JUNE 18, 2011 PETS RULE, HERBS RULE

"WE CAN DO ANYTHING WE WANT TO DO IF WE STICK TO IT LONG ENOUGH."

- Helen Keller

I have come to realize that anything is possible if I work at it. It sounds so 'pollyanna' but it is so true. Just think of any hobby you have decided to do. You start off slow, you make mistakes and little by little, day by day, you get better. This is the case with my knitting. I had to pull out my knits and purls many times before I perfected the dance of the needles and the yarn.

I never gave up. There are many situations in the past when I have given up. Today, giving up is not an option. I will ask for assistance in any form before I decide to quit. This is something I never did before. I am humble. I am only human after all.

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of treatment known and used by all races of people. In 1998 (13 years ago ) the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that botanical medicines were used by 70% of the world population. In clinical practice I can only assume from observations that this percentage now exceeds 85-90%. It is also no surprise that these same people have used these plant medicines not only for themselves, but for their pets. I am one of those individuals. I would want herbal medicine to remain holistic and purest as well as empiricist and not attempt to change the ideals and philosophy of herbalists. This is hard to do when modern medicine tries to incorporate herbs as drugs.

The regulatory status and quality control of herbs worldwide is as diverse as the countries these herbs hail from. There is a wide range of products ranging from crude herbs to standardized. In most countries herbs are regarded as food supplements and no therapeutic claims can be made. There is now an incentive for countries to export their native herbs to other countries. For veterinary herbal products the regulatory requirements are even less developed than that for the human herbal products. I am at odds with myself on this. I do know we need regulations but I do not want the same regulations for drugs (FDA) to rule herbal medicine. Two excellent places to get pure organically grown herbs in bulk are Mountain Rose Herbs and Frontier Herbs.

The writing is on the wall. If 62% of American households own a pet, there is a need for herbal veterinary medicine. In old veterinary textbooks until the 1960's herbs were regarded as a standard treatment of care. It wasn't until 1994 when the DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health Education Act) became law that individuals started to look closely at regulations.

The FDA took a position that the above act does not apply to animals.

Reading all these regulations from 1994 to date would make anyone confused and anxious.

This is the point: If you want to treat your pet with herbs and supplements- you may do so. Consult your veterinarian for more information or be proactive for your animal and start researching herbs and supplements for your pet.

Your pet is part of your family.

Until tomorrow...

June 4-7,2010 Weekend Love for Animals

"The more peaceful you become, the easier time you will have living."

Peace, serenity and love! You need not search. Stop looking for it. It comes from within. I have learned this by taking a different path than I had intended. Now, on the 'path of progress', life seems easier. Serenity comes in different forms. It can come from just sitting by yourself on the beach. It can come from meditating and praying. It can come while you are gardening, collecting wildflowers (I did more of that this weekend) or possibly from the unconditional love from your pet.

"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside." Denis Waitley

Denis Waitley is one of America's most respected authors, keynote lecturers and productivity consultants on high performance human achievement. I love smiling. It does say a lot about someone. I like to say that the eyes and the smile are the gateway to one's heart.

The unconditional love of our pets makes Rick and I smile. The pets include Grant (Maltese - age 12), Jack (Yorkshire terrier - age 11), Spencer (King Charles Cavalier - age 3), cousin Lily (Lhasa Poodle - age 1 and the ONLY FEMALE) and Gracie (Amazon Double Nape Yellow Parrot - age 8).


Wow, that is a lot of unconditional love! About three years ago, I began to give vitamins, nutrients and herbs to our animals. Is it even possible? Of course, it is. You as the pet owner may investigate these modalities for your pets. Veterinarians have begun to use herbs, minerals and essential oils (aromatherapy) in their practices. There are several books on these subjects.


I wanted to write about this to broaden your knowledge base. I wanted you to know that even animals can benefit from your education about other healing/medical modalities. Holistic practices have gone to the parrots...and the dogs.

I always seem to talk about patient's pets. I find it interesting since I initially wanted to be a veterinarian. I also know it is a way to get to know a patient. I do know that aromatherapy has been studied for dogs and horses. Of course, it has beneficial effects for humans but now we have research specifically for animals. When Grant's brother was living (his name was Cary - imagine Cary and Grant), I used the essential oil Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) for nervousness and anxiety when he traveled on the ferry to Fire Island. It is also used for restoring mental balance, focus and clarity. I found it useful for the older dog.

I have learned that Bay leaf (Pimenta racemosa) is great as a tick repellent. I use it for both humans and animals (especially on Fire Island). It is also useful as a hair tonic (or for animal fur). I haven't used it on my own hair yet. I am still stuck on Horsetail. It is the high content of the phenol in Bay leaf (eugenol) that makes it a great tick repellent. Do not use any of these products without more reading/study, seeing an alternative vet or asking your own vet.

I think the best essential oil is lavender (Lavandula angustiflora). I was told years ago that it is one, if not the only, oil that can be used without being diluted. It is great for skin conditions and healing. Rick and I will have to try it on Spencer's ears which are pruritic (itching). It also has a calming effect, which he needs when he starts scratching his ears.

Remember to have fun with your pet. If you do not have a pet, go sit in the park and watch the interaction between owners and their pets.

In the picture above, Spencer is on the left and Lily is to the right.

Until tomorrow...