmune disease or deficiency(including lupus, pemphigus, vasculitis),viral infection (including FeLV and FIV),hormonal imbalances, parasitic infections,long-term steroid therapies, and even can-cer. The potential seriousness of pyoder-ma-related illnesses is testament to thevalue and importance of requiring a fullholistic examination of your companion,his diet, and his environment.

Diet and nutrition, as you may haveguessed, are the first factors to considerin treating any pyoderma-related disor-der of internal origin. Herbal therapiesshould start with tonic support. The BasicSupport Formula (see page 287) offers agood start. In severe cases, perhapswhere acnelike pustules erupt on thechin of a cat and begin to spread to otherparts of the body, a safe but aggressivesystemic detoxification therapy might beindicated. This might include diureticherbs such as dandelion leaf; liver stimu-lants such as yellow dock, Oregon grape,and turmeric; and blood-cleansing alter-natives such as red clover and alfalfa.Liver-regenerating herbs such as milkthistle and licorice may be useful as well,especially in cases in which chemical-induced liver damage is a suspectedcause. Marshmallow root may help toease the movement of waste through thecolon. Psyllium husks added to the ani-mal’s food as per the supplement manu-facturer’s directions may also assist withthe passing of waste.

In addition to supporting the liver,kidneys, and digestive system, it’s impor-tant to thoroughly evaluate and support


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the animal’s immune system. Clinicalblood and urine tests may be useful here,as will the experience of a holistic veteri-narian. If a determination is made thatthe immune system needs stimulation,echinacea or astragalus may prove bene-ficial. If immune deficiency is compound-ed by viral infection, liver damage, orinflammation, licorice may serve as a use-ful adjunct. It’s important to note, howev-er, that immune system stimulation maynot always be a good idea in the treat-ment of autoimmune disease in whichthe body’s immune system is workingagainst itself, such as with lupus erythe-matosus. Again, you are advised to con-sult your veterinarian before proceeding.

External discomforts can be relievedwith the same astringent and anti-inflam-matory herbs that are used for seborrhea.Aloe gel or a plantain or chickweed poul-tice may bring soothing relief as well. Forcases in which pyoderma is limited to justa few isolated areas of the body, an herb-clay poultice can be especially effective atrelieving itching, inhibiting bacteria andfungi, and pulling infection toward thesurface of the body. When applied to theskin, the green or bentonite clay used forthe poultice (or paste) naturally pulls fluidand waste products toward itself, whilelending its own itch-relieving astringentactivities and a diversity of mineral nutri-ents to the skin. As pathogenic microbesare drawn toward the clay, they are con-fronted with antimicrobial herb con-stituents that inhibit their reproduction.

This clay poultice is an excellent firstaid remedy for venomous and nonven-omous bites and stings as well. Be awarethat the bentonite clay sold at hardwareand feed stores often contains harmfulbacteria and other impurities. Alcoholtinctures are preferable to glycerinbecause they add astringency to the for-mula and serve as preservatives in a poul-tice that is saved for future use.

CONTACT DERMATITISContact dermatitis is caused when anirritating substance, organism, or aller-gen contacts or damages the outer sur-face of the skin. The onset of symptomscan be immediate or delayed for hoursor even days.

Contact dermatitis can appear inmany forms—from what appears to be ahot, pink-flushed spot of skin to raisedwheals, blisters, and ulcers that cover theanimal’s body.

In dogs and cats, the most commonform of contact dermatitis occurs as theresult of fleabites. Treatment in thesecases begins with examining why theanimal is so hypersensitive to the bitesand then continues by working to makethe environments of these pesky crittersless hospitable.

Symptomatic relief can be providedby applying astringent skin rinses (see“Seborrhea”). A skin rinse of grindelia isconsidered a specific remedy for dermati-tis caused by contact with poison ivy orpoison oak. Jewelweed (Impatiens capen-sis), a plant native to eastern and centralNorth America, has also been longregarded as a remedy for poison ivy. Thetea of this herb is taken internally byhumans, but its safety and effectivenessin animals are unknown. Alterative anddiuretic herbs such as burdock root anddandelion leaf may be fed in tea or wholeform to help the body eliminate anti-genic compounds that may be contribut-ing to the itch and inflammation.

SEBACEOUS CYSTSSebaceous cysts are lesions involving theducts leading from sebaceous glands totheir associated hair follicles. They aregenerally caused by obstruction of theducts and appear as semisolid, freelymoving lumps beneath the skin.

A natural raw food diet is the best pre-vention. If an animal does get a seba-



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A SYSTEMIC DETOXIFYING FORMULA FOR DOGS,CATS, HORSES, AND GOATS

Combine the following:2 parts dandelion leaf

2 parts yellow dock root

2 parts red clover

1 part licorice root

2 parts marshmallow

For dogs and cats, a glycerin-based tincture is the best form of application for thisdetoxifying formula. Yellow dock is bitter, and the sweet flavor of vegetable glyc-erin aids in administration. Feeding about 1⁄4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) of the com-bined tincture twice daily for each 20 pounds of an animal’s body weight is usual-ly sufficient to stimulate elimination. For best results, feed the tincture directly intothe animal’s mouth. If this isn’t possible, try diluting the tincture with water. As alast resort, add it to the animal’s food. This formula should not be used continuous-ly for more than seven days.

Horses, goats, sheep, llamas, and other large herbivores can be fed this formu-la in fresh or dried, whole-herb form—if they’ll eat it. Horses will probably need 3–6cups of the herbs each day, whereas goats, sheep, and llamas may need only 11⁄2–3cups. If direct feeding is not possible, try feeding everything but the yellow dock,then administer this bitter herb later in the form of tincture (prorate the tincture’sdosage to the amount the animal would receive in the formula).

The idea behind this detoxifying formula is to stimulate gentle elimination ofwaste from the liver and digestive organs, not to drain your animal. If vomitingoccurs, discontinue use immediately. Stools should be soft but not watery andgushing on passage. Likewise, the animal should not show any signs of gastric dis-comfort such as griping, distention, or odd sounds coming from the stomach. Ifthis occurs, reduce the dose by one-half or discontinue use—the digestive systemis stimulated enough and a different approach is warranted. On the other hand, ifyour animal has been constipated and is not finding relief from this formula, thenthe dosage can be increased in increments of 10 percent per feeding until stoolsappear soft or until the equivalent of one and one-half times the original dose isreached. After that, if results are not seen within two days, discontinue use—thisformula is probably not going to work for your animal.

This detoxifying formula should not be given continuously for more than tendays without the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be used inpregnant animals or in those with a history of urinary stones or preexisting kidneydisease. All of this is because of the oxalic acid contained in yellow dock. When usedover a long period of time, oxalic acid can be irritating to the urinary system, andit may contribute to the formation of kidney or bladder stones.


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ceous cyst, administering some herbsthat help the body eliminate more easilymight be in order. Herbs that assist lym-phatic drainage, such as cleavers, redclover, calendula, and burdock may help.

Urinary Problems

You may notice that your companion isdrinking more and urinating less, urinat-ing in unusual places, or straining whileurinating. Blood or other discharge maybe visible in the urine, redness andinflammation may be evident at oraround the animal’s urethra, or urinemay be dark or especially odorous. If dis-comfort is evident when the lowerabdomen or the area immediatelybehind the rib cage is gently palpatedwith fingertips, your companion mayhave an infection or inflammation of thebladder or kidneys. While these are allphysical signs of a urinary tract disorder,holistic care of an animal’s urinary systemrequires a level of attentiveness beyondmere recognition of such symptoms.

The urinary system is a delicately bal-anced arrangement of organs and bodychemistries that serve a critical purposeof eliminating potentially toxic com-pounds from the body. The eliminationprocess begins with the kidneys, whichare responsible for separating wastematerial from the blood and delivering itvia the ureters to the bladder. The blad-der then holds the urine until it isreleased from the body via the urethra.This system sounds simple but is actuallycomplex when we consider the specialnutritive, chemical, and structuralrequirements of the individual organs.The kidneys are fragile, oxygen-depend-ent organs with a low tolerance to stress.They work in concert with the digestivetract, liver, and circulatory system, andthey are easily damaged if the relation-ships between these systems becomecompromised. For instance, if the liver is

deficient in its job of removing dietaryand systemic waste via the digestivetract, the kidneys and urinary tract sufferfrom the stress of handling waste prod-ucts that they are not designed to han-dle. The result can be kidney failure,stones, inflammation, or infection.Adding to the holistic complexity of thissystem is the fact that it is largely madeup of smooth-muscle structures, uniquevascular arrangements, and mucousmembranes that require a special diversi-ty of nutrients and precise chemical bal-ances to remain healthy and functional.

The most effective way to treat or pre-vent urinary system illness is to recognizeyour animal’s needs before physicalsymptoms of disease are obvious.Sometimes our companions have strangeways of telling us that they don’t feelwell. They may start spraying the wall orour favorite clothes. Such behavior maybe related to an emotional problem, butit may also mean that our friends are try-ing to tell us that something is seriouslywrong physically. Don’t ignore or writeoff sudden bad behavior as neurosis—thesituation could be quite serious.

Effective holistic treatment of uri-nary disease starts with a criticalassessment of the animal’s diet.Usually infection, stones, or kidney fail-ure is the progressive result of a nutri-tional excess, deficiency, or metabolicimbalance. It’s well known among clini-cians and researchers that animals whoreceive a balanced natural diet seldom suf-fer from urinary system ailments.

When using herbs to treat urinaryproblems, teas and tinctures are thebest forms of preparation. The goal is toget the active constituents of a plantinto the urine, and the best way to dothis is to bypass as much of the diges-tive system as possible with a liquidsolution fed on an empty stomach.Following are some of the more com-



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mon treatments for urinary ailments weface as animal caregivers.

BLADDER AND KIDNEY STONES(UROLITHIASIS)Like most forms of urinary disease, stones(sometimes called gravel or crystals) arethe by-products of metabolic dysfunctionor poor diet. They are associated with thebody’s inability to effectively metabolizecalcium, magnesium, ammonium, orother minerals. Many of the minerals thatform stones are essential nutrients in abalanced diet, but they must be receivedby a healthy balanced body in a readilyusable form. It’s important to know thatexcess minerals that the body cannot usemust be eliminated through the digestiveand urinary tracts.

Stones are formed when urine pHlevels or other chemical factors causethe minerals to bind and form crystals,which in turn build upon each other tocreate solid structures known as uroliths.Uroliths are most likely to occur in thebladder, but they sometimes form in thekidneys. Exposure to cadmium is alsoknown to increase the formation ofstones. The most common source ofcadmium exposure for animals is ciga-rette smoke.

To remain clean and free of harmfulbacteria, the urinary tract must continu-ally flush itself. If an animal’s urethra isblocked by one or more uroliths, uremia,a potentially life-threatening condition,can result. If a ureter is blocked, kidneydamage may occur and progress quicklyafter the onset of symptoms. Even if theanimal’s condition appears stable andnonprogressive, urolithiasis creates anenvironment in the urinary system inwhich impeded waste elimination maylead to infectious growth of harmful bac-teria and fungi. Urolithiasis is especiallycommon in cats, but dogs and other ani-mals may suffer from stones as well.

Balanced nutrition is paramount in theeffective treatment and prevention of uri-nary stones. A positive change in diet oftenequates to a long-term cure. Many types ofurinary stones dissolve when urine chem-istry is corrected through a change of diet.However, some types of stones such as cal-cium oxalate uroliths must either be elimi-nated through the urethra via urination (anoften long and painful process) or be sur-gically removed (depending on the sizeand number of the stones).

The holistic herbal approach towardurinary system infection or stones mustalways start with a thorough dietary eval-uation. After that, the primary objectivesare to assist the body in eliminating thestones, to help moderate urine pH(which is normally slightly acidic) withdiuretic and demulcent herbs, and toinhibit infection and reduce the painfulinflammation that makes urination diffi-cult by treating with with antimicrobialand anti-inflammatory herbs.

Marshmallow has many qualitiesthat make it a first-choice herb for treat-ing kidney and bladder stones.


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In all cases (whether the stones are inthe kidneys or the bladder), ourapproach begins with a thick, alcohol-free liquid preparation of marshmallow.The slippery oily mucilage of a cooledmarshmallow tea or glycerite provides aprotective lubricating barrier on swollenmucous membranes, thus assisting withthe passage of stones. Marshmallow alsohas mild astringent qualities and antimi-crobial properties that join to reduceinflammation and help inhibit bacterialgrowth in the healing process. Plantainserves similar purposes but is lessmucilaginous than marshmallow and hasa slightly higher astringency. This makesit appropriate in cases in which the ure-thral inflammation from the passage ofgravel is causing pain and strain duringurination. Gravel root is another tradi-tional option worth considering.

