Healing Botanicals for Pets

Interest in natural medicine has grown to include animals as well as humans. More and more Americans are looking for the “right diet” for the animals in their lives: whole-grain cereals combined with fish, meat, vegetables, and occasional fruits, to replace commercial pet foods that contain animal byproducts and nutritionally empty fillers. Garlic and green foods, plenty of fresh water, exercise, and good grooming go a long way to support your pet's health.

If health problems do arise, however, botanical treatments are often the safest course. Combined with homeopathy and flower essences, herbs are your pet's first line of defense. In some cases, natural remedies may be all an animal needs. However, it's always a good idea to call a veterinarian for lingering or potentially serious problems. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), 410-569-0795, is one source of information and referrals (access online through www.altvetmed.com).

How to Use Herbs

"In order for herbs to be effective, they must be used with consistency," says Rosemary Gladstar, my mentor in herbal medicine. "This is probably the most difficult aspect of herbalism for people in the twentieth century. In our age of quick fixes and instant medicine, the old art of brewing and using herbal tea seems antiquated and time-consuming," when, in fact, this tradition is both simple and practical. For example, an infusion made from herbs picked from your garden or stored in your cupboard takes only minutes to make--and is often as effective as over-the-counter or prescription treatments.

To make an herbal infusion, or tisane, steep dried or fresh herbs in hot water (removed from heat just before coming to a boil). In general, you want to use 1 teaspoon dried herbs or 1-2 tablespoons fresh flowers and plant materials per cup of water. For compresses that require more liquid, use approximately 5 teaspoons of dried and 1/3 cup of fresh herbs per quart of water. Some roots and seeds lend themselves to decoction, which uses brewing or simmering instead of steeping. In addition, you can purchase capsules and extracts (or tinctures).

While a number of reputable natural-products manufacturers have created herbal products especially for pets, it's often possible to use a portion of adult-strength herbal preparations. Based on weight, I would suggest the following dosages three times a day. If your pet weighs 5 to 10 pounds, try 2 drops of tincture, half a “00” size capsule, or 1 teaspoon of herbal tea. For a 10- to 20-pound pet, 4 drops of tincture, 1 capsule, or 2 teaspoons tea. For a 30- to 50-pound animal, 6-10 drops tincture, 2 capsules, and 4 teaspoons tea are usual internal doses.

Which Herbs to Use

"Herbs go deeper than drugs, right to the source of the health problem," says Deb Soule, who founded Avena Botanicals Herbal Apothecary and Herbs for Animals in Rockport, Maine. She recommends garlic for animals. "I make a garlic vinegar and put a little in their food," giving a teaspoon a day to a large dog or an eighth of teaspoon to a cat or very small dog. Other herbs that can be safely used include ashwagandha (for apathetic or tired pets), astragalus root (for infectious or respiratory illness), as well as burdock, bupleurum, and echinacea for immune support. "It's probably a good idea to give animals a break so they don't eat the same herbs in the same quantities every day. A few days on, a few days off--that usually works well," adds Soule.

"Learn how to work with herbs not only to help repair problems that your dog, cat, bird, or other animal may have, but also to prevent problems altogether. Don't be afraid to experiment."