By Lan Hoang

Time has proven that the medicinal use of herbal remedies for pets can be safe and effective. Herbal medicines are used worldwide, from the Western culture with the use of healing plants, to acupuncture of Traditional Chinese Medicine. To address any hesitations that pet parents may have, this article will discuss the scientific reasons why herbal medicine works, and whether it is safe and effective for pets.

Why Herbs Work

In the modern world, herbal medicine is often called phytotherapy. From a scientific viewpoint, these plants can have physiological effects on the body, as well as on the organ systems, because they have chemical constituents. In herbal plants, there are many compounds that can perform specific functions once introduced to the body of a pet. These compounds can be divided into the following categories:

• Alcohols: Include the components of volatile oils. Example: Menthol from Peppermint.
• Alkaloids: Potent compounds that have many effects on both the body and organ systems. They have notable effects on the circulatory and nervous systems.
• Anthraquinones: Include the plants that give purgative effects. Example: Rhubarb.
• Bitter Principles: Acts as stimulation of the digestive system, as well as the liver. The compound, which has a bitter taste, causes a reflex action via the taste bud. Example: Gentian.
• Carbohydrates: A major energy source, as well as the basis of many soothing components. Example: Elm, Seaweed.
• Coumarins: Can strengthen capillary walls. Example: Horse Chestnut Bark.
• Flavones/Flavonoid Glycosides: have a wide-range of effects, such as diuretic, anti-spasmodic, hepatic and cardiac support. Example: Buckwheat.
• Glycosides: Have strong effects on the heart. Example: Foxglove.
• Tannins: Have binding and protective effects on the skin. Example: Tea leaves.
• Volatile Oils: Have antiseptic, stimulatory and calming effects.
• Saponins, Plant Acids, Phenolic Compounds, and others.

Choose the Right Herbal Plants

From this categorization of compounds in herbal plants, scientists have been able to make full use of them. One can treat their pets (with the guidance of a veterinarian) by using the plant raw, in combination with other plants, using diluted plant extracts, or in recipes. Herbal plants that can be used to treat a common health issue can be classified in a group, as shown below.

Group Name	Therapeutic Actions	Notable Plants
Alterative	Cleanse blood, restore vitality	Burdock, Garlic, nettles, cleavers
Anti-catarrhal	Remove mucus and catarrh	Sage, Thyme, Golden Rod, Garlic
Anti-diarrheal	Soothe the intestine, have astringent action to help resolve diarrhea	Peppermint, Agrimonies, Cranesbills, Meadowsweet
Anti-microbial	Fight off infection	Garlic, Echinacea, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme
Astringents	Reduce discharges	Agrimonies, Raspberry, Yarrow, Slippery Elm Bark, Bearberry
Bitters	Stimulate appetite and digestion	Bearberry, Gentian
Carminatives	Prevent colic and abdominal pain, stimulate digestive system	Aniseed, Peppermint, Dill, Valerian, Garlic
Cholagogues	Encourage bile production in the liver and gall bladder, stimulate digestion	Gentian, Dandelion, Bearberry, Fringe tree, Milk Thistle, Peppermint
Diuretics	Increase the elimination of water from the body. Used in heart failure, urinary tract disorder, kidney disease and bladder problems	Buchu, Bearberry, Cleavers, Dandelion leaf, Juniper, Parsley Piert, Golden Rod, Yarrow and Burdock
Emollients	Soothe and protect skin	Comfrey, liquorice, mallow, marshmallow, slippery elm
Hepatics	Support the liver	Barbary, Milk Thistle, Dandelion root, Cleavers and Cascara
Hypoglycemic	Lower blood sugar, treat diabetes	Garlic, Chicory, Nettles
Laxative	Relieve constipation	Dandelion root, Barberry, Cascara, Rhubarb Root, Cleavers
Nerviness	Stimulate and strengthen the nervous system	Ginseng, Oats, Hops, Valerian, Skullcap, Rosemary
Sedatives	Calm the nervous system, reduce stress. Notably useful in treating animals with behavioral problems due to nervousness	Valerian, Skullcap, Chamomile and Hops
Stimulants	Stimulate and support basic physiological functions	Cayenne, Garlic, Ginseng, Peppermint, Mustard, Rosemary
Tonics	Strengthen and maintain many organs and body functions	Acrimony, Bearberry, Cleavers, Garlic, Parsley, Raspberry, Skullcap
Vulnerary	Heal minor wounds	Calendula, Aloe Vera, Arnica, Comfrey, Garlic, Yarrow.

Herbal medicine for pets is no longer just transferring what works for humans into pets. With the knowledge above, holistic veterinarians and pet parents can learn how to use herbs for their beloved animals when needed. With this said, the effectiveness of herbal remedies still depends on the quality of the herbs and the processes that the herbs have undergone.

Note of Caution: Your veterinarian should be consulted before adding herbs to your pet’s diet to avoid interactions or complications.  Not all herbs are safe for all species of pets.

Resources:
Mary L.Wulff – Herbs for Pets: The natural way to enhance your pet’s life
Juliette D. B. Levy – The complete Herbal Handbook for the dog and cat
Susan G. Wynn – Veterinary Herbal Medicine

Guest Author Bio:
Lan Hoang is a researcher and dog lover. She also writes about how to live a happy life with dogs at Dogs To Love.

✔ You may also be interested in reading:
30 Essential Oils that may not be Safe for Pets
Using Nutritive Herbs for Pet Dietary Supplements (with Recipe)
Top 12 Natural Supplements for Senior Dogs (Infographic)

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