In cases in which minor urinary bleed-ing is present and bladder or kidneyinflammation persists, couch grass andcorn silk serve as good anti-inflammato-ries. If significant bleeding is occurring inthe bladder but clinical evaluation hasdetermined that kidney function remainsstrong and kidney inflammation is notevident, stronger hemostatic and astrin-gent herbs such as horsetail, uva ursi, andyarrow can be added to marshmallow tohelp stop the hemorrhage. If the kidneysare inflamed, however, these herbs maybe contraindicated, and couch grass orshepherd’s purse make better options.

Diuretic herbs such as dandelion leafand cleavers are indicated in cases inwhich urination has not been severelyobstructed because they help to dilutethe urine and assist the body in its effortsto flush stones and bacteria out of theurinary tract. Keep in mind that if urina-tion is obstructed, strong diuretics maycompound the situation because theincreased urine volume may cause addedpressure upon the kidneys. If urine backs

up into the kidneys, a life-threateninginfection can result. See your veterinarianimmediately.

Antimicrobial herbs should be used asa preventive measure against infection,especially in circumstances in which uri-nation is inhibited. Echinacea serves thispurpose well. Oregon grape or certifiedorganic goldenseal is useful for fightingbacteria and serve as effective anti-inflammatory agents in the bladder aswell. If overly acidic urine is part of theproblem, mullein leaf tea may help bringpH levels back toward normal. Mulleinleaf also has diuretic and antimicrobialproperties.

URINARY SYSTEM INFECTIONS(CYSTITIS)Bacterial infection of the urinary tract isthe most common infectious disease ofdogs. At least 10 percent of all dogs seenby veterinarians for any reason have a uri-nary tract infection. Symptoms mayinclude fever, lethargy, backache, painfulurination (dysuria), frequent urination,and blood in the urine (hematuria).Causes are varied, but from a holistic per-spective the underlying question isalways the same: Why was the animal’sbody unable to effectively ward off theinfection in the first place?

In many cases, this question leads usback to diet, but other causes includeimmunological deficiency or bacterial,fungal, or protozoan infection from badwater or food. Bladder stones, injury, ortumors may also be contributing factors.In all cases, the focus of symptomaticherbal treatment is fundamentally thesame—to assist the body at repelling theinfection-causing entities, relieve inflam-mation and discomfort, dilute urine, andencourage urination.

Urinary tract infections may be causedby various forms of bacteria, fungi, orparasites that have entered the body



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through the mouth or urethra. Felinelower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD(formerly known as feline urinary syn-drome, or FUS), is a nonspecific inflam-matory problem that occurs in the blad-der and urethra of cats. It is a chronicform of cystitis characterized by high pH(excessively alkaline) urine. Tiny, sharp-edged, struvite crystals form in the lowerurinary tract and adhere to the walls ofthe bladder and urethra, causing inflam-mation and blockage. If left unchecked,they can develop into larger stones andcause severe and obstructive inflammato-ry disease of the entire urinary system. Acat with FLUTD has an urge to urinatefrequently, but because urine output isgreatly diminished by inflammation andaccumulated crystals, he may be able toforce out only a few drops at a time. Thisis a very dangerous situation—if urinebacks up in the ureters and into the kid-neys, irreversible kidney damage canresult quickly.

Diet must be closely scrutinized as aprimary cause of FLUTD. Because cats arecarnivores, they should receive a largepart of their daily water intake in theform of juicy raw meat. The process ofmetabolizing raw meat is essential to themaintenance of healthy feline urine pHlevels. When cats must subsist on a dry-food diet, their systems must performmetabolic tasks that are beyond theirnatural design. Urine pH levels maybecome severely imbalanced, setting thestage for stone formation and bacterialreproduction. In fact, studies conductedat Cornell University strongly suggestthat free-feeding dry foods may predis-pose cats to FUS. We along with a largepercentage of veterinarians agree. Also,setting mealtimes is better than free-feeding. A cat or dog who is able tosnack and nibble all day long is more like-ly to get a urinary infection, especially ifthe food is out of a bag or can.

The best advice for preventing FLUTDis this: If for whatever reason you cannotfeed a raw food diet to your cat, avoiddry kibble and feed a premium-quality,all-natural canned food to prevent yourcat from developing urinary problems. Ifyour feline friend is already suffering fromFLUTD, adjust or change his diet and takehim to a vet to determine whether hiskidneys have been compromised. If theyhaven’t, the problem can be sympto-matically approached as a case of cystitiswith astringent anti-inflammatory herbssuch as uva ursi or pipsissewa combinedwith the soothing mucilaginous proper-ties of marshmallow and the disinfectantqualities of echinacea, garlic, Oregongrape, or yarrow. If kidney involvement isevident, herbs with high concentrationsof tannins or strong volatile oils shouldbe avoided. In such cases, corn silk,couch grass, plantain, nettle, shepherd’spurse, or raspberry leaf serves as a saferastringent.

Some people and animals find relieffrom cystitis with cranberry juice or cran-berry powder (emptied from capsules)mixed in their food. Cranberry helpskeep bacteria from adhering to the wallsof the urethra and bladder. But researchhas found that cranberry juice is effectiveonly at preventing bladder infections, notcuring them. In one study, drinking 4–6ounces of a commercial cranberry juicedaily significantly prevented infections ina nursing home population. Anotherstudy used doses ranging from 5 to 20ounces a day (in humans), so for dogs orcats, an ounce or so of cranberry juice or1⁄4 teaspoon of the powder should serveas a nutritious, vitamin C–rich preventivemeasure against infection.

The symptomatic herbal approach toany form of urinary system infection cen-ters on the use of herbs that directlyinhibit reproduction of the invadingmicrobes. In most cases, Oregon grape,


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uva ursi, garlic, raspberry leaf, or echi-nacea serves this purpose well. Butalways look at the whole health pictureand never stop asking yourself why theinfection occurred in the first place. Forexample, animals with chronic gingivitissometimes develop serious kidney infec-tions as a progressive result of a bacterialimbalance that originated from poordental health or immune system deficien-cy. Again we are brought back to diet. Incarnivores, raw bones serve to keep theteeth clean and the gums healthy; in her-bivores, it’s raw, fiber-rich vegetables.The point is this: if your companion is suf-fering from a urinary infection, don’texpect to find a long-term solution exclu-sively through the use of herbs. A holisticcaregiver must look deeper than thesymptoms to find and eliminate the rootcauses of disease.

See the box on this page for a usefulpreparation for urinary system infectionand stones.

KIDNEY FAILUREGiven the fragility of the kidneys and theextraordinary amount of hard work theydo, it’s easy to understand why they areoften the first body structures to wear outin the later years of an animal’s life.However, an alarming percentage ofyoung and middle-aged animals suc-cumb to kidney failure as well.

Kidney failure is often caused and isalways compounded by a poor-quality orunbalanced diet. One contributing factoris the overabundance of phosphorus inmany commercial brands of dog and catfood. Some brands contain five to ninetimes the required amount. While excessphosphorus is seldom an issue for ani-mals with strong, healthy kidneys, it canbe problematic to animals with preexist-ing kidney damage, especially if they arereceiving a diet that does not contain anecessary balance of readily usable calci-

A BASIC FORMULA FOR

URINARY INFECTIONS

AND STONES*Make a strong tea or combine low-alcohol tinctures of the followingingredients. If possible, administerthe formula on an empty stomach,and encourage your companion todrink plenty of water.

3 parts marshmallow root

1 part couch grass

1 part nettle

1 part echinacea

1 part Oregon grape

*This formula helps to soothe,lubricate, and reduce inflamma-tion of urinary tract tissues, thushelping with the elimination ofstones. The echinacea andOregon grape help to reduce orprevent infection.

For dogs, feed 1 teaspoon (5 milli-liters) of the cooled tea, twicedaily, for each 30 pounds of bodyweight. Or feed 1–2 milliliters ofthe low-alcohol combination tinc-ture twice daily. For cats, feed 1⁄2teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of thecooled tea, twice daily, for each 30pounds of body weight. Or feed0.5–1 milliliter of the low-alcoholtincture twice daily. Horses andother large animals can be given200 milliliters of the cooled tea,fed twice daily with a turkey basteror similar device. Or you can give20–30 milliliters of the low-alcoholtincture twice daily.



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um. In these cases, the kidneys may notbe able to effectively eliminate the phos-phorus, which then accumulates in thekidneys and results in the eventual forma-tion of stones or degeneration of kidneytissues. A variety of other problems, suchas diabetes, immune system dysfunction,long-term drug therapies, vaccinosis,chronic liver disease, and digestive prob-lems, often develop as the kidney dam-age progresses. The worst part of thisgrim picture is that the entire degenera-tive process can remain undetected untilthe damage has progressed into an irre-versible state of disease.

Pinpointing the exact causes of kid-ney failure can be difficult. The kidneysare fragile and slow to heal, and incases of progressive kidney degenera-tion, time is of the essence. Therefore,holistic treatment of kidney failure mustbegin with preventive dietary measures.If it’s too late for preventive measures,the problem is best approached as earlyas possible.

If your companion is urinating exces-sively, drinking a lot of water, or has suf-fered from one or more urinary tract infec-tions or a bout with stones, take him to aholistic veterinarian for a thorough exami-nation. If kidney damage is found, chancesare your companion will be placed on areduced-protein, natural-food diet that isdesigned to moderate urine pH levels. Thishelps alleviate some of the kidney’s work-load, allowing the body to direct moreenergy toward the healing process. Herbaltherapy can then commence with tonicherbs that improve renal blood circulation(ginkgo, hawthorn), reduce inflammationof nephritic (kidney) and other urinarytract tissues (couch grass, marshmallow,corn silk), and gently increase urine output(nettle, dandelion, alfalfa, goldenrod). Ifinfection is part of the problem, nonirritat-ing antimicrobials (Oregon grape, gold-enseal) can be added as well. But extra

care must be taken to assure that theherbal therapy does not further irritate theanimal’s condition. Avoid herbs that con-tain large amounts of aromatic volatile oils(juniper, yarrow, members of the mintfamily) and those with considerableamounts of tannins (uva ursi, white oakbark, black walnut hulls), especially if thekidneys are inflamed.

Most traditional herbal approaches tokidney failure are centered on increasing

A BASIC HERB FORMULA

FOR EARLY STAGES OF

KIDNEY FAILURE

Combine the tea or low-alcoholtinctures of the following:1 part hawthorn

1 part ginkgo

1 part echinacea

1 part marshmallow

1 part dandelion leaf

For dogs, a good starting dose is 1teaspoon (5 milliliters) of thecooled tea or 1 milliliter of the com-bined tincture per 20 pounds of theanimal’s body weight, twice daily,preferably given between mealsand with plenty of drinking water.For cats, start with 1 teaspoon (5milliliters) of the cooled tea or 1milliliter of the combined tincture,twice daily, preferably givenbetween meals and with plenty ofdrinking water. Horses and largeherbivores can receive 25 millilitersof the combined tincture diluted in8 ounces (240 milliliters) or more ofwater, twice daily, preferablybetween meals.


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diuresis (urine output) and decreasinginflammation. But we have found bettersuccess when equal attention is placedon improving blood circulation in thekidneys.

A Holistic Herbal Approach toKidney Failure: The Tilford Theory The fact that the kidneys are second onlyto the brain in terms of circulatorydependency is often overlooked whentreating kidney failure. If the blood flowto the kidneys is blocked by damaged orinflamed tissue, the kidneys will die fromlack of oxygen.

We have received several reports fromveterinarians and pet owners who haveseen promising results in the treatmentof early to midstage kidney failure indogs and cats from use of a formula thatcombines anti-inflammatory, immunos-timulant, and, most important, circulato-ry tonic herbs. The theory behind thisapproach is that the kidneys are criticallyoxygen dependent and made up of hun-dreds of blood vessels. They are sensitiveto blood-pressure disorders, vascularatony, and poor circulation. Through theuse of hawthorn, increased renal circula-tion is achieved without elevating bloodpressure. At the same time, ginkgodilates and improves tonicity of nephriticblood vessels, improves blood returnfrom the extremities, and helps reduceblood pressure in congested tissues. Themucilage content of ginkgo also serves toreduce inflammation throughout the uri-nary tract and provides a protective lubri-cating barrier for the passage of wastes. Asmall amount of garlic or echinacea helpskeep bacteria and fungi in check, marsh-mallow helps soothe and reduce inflam-mation, and dandelion leaf or the freshjuice of parsley helps to increase urineoutput. Other herbs worth investigatingin cases of kidney failure include alfalfa,astragalus, goldenrod, and couch grass.

