Herbs For Dogs

Written by Karen | 08 November 2010

History:

The history of herbal medicine is so far reaching, there are hundreds of articles and books on the subject and each one is a little different depending on the country, region, culture ...there doesn't seem to be any beginning to the story, because herbal medicine was being used before there were formal written records.

The use of herbs as medicine has continued steadily in some countries as India and China, while in England and America the use plunged and skyrocketed through the centuries.

Ancient cultures passed down their herbal healing remedies from mother to daughter by oral communication and symbolism.

According to ancient clay tablets, after centuries of refining, herbal information was passed on by "schools of healing" run by "healer queens" in ancient Egypt (around 2300 BC). Students from Africa, Egypt, Greece, Italy, and the Middle East took this information back to their countries for healing of their people and animals.

Around 5000 BC - 2500 BC Asian herbal medicine was developed in Western China. The book  "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" (or the Huang Ti Nei Ching or Nei Ching), contains detailed information on herbs for healing diseases, the only remaining edition is from 400 BC.

Documentation of Ayurveda Medicine started about 1500 BC, but Ayurveda has been practiced for more than 5000 years.

The Romans, Native Americans... every world culture, tribe... had their own plant based healing system.

Women were the mainstay of these traditions and as their status fell so did herbal healing, from the Inquisition in Europe (13th-17th century) to the Salem Witch Trials much knowledge was lost that we could use today.

Around the 1960's natural healing started making a come back, people weary of taking medicines that made them ill and more "diseased" started turning to natural healing that will cure the disease not cause more sickness.

ADVANTAGES OF HERBS FOR YOUR DOG ( OR PET):

1) Herbs contain the complete and natural plant (not like the pharmaceutical companies that isolate  and synthesize a plant's "active ingredient" so they can patent it), and can add nutritious value to your dog's diet, if possible use organic.

2) Herbs for animals come in several different forms, tea's which are on the weak side, dried plant matter that can be sprinkled on food, capsules and Herb Tinctures the easiest and most potent.

Herbal Tinctures may not taste great (they are preserved in alcohol and are very potent) but they go down fast and are absorbed into the system quickly. They also last a long time and are very economical.

3) Herbs are also used as poultices or compresses externally for wounds or skin diseases. Herbs are also used as salves mixed with a oil/cream base and used on the skin. There are herbs and oil/creams you can use that are safe if licked off.

4) Make sure you check with a professional before starting a treatment. While generally safe there are certain herbs that are poisonous to different species, don't take any chances!

5)  Herbs are a lot more economical, available and cheaper than veterinary drugs, and you can always grow them!

6) Using herbs frees you and your pet from an uncaring and money hungry medical system.

7) You can begin treatment earlier when an illness is just starting, herbs are a first line of defense, if the illness worsens or doesn't improve a trip to the vet is next.

Last, but not least:

1) Be aware of what you are giving your pet....Herbs are natural, but they are medicine, check with your vet and let him know what you would like to try, some herbs can interfere with other medications or may not be the correct herb for the illness.

2) There are herbs that will make your dog sick or worse - There are a few herbs that are not dog friendly, check with your vet or herbalist.

3) Giving the correct dosage can be the difference between an herb helping your pet, an herb having no effect, or making an illness worse, check with your vet for dosage.

Herbal Medicine: The Most Ancient Form of Healing - Information on herbal medicine

Herbs For My Dog - Information on illness and herbs

Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association - a group of veterinarians and herbalists dedicated to developing responsible herbal practice...there is a link to find a member in your area.

A Note On Alternative Therapies

Mixing herb, aromatherapy, homeopathy, and/or any medication on your own may cause problems for your pet. Always tell your vet what your pet is taking and/or what alternative therapies you are using to avoid unpleasant interactions.

Keep in mind when using alternative products and services, the treatments are gentle to the dog's body and can take up to several months to see results, many times herbs are used as a complimentary treatment and/or preventative.

Please be aware of what you give your pet; the herbal, aromatherapy, homeopathy products I carry have been around for awhile and are safe... but there are herbs, aromatherapy oils, and homeopathic products that can be toxic to your pet if not given properly(and in some cases, at all).