Allergy
Arthritis Aide For
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Blue Magic Herbal
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Cats
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mouth. All tinctures are prepared using organically grown or wildcrafted herbs. Formulas are extracted in
apple cider vinegar, water and natural vegetable glycerin for optimum product quality and easy dosage.
Animals like their naturally sweet flavor.
Some of the common problems that we have had success in treating are: allergies, arthritis, skin problems,
urinary tract problems, anxiety, and chronic ear problems. Herbal remedies can also help support the body
during times of stress such as cancer management and immune system problems. We have accomplished this
success with our Tinctures
Our Blue Magic Herbal Ear Cleanser clears up even the most stubborn ear infections.
Order from our Problem Solutions List at the Left
"Herbs for Animals.....what could I possibly say to anyone that hasn't used the products......USE THEM!!!!!
The Owner of Herbs for Animals, she has to be one of the nicest people on Earth and she is so helpful and
knowledgeble.....I cant recommend her enough to people! She actually cares about people and their pets
and does whatever she can to help you out." -J.Lawrence, MN
HERBAL MEDICINE- WHAT IS IT?
Many people are confused with what herbal medicine is. There is so much attention paid to it now both on
TV and in magazines. Herbs for this, herbs for that...but do they work? How did we start using herbs? What
is a standardized herb? What is a tincture vs. a capsule? Should I buy standardized or non-standardized
herbal preparations?
The use of herbal medicine by people has been around for a long, long time. And how many of us have
cringed when we see our dogs chewing on “Couch Grass” also called appropriately, “Dog Grass” and then
vomiting? It is in this fashion that animals self medicate to either purge with or ingest things they need to
regulate themselves. (We do however, need to ensure their source of grass is not chemically treated and that
we don't have any poisonous ornamentals planted either indoors or outside that our pets would have access
to.)
HOW DID WE START USING HERBS?
People probably started using herbs in the same fashion, when we were more in touch with nature and were
more familiar with the wild plants around us. Many plants that are considered “weeds” were once an
important part of daily or seasonal diet. "Billie Joe Tatum’s Wild Foods Field Guide" is a good reference book
to anyone interested in wild plant harvesting. Plants such as burdock root, dandelion, plantain and
chickweed are some of my favorite wild plants to use in herbal preparations, yet many people spend a lot of
time and money trying to eradicate them from their yard & surrounding areas. Next time you are in your car,
appreciate the beauty of the country roadside in August, with its beautiful cornflower blue chicory,
intermingled with crisp white Queen Anne’s Lace and rust red Yellow Dock stalks combined with beautiful
greens and yellows. Many of these “roadside weeds” are at the core of traditional herbal medicine. In the U.
S. some are indigenous, while others such as Plantain, were brought over by European settlers because of
their usefulness. In addition to food and medicine, herbs also served useful purposes in areas of fabric dying,
pest control and household cleaning.
HOW DO WE USE HERBS TODAY?
Today, there are herbs, or their active or synthesized constituents in some common household items.
Plantain is the main active ingredient in Metamucil. Listerine contains thymol, which came from the culinary
herb, thyme. Thyme has natural antimicrobial action, hence its use in “germ killing” Listerine. Originally,
thyme was probably used to help preserve meat and as a natural antiseptic for meat that had been sitting out,
prior to refrigeration storage options. Teaberry chewing gum contains clove, as well as some other
mouthwash brands, and in addition to the aforementioned thyme properties, also was traditionally used to
help anesthetize the pain of infected teeth, as well as provide antibacterial action. There are many options
today in purchasing herbs. Loose herbs can be purchased at some health food stores. You can buy herbal
teas, such as Celestial Seasonings ® and Alvita ® at most grocery stores now.
WHAT IS A TINCTURE?
Tinctures are a liquid extract of the herb material, in either a standardized or non-standardized form. They
are usually preserved with alcohol, apple cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. Vegetable glycerin is a viable
medium to use with children and pets, due to its sweet taste, pure source and long shelf life.
Standardized tinctures and capsules are also available. Standardized herbal preparations are processed to
contain high quantifiable amounts of what is believed to be the active constituent of herbs. I sometimes use
standardized turmeric root to treat autoimmune disease, allergies and soft tissue injury due to its anti-
inflammatory effect. However, I also use turmeric root in its traditional non-standardized form in tonic
tinctures such as Herbs for Animals Arthritis tincture There is controversy whether it is better to use
standardized herbs due to its quantifiable measurements, or if it is better to use the traditional plant parts
and thereby not excluding any potential synergistic effect. Personally, I like to use both, and each method has
its place in holistic treatment.
WHAT ARE OTHER FORMS OF HERBS AVAILABLE?
Capsules are also available. Most sold in retail are standardized, and have the same issues as standardized
tinctures. Many traditional healers encapsulate powdered raw material, these are not usually sold in mass-
marketing venues.
Salves and Sprays are a way to apply herbs to the skin. Some herbs contain natural antibacterial/antifungal
properties and can assist in treating hot spots and a variety of fungal and bacterial infections. Calendula, St.