URINARY INCONTINENCEUrinary incontinence is fairly common inaging animals, spayed females (especiallydogs), and in females who have lost blad-der tone as a result of multiple pregnan-cies. Urinary incontinence can also betriggered by nervous system dysfunction,emotional disorders, inflammatory dis-ease, or nutritional deficiency.

Identifying the exact cause of urinaryincontinence can be challenging, andsuccessful herbal treatment usuallydepends on just how well the caregiverknows and understands his or her com-panion. Did the problem begin suddenly,or has there been an occasional drop ortwo of urine in your companion’s bedfrom time to time in the past? If the lat-ter is true, a gradual degeneration ofbladder tone could have been reversedearly on. Does your animal appear to bestiff after exercise, do her hind legs wob-ble when she stands after exercise, or

A TONIC FORMULA FOR

URINARY INCONTINENCE

Combine the following:1 part oatstraw

1 part plantain

1 part corn silk

1 part nettle root or saw palmetto

1 part horsetail

We like to use this formula in theform of a glycerin tincture becauseit’s easy to administer, but a tea isequally effective. A good startingdose is 12–20 drops of the glyceriteor 1 teaspoon of the strong tea foreach 20 pounds of the animal’sbody weight, twice daily.



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does she seem to be holding her rumplower when walking? If any of these areeven slightly evident, then your compan-ion may be developing arthritis, hip dys-plasia, or some other cause of nerveimpairment that may be affecting thetone and function of urinary tract mus-cles. This illustrates just how important apet care diary can be. By keepingdetailed notes about subtle changes inyour animal’s appearance, behavior,feeding habits, and physical perform-ance, you can detect trends that point toearly stages of disease and that greatlysimplify finding curative solutions.

In spayed females, normal hormoneproduction is interrupted when theuterus and ovaries are removed duringan ovariohysterectomy. The bladder iscomposed of smooth-muscle groups thatare functionally interdependent with abalance of reproductive hormones, sowhen hormone production is altered, thebladder loses tone and urine dribbleresults. Reversing this kind of inconti-nence is difficult because there is no waythat herbs can replace hormones thatshould be naturally produced by thebody. Oatstraw and wild yam (Dioscoreavillosa) contain estrogenic (phytoestro-gens) compounds. Theoretically, theseherbs might help stimulate whatever hor-mone production is left intact, and tosome extent they might mimic naturalhormone production enough to serve as

a partial remedy for incontinence.Although these herbs are safe in moder-ate doses, this approach is unreliable andmay affect only certain animals. The bet-ter approach toward hormone-relatedurinary incontinence applies to all formsof urinary incontinence: strengthen andsupport the structure and function of thebladder sphincters and urinary smooth-muscle tissues with long-term use oftonic herbs. Choices include corn silk,raspberry leaf, horsetail, saw palmetto,nettle root, couch grass, uva ursi, agri-mony, marshmallow, and plantain.Oatstraw can also be included for theaforementioned purpose and as a nutri-tive diuretic.

Urinary incontinence is sometimescaused by neurological disorders, espe-cially in older animals who suffer fromsenility and general debility. Oftentimes,epileptic animals have a problem withincontinence too. In these cases, we canlook toward cerebrotonics such as ginkgoand gotu kola to help bring relief. Theseherbs work to improve synaptic (nerveimpulse) transmission and blood circula-tion in the brain. Skullcap or valerianmight help moderate brain activities thatare believed to trigger epileptic episodesand may also be instrumental in treatingincontinence of neurological origin. Ifemotional or behavioral disorders arepart of the problem, Saint-John’s-wortmight be indicated.


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——— A ———

abortifacient: a substance that can causeabortionacupoints: part of traditional Chinese medi-cine; points on the body that are sights wherepressure is applied as in acupressure or needlesare inserted under the skin as in acupunctureadaptogen: a nontoxic substance that isbelieved to increase stamina and overall energylevels in the body, especially in stressful conditionsaerial parts: the aboveground portions of aplantallopathy (see homeopathy): the use ofdrugs or other means to antidote a disease orsymptom in a manner not necessarily coopera-tive with the body’s natural functions. alterative: an herb or other agent that gradual-ly alters an existing condition in the body. Ablood alterative is often referred to as a bloodcleanser because it alters the entrance of toxinsand waste materials into the bloodstream, inmost cases through stimulation of liver function.alternate: describing leaves arranged alongeither side of a stem at various points but neverdirectly opposite each other across the stemamebiasis: the state of being infected withamoebas, single-celled organisms that (in mostcases) are introduced into the body via raw foodor drinking water amine: an organic compound containing nitrogen amoebicidal: kills certain types of amoebasanalgesic: a pain-relieving substanceanaphylactic: of, relating to, or causing ana-phylaxis or anaphylactic shockanaphylactic shock: severe and sometimes fatalimmediate hypersensitivity (usually the result ofallergy) that can result in the inability to breatheanesthetic: a substance that reduces painfulsensitivity. Unlike general analgesics, anestheticsare often applied locally. An injection ofNovocaine at the dentist is a local anesthetic.anodyne: soothes painannual: a plant that blooms, distributes its

seeds, and then dies during its first and onlyyear of growth. Annuals depend solely on seedsfor reproduction.anther: the pollen-bearing organ at the end ofthe stamen that is responsible for the distribu-tion of pollen. The anther is usually yellow ororange and is the part bees seek out.antibacterial: effective against bacteriaantibody: any of a variety of molecules that aresynthesized by the body for the purpose ofcombating antigens (toxins or other foreignsubstances)anticancer: used to fight or capable of stop-ping the spread of canceranticatarrhal: a substance capable of assistingthe body in eliminating excess mucus from theupper respiratory tract through anti-inflamma-tory actions on the mucous membranes that areresponsible for the secretionsantidermatitic: active against various skinproblemsantiemetic: helps alleviate vomitingantigenic proteins: chemical compounds ofprotein molecular structure that trigger aninflammatory response upon contacting orentering the bodyantihydrotic: capable of preventing or inhibit-ing perspirationanti-inflammatory: decreases inflammationantilithic: prevents the formation or aids in theelimination of gravel, or stones, in the urinarysystemantimicrobial: helps the body to resist, inhib-it, or destroy pathogenic microbes. In holisticmedicine, this term generally describes actionsthat assist the body in fighting bacteria, fungi,or viruses at their original point of infection.antioxidant: a substance that controls or elim-inates free radicals or reduces cellular oxidationin the bodyantiparasitic: anything that expels, repels,kills, or inhibits reproduction of parasitesantiplatelet: a compound that inhibits plateletactivity in the blood, usually resulting in antico-agulant activity

Glossary


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antipyretic: an agent capable of reducingfeverantirheumatic: an agent capable of relievingthe symptoms of rheumatic conditions such asrheumatoid arthritisantiseptic: a substance that kills or inhibits thegrowth of pathogenic microbes. In holistic med-icine, this term describes substances that inter-fere with bacterial infections regardless of thebody’s natural abilities to do so. In this context,antiseptic herbs are applied as allopathic reme-dies.antitussive: capable of suppressing coughsanthelmintic: kills or expels worms astringent: capable of tightening the soft tis-sues of the body. Astringent herbs are used tostop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and stopdiarrhea.awn: a slender, stiff bristle, usually occurring atthe end of a plant stemaxil: the junction where a petiole or pedunclejoins the stem of a plantaxillary flowers: flowers presented at the leafaxils

——— B ———

bacteriostatic: specifically acting to inhibit themultiplication of bacteriabasal: referring to the base of something. Basalleaves are found at the extreme lower end of aplant. They are usually the first true leaves toappear after germination.biennial: a plant that blooms only during itssecond year of growth and then diesbiotin: a water-soluble dicyclic monocarboxylicacid considered to be part of the vitamin B complexbitter: stimulates salivation and improvesdigestionbitter tonic: a substance that stimulates diges-tive functions, first in the mouth and later in thestomach and liver. Bitter tonics are traditionallyused to aid digestion.bracts: modified or reduced leaflets usuallyassociated with the flower of a plant; oftenlocated beneath the petals

——— C ———

candida: any of a yeastlike genus (Candida) offungi that inhabit the vagina or digestive tract

(or both) that under certain conditions maycause candidiasis, an acute or chronic fungalinfectioncapsaicin: the primary active component ofcayenne pepper (Capsicum spp.). Capsaicin mayrepresent as much as 48 percent of the fruit’schemical makeup.carcinogen: a substance or agent that pro-motes the formation or growth of cancercardiac tonic: an agent capable of strength-ening the heart muscle or stimulating heart-beat (or both) in a manner beneficial to bodyfunctionscardiotonic: tending to strengthen the heartcarminative: aids in the expulsion of gas fromthe digestive tractcarrier (for an herb): a compound or groupof compounds that serve to transport the medi-cinally active components of a plant to variousportions of the bodycatarrh: excessive secretion of thick phlegm ormucus from inflamed mucus membranes (seeanticatarrhal)cathartic: a strong laxativecerebrovascular: of or involving the veins,arteries, and capillaries of the brainchambered fruits: fruits with a seed-bearingstructure that contains more than one seed-con-taining chamberchlorophyll: a green pigment found in plants thatenables them to photosynthesizecholagogue: a substance that stimulates bileproduction in the livercholeretic effects: stimulation of bile produc-tion in the liverCrohn’s disease: a chronic granulomatousinflammatory disease of unknown cause involv-ing the gastrointestinal tract; also called region-al enteritis or ileitiscoagulant: a substance capable of promotingblood clotting, converting blood from a liquidto a semisolid statecompound: a leaf composed of multiple smallleaf segments, often pinnately arranged pairs ofleaflets conifers: trees and shrubs that bear their flowersand fruits in the form of scaly, conelike structures;includes all members of the fir, pine, and cypressfamiliesconstituent: a single element or a compoundingredient that is part of a whole. A medicinalconstituent in a plant is an element or com-pound that makes the plant medicinally useful.

Glossary


Glossary

304

contraindication: any condition, especiallyany condition of disease, that renders someparticular line of treatment improper or unde-sirable. Herbs can be contraindicated for use incertain situations. counterirritant: an irritant that distracts attentionaway from another irritant. Usually applied exter-nally. A deep-heating, mentholated muscle oint-ment is a counterirritant to the discomfort ofaching muscles.coumarin: a principle with a bitter taste andan odor resembling that of vanilla beans,derived from tonka bean, red clover, and otherplants and also prepared synthetically.Coumarin contains a factor that inhibits thehepatic synthesis of vitamin K–dependentcoagulation factors, and a number of its deriva-tives are used as anticoagulants in the treat-ment of disorders in which there is excessive orundesirable clotting.cultivar: a variety of a plant species originatingand continuing in cultivation and given a namein a modern languagecystitis: inflammation of the bladdercytokines: a generic term for nonantibody pro-teins released by certain cells on contact withspecific antigens. Cytokines act as intercellularmediators, as in the generation of an immuneresponse.

