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Herbal medicine can be gentler than conventional drugs and offers a good alternative and first step in treating many common ailments and maladies of our furry friends.
It is important to use herbal medicine (as with most things!) in moderation and to proceed with caution
While most vets are not trained in holistic medicine, it is very important to always in emergency contact your vet.
Herbal medicine is not rocket science
and for the most part safe and effective. We'll share some recipes, suggestions, and tips below on how you can use some natural ingredients from around your home to create some simple herbal remedies for your pets.
Herbs to Use for Pet First Aid
Aloe – fresh juices for wounds and burns, break off leaf & squeeze(not for internal use, could be a laxative)
Calendula – pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, enhances epithelial(skin) tissue growth
Chamomile – calming, speeds healing
Comfrey – relief from pain of all types of wounds
Lavender – relieves anxiety, eases aches and pains
Mullein – speeds healing, soothes inflamed areas, anti-bacterial
Pennyroyal – flea repellent(not for internal use and do not use the oil)
Sage – relief from itching
Yarrow – healing, stops bleeding from oozing wounds
Use nonmetallic or enamel containers when making herbal potions; metal can change herbal potency
Infusions
- 2 Tbsp dried herbs or 1 ½ C packed fresh herbs washed and dried
- 2 C boiling water
Pour boiling water over herbs, steep for 15 min. Strain and store in covered jar in refrigerator
Decoction
- 2 Tbsp dried herbs or 1 ½ C fresh herbs, washed and dried
- 2 C water
Put herbs in glass or enamel container, add water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 –
20 min. Strain and press herbs, cool and store in covered jar.
Oil Infusion
- 2 C extra virgin olive oil or other oil (not vegetable)
- 1 C dried herbs (dried herbs work best in oil)
Method 1: Place herbs in a jar and cover with oil. Let sit in a warm location for one month.
Method 2: Place herbs in double boiler and cover with oil. Heat, uncovered over boiling water for 3 hours. Don’t let the oil bubble or smoke. Strain, pressing herbs to release every drop of oil. Bottle and store in refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Tinctures
- 2 C grain alcohol, available at liquor store - Everclear (100%) or rum (75% alcohol) or vodka (50% alcohol)
- 1 C fresh herbs (chopped as fine as possible) or ½ C dried herbs
Put herbs in a glass jar, cover with alcohol and cover with lid and let sit for 2 weeks. Strain and store in airtight glass container(amber color is best)
Salves
- 8 oz oil infusion
- 1 oz beeswax
Heat oil gently in double boiler and add ¼ C grated beeswax until melted into liquid; cool, seal tightly and store in refrigerator for up to 2 years.
Recipes
Flea Rinse (infusion)
- 1 part pennyroyal
- 2 parts lavender
- 1 part rosemary
- 1 part peppermint
- 1 part feverfew
Mix herbs in a nonmetallic container. Pour 2 cups boiling water over herbs and let steep 30 minutes. Strain and mix with 1 gallon water, saturate pet’s coat with herbal water. Let dry.
Skin soother spritz (tincture)
- 1 part fresh comfrey chopped as fine as possible
- 2 parts vodka
Put herbs in a jar and cover with alcohol. Put on lid and set in a warm window for 2 weeks. Strain and squeeze herbs to get every last drop of oil. Put mixture in a small spray bottle and use 2 3 times a day on hot spots or dry areas of pet’s skin.
Anti-inflammatory salve (oil infusion)
- 1 C almond oil
- ½ C dry calendula flowers
- 1/8 C chamomile flowers
- ¼ C grated beeswax
Place herbs in a jar and cover with oil. Seal with lid and set in a warm location and let sit for 1 month. Strain and squeeze herbs. Gently heat oil in a double boiler, add beeswax and simmer until wax melts. Cool and place in a covered container. Rub on wounds as needed.
Bibliography
- Herbs, The Little Guide; Geoffrey Burnie; Fog City Press, 2000
- Herbal Cat Care; Randy Kidd, DVM, Ph.D.; Versa Press, 2000
- Herbal Dog Care; Randy Kidd, DVM, PhD.; Versa Press, 2000
- 10 Herbs for Happy Healthy Dogs; Kathleen Brown; Story Communications, 2000
- 10 Herbs for Happy Healthy Cats; Lura Rogers; Storey Communications, 2000
- The Herb Bible; Peter McHoy and Pamela Westland; Quarto, Inc; 1995
www.herbcompanion.com
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