Herbal Medicine for Animals

The following information is for educational purposes only. It should in no way be used in place of professional treatment.

Herbal remedies can be used to treat illness and to restore health and vitality. Herbs may be administered to animals in liquid extract added to food or in dried tea or powder. They may also be given in tablet form or capsules. Capsules are best opened and mixed into food for dogs and cats.

Some of the commonly used herbs for animals are:

ALFALFA
This herb is high in nutrients as well as being beneficial for over-acid conditions, for stomach and digestive ailments, as a blood purifier and as an appetite stimulant.

BARBERRY
This herb is an excellent liver tonic and is also beneficial for the gallbladder & spleen. Has a mild laxative effect.

BILBERRY
This herb is ideal for circulatory disorders. Helps to improve capillary function. Also beneficial for digestive complaints such as diarrhoea & constipation. The fruit contains antioxidants.

BURDOCK
Beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions, this herb is a powerful blood cleanser and helps to promote perspiration. It is a diuretic herb and supports the digestive system also.

CALENDULA
Mostly used for skin complaints it can also benefit gastric problems and is a blood tonic and anti-fungal. Can be used internally or externally.

CELERY SEED
Digestive tonic, especially beneficial when run down or chilled. Diuretic and anti-inflammatory action.

CHAMOMILE
This is a soothing and calming herb, it is beneficial for digestive weaknesses, headaches, colic and irritable bowel conditions.

CHASTE TREE BERRY
This is one of the best hormonal balancers. For moody mares and PMT.

CLIVERS
A very soothing anti-inflammatory herb for the urinary system and as a lymphatic stimulant. Not recommended for diabetics.

COUCHGRASS – A good source of nutrients and an excellent urinary antiseptic herb.

DANDELION
One of the best known liver tonic herbs available, it is also beneficial as a kidney tonic due to its gentle diuretic action and poor digestive disturbances and poor appetite.

DEVILS CLAW
This herb is an excellent anti-inflammatory with analgesic properties beneficial for the muscular & skeletal system. It is beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism. Also known as an effective alternative to ‘bute’ where tests have found it to be an effective pain reliever.

ECHINACEA
Widely used for viral and bacterial infections or weakened immune system. It can be used to help prevent infection and as a beneficial aid in the treatment or such.

EYEBRIGHT
An excellent tonic for the eyes, this herb may be used as an eye bath for eye irritations and internally helps to relieve mucous conditions.

GARLIC
Widely known for its antiseptic, expectorant and antibiotic qualities.  It can help to guard against infections and worm infestations. Ideal for any respiratory disorder. Can be used externally on cuts, bites, stings, ringworm & tick bites.

GINGER
Helps to stimulate circulation. It is also diaphoretic – promotes perspiration. Ginger is also a digestive aid and may help to relieve flatulence and colic.

GINGKO
Another herb which helps improve circulation, especially poor circulation to the brain – Assists poor memory.

GOTA KOLA
The ‘rejuvenator’herb –this also helps to improve memory & concentration. Also beneficial for skin problems and arthritis.

FENUGREEK SEEDS
Helps to stimulate appetite and for gastric disorders. It can also help to increases milk production during lactation. It is also a valuable source of nutrients. Combines well with garlic. Best avoided by mares with hormonal imbalances.

HAWTHORN BERRY
A major heart and circulatory tonic.

HORSETAIL
A rich natural source of silica, it also contains magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Beneficial for aiding bone and joint repair. The name says it all -If your horses are eating other horse’s tails, they need silica.

LICORICE ROOT
Has an oestrogenic action on females, so avoid during pregnancy. Has been used for thousands of years with many therapeutic uses. For gastric ulcers, coughs. It is beneficial for the liver, adrenal glands and much more. Should not be used in large quantities or for longer than 6 weeks. Best used under supervision.

MARSHMALLOW
This herb is soothing for the entire digestive tract and is beneficial for gastric complaints such as ulcers, colitis, bloat and inflammation. Its healing properties are also helpful for the urinary tract.

MEADOWSWEET
This is one of the best digestive remedies available. It is soothing to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. It is also an anti-inflammatory and contains pain-relieving compounds and can help to ease nausea. Combines well with Marshmallow for digestive disturbances. It should not be used for felines.

MILK THISTLE
An excellent herb to help strengthen the liver.  Seeds from Milk Thistle are high in linoleic acid which helps to regulate female hormonal balance.

OLIVE LEAF
May help to lower blood pressure. This herb is also beneficial for the immune system.

NETTLE
This is a nutrient herb as well as being beneficial for the whole body, including the skin. Combines well with other herbs to help chronic skin conditions.

PARSLEY
A powerful diuretic & tonic herb. It is rich in vitamin C, iron & copper being ideal for anaemia. Should not be used in large quantities. Has uterine stimulating properties, so avoid during pregnancy.

PASSIONFLOWER
This can be used with other nervine herbs to help calm nervousness.

PEPPERMINT
This herb is an excellent digestive tonic that can help to relieve flatulence, stimulate poor appetite, ease nausea and vomiting or colic. It can also be combined with other herbs for fevers, colds and flu.

PSYLLIUM HUSKS
For horses prone to sand colic, constipation and to cleanse the colon.

RASPBERRY LEAF
This herb has traditionally been used as a reproductive tonic to strengthen and tone the uterus. It can be taken prior to conception to help increase the likelihood of conception, and used routinely throughout the pregnancy to help prevent complications. It has also been used in the treatment of diarrhoea due to its astringent properties.

RED CLOVER
This herb is a powerful blood purifier and is especially beneficial for skin conditions. It also has expectorant properties making it beneficial for coughs and bronchitis. This wonderful herb has proven useful in removing tumours and cysts, but is best used under supervision of a qualified practitioner. It also has oestrogenic effects, which may affect those with hormonal imbalances.

ROSEHIPS
This is one of the best natural sources of vitamin C along with other minerals such as copper and cobalt. It is a great general tonic, immune system booster and circulatory herb for all. Can be used as a regular addition to the diet. Helps to prevent colds & flu

SLIPPERY ELM
An excellent nutrient herb, that is beneficial for inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract. Can benefit diarrhoea (scouring), especially for the young & elderly. Can also be used externally as a healing poultice.

UVA URSI
A urinary antiseptic herb that helps with urinary tract infections. Seek professional guidance for use. Should not be used long-term.

VALERIAN
This is one of the best nervines available. It is a gentle yet effective sedative or calming herb. Helps those suffering from insomnia or for nervous animals.

WORMWOOD
One of the most bitter herbs used to expel worms. Can be used as an external lotion for lice infestations. This herb also acts as a digestive aid, and to stimulate the appetite.

YARROW
Externally this herb is used to help heal wounds. It can also be used in the treatment of fevers and can help to lower blood pressure.

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