——— D ———

deciduous: seasonally losing leaves once a yearat the end of the growing seasondecoction: an herbal preparation made by sim-mering plant material in water until maximumextraction of active constituents is achieved.This process is usually used for roots, barks, andseeds that are not water soluble enough for usein simple infusions (teas).demulcent: a substance that provides a pro-tective coating and is soothing to irritated tis-sues in the bodydermatitis: inflammation of the skindiaphoretic: a substance capable of stimulat-ing perspirationdigestive tonic: a substance that aids thedigestiondisk: the central circular portion of a flower headdiuresis: the process by which the body elim-inates waste and excesses through kidneyfunction and subsequent urination

diuretic: a substance that stimulates diuresis

——— E ———

edema: usually a fluid-filled swellingelliptical: relating to an oval shape with oppo-site ends that are equal in diameter; not eggshaped but like a flattened circleemetic: a substance that induces vomitingemmenagogue: a substance that promotesmenstruationemollient: a substance that soothes, protects,and softens the skin; the external counterpart toa demulcentestrogenic: affects estrogen production in thebodyexogenous growth hormones: hormonesthat the body does not produce but receives viafood or other external sourcesexpectorant: a substance that helps expelmucus from the respiratory tract

——— F ———

febrifuge: fever reducingflavonoid: a chemical compound found invarious forms in several plants. Flavonoid con-stituents are responsible for a wide range ofmedicinal actions and are generally responsi-ble for the pigmentation of various red, yel-low, or purple fruits. Also known as abioflavonoid.flower essence: usually made from flowerpetals that are floated on top of spring water ina crystal bowl in the sunshine for a specifiedperiod of time, after which the water is filteredoff, bottled, and brandy is added as a preserva-tive. Also called flower remedy.fodder crops: cultivated plants that are usedas livestock feedfomentation: treatment by a warm and moistapplication; similar to a poulticeformic acid: an acid compound that is knownto cause a burning and tingling sensation as wellas blistering when applied to skin or other bodytissues. Formic acid is primarily responsible forthe well-known sting that is induced by redants.fungicide: a substance that helps kill fungi


Glossary

305

——— G ———

galactagogue: anything that stimulates milkproductiongenitourinary: having to do with the genitaland urinary organsglabrous: having a surface that lacks hairs, acharacteristic of certain plant stems and leavesgrand mal seizures: the spasms and convul-sions produced by a severe epileptic episode; an“epileptic fit”

——— H ———

Heinz-body anemia: a condition that causesdeformation of red corpuscles, diminishing theblood’s capacity to collect and transport oxygenand nutrients throughout the bodyhematoma: a localized collection of blood,usually clotted, in an organ, space, or tissue dueto the break in the wall of a blood vesselhemostatic: stops bleeding. Most herbalhemostatic substances work by astringentactions.hepatic: relating to or associated with the liverhepatotonic: strengthens liver functionhepatotoxic: toxic to the liverhips: the swollen, ripened, seed-producing por-tion of a rose flower headhomeopathy: a modality of healing foundedby Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s. Thescience of homeopathy involves a meticulousdiagnostic investigation of an individual’s physi-cal, behavioral, and historical state of being,after which a remedy is tailored to the specificneeds of the individual. Homeopathic remediesare composed of organic or nonorganic com-pounds that are diluted from their originalstrength hundreds or even thousands of times.The goal of homeopathic medicine is to effect adesired physical or psychological response bystimulating body systems at very low, perhapseven molecular levels. Often, a “like versus like”approach is employed, such as when the homeo-pathic remedy Arsenicum, an extremely dilutepreparation of arsenic, is used to counter a dis-ease that produces symptoms similar to those ofarsenic poisoning.homeostasis: a maintained state of health inwhich all checks and balances between interde-pendent elements of mind, body, and spirit arefunctioning harmoniously

hybridize: to genetically alter a plant species insuch a way that inhibits or eliminates the plant’sabilities to reproduce by natural means hydroquinones: reduced form of quinone,containing two hydroxyl groups (sometimesused as an antioxidant) hyperlipidemia: elevated concentrations oflipids in plasma; elevated blood fatshyperthyroidism: overactive functioning ofthe thyroid glandhypothyroidism: depressed thyroid functionhypotension: low blood pressurehypotensive: capable of reducing blood pressure

——— I ———

immune modulator: an herb that acts tohelp the immune system by optimizing it’sability to adjust to stressful circumstances.Often used synonymously with the termimmunostimulant, immune modulator isbecoming more common in herbalists’vocabulary as more is learned about how cer-tain immune-supporting herbs work in thebody.immunostimulant: an herb that strengthensthe body’s resistance to infection by stimulatingand increasing immune system responses. Inherbal medicine, this term specifically refers tothe medicinal support of infection-fighting anti-bodies in the bloodstream and overall tonifica-tion of the lymph system.immunotonic: an herb that strengthens theimmune systeminfusion: a preparation made by pouring boil-ing water over herbs and allowing them tosteep; a teainterleukin: a generic term for a group ofmultifunctional cytokines that are producedby a variety of lymphoid and nonlymphoidcells and whose effects occur at least partlywithin the lymphopoietic systemisoflavone: a flavone compound (e.g.,flavonoids) with molecular structures that con-tribute steroidal properties to a plant

——— K ———

ketogenic diet: a high-fat diet that is believedto help in certain cases of epilepsy in humans


Glossary

306

kinesiology: the study of body motion. Inholistic medicine, kinesiology is used as a diag-nostic tool involving the observation and analy-sis of physical responses to touch, questioning,or other stimuli; the manner in which the bodyresponds to the stimuli is used to determine theexistence and nature of illness.

——— L ———

lignan: an organic cellulose-like substance thatacts as a binder for the cellulose fibers in woodand certain plants and adds strength and stiff-ness to cell wallslinear: long and narrow. Referring to leaf char-acteristics, a linear leaf is too narrow to be con-sidered narrowly lance shaped and insteadresembles a blade of grass. loam: rich soil composed of clay, sand, andorganic matterlobed: referring to leaf characteristics, a lobedleaf has margins (outer edges) that are deeplyindented in two or more places but not asdeeply as a palmate leaf (e.g., maple leaves). lymph system: the system of the body respon-sible for the cleansing of tissues and the produc-tion of various antibodies and white blood cellslymphocytes: any of the mononuclear, non-phagocytic leukocytes found in the blood,lymph, and lymphoid tissues that are the body’simmunologically competent cells and their precursors

——— M ———

marc: the solid plant material that remains ofan herb preparation after the liquid (tincture,extract, etc.) has been pressed offmargin: the outer edges of a leafMAOI: see monoamine oxidase inhibitormedicinal action: any of a variety of termsused to describe the effect that an herb, orother substance that may be considered thera-peutic, has on or in the body menstruum: the solvent used to extract plantconstituents in making an extract or tincture; asolvent mediummicrobe: a microscopic organism, includingvarious bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa modality: the employment of, or the methodof employment of, a therapeutic agent or a setof ideas or principles

monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI):any of a variety of chemical substances thatinhibit the activities of monoamine oxidase(MAO), an enzyme that is thought to regulatethe production of certain antidepressive orantihistamine chemicals in the body. By block-ing the activities of MAO with an MAOI, thebody’s production of seratonin, epinephrine,or histamine is increased to bring about antide-pressive effects or other therapeutic results.monocyte: a large, nongranular white bloodcell with a single round or egg-shaped nucleusmontane: of or relating to mountainous ter-rainmucilage: a sticky, oily substance often usedin herbal medicine to soothe and protect irri-tated tissuesmucilaginous: of, relating to, or secretingmucilage. Mucilaginous herbs are generallyused as emollients or demulcents.

——— N ———

navicular syndrome: inflammation of con-nective tissues of the navicular joint (in the fore-foot) of a horse; also known as navicular diseasenephritic: of or relating to the kidneysnephritis: inflammation of the kidney vine: a substance that affects the nervous systemnoxious weed: a plant species that many peo-ple generally hate and want to eradicatenutritive: nourishing

——— O ———

opposite: leaves arranged directly across fromeach other at regular intervals along the stem ofa plant ovate: oval shaped oxalate: a salt of oxalic acid. Calcium oxalatestones are a type of urinary calculi. (See struvite)oxytocic: induces contractions

——— P ———

palmate: resembling the shape of the humanhand with fingers extended. A palmate leaf hasmargins deeply indented nearly to its base. (Seelobed)pathogen: any disease-causing microorganismpathogenic microbes: microscopic organ-


Glossary

307

isms that act negatively on or in the body;harmful, infectious bacteria, fungi, and virusesare all pathogenic microbes.pedicel: flower stem peduncle: the stemlike structure that holds thefruit or flower of a plant, commonly known as apedicelperennial: a plant that returns from its rootstockyear after year. Perennials reproduce by seed androot reproduction.peristalsis: the involuntary wave-type motionof the alimentary canal contracting to propelwaste through and out of the bodypetals: the bractlike inner segments of a flower;usually the most colorful part of the flowerpetiole: the stemlike structure of a plant leafthat connects the leaf to the stalk, branch, ortrue stem of the plant; sometimes referred toas a leaf stempH: a numerical measurement of acidity oralkalinity. Relating to soil, a pH level of 7.0 isregarded as neutral; lower numbers indicateincreasing acidity, higher numbers indicateincreasing alkalinity.phytoestrogenic principles: chemicalcomponents of a plant that are similar toestrogen produced in an animal’s body, orthat mimic or stimulate estrogen functions inthe bodypinnate: a compound leaf pattern in whichleaflets are arranged in opposing pairs alongtwo sides of an axis pipette: a small piece of apparatus used toinsert a rectal suppository; or a dropper usedfor drawing fluid polysaccharide: a carbohydrate, which onhydrolysis yields a large number of monosac-charide. Polysaccharides are present in manyspecies of plants, often serving as medicinallyactive components (e.g., the polysaccharideconstituents of Echinacea spp. are partlyresponsible for the immunotonic activities ofthe plants).potentiate: to make stronger, quicker to act,or more effectivepotentiating adjunct: an herb substancethat can be added to an herbal medicine tomake the herbal medicine stronger, quicker toact, or more therapeutically effectivepoultice: an herbal preparation made bymashing plant materials with a liquid (usuallywater) to form a wet paste

probiotics: friendly bacteria or enzymes thatserve to support natural digestive functionswithin the bodypsychotropic drug: a drug that affects themental state of the subject receiving itpulegone: a flea-killing insecticidal chemicalcompound most notably found in pennyroyal(Mentha pulegium)purgative: an extremely, perhaps violently,strong laxative with uncontrollable effects.Purgatives generally cause abdominal cramp-ing and near-incontinent conditions. They areusually reserved by herbalists for use only indire circumstances.

——— R ———

rabies miasm: the chronic result of rabies vacci-nations; it is believed to be passed down throughsuccessive generationsray: the extended bladelike petal of a ray flower rhizome: an underground plant stem thatextends itself horizontally and produces shootsabove and roots below. Crabgrass is an excellentexample of a rhizomatous plant.riparian habitat: an ecosystem in proximi-ty to a consistent source of water (such asfloodplains, stream banks, lakeshores, andmarshes)rosette: a cluster of leaves that emerges inan overlay pattern resembling the shape of arose flower rotenone: an insecticidal compound foundin the flowers of mullein (Verbascum thapsis)and in the leaves and flowers of various otherplantsrubefacient: a substance that reddens andheats the skin when applied topically

——— S ———

saponin: a glycoside (soaplike) plant com-pound. Although many types of saponins havemedicinally useful properties, many may beirritating to the digestive tract and cause toxicreactions if ingested.sepal: a modified leaf (usually green) thatencloses a flower bud. Some plants have sepa-ls that are more conspicuous than their flowers.sialagogue: any substance that increases thesecretion of saliva


Glossary

308

simple: referring to leaf characteristics, a sim-ple leaf has margins that are void of any serra-tions, divisions, or lobes. A simple leaf is abasic leaf.stratification: a germination process bywhich a seed must be subjected to a pro-longed period of cold (often freezing) temper-atures and moisture to break its dormancyStreptococcus: a genus of gram-positive,spherically shaped bacteria in microscopicchains. Most forms of Streptococcus are nor-mally present and harmless in the body, whileothers, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (bac-terial pneumonia), are potentially deadly.stomachic: a stimulant or tonic for soothingthe stomach struvite: a urinary calculus composed of pureammoniomagnesium phosphate, forming thehard crystals known to minerologists as stru-vitestyptic: an agent that causes bleeding to stopby making tissues contract rapidly; essentiallythe same as an astringentsymbiosis: a relationship in which two dis-similar organisms live together for mutualbenefit

——— T ———

taproot: a plant root that extends verticallydownward into the soil (e.g., carrot orparsnip)terminate: referring to flowers that are theabsolute end-tips of plant stems; also referredto as terminal tincture: an herbal preparation made bysoaking plant material in a liquid solvent(called a menstruum) to extract active medic-inal constituents. Commonly referred to asherbal extracts, tinctures may be made frommenstruums of alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar. titer: the quantity of a substance requiredto produce a reaction with a given volume ofanother substance, or the amount of onesubstance required to correspond with agiven amount of another substance. In vet-erinary medicine, titer analysis is sometimesused to measure an animal’s resistance to anantigen—such as rabies virus. By testing ananimal’s blood for natural resistance to viral

or bacterial infection, vaccination can oftenbe avoided.tonic: a general term for a nourishing sub-stance that invigorates and increases the toneand strength of tissues and improves thefunction of one or more body systemstonicity: a property of the strength andresiliency of a body tissue

——— U ———

umbel: an umbrella-shaped flower. True umbelsconsist of tiny florets, each extending an equal dis-tance from a common point to form dense clus-ters. In this book, the terms umbel and umbel-likeare used loosely to include flowers that appearumbrella shaped regardless of the “true” criteria.uremia: more correctly referred to as azotemia.An excess presence of urea, creatinine, andother nitrogenous end products of protein andamino acid metabolism in the blood; may pointto chronic renal failure.urolithiasis: a condition marked by the forma-tion of urinary calculi, or stonesurolith: urinary calculus or stoneuterine stimulant: an agent that is capable ofstimulating contraction of the uterusuterotonic: strengthens the uterus

