Top 7 Medicinal Herbs you should know about

Do ‘herbs’ really do anything? Turns out that many of the conventional medications your dog or cat may take (think flea meds, anti-cancer drugs, anti-inflammatories etc…), are derived from plants.

So YES, they can do many a positive thing for your dog or cat!

One of the most important medicinal herbs is Milk Thistle, which has gads of research showing it to be beneficial for most types of Liver Disease affecting our pets. There are many other holistic alternatives though for Liver Disease, and we have combined them all in our NEW Liver Supplement. If you have a dog with elevated liver enzymes, you should try it…

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Dr Jones’ ULTIMATE Liver Support Formula for Dogs

Herbs as Alternatives to Conventional Medication

As a veterinarian, I often seek out natural alternatives for treating pets, and herbs stand out as one of the safest and most effective options. Herbs are gentle medicines that offer a much greater margin of safety compared to conventional medications. They tend to have fewer side effects, making them a preferred option for many pet owners.

One of the key reasons herbs are safer is that the whole plant works together. The combined components of the plant are more effective than any single isolated compound. For instance, take White Willow—this herb contains the same active ingredient found in aspirin. However, when dogs take White Willow, they rarely experience the common side effects of vomiting or diarrhea, which are frequently seen with aspirin use.

The 7 Most Important Herbs You Should Know About

Here are the seven herbs I believe every pet owner should consider:

1. Dandelion
Dandelion is a powerful diuretic. The roots are particularly useful for liver problems, arthritic conditions, and even cancer. It is one of the most complete plant foods you can offer your pet.

2. Milk Thistle
This is the most studied herb for liver disease in dogs and cats. It helps speed up recovery from nearly any liver injury, making it a vital component of liver support.

3. Aloe/Calendula
Both are fantastic topical anti-inflammatories, especially useful for skin diseases. They provide natural relief without the harsh side effects of synthetic medications.

4. Turmeric (95% Curcumin)
Turmeric is an effective natural painkiller. It reduces inflammation and may help lower the risk of many cancers. The high curcumin content in turmeric is what makes it so potent.

5. Valerian
Valerian acts as a fast-acting, natural sedative. It’s also a great holistic muscle relaxant, perfect for pets with anxiety or muscle spasms.

6. Peppermint/Chamomile
These herbs are extremely safe and fast-acting for gastrointestinal issues. If your pet has an upset stomach, these can offer quick relief.

7. Slippery Elm
Extracted from the bark of the Slippery Elm tree, this herb is fantastic for soothing an inflamed stomach or intestinal tract. It’s also helpful for pets with diarrhea or coughs.

How to Start Using Herbs for Your Pets

Using herbs with your pets is simple and effective. Here are some of the easiest ways to incorporate them into your pet’s care:

1. Herbal Creams
For skin issues, you can use creams with aloe, calendula, or chamomile instead of steroid creams. Apply the cream topically to the affected area twice a day for seven days, and monitor the response.

2. Valerian Tincture
Valerian is excellent for muscle spasms or mild sedation. The dose is 1/2 ml of the tincture for every 20 pounds of body weight, given two to three times a day.

3. Herbal Teas
Peppermint or chamomile teas are easy to make and effective for treating an upset stomach. I recommend making 1 cup of concentrated tea, and then dosing your pet at 1/4 cup per 10 pounds of body weight, two to four times a day.

Heal Your Pet at Home

Herbs are a wonderful way to naturally support your pet’s health. One of the most common issues I see in blood work is elevated liver enzymes, especially in dogs taking NSAIDs. The liver processes everything in your pet’s body, so it’s crucial to provide liver support when needed.

I recommend adding a high-quality liver support supplement that includes SAMe and Milk Thistle, two of the most important ingredients for liver health. Our very own Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Liver Support Formula for Dogs contains both of these critical components and can greatly benefit your pet’s liver health.