Health & Wellness
Eastern and Western Aid to Common Ailments
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Disclaimer: We are not Veterinarians and we do not prescribe.
We use the knowledge gained from, researching, studying, and conferring with professionals that have had successful experience in holistic care, as well as our own experience using holistic products. We share access to what we believe to be the most effective products, pathways, and recipes to achieve a result. The research we offer on