Herbal medicine is a traditional form of treatment that has been used for centuries in many cultures, including China, India, Japan, South America and many others to address a variety of health conditions in humans and animals. It involves the use of plants and plant-based substances to prevent disease, promote overall wellness and address specific health issues.

 

One of the benefits of herbal medicine for pets is that it can provide a natural and safe alternative to conventional medications. Many conventional medications can produce adverse effects, especially when used long-term. Herbal therapies on the other hand, are often gentler on the body and have fewer side effects. Additionally, some conventional medications may not be effective or may not be suitable for certain pets, particularly those with compromised liver or kidney function. In these cases, herbal therapies may be a viable alternative.

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There are many different herbs that are used in the treatment of pets, each has its own specific properties and benefits. For example, astragalus is a common herb that is used to boost the immune system and improve overall vitality. It is often used to help pets recover from illness or surgery, and may also be helpful for pets with gastrointestinal disease, cancer or immune deficiencies. Astragalus is thought to stimulate the production of white blood cells and help the body fight off infections and disease. Another herb commonly used for pets is milk thistle, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used to treat liver disorders. Each herb has its own potential risks and benefits, and the correct dosage and combination of herbs will depend on the specific health needs of the pet. Some herbs may interact with conventional medications or may not be suitable for pets with certain conditions. It is also important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities that a pet may have to certain herbs.

 

Herbal medicines are especially helpful in the treatment of internal medicine disorders, failing organs, chronic disease and diseases of the geriatric animal. They can be used to relieve pain, help improve and restore organ function, strengthen and support the immune system. TCM herbal prescriptions are specific for the individual patient and are directed at the root cause of an illness to correct it, and not to control symptoms alone.

In general, herbal prescriptions must be given for longer periods of time than pharmaceutical drugs, but the benefit lies in their natural ability to gradually return the body to a state of balance and health, without adverse effects. Herbs must be given regularly two to three times a day just like conventional medications to see a therapeutic effect. In general, herbal medications for pets are obtained from the same companies as those used to treat humans. They have been tested for purity and quality. Medicinal herbs are safe and effective and can be used for long periods of time without adverse effects when prescribed and used appropriately.

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Modern herbal medicine research is currently working to identify and document the active chemical constituents of many of the herbal formulas used today. Clinical response to herbal therapies can be seen in as little as 3 days but some take up to 2 months depending on the formulation for full effect. Herbal medications come in a variety of formulations: pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, topical tinctures, washes or pastes, and concentrated herbal extracts in powder or granule form. The formulation used depends on the type of condition treated and the species of animal.

 

Herbal/botanical medicines can be used to treat most conditions recognized by conventional medicine. They can be used alone or combined with other therapies for an enhanced or synergistic effect. Often, an herbal therapy and a conventional prescription will be used together. All herbal therapies should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified veterinary practitioner of herbal medicine. For best results, your pet’s condition, should be periodically monitored using both conventional and Chinese veterinary medical diagnostics to determine if the medicines they are being given is effective and still appropriate.