In the first of a two-part series, pet therapist Elizabeth Whiter and holistic vet Dr Rohini Sathish share their top DIY plant remedies for common pet problems.
In the natural world, animals self-medicate with a variety of plant material to help them survive. But as our companion animals are reliant on us for most of their needs, here’s a selection of healing plant remedies for you to have on hand in your kitchen to help your cat or dog.
These remedies have been tried and tested for more than two decades on our own pets, at rescue centers all over the world and in our own private practices.
When it comes to more serious medical conditions, these simple plant remedies are not a substitute for veterinary treatment, but remember that conventional and holistic treatment go hand in hand—both are vital for the health and wellbeing of your pet.
Parts used: Aerial parts—leaves, flowers and stems
Common uses and properties: Chickweed is a wonderful herb that grows year-round in fields, gardens and hedgerows. Taken internally, chickweed acts to soothe, protect and mildly lubricate the upper digestive tract. It is packed full of vitamins A and C and minerals including magnesium, copper, silicon, zinc and iron.
It is a gentle restorative that helps animals with anemia, skin problems and disorders of the digestive tract, lymphatic system and upper respiratory tract.
Chickweed is widely available to pick from March until November; pick small clumps from meadows and footpaths.
Make your own: Chickweed ice cubes
This recipe is particularly useful for senior dogs that may be restless, need to keep cool and require a steady stream of small and nutritious snacks.
Ingredients:
A large handful of fresh chickweed
1 tsp honey
2 Tbsp water
Method:
1) Place the chickweed in a blender and add the honey and water. Blitz until smooth.
2) Freeze the chickweed juice in ice cube trays.
How to use: Take out one cube at a time and allow your dog to lick it. This activates the salivary glands, helping to release tension in the lower jaw.
Parts used: Leaves
Common uses and key properties: Sage, an important culinary herb, is an effective remedy for mouth, skin and digestive problems in dogs and cats. It is great for keeping teeth clean and preventing gingivitis (inflamed gums) as it contains thujone, a powerful volatile oil that has antiseptic, antibiotic and antimicrobial qualities.
Make your own: Sage tea toothpaste
Ingredients:
Handful of fresh sage leaves
Boiling water
Method:
1) Place the sage leaves in a mug and add the boiling water.
2) Infuse for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
How to use: A couple of times a year, take a small children’s toothbrush, dip it in the tea and then gently brush around the teeth and gums of your dog or cat.
Note: This is a wonderful opportunity to have a closer inspection of your pet’s mouth. If there is excess tartar or gum disease you will need to have your pet’s teeth looked at by your vet.
Parts used: Aerial parts—leaves and stems
Common uses and key properties:
Nettles are a rich source of vitamins A and C, iron, sodium, chlorophyll, zinc, silica, protein and fiber. They’re an excellent tonic and a general blood cleanser and conditioner. They also stimulate the circulation, which makes them ideal for conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis, and they have antihistamine properties, so they’re excellent for animals with sensitivities and allergies to pollen and tree bark.
Make your own: Nettle seeds
These are a useful support to the adrenal glands. In the summer months, strip the seeds from the stems, dry them for five days and then gently bruise them using a pestle and mortar. Keep in a labeled glass jar and sprinkle a little on your pet’s food.
Make your own: Nettle leaf canine rinse
This is an excellent skin and coat rinse that will nourish your pet’s fur and provide symptomatic relief for itchy skin and flea bites. Use young nettle tops, as they are more flavorful than the older leaves at the bottom of the plant. The nettle’s sting is removed by cooking.
Ingredients:
4 Tbsp fresh nettle tops
Boiling water
Method:
1) Place the nettles in a cup, then fill the cup to the brim with just-boiled water.
2) Steep overnight or until cool.
3) Strain the liquid and pour into a labeled glass jar.
How to use: After washing your pet, pour this soothing rinse over your pet’s fur and massage it in.
Parts used: Root
Common uses and key properties: Ginger is one of the most versatile herbs. It is used in culinary dishes all around the world, and is helpful as a digestive aid for animals and humans suffering from nausea, colic, flatulence, vomiting and lethargy. It’s especially good for dogs and cats suffering from travel sickness and those undergoing chemo- or radiotherapy treatment for cancer.
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which help with circulation. This is particularly useful for senior animals that are a little unsteady. Ginger has a stimulating and warming effect on the body.
Make your own: Ginger-infused honey
Ingredients:
1 jar honey
1 oz (28 g) piece of ginger root
Method:
1) Chop or slice the ginger and add to the honey jar; remove after one week.
2) Label and date the jar and store in the fridge. Use within six months.
How to use: Offer half a teaspoon of the ginger-infused honey to your pet on a clean plate.
Parts used: Root
Common uses and key properties: Valerian is valued medicinally as a sedative and is a gentle, safe, relaxing herb for dogs and cats. It contains a chemical compound called valerinone, which acts as a stimulant in cats and is similar to catnip (Nepeta cataria) in that it can drive some cats into a frenzy.
A valerian cat toy (see below) can help in a variety of situations, including rehabilitation after surgery; when cats are bored or stressing about other cats in the neighborhood or their cat housemates; or when cats are anxious, nervous or suffering from emotional trauma. It also helps cats that are settling into a new home, are lethargic or depressed, or are needing mental stimulation or amusement.
Many holistic vets are also using valerian to help with epilepsy and to reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs.
Make your own: Valerian cat toy
1) Sew together two 100 percent cotton squares (15 × 15 cm/6 × 6 in), leaving a small opening.
2) Stuff full with dried valerian root and then sew up the opening.
3) Alternatively, take a clean 100 percent wool sock and stuff full with dried valerian root before sewing up the opening.
Adapted from You Can Heal Your Pet by Elizabeth Whiter and Dr Rohini Sathish (Hay House, 2015)
Rohini Sathish, DVM, MSC, MRCVS, MHAO, MCIVT
Dr Sathish is an award-winning holistic vet with 22 years of experience. After training in acupuncture, acupressure, energy healing, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), animal communication and herbal medicine, she now actively integrates conventional veterinary treatments with complementary therapies and is co-author ofYou Can Heal Your Pet (Hay House UK, 2015).
You can contact Dr Sathish at her website: www.rohinisholisticvetcare.com