——— V ———

vaccinosis: sickness resulting from cumulativeeffects of years of vaccinesvasoconstrictor: an agent that is capable oftightening the walls of blood vessels; oppositeof vasodilatorvasodilator: an agent that is capable of dilat-ing or widening blood vessels; opposite of vaso-constrictorvetch: a common name for several plants in thepea familyvulnerary: used to promote the healing ofwounds

——— W ———

wildcrafted: harvested from a wild, not culti-vated, sourcewort: an old term for plant


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320

Aacemannan, 226–27

acquired metabolic dysfunctions,

291

acupuncture, 222

acute anxiety/hyperactivity, 25

acute nervousness/anxiety, 217

adaptogenic herbs, 215, 229, 242

Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorti-

cism), 240–41, 261

adrenal glands. See Addison’s dis-

ease; Cushing’s disease, 63,

215

adrenal-stimulatory actions, 64

Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs

(DeSmet), 209

aggression/depression disorders,

215–17

aging, 237–40, 300–301

AIDS, 260

ajoene, 116

alantolactone, 105

alcohol extracts or tinctures, 31–33

alfalfa (Medicago sativa): about,

50–52; anticancer herbs, 225;

appetite stimulant, 231; arthri-

tis, 220; blood disorders, 22;

broad-spectrum minerals/vita-

mins/proteins, 25; burns and

scalds, 253; fractures, 254; toxi-

city, 27

allergies, 236, 252, 261–62

all-purpose first aid oil/salve, 254

aloe (Aloe spp.), 25, 52–54, 270

Alternative and Complementary

Veterinary Medicine: Principles

and Practice (Belfield), 218

alternative herbs: allergies, 261;

basic start-up apothecary, 22;

blood structure build up, 220;

fleas, 267; tea or whole form,

292

American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepi-

dota), 142

American Veterinary Medical

Association (AVMA), 268

amino acids, 228

amoebicidal, 79

Anakit or Epipen, 252

anaphylactic reaction, 252

Anderson, Linda A., 205, 206, 207

animal behaviorists, 216

Animal Essentials, 240, 241, 243,

246

Animal Poison Control Center, 257

animals: acute allergic reactions,

252; acute nervousness/anxiety,

217; aggression/depression dis-

orders, 215–17; anticancer diet,

225; appetite loss/malabsorp-

tion, 230–31; arthritis/hip dys-

plasia, 217–22; asthma,

278–79; basic tonic formula,

220, 221; behavior of, 213–14;

bronchitis and kennel cough,

279–81; cancer, 222–27; cardio-

vascular problems, 227–29; car-

ing of, 12; charcoal for poison-

ing, 256–57; chiropractic adjust-

ments, 222; in chronic depres-

sion, 214–15; colic and flatu-

lence, 231; common ailments

of, 213; constipation, 233–34;

coughing and sneezing, 278;

diarrhea, 231–33; digestive

dependency, 234; digestive

upset, 229–30; dosage sugges-

tions, 26–27; ear problems, 237;

elderly care, 237–40;

epilepsy/convulsions/seizures,

245–46; eye problems, 246–49;

first aid, 249–58; food, 37–38;

hair balls, 234–35; health care

diary, 219, 223; herb usage for,

47; and herbal curatives, 9;

herbal dietary adjunct, 38; holis-

tic veterinarians, 27–30; hos-

pices for, 240; humankind and

nature, 13; immune system

care, 258–61; inflammatory

bowel disease, 235–36; leaky

gut syndrome, 236–37;

liver/digestive functions diet,

239; mouth problems, 262–63;

nose and sinus problems,

263–64; nutritive herbs for, 39;

parasites, 264–76; pneumonia

and pulmonary edema, 281–82;

pregnancy, 234, 276–78; prob-

lematic plant compounds,

28–30; purpose of, 11–12; skin

problems, 282–94; tonic support

formula, 226; toxicity, 27; urinary

problems, 294–301

anorexia. See appetite loss/malab-

sorption

anthraquinones, 28, 198, 209, 234

antibiotic therapies, 20, 290

anticancer diet/herbs, 225

antihistamine qualities, 267–68

anti-inflammatory: eyebright, 153;

herbs, 22; inflammatory bowel

disease, 235–36; kidney/bladder

inflammation, 296; licorice, 20,

231, 268; pyoderma, 292

antimicrobials: bear medicine prop-

erties, 9; bites and stings,

251–52; ear problems, 237; gin-

givitis, 263; herbs, 22; infection

prevention, 296; licorice, 231;

nose drops, 262; oil infusions,

37; tinctures, 263

anti-osteoarthritic agents, 219–20

antioxidant vitamins, 285

antiparasitic drugs, 265

antiparasitic ear oil, 237

antiviral qualities for heart infections,

229

antiworm food supplement, 273

anxiety, 25, 134, 217

Apis and Ledum, 252

appetite loss/malabsorption, 230–31

appetite stimulant, 230–31

arachnids. See mites

arnica (Arnica spp.), 25, 54–56

arnica oil, 222

arteriosclerosis. See cardiovascular

problems

arthritis, 22, 219–20, 239–40

arthritis/hip dysplasia, 217–22

ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), 202

asthma, 129, 278–79. See also

allergies; immune system

astragalus (Astragalus membrana-

ceous): about, 56–58; antibiotic

therapies, 290; antiviral qualities

for heart infections, 229; autoim-

mune deficiency, 267; boost

immune response, 226; immune

system, 43, 236, 239; increase

energy levels, 229; kennel

cough, 57, 280; stress, 215,

282; thyroid, 57; weak kidney

function, 24

astringents: eyewash, 248–49;

herbs, 23; for inflammation, 252;

mucous membranes, 232; skin

rinse, 288, 292

autoimmune attack on joints, 219

autoimmune disease or deficiency,

236, 259, 267, 291

Ayurvedic medicine, 18

Index


Index

321

B

bacis formula for colic, 232

bacterial infection, 24, 229, 232–33,

291

bacterial/fungal infections, 264

bacteriostatic, 79

Barnaulove, O. D., 207

basic preparation of herbs, 30–31

basic start-up apothecary, 22–25

basic support formula, 261, 287,

290, 291

basic tonic formula, 220, 221

bear medicine (Ligusticum porteri),

9

bee balm (M. fistulosa), 59

bee balm (Monarda spp.), 58–61,

272

bee or wasp sting, 252

beeswax, 36

behavior of animals, 213–14

behavior trainer, 216

Belfield, Wendell O., 218

berberine, 275

Beta-Sitosterol, a phytosterol, 154

bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), 202,

242

bile production/transport, 234

birds, 233, 272, 290–91

bite (Mallophaga), 272

bites and stings, 251–52

bitter herbs, 231, 242

black plague and juniper, 138

black walnut hull tincture, 276

black walnut (Juglans nigra), 20,

61–62, 274

bladder/kidney problems, 219

bladder/kidney stones, 295–96

bleeding, 256

blood and urine tests, 292

blood circulation, 220, 239, 254, 255

blood disorders, 22

blood flow, coronary, 228

blood structure build up, 220

blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalic-

troides), 202, 277

body systemic dysfunction, 284

body temperature, 254

bone/joint repair, 220

bones, fresh raw, 233

boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum),

202

borage (Borago officinalis), 62–65,

234

borax products, 268

border collies, 214

Bordetella bronchiseptica, 279

boswellia (Boswellia serrata), 202–3

Botanical Influences on Illness, a

Sourcebook of Clinical

Research (Werbach), 204

bovine/shark cartilage, 220

brain dysfunction, 239

bran and hair balls, 235

brewer’s yeast/vitamin B complex,

267

broad-spectrum minerals, vitamins,

and proteins, 25

bronchitis and kennel cough,

279–81

bugleweed (Lycopus spp.), 65–67,

229, 244

burdock (Arctium lappa): about,

67–70; blood structure, 220;

itching and inflammation, 292;

liver stimulant, 225; seborrhea,

pyoderma, rheumatoid dis-

eases, 22; waste elimination, 38

burns and scalds, 25, 253

C

calculi, 24

calendula (Calendula officinalis), 25,

70–72, 220

calendula rinse, 270

camphor, 222

cancer, 222–27

cancerous tumors, 224

candida albicans, 236

canine adenovirus II, 279

canine herpes virus (CHV), 151

capsicum, 74–75

caraway (Carum carvi), 203

cardiogenic shock, 257

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

(CPR), 250, 257

cardiovascular efficiency, 240

cardiovascular problems, 227–29,

244

cardiovascular tonics, 23, 229

care of animals, 10–11, 12, 47

carminatives, 23

Carnivora, 227

cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshi-

ana), 31, 203

cataracts, 247–48

catnip (Nepeta cataria), 72–73, 217,

231, 255

cats: asthma, 278; body tempera-

ture, 254; capsicum, 74; cardio-

vascular problems in, 228;

cataracts, 247; catnip, 72–73,

217, 231, 255; cayenne, 220,

282; contact dermatitis, 292;

convulsions, 245; CPR, 250;

Crohn’s disease, 235; echi-

nacea, 101–2; epilepsy, 246;

ethylene glycol, 256; FLUTD,

84, 90, 297; fresh chickweed,

233; garlic, 116; goldenrod, 121;

goldenseal, 125; grass and

vomiting, 229; grindelia, 129;

hair balls, 234–35; hepatic lipi-

dosis, 230; herbal ointments,

222; hyperthyroidism, 244; ken-

nel cough, 279; litter box dust,

263; lobelia, 279; marshmallow,

147; motion sickness, 255;

mouth problems, 262; nepeta-

lactone, 72–73; nervous behav-

ior, 214; oatmeal and itching,

290; otitis externa, 271; pancre-

atitis less common, 243; rasp-

berry leaf tea, 277; ringworm,

284; saliva antimicrobial proper-

ties, 255; sensitive to pennyroy-

al, 270; strokes/heart attacks,

227; systemic detoxification

therapy, 291; taurine, 228, 278;

urolithiasis, 295; and willow

bark, 220; yucca, 200–201

cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), 43,

203

Cat’s Claw—Healing Vine of Peru

(Jones), 203

cattle, 271

cayenne (Capsicum spp.): about,

73–76; cats/dogs/horses, 282;

fractures, 254; increase circula-

tion, 220, 228; peripheral/joint

circulation, 23; strain and sprain

ointment, 222

cayenne/yarrow mix, 256

celery (Apium graveolens), 203

celery seed, 220

Chamaemelum nobile (Roman

chamomile), 76

chamomile (Matricaria recutita), 23,

76–78, 217, 231

chamomile/valerian/catnip, 217

chaparral (Larrea tridentata), 79–81

charcoal for poisoning, 256–57

chemical components of medicinal

plants, 20

chemical/energetic properties of

plants, 17, 19

chickweed (Stellaria media), 81–82,

233

chickweed tea, 255

Chinese medicine, 57

chiropractic adjustments, 222

chokecherry. See wild cherry bark

(Prunus virginiana)

cholagogue herbs, 234, 261

chorioptic mange (genus

Chorioptis), 271

chronic arthritis, 221

chronic constipation, 219, 226, 234

chronic convulsive disorders, 245

chronic depression, 43, 214–15

chronic diarrhea/vomiting, 230

chronic diseases, and aging, 238

chronic infections, 219

chronic problems, 214–15, 285–86


Index

322

chronic seizures treatment, 246

chronic skin problems, 286

Chrysanthemum Oxeye daisy,

267–68

Cineraria maritima, 248

circulation improvement, 23

circulation increase, 228

circulation of tissue-cleansing lymph

areas, 220

circulatory tonics for internal use,

220

clay poultice, 250, 252

cleavers (Galium aparine), 24,

82–84, 220, 286

closed-tissue injuries, 25

cocoa butter, 36

coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), 225, 228

cognitive dysfunction, 239

colic and flatulence, 23, 231, 232,

234

colitis, 220

colon, 231, 235

coltsfoot (Tussilago species), 85–86,

282

comfrey (Symphytum officinale), 25,

86–89, 220, 253

common ailments of animals, 213

common uses of herbs, 48–49

Complete New Herbal (Mabey), 204

congestive heart failure, 228, 281,

282

conjunctivitis, 21, 23, 123–24, 158,

248–49

constipation, 219, 226, 233–34, 234,

274

contact dermatitis, 292

contusions, 252–53

contusions/blunt trauma injuries oil,

251

conventional medicines, 20–21

conventional wormers, 20

convulsions, 245

coriander (Coriandrum sativum),

203

corn silk (Zea mays), 24, 89–91,

296

Cornell University, 297

coronary blood flow, 228

corticosteroid drug therapies, 266

couch grass (Agropyron repens),

91–94, 296

coughing and sneezing, 278

coumarins, 28

CPR. See cardiopulmonary resusci-

tation (CPR)

cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon),

204, 297

creosote bush. See chaparral

(Larrea tridentata)

