Birds, Cats, Dogs, Rabits, Reptiles...

They all play a very active and important role in modern family and social life. The bond between humans and animals is affectionate, healthy and healing. Herbal care for your animals will further enhance this healthy collaboration.

The Herb Garden is a healthy source of nutrition and medication for animals. Wild animals naturally turn to herbs if they are feeling unwell. Use herbs as a general health-maintenance routine by giving them at least a weekly dose of one tonic or culinary herb. Consult a herbalist or your vet if your pet's condition requires therapeutic levels of herbal medication.

• Adding herbs to their food.

Some useful Herbs:

• Calendula: Use it externally for wounds and other skin infections. It has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect and speeds skin healing. Internall it is beneficial for gastrointestinal conditions.
• Chamomile: Externally it is soothing and healing for many skin infections. Use it internally for indigestion and gastric problems. It has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Comfrey: Use the leaves, cooked and added once or twice a week to your dog or cat's diet. Comfrey may help to reduce arthritic complaints.
• Culinary Herbs: Add different herbs to the food to supply a wide range of medicinal properties - antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and multi-organ system enhancement. Culinary herbs also have high antioxidant values and add some interest to a typical bland diet.
• Echinacea: The first aid remedy - a medicine chest in one plant. Balances the immune system, fights infection, helps heal wounds and decreases inflammation.
• Lavender: Such a versatile plant. Externally for wound and skin healing. Rinsing your dog with Lavender water after a bath will leave it with a calming and refreshing aroma. Internally for digestive problems and as a calmative.
• Parsley: Add to a dog's diet as a valuable supplement to cure bad breath. This condition is often caused by bad teeth and the decomposition of food in the intestines.
• Yarrow: Used externally to stop bleeding and to help heal old wounds. Internally to treat colds and flu and as an aid to liver problems.

Herbs for Reptiles:

Especially fond of Celery, Coriander, Nasturtiums, Oriental Vegetables, Parsley, Rocket,

Flea deterent:

• Pennyroyal: Rub the coat with fresh leaves, or spray a strong infusion onto the coat,
• Rosemary: Bathe your dog in a strong rosemary infusion. Use a rosemary infusion to was the bedding,
• Tansy: Rub the coat of your pet with a handful of fresh, crushed leaves,
• Herbal Flea Powder: Use dried and powdered Rosemary, Fennel, Rue, Pennyroyal and Tansy. Combine one part of each herb in a shaker-top jar. Sprinkle it sparingly on the pet's coat while brushing the hair backwards. This ensure that the powder gets to the base of the hair.

Toys for Cats:

Fill a small sachet with Catnip and Catmint for hours of fun for you and your cat. They adore the smell and benefit from the calming effect. You can call it "Aromatherapy for Cats".

How to use herbs:

• Internal use:
  • Fresh herbs mixed with food: Using herbs, mixed with there food can be a period of trial and error. Just like humans, taste preference differ between animals. Adding small amounts at a time will get them use to the new tastes and over a period extend the range of herbs they would tolerate.
    Use a teaspoon for small animals up to a tablespoon for bigger dog breeds, once a day.
  • A tea mixed with food: Make a tea of the herbs, let it cool down and add it to their food.
• External use:
  • Spray bottle: Prepare a strong tea with the herbs, strain and place in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the affected area at least three times a day.

Top