Using herbal remedies for human health is becoming more and more popular each day. Health shops are packed with herbal tonics to cleanse our system and build our immune system. For example Echinacea and St Johns Wort are now common herbal remedies that most people are aware of.
However have you ever thought about using herbs for your animals health?
Long before humans lived on this planet, wild animals survived by using plants for their healing properties. Our modern day medicine is mainly derived from nature and scientists have spent years mimicking the active elements found in herbs. Therefore isn’t it our duty to reunite our animals diet with what nature intended?
Supplementing a dogs diet with herbal supplements can help fitness, vitality and their general health. The active elements in herbs work by supporting the liver, digestive system, lymphatic and urinary system, thus strengthening and building the immune system.
Herbs can also help with emotional problems. Dogs that are hyperactive or are nervous often have an unbalanced system. This sometimes has an effect on the skin, behaviour and digestion. Jackie Rive, owner and founder of the New Zealand company Organic Dog recommends using calming herbs such as Chamomile, Scullcap and Vervain, to help desensitise the nervous system; “These herbs reduce the anxiety or excitability that your dog may be experiencing. A mixture of calming herbs will help sooth the nervous system and aid digestion. The herbs also work by relaxing the muscles and the gut without causing the drowsy state that conventional sedatives can induce”.
Organic Dog understands that today’s dog has to cope with a number of stressful situations. Being left alone at home whilst the owner is at work or being left at boarding kennels during vacations can result in separation anxiety. This can have an effect on a dog’s happiness and health. Adjusting to a new environment or accepting a new home are also situations where a dog may act out of character because of stress.
Where-as humans might reach in the cupboard for a cup of Chamomile tea or a rescue remedy to calm the nerves or boost the immune system, a dog can also benefit from natural remedies. Supplementing a dog’s diet with calming herbs can be an important part of a happy dogs life. “Herbs are a very safe and natural way of improving your animals sense of enjoyment in life. Herbs are also packed with vitamins and minerals that also help work towards a balanced nervous system”.
Using herbs for your dog’s health can also provide life long benefits. Auckland based vet Jim Powell from Vets’ Corner in Takanini explains; “One of the advantages of using herbal supplements is that they allow for early intervention before clinical signs become severe. Medicinal herbs are a time honored tradition and when used in conjunction with modern science have proven to be extremely beneficial to our four legged friends”.
visit www.brookbyherbs.co.nz for calming organically certified herbal extracts for dogs and cats.