Crohn’s disease, 220, 235

cures and animals, 9

curly dock. See yellow dock (Rumex

crispus)

Cushing’s disease, 241–42

cystitis, 296–98

cysts and tumors, 24

D

dandelion (root and leaf), 286

dandelion leaf (Taraxacum

officinale): about, 94–97;

appetite stimulant, 231; broad-

spectrum minerals, vitamins,

and proteins, 25; vs. furosemide

(Lasix), 20; herbal diuretic, 24;

itching and inflammation, 292;

joint repair, 220; pulmonary

edema, 229

dandelion leaf tea, 229, 281–82

dandelion leaves, 39, 226

dandelion root, 38, 220, 225, 234

decoctions, 34–35

degenerative arthritis, 217

degenerative joint disease. See

degenerative arthritis

dehydration, 233

delta-6 desaturase (D6D), 109–10

demodectic mange, 271

demulcent herbs, 24, 235–36

depression, chronic, 43, 214–15

dermatitis, 22, 23, 25, 286–88

dermatophytosis, 284

DeSmet, P.A.G.M., 209

devil’s claw (Harpagophytum

procumbens), 22, 204, 254

diabetes mellitus, 215, 242–43

diabetic dogs/cats, 243

diarrhea, 219, 229, 230, 231–33

diatomaceous earth, 268, 273–74

diet: and allergies, 261; basic sup-

port formula, 290; and cancer,

225; cats and FLUTD, 297;

changes in, 215; chronic diar-

rhea/vomiting, 230; and consti-

pation, 234; critical assessment

of, 219; diabetes mellitus,

242–43; feeding the skin,

284–85; fresh raw bones, 233;

heart health, 227–28; herbs,

37–39; hyperthyroidism, 244;

inflammatory bowel disease,

235; and kidney failure, 298–99;

leaky gut syndrome, 236; nutri-

tive herbs, 39; program for

aging, 238–40; pyoderma-relat-

ed disorder, 291; raw food diet

for cats, 235; seborrhea, 288;

supportive functions, 38–39; uri-

nary disease, 294; worm pre-

vention, 273; yogurt, 233

digestive and urinary cysts, ulcers,

24

digestive dependency, 234

digestive disease, 274–75

digestive enzymes, 225, 266

digestive probiotics, 236–37

digestive system, 285

digestive tract and worms, 273

digestive upset, 229–30

dill (Anethum graveolens), 23,

98–99, 231, 255

dimethylglycine, 225

Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), 265

discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE),

260

diseases, 9, 12, 17, 19, 224–25

diuretics: allergies, 261; herbs, 24;

parsley, 162; pneumonia, 281;

pyoderma, 291; shepherd’s

purse, 220; systemic waste

removal, 226; tea or whole form,

292; urination, 296

Do Dogs Need Shrinks? (Neville),

215

dogs: active breeds, 214; Addison’s

disease, 241; asthma, 278;

body temperature, 254; cancer

warning signs, 223; capsicum,

74; cardiovascular problems in,

228; catnip, 73; cayenne, 282;

cognitive dysfunction, 239; con-

tact dermatitis, 292; CPR, 250;

DLE, 260; echinacea, 101–2;

ethylene glycol, 256; fresh

chickweed, 233; goldenrod, 121;

grass and vomiting, 229;

grindelia, 129; heartworm,

275–76; hip dysplasia, 218;

hypothyroidism, 244; kennel

cough, 279; l-carnitine, 228; and

longevity, 237; marshmallow,

147; motion sickness, 255;

mouth problems, 262;

Newfoundland, 255; oatmeal

and itching, 290; otitis externa,

271; pancreatitis, 243; ring-

worm, 284; saliva antimicrobial

properties, 255; seborrhea, 286;

seizures, 245; skullcap and

epileptic, 183; strokes/heart

attacks, 227; urinary system

infections, 296

dosage/duration therapy, 26–27

dried bulk material, 31

dry cough formula, 280

Dryden, Michael W., 268

dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, 23

dysuria, 296

E

E. coli, 231

ear infections, 39

ear mange, 271


Index

323

ear mites uncommon in horses, 271

ear problems, 20, 237, 246

eating habits, 229

echinacea (Echinacea spp.): about,

99–104; antibiotic therapies,

290; arthritis, 219; autoimmune

deficiency, 267; bacterial or viral

infections, 24, 229, 291; cats

and dogs, 101–2; for colic hors-

es, 231; heartworm, 276;

immune system, 43, 282; ken-

nel cough, 280; natural defens-

es stimulate, 38; and oregon

grape clay poultice, 250, 290;

urinary tract, 22; wounds, 256

edema, 281

EFA supplements: allergies, 261;

borage, 63; and cancer, 225;

flaxseed, 25; pancreatitis, 243;

parasites, 266; repair joint tis-

sue damage, 220

“Effects of Boswellia serrata gum

resin in patients with ulcerative

colitis” (Gupta), 203

elderly animal care, 237–40

elecampane (Inula helenium),

104–5, 282

emergency situations for horses,

250–51

emotional/behavioral/nervous disor-

ders, causes of, 214

endocrine system diseases, 240–45

energy levels increased, 229

Entamoeba histolytica, 80

epilepsy/convulsions/seizures,

245–46

Epipen or Anakit, 252

erratic heartbeat, 229

essential fatty acids, 234

essential fatty acids (EFAs). See

EFA supplements

Essiac formula, 225

estrogenic (phytoestrogens) com-

pounds, 301

ethical use of herbs, 39–44

ethylene glycol, 256

eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus),

204–5, 222, 280

eucalyptus honey, 248

evening primrose (Oenothera bien-

nis), 63

evening primrose (Oenothera spp.),

204, 234

Everclear, 33

external healing, 282–83

external origin, skin problems, 284

external wounds, 22

external/internal healing, 25

extinction risk of plants, 10, 43, 44

eye problems, 246–49

eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), 204

eyebright (Euphrasia sp.), 153

eyes, 20, 247–49

F

FDA. See U.S. Food and Drug

Administration (FDA)

feline immunodeficiency virus. See

FIV

feline infectious peritonitis (FIP),

245

feline leukemia virus (FeLV), 53,

226–27

feline lower urinary tract disease

(FLUTD), 84, 90, 91, 93, 297

feline urinary syndrome (FUS), 84.

See also feline lower urinary

tract disease (FLUTD)

feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR),

151

felines, 234

fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), 23,

105–7, 231, 255, 273

fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgrae-

cum), 205

fever, 291

feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium),

107–8

fiber and antioxidant compounds,

225

fibrosarcoma, 53, 226–27

fibrous tissue injuries, 258

first aid: animals, 249–58; bites and

stings, 251–52; burns and

scalds, 253; contusions,

252–53; contusions/blunt trau-

ma injuries oil, 251;

echinacea/oregon grape clay

poultice, 250; fractures, 253–54;

heatstroke/hyperthermia/heat

exhaustion, 254–55; homeo-

pathic travel kit, 250; ideas for

kit, 249; motion sickness, 255;

penetrating injuries, 255–56;

poisoning, 256–57; for seizures,

246; shock, 257–58;

tendonitis/sprains/ligament

injuries, 258

first aid oil/salve, 251, 254

FIV, 16, 179, 259, 267, 291

flatulence, 23, 231

flax (Linum spp.), 25, 27, 108–11,

226, 234

flaxseed, ground, 233, 235

flea repellent powder, 268

fleabane (Conyza canadensis), 205,

269

fleas, 266–71, 272

flower essence formula, 217

FLUTD. See feline lower urinary

tract disease (FLUTD)

fomentations, 37

food: Addison’s disease, 241; aller-

gies, 285; animals, 37–38; fiber

and antioxidant compounds,

225; sebaceous cysts, 292–94;

severe allergies, 236

fractures, 253–54

fresh chickweed, 233

fresh herbs, 31

From Earth to Herbalist (Tilford), 42

fungal infections, 37

furosemide (Lasix), 20, 96, 281, 282

G

G. biloba extract (GBE), 118

G6PD. See Glucose-6-phosphate

dehydrogenase (G6PD)

GABA. See gammaaminobutyric

acid (GABA)

gallbladder congestion, 234

gallbladder functions, 220

gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA),

191

gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), 63, 64,

109

garlic (Allium sativum): about,

111–17; appetite stimulant, 231;

cats, 116; coronary blood flow,

228; fleas, 267; giardiasis, 275;

immune system, 226, 239, 276,

282; kennel cough, 279–80;

mite prevention, 271; and

mullein ear oil, 269; worms, 273

gastritis, 235–36

gastrointestinal (GI) or urinary

inflammation, 23

GBE. See G. biloba extract (GBE)

general purpose antimicrobial, 22

gentian (Gentiana lutea), 205, 231

German chamomile (M. recutita), 76

German shepherds, 218–19, 228

GI or urinary inflammation, 23

giardiasis, 231, 232–33, 274–75

ginger (Zingiber officinale), 205,

220, 255

gingivitis, 263

ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): about,

118–20; arthritis, 220; blood cir-

culation, 239, 254, 255; brain

dysfunction, 239;

improves/increase circulation,

23, 228; urinary irritations, 24

ginseng (Panax spp.), 43, 205–6

ginseng, certified-organic, 215

GLA. See gamma-linolenic acid

(GLA)

glaucoma, 249

Glonoinum, 254

glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate,

219–20

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydroge-

nase (G6PD), 117


Index

324

glutathione s-transferase (GST), 99

glycerin tincture, 235

glycerites, 33–34

goats, 233, 271

goldenrod (Solidago spp.), 120–22

goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis),

43, 122–25, 256, 272, 299

goldenseal, certified organic, 231,

232–33

goldthread (Coptis spp.), 43

gotu kola (Centella asiatica), 22,

125–27, 126, 239

grain alcohol (Everclear), 33

grass and vomiting, 229

gravelroot (Eupotorium purpureum),

127–28

green or bentonite clay, 292

green revolution, 10, 39, 43–44

grindelia (Grindelia squarrosa),

128–30, 292

ground flaxseed, 233, 235

GST. See glutathione s-transferase

(GST)

Gupta, I., 203

H

habitat and range, 48

Hachimijiogan, 248

hair balls, 234–35

hair loss, 219

Hamburg parsley (P. crispum var.

tuberosum), 162

harvesting of wild plants, 40–42

hawthorn (Crataegus sp.): about,


culation, 239; coronary blood

flow, 228; heartbeat, 244;

strengthens cardiac output, 23

healing, 11, 12–13, 15–17

health care diary, 219, 223, 240,

301

healthful living and ancient cultures,

10

heart disorders, 228, 228–29

heart health, 227–28

heart problem treatment, 228

heartbeat, 244

heartworm, 275–76

heat exhaustion, 254–55

heat-related illness, 254, 255

heatstroke/hyperthermia/heat

exhaustion, 254–55

heavy metal toxicity, 226

Heinz bodies, 117

hematuria, 296

hemorrhage, 296

hemorrhagic shock, 257

hemostatic agent, 256

hemostatic and astringent herbs,

296

hepatic lipidosis, 230

herbal curatives, 9

herbal diuretic, 24

herbal ear oil, 39

herbal medicine: alcohol extracts or

tinctures, 31–33; all-purpose

first aid oil/salve, 254; Animal

Essentials dry herb and vitamin

formula, 240; antimicrobial nose

drops, 262; antimicrobial tinc-

tures, 263; antimicrobial/antipar-

asitic ear oil, 237; antiworm

food supplement, 273; arthritis

relief compress, 221; astringent

eyewash, 248–49; astringent

healing skin rinse, 288;

Ayurvedic medicine, 18; bacis

formula for colic, 232; and bal-

anced nutrition, 37; basic sup-

port formula, 261, 287, 291;