Johnswort, Comfrey and Plantain are some of my most favorite herbs that contain properties that help to
reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
DO HERBS WORK?
More research money is going into examining the potential healing properties of herbs that have been used
for centuries by indigenous peoples of the world. The truth is that all remedies will not work for all people or
animals all the time. However, research has shown that there is validation to some of the traditional claims
that have been made. Milk Thistle Seed has been shown to help repair and regenerate damaged liver cells,
even in individuals suffering from severe liver damage from hepatitis or toxins. Hawthorne berry has been
shown to help regulate cardiovascular function. Red Clover has promising anti-tumor, anti-cancer effect.
Echinacea has been merited to help reduce the duration of colds. Not only should we be funding Rainforest
Conservation Efforts, but we also need to pay attention to the wild spaces in our own communities.
Ethnobotany may hold the key to assisting us with combating some of the threats of antibiotic resistant
strains of bacteria and viruses.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HERBAL MEDICINE AND HOMEOPATHY? ARE THEY THE SAME?
No, they are not. Despite a widespread belief to the contrary, Homeopathy is not the same as herbal teas or
tinctures. Medicinal Herbs are used in homeopathy, but their extreme dilution makes the resulting remedy
very different from a traditional herbal preparation. Homeopathic remedies are made from a variety of
natural sources, including herbal, vegetable, mineral and animal. These are made into a substance that is
then diluted several times.
Homeopathy is a branch of alternative medicine that was developed in the early 1800s by Samuel
Hahnemann. His belief was that "If a medicine administered to a healthy person causes a certain syndrome of
symptoms, that medicine will cure a sick person who presents similar symptoms." He believed that these
medicines taken in very dilute form, cause the body to heal itself. The basis of his principle is that "like cures
like"- i.e., to cure a fever, you would administer a substance that will cause one in a healthy individual.
The most common potencies available in the US are 3c, 6c, 12c and 30c. The highest diluted remedies are
considered the strongest. Although homeopathy is still gaining popularity in the US, it is widely accepted as
standard medical practice throughout Europe and homeopathic preparations are regarded as prescribed
medication. Products in the US are commonly sold in health food stores, and are in small tablet form.
Homeopathic remedies should be taken at least 15 minutes before eating, drinking, brushing teeth, etc. It is
recommended that you store them away from strong odors, heat & light and that you do not touch the
tablets. To administer, you shake them into a paper cup or similar object and shake them onto the tongue.
For more information on using homeopathy with your pet, consult your holistic veterinarian and refer to
"Homeopathic Care for Dogs and Cats" by Dr. Don Hamilton, DVM.
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is the study of fragrances and their influence on mood and health. Essential oils in plants give
them their fragrance, and by extracting essential oils, herbalists concentrate and preserve them. Essential
oils are used in cosmetic, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. Holistic medical practitioners claim that essential
oils help balance and restore good health, and enhance our moods and feelings. Lavender is a commonly
used oil for relaxation, while rosemary is stimulating. Essential oils are made by distilling plant material; it
takes several pounds of fresh plant material to produce even a fraction of an ounce of essential oil. For this
reason they should be used with care, as they are very concentrated and a little goes a long way. A couple of
drops is plenty in most diffusers. Used topically, they should always be very diluted.
WHAT ARE FLOWER ESSENCES?
Flower Essences are another branch of alternative therapy. They are made by picking fresh flower blossoms
in the morning, placing them face-down in a small container of water, and letting them sit in the sun for a
few hours. The remaining water is then collected and stored as a "mother tincture." The idea is that the
"vibrational energy" from the flower blossom is infused into the water. Flower essence therapy is similar to
the homeopathic principle of the more diluted the original tincture is, the stronger its' effect on the
individual who takes it. For instance, Valerian root in traditional herbal medicine is used as a nervine
sedative. Valerian flowers, in flower essence therapy, would give the same effect due to "vibrational
energy." One popular flower essence remedy sold in health food stores is Rescue Remedy ® it is commonly
used to reduce anxiety levels, and is composed of five flower essences.
READING REFERENCES:
Here are a few reading references that discuss the use of Herbal medicines, Homeomeopathic preparations,
Essential Oils and Flower Essences as well as covering the benefits of a raw, home prepared diet and herbal
therapies for your beloved animal companion:
Dr. Pitcairn's Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats- Dr. Richard Pitcairn, DVM
Four Paws Five Directions, Dr. Cheryl Schwartz, DVM
Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, Shojai/Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM
Herbs for Pets- Tilford & Tilford
The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, Volhard & Dr. Kerry Brown, DVM
Homeopathic Care for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Don Hamilton, DVM.
These books are available at www.dogwise.com
They are also available at The Dog and Cat Book Catalog (800) 776-2665 or Everything in Dog Books (800) 487-
9867.
HOLISTIC VETERINARY INFORMATION:
To locate a holistic veterinarian in you area, you can contact the American Holistic Veterinary Medical
Association (AHVMA), 2214 Old Emmorton Road, Bel Air, MD 21015, (410) 569-0795 www.AHVMA.com
Copyright © 2000-2010 Herbs for Animals, LLC. All rights reserved.
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