Five Essential Herbs To Keep On Hand
I love learning about the amazing benefits of herbs and plants–their properties truly are amazing! Rita Hogan, a master herbalist who helps dogs and cats, recommends five essential herbs to keep on hand. All of these can be used with cats, are non-toxic, and can be used as tinctures or teas. Furthermore, they all have properties that benefit the kidneys, liver, lungs, gut, and musculoskeletal system, too.
In general, if using a tincture, a cat up to 20 pounds would use 1 drop twice a day. If you’re using a tea, she recommends 1/4 teaspoon once or twice a day. As with any herb, they are meant to be used to improve a condition and not be used “forever.” Therefore, be mindful of symptoms. Like homeopathy, using too much or too long may start to create the symptoms the herb is designed to remedy.
Essential Herb #1: Calendula
- Can be used for wounds when there is NOT an infection
- Helps leaky gut and heals the gastrointestinal tract
- Great for cuts and scrapes
- Has antifungal properties both internally and externally
- Repairs gut during and after antibiotic use
- It’s “warming” for cats who seek out warm places all the time (their bodies may run cool)
- Great for geriatric animals
Essential Herb #2: Plantain
- Has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties
- Heals wounds internally and externally
- Protects the microbiome against glyphosate
- Heals leaky gut
- Helps with incontinence
- Aids in relieving both diarrhea as well as constipation
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
Essential Herb #3: Ginger
- Considered “hot” or warming, so use in small amounts
- Increases circulation
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Provides pain relief
- Has anti-nausea properties
Essential Herb #4: Marshmallow Root
- Best used as a glycerate extract or as a tea
- Helps with acid reflux
- Heals leaky gut
- Soothes gut, bladder, and joints
- Moisturizes lungs
- A good substitute for slippery elm
- Has a sweet taste, making it more pallatable
- Provides a source of prebiotic fiber
- Supports the immune system
Essential Herb #5: Nettle
- Easy to use as a tea
- Excellent for allergies (1/4 tsp tea)
- Helps with food sensitivities
- Provides a source of trace minerals
- Helps protect the gut from glyphosate
- Provides anti-itch relief (make a tea and rinse the pet with it)
- Nettle seed tincture helps with kidney failure
- Nettle seed isn’t drying like the leaves can be
Final tips
When using herbs Rita recommends using 1 drop of medicine/tincture and 1 drop of broth to mask any taste. Administer with a dropper into the side of the mouth. Be quick and don’t make a big fuss or your cat will associate the whole experience as something negative! Finally, it’s always a good idea to reward your cat afterward with his favorite yummy treat in order to make the process a positive one.
To learn more about using herbs with your cat, visit Rita’s website: https://www.canineherbalist.com
Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is for informational, educational, and reference purposes only and are not intended to substitute advice given by a veterinarian or other licensed health-care professional. Furthermore, information and energy assessments have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. Anyone considering alternative therapies should consult with their Veterinarian before using an alternative method of healing. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. I am not a doctor of veterinary medicine. Contact your Veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet has a medical problem.