Cineraria maritima, 248; circula-

tory tonics for internal use, 220;

clay poultice, 250, 252; comfrey

oil/salve/poultice, 253; contu-

sions/blunt trauma injuries oil,

251; decoctions, 34–35;

dosage/duration therapy, 26–27;

dried bulk material, 31; dry

cough formula, 280; ear oil, 39;

echinacea and oregon grape

clay poultice, 290; fibrous tissue

injuries, 258; first aid oil, 251;

flea repellent powder, 268;

fomentations, 37; formula for

inflammatory bowel disease,

236; fresh herbs, 31; garlic and

mullein ear oil, 269; general

purpose antimicrobial, 22; giar-

diasis remedy, 275; glycerites,

33–34; herb capsules, 31;

horsetail decoction, 136; inflam-

matory bowel disease therapies,

235; inhalation therapy, 282; kid-

ney failure formula, 299; laxative

herbs, 234; licorice infusion,

143; oil infusion, 35; Oregon

grape/goldenseal w/licorice tinc-

ture, 231; plants, 18; pneumonia

formula, 281; poultices, 35;

pyrethrin flea rinse, 268–69;

raspberry infusion, 166; rasp-

berry leaf tea, 277; rose tea,

171; saline eye rinse, 248;

salves and ointments, 36–37;

scratching w/oozing, 270; sim-

ple astringent eyewash, 247;

standardized extracts, 37; strain

and sprain ointment, 222; symp-

tomatic relief formula, 222; sys-

temic detoxification therapy,

291; systemic detoxifying formu-

la, 262, 293; TCM, 18–19; tonic

formula for chronic constipation,

233; tonic support formula, 226;

toxicity, 27; triple-punch herbal

flea rinse, 270; urinary inconti-

nence formula, 300; urinary

infections/stones formula, 298;

upset stomach remedies, 255;

uva ursi decoction, 189; water

infusions (herb teas), 34; water

soluble herbs, 30–31; Western

herbalism, 19–20; wet cough

formula, 280

Herbal Medicines, a Guide for

Health Care Professionals

(Newall), 205, 206, 207

herbal nervines, 182

herbal ointments, 222

herbal remedies, 254

herbal therapies, 225–27, 228–29,

286–88

herbalist, 113–15, 131–32

herbs: alternative to Prozac, 215;

alternatives, 20–21, 22; alterna-

tives and adjuncts, 49; anti-

inflammatories, 22; antimicro-

bials, 22; appearance, 47–48;

astringents, 23; availability, 49;

basic preparation of, 30–31;

cancer treatment, 225; cap-

sules, 31; cardiovascular tonics,

23; care of animals, 47; carmi-

natives, 23; cautions and com-

ments, 49; common uses,

48–49; conventional drug sub-

stitutes, 20; cycle and bloom

season, 48; demulcents, 24;

and diet, 37–39; dietary adjunct,

38; as dietary supplements, 39;

diuretics, 24; ethical use of,

39–44; factors for substitution,

21; fashionable use of, 43;

fresh, 233; functional adjuncts,

38; habitat and range, 48; heal-

ing potential of, 17; healing

powers, 17; for immune system,

259–61; immunotonics, 24; and

lactation, 277–78; lymphatics,

24; medicinal actions, 21;

nervines and sedatives, 25;

nutritives, 25; parts used, 48;

and pregnancy, 277; prepara-

tion, 48; primary medicinal

activities, 48; propagation and

harvest, 49; references, 49;

soaplike saponin constituents,

274; strongest affinities, 48; sys-

temic affinity, 26; tannin con-

stituents, 232; treating the

symptoms, 39; usage for ani-

mals, 47; useful internally, 220;

vulneraries, 25


325

Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic

Use of Phytomedicinals (Tyler),

203, 205, 207, 208, 210

herpes simplex virus (HSV), 151

hip dysplasia, 218–19, 220

holistic approaches: arthritis,

219–22; cancer, 223–24; com-

plete nutrition, 39; digestive pro-

biotics, 236–37; epilepsy/con-

vulsions/seizures, 245–46;

nature connection, 12–13; para-

sites, 264–66; skin problems,

284–86; Western medicine,

15–17

holistic herbalist, 15, 17, 20–21, 37,

265

holistic medicine, 223

holistic synergy, 21

holistic veterinarians: animals,

27–30; blood and urine tests,

292; and cancer, 222; cap-

sicum, 74–75; and GLA, 64; hip

dysplasia causes, 218; and kid-

ney failure, 299; lobelia and

asthma, 279; Saint-John’s-wort,

178

holistic vs. Western medicine views,

222–23

homeopathic arnica, 55

homeopathic care, 222

homeopathic eyedrops, 248

homeopathic travel kit, 250

homeopathic veterinarians, 218

homeostasis, 224

hookworms, 273

hop (Humulus lupulus), 20, 133–35,

254

horses: and appetite stimulants,

231; behavior trainer, 216; and

black walnut, 62, 274; cap-

sicum, 74; cayenne, 282; colic,

234; ear mites uncommon, 271;

echinacea for colic, 231; emer-

gency situations, 250–51; fresh

chickweed, 233; fungal infec-

tions, 37; psoroptic mange, 271;

red clover, 169; rosemary, 174

horsetail (Equisetum arvense),

135–37, 254

horsetail decoction, 136

horsetail herb, 220

horseweed. See fleabane (Conyza

canadensis)

hospices for animals, 240

Hoxsey formula, 225

HSV. See herpes simplex virus

(HSV)

huang qi, 57

huckleberry leaf (Vaccinium sp.),

242

hyperadrenocorticism, 241–42

hyperthermia, 254–55

hyperthyroidism, 244

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 228

hypoadrenocorticism, 240–41

hypothyroidism, 244–45

I

ice pack application, 252

immune system: Addison’s disease,

261; allergies, 261–62; animals,

258–61; astragalus, 43, 236,

239; boost immune response,

226; cat’s claw, 43; disease

intervention, 224–25; diseases,

12; dysfunction and arthritis,

219; echinacea, 43, 282; func-

tion of, 258–59; garlic, 226, 239,

276, 282; ginseng, 43; herbs for,

259–61; and homeostasis, 224;

leaky gut syndrome, 236–37;

parasites, 265; pyoderma, 292;

skin diseases, 286; skin prob-

lems, 285

immunostimulant herbs, 219, 226

immunostimulants, 267

immunotonics, 24

infection prevention herbs, 256, 291,

296

inflammation, 220, 231, 234, 235,

252

inflammatory arthritis, 217–18

inflammatory bowel disease, 220,

235–36

inhalation therapy, 282

injuries, 25, 255–56

insect repellent, 270

internal origin skin problems,

283–84

internal parasites, 273–74

internal use herbs, 220

intestinal obstructions, 235

intestinal tract, 231–33

intestinal worms, 272–74

iodine, 244–45

iron, 225

Italian parsley (P. crispus var.

neapolitanum), 162

itching relief, 270, 290

itching/inflammation, 291, 292

ivermectin, 265, 275

J

jewelweed (Impatiens capensis),

292

jittery anxiety, 25

joint deterioration, wear-and-tear,

219–20

joint inflammations, 22

joint relief, 222

joint repair, 220

Jones, Kenneth, 203

joshua tree (Y. brevifolia), 198

juniper (Juniperus spp.), 138–40

K

kava kava (Piper methysticum), 206

Keep Your Pet Healthy the Natural

Way (Lazarus), 243

kelp (Fucus vesiculosus), 206

kennel cough (Bordetella bron-

chiseptica), 57, 86, 279–81

kidney failure, 298–300

kidney/bladder stones, 295

kidneys, 24, 239

kinnikinnick. See uva ursi

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

L

lactation, 247

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia),

140–42, 270, 272, 290

laxative, 226, 233, 234, 235, 274

Lazarus, Pat, 243

l-carnitine, 228

lead poisoning, 256

leaky gut syndrome, 236–37

lemon balm (Melissa officinalis),

206, 217

leprosy (mycobacteriosis), 126

lice, 272

licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): about,

142–45; anti-inflammatory, 231,

268; anti-inflammatory alterna-

tive, 20; antimicrobials, 231;

fractures, 254; giardiasis, 275;

inflamed skin, 286; inflamma-

tion, 234; internal use, 220; itch-

ing/inflammation, 291; lice/mite

infection, 272; liver damage,

234; skin conditions, 22; ulcer,

231

licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.), 56, 64

licorice infusion, 143

limonene, 269

litter box dust, 263

liver, 148, 243

liver and gallbladder functions, 220

liver congestion, 234

liver damage, 37, 234

liver generating herbs, 291

liver repair, 234

liver stimulant, 225, 226, 286

liver supporting herbs (hepatics),

220

liver/digestive functions, 239

lizards, 272

llamas, 233

lobelia (Lobelia inflata), 151, 206,

279

lovage (Levisticum officinale), 207

lupus, 267

lymph circulation, 220, 286

Index


Index

326

lymphatic herbs, 24, 220

lymphocytes, 259

lymphosarcoma (leukemia), 245

M

Mabey, R., 204

maceration, 32

malabsorption, 215

malignant tumors, 227

mange, 271

marshmallow (Althaea officinalis):

about, 145–48; inflammation,

231; kidney/bladder stones,

295; respiratory, digestive, and

urinary irritations, 24; toxic

waste removal, 226; urinary

tract, 22

marshmallow root, 233, 235

Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopeia

(Reynolds), 209

meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria),

207

medicinal actions, 21

medicinal plants, 19, 20

Medline Web site, 49

menstruation (emmenagogue), 70

menstruum preparation, 33

metabolic imbalance, 224

milk thistle seed, 32, 37

milk thistle (Silybum marianum),

148–50, 234, 243

milk vetch (A. americana), 56

mineral- and vitamin-rich herbs, 220

miniature poodles, 228

mites, 271–72, 291

mobility loss and aging, 239

Mojave yucca (Y. schidigera), 198

mood elevators, 217

mosquitoes and heartworm, 275

Mother Earth, 11

motion sickness, 255

mouth problems, 262–63

mucous membrane inflammation,

20, 22, 53

mucous membranes, 232, 248–49

mullein (Verbascum thapus),

150–52, 269

mullein flowers, 271

multiflora rose (R. multiflora), 170

Murray, Michael T., 204

muscle twitching/restlessness, 217

myocardial inflammation, 229

myrrh (Commiphora molmol), 207

N

n-acetylglucosamine, 220

natural defenses stimulate, 38

Natural Health for Dogs & Cats

(Pitcairn), 55

natural laxative, 20

nature, 10, 11, 12

nepetalactone, 72–73

nerve injuries, 25

nervines and sedatives, 25

nervous behavior, 214

nervous system tonic, 25, 239

nervousness, 217

nettle (Urtica dioica), 152–55, 220,

231

nettle (Urtica spp.): antihistamine

action, 267; broad-spectrum

minerals, vitamins, and proteins,

25; conjunctivitis, dermatitis, 23;

fractures, 254; heat-related ill-

ness, 255; toxicity, 27; urine pro-

duction stimulant, 226

neurological disorders, 301

Neville, Peter, 215

Newall, Carol A., 205, 206, 207

Newfoundland, 255

nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA),

80

Northern bedstraw (G. boreale), 83

nose and sinus problems, 263–64

nutrition: balanced, 37; complete,

17, 39; herbs and lactation,

277–78; holistic healing, 222;

and parasite infection, 265; par-

asites, 266; pyoderma, 291; and

urinary stones, 295

nutritive herbs, 25, 39

O

oat (Avena sativa), 155–57

oat straw (Avena sativa), 25, 217,

239, 255

oatmeal and itching, 290

oil infusions, 35, 37

olbas oil and homeopathic care, 222

olive oil, 235

omega-3 essential fatty acids

(EFAs), 25

oregano (Oreganum vulgare or O.

heracleoticum), 207

Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium):

about, 157–60; appetite stimu-

lant, 231; bacterial infection or

giardiasis, 232–33; bile produc-

tion/transport, 234; conjunctivi-

tis, 21, 158; general purpose

antimicrobial, 22; infection, 291;

kidneys, 299; liver and gallblad-

der functions, 220; mite infec-

tion, 272; mucous membrane

inflammation, 22; waste elimina-

tion, 38; wounds, 256

Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.), 20

organs, activating/regulating, 240

osteoarthritis, 217

otitis externa, 271

otodectic ear mange, 271

ovariohysterectomy, 301

oxalic acid and oxalates, 28

oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leu-

canthemum), 160–62, 267–68

P

PAF. See platelet aggregation factor

(PAF)

pancreas, 242, 243

parainfluenza, 279

parasites, 215, 264–76, 284

parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis),

275

parasitic/bacterial/fungal infection,

231

parsley (Petroselinum crispum),

162–64

parsley (Umbelliferae), 269

parsley root, 220

passionflower (Passiflora incarnata):

about, 207; fractures, 254;

mood elevators, 217; motion

sickness, 255; relaxing mood

elevator, 25; sedative drugs

alternative, 20; sedative herbs,

215

patent ductus arteriosus, 228

pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides),

270

pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium),

208

“Pennyroyal Oil Poisoning and

Hepatotoxicity” (Sullivan), 208

“Pennyroyal Oil Toxicosis in a Dog”

(Sudekum), 208

peppermint (Mentha piperita): about,

208; appetite stimulant, 231;

brain dysfunction, 239; dyspep-

sia, flatulence, colic, 23, 231;

itching relief, 290; scratching

with oozing, 270; upset stom-

ach, 255

percolation, 32

peripheral/joint circulation, 23

petroleum jelly and hair balls, 234

Phillipson, J. David, 205, 206, 207

physiological disorders, 215

pineapple weed (M. matricarioides),

76, 78

pineapple weed (Matricaria matri-

carioides), 208, 274

pipsissewa (Chimaphila spp.), 43

pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata),

208

Pitcairn, Richard, 55

Pitcairn, Susan Hubble, 55

plant drug, 37

plant medicines and animal care,

10–11

plant usage, 20–21

plantain (Plantago major), 23, 24,

231


Index

327

plantain (Plantago sp.), 164–66,

185, 226

plants: chemical/energetic proper-

ties of, 17, 19; dandelion com-

plete food, 95; extinction risk,

10, 43, 44; green revolution, 10;

herbal medicine, 18; parsley,

162; pyrethrin-bearing plants,

270–71; source of healing, 9;

thymol, 21

platelet aggregation factor (PAF),

118

pneumonia and pulmonary edema,

281–82

pointer, 216

poisoning, 215, 256–57

polyarthritis, 217

poultices, 35

prednisolone, 266

pregnancy, 188, 234, 247, 276–78

“Preliminary Evaluation of the

Spasmolytic Properties of Some

Natural Compounds and

Galenic Preparations”

(Barnaulove), 207

probiotic bacteria, 266

problematic plant compounds,

28–30

Prozac (fluoxetine HCI), 20, 215–16

psoroptic mange (genus Psoroptes),

271

psychotropic drugs, 216

psyllium husk, 233, 235

pulmonary edema, 229, 281, 282

pyoderma, 283, 291–92

pyoderma-related disorder, 291

pyrethrin flea rinse, 268–69

pyrethrin-bearing plants, 270–71

pyrethrins, 268

pyrrolizidine alkaloids, 28–29

Q

quack grass. See couch grass

(Agropyron repens)

R

rabbits, 235, 271

raspberry (Rubus sp.), 166–68

raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), 21,

23, 32, 231, 277

raw food diet for cats, 235

recurrent, 284

red clover (Trifolium pratense):

about, 168–70; anticancer

herbs, 225; build up blood struc-

ture, 220; cysts and tumors of

the skin, 24; horses, 169; tumor-

inhibiting properties, 225;

tumors, blood disorders, 22

Red Cross, 249

red mange (genus Demodex), 271

relaxing mood elevator, 25

renal blood circulation, 299

renal failure and aging, 239

repair joint tissue damage, 220

Rescue Remedy®, 217, 246, 254,

255, 257

respiratory, digestive, and urinary

irritations, 24

respiratory function, 282

Reynolds, J.E.F., 209

rheumatoid arthritis, 219

ringworm, 284

Rodriguez, Eloy, 9

rose (Rosa spp.), 170–72

rose hips, 172

rose tea, 171

rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis),

173–74, 220

rotenone, 269

roundworms, 273

Russian comfrey (S. uplandicum),

87

S

Sabota, A.E., 204

sage (Salvia officinalis), 22, 175–76,

256, 272, 291

sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata),

175

Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum perfo-

ratum): about, 177–80; autoim-

mune deficiency, 267; brain dys-

function, 239; chronic depres-

sion, 43, 215; contusions,

252–53; fractures, 254; herbal

alternative to Prozac, 215; holis-

tic veterinarians, 178; soft-tissue

injuries, 25; wounds, 256

Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum spp.),

20, 25

salicylates, 29

saliva antimicrobial properties, 255

salves and ointments, 36–37

saponins, 29

sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes sca-

biei), 271

saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), 208

scalds and burns, 253

scientific validations, 12, 19

scratching with oozing, 270

sebaceous cysts, 292–94

seborrhea, 283, 286, 288–91

seborrhea, pyoderma, rheumatoid

diseases, 22

sedative drugs alternative, 20

sedative herbs, 215

seizures, 245, 246

selenium, 225

senna (Cassia angustifolia), 20

senna (Cassia angustifolia or C.

senna), 208–9

septic shock, 257

sheep, 271

shepherd/husky, 214

shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-

pastoris), 24, 180–82, 220

shock, 257–58

siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus

senticosus), 209, 215, 229,

282

silicosis, 268

silymarin, 37

simple astringent eyewash, 247

skin conditions, 22, 219, 271

skin diseases, 286

skin problems, 24, 282–94

skin/mouth infections, 22

skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia):

about, 182–84; epilepsy, 246;

fractures, 254; motion sickness,

255; sedative drugs alternative,

20; sedative herbs, 215; valer-

ian or passionflower, 217

skullcap (Scutellaria spp.), 25

slippery elm (Ulmus fulva): about,

184–86; general astringent

action, 26; GI or urinary inflam-

mation, 23; inflammation, 231;

respiratory/digestive/urinary irri-

tations, 24; toxic waste removal,

226

Smith, R.A., 204

sneezing and couching, 92

soft-tissue injuries, 25

Soloway, M.S., 204

spirulina (Spirulina spp.), 209

spotted gravelroot (Eupatorium mac-

ulatum), 127

Staffordshire bull terrier, 216

standardized extracts, 37

sterile saline, 21, 253, 256

steroidal saponins, 200

sterols, 29

stings and bites, 251–52

strain and sprain ointment, 222

stress, 282

strokes/heart attacks, 227

suck blood (Anopleura), 272

Sudekum, M., 208

sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), 235

Sullivan, J.B., 208

symptomatic herbal, 297–98

symptomatic relief formula, 222

synergy, 17

systemic affinity, 26

systemic detoxification therapy, 291

systemic detoxifying formula, 262,

293

systemic dysfunction, 284

systemic problems, 243, 286

systemic support formula, 221

systemic waste removal, 226


Index

328

T

T cells, 260

tannin constituents, 232

tannins, 29, 274

tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), 272

tapeworms, 272–73

taurine, 228, 278

TCM. See traditional Chinese medi-

cine (TCM)

tea or whole form, 292

tea tree oil, 256

tendonitis/sprains/ligament injuries,

258

thiacetarsamide, 275

thiamine deficiency, 245

threadworms, 273

thyme (Thymus spp.), 21

thyme (Thymus vulgaris), 186–88,

256

thymol, 21

thyroid, 57

thyroid gland, 243–44

thyroid problems, 215

thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),

244

tiger balm, 222

Tilford, Gregory L., 42

Tilford Theory, 300

tincture, 32–33, 222

tonic formula for chronic constipa-

tion, 233

tonic herbal therapies, 228, 286,

299

tonic support and pregnancy, 277

tonic support formula, 226

tonics, 220

toxic bites, 252

toxic waste removal, 226

toxicity: alfalfa, 27; arnica, 56; black

walnut and horses, 62; borage

and PAs, 65; borax products,

268; coltsfoot and PAs, 86;

heavy metal, 226; and herbal

ointments, 222; pennyroyal and

volatile oils, 270; silymarin, 37

toxoplasmosis, 245

traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),

18–19

triple-punch herbal flea rinse, 270

TSH. See thyroid stimulating hor-

mone (TSH)

tumeric (Curcuma longa), 209–10

tumor, 281

tumors, blood disorders, 22, 215,

225, 241–42, 244

turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum),

209

turkey rhubarb tincture, 226

turmeric, 234

Tyler, Varro E., 203, 205, 207, 208,

210

U

ulcer, 231

United Plant Savers, 44

upset stomach, 217, 255

urinary incontinence formula, 300

urinary infections/stones formula,

298

urinary irritations, 24

urinary problems, 294–301

urinary tract, 22, 92

urinary tract and aging, 239

urine production stimulant, 226

urolithiasis, 295–96

Urtica tincture, 253

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

(FDA), 51, 53, 88, 89

usnea (Usnea barbata), 210

uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi),

188–90

V

valerian (Valeriana officinalis):

about, 190–92; acute

anxiety/hyperactivity, 25; antibi-

otic for eyes/ears/mucous mem-

branes, 20; anxiety, 217; frac-

tures, 254; motion sickness,

255; sedative herbs, 215

valvular degeneration, 228

vasodilators, 220

vervain (Verbena officinalis), 210,

217

veterinarian, 215, 252, 257–58, 291

veterinary applications, 22–25

Veterinary Cancer Society, 223

viral infections, 24, 229, 291

vitamins, 220, 225, 252

volatile oils, 30

vomiting, 229, 230

vulneraries, 25

W

wasp or bee sting, 252

waste elimination, 38

water consumption, 233

water hemlock (Cicuta spp.), 272

water horehound. See bugleweed

(Lycopus spp.)

water infusions (herb teas), 34

water retention, 24

water soluble herbs, 30–31

weight problems, 219

Werbach, Melvyn R., 204

Western herbalism, 19–20, 21

Western medicine, 15–17, 19, 222

wet cough formula, 280

whipworms, 273

white oak bark (Quercus sp.), 210

wild cherry bark (Prunus virginiana),

210

wild plants, harvesting of, 40–42

wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), 301

willow (Salix spp.), 210

willow bark, 220

witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana),

210, 237

Wood’s rose (Rosa woodsii), 170

worm infestation, 274

worm prevention, 273

wormers, 20, 78, 105, 274

worms, 273

wormwood (Artimesia absinthium),

20, 192–93, 272, 274

wounds, 25, 256

Wrangham, Richard, 9

Wynn, Susan G., 248

Y

yarrow (Achillea millefolium): about,


culation, 254; contusions, 252;

external wounds, 22;

improves/increase circulation,

23, 228; insect repellent, 270;

lice/mite infection, 272

yarrow tea/liniment, 256

yellow dock (Rumex crispus),

196–98, 220, 226, 272

yogurt, 233

yucca (Yucca schidigera): about,

198–201; appetite stimulant,

230–31; fractures, 254; internal

use, 220; joint inflammations,

22; lice, 272

Z

zoopharmacognosy, 9–10


Alternative Health/Pets/Reference

U.S. $29.95 Can $33.95

The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life

Herbs for PetsSECOND EDITION

A Division of BowTie Inc.3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618www.bowtiepress.com

For the past decade, Herbs for Pets has been an indispensable resource for anyone who owns or cares for companionanimals. Written by two of the world’s most respected herbalists, the second edition of this exhaustive compendiumoffers the latest scientific information as well as traditional, historical, and philosophical perspectives on hundreds

of medicinal plants and natural therapies—all in a more compact, portable package. Here you will find an illustratedtour through the herbs—including Western, ayurvedic, and Chinese—that grow in North America; their holisticapplications and contraindications; and alternative approaches to treating a wide range of ailments. You will also learnto identify and grow a variety of herbs for yourself. Valuable to the health of your pet and the environment, this bookwill prove a go-to resource time and again for helping your pet the natural way.

Gregory L. Tilford is an author, consultant, andteacher in the field of veterinary botanical medicinewhose work has appeared in dozens of professionaljournals and periodicals. He is an active lecturer andeducator, presenting seminars and developing continuingeducation courses at leading educational institutionsthroughout America and abroad. A pioneer of the naturalpet care industry, he is the formulating herbalist andpresident of two Montana-based companies that producenatural supplements for companion animals: Animals’Apawthecary Co. and Animal Essentials, Inc. He isauthor of four other books on herbs and herbal medi-cines, including From Earth to Herbalist, HerbalRemedies for Dogs & Cats, Edible & Medicinal Plants ofthe West, and The EcoHerbalist’s Fieldbook.

Mary L. Wulff is a member of the AmericanHerbalists Guild who devotes her time and expertise tothe holistic care of animals. She is renowned for herwork as a holistic animal care consultant and teacher.Mary holds certificates in natural therapies and aro-matherapy from the Australasian College of HerbalStudies and in phytotherapy from the National Instituteof Medical Herbalists in England, and she has a diplomain veterinary homeopathy (DiHom) from the BritishInstitute of Homeopathy. The founder of Animals’Apawthecary Co., a company specializing in low-alcoholherbal extracts for animals, she has authored articles forseveral periodicals, including Natural Dog and NaturalCat, and has coauthored a book on herbal remedies fordogs and cats.

Praise for the First Edition:“At last it’s here! THE book on herbs. This long-awaited book is the one reference book you’ll keep going backto. Greg and Mary bring a wealth of information to their subject. Famous and well respected for their work inanimal care, the authors present an easy-to-read and understandable text that provides the reader with basicprinciples of herbal medicine. A must-have book for the concerned pet owner.”

—Wendy Volhard, coauthor of The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog

Herbs for Pets, The natural way to enhance your pet's life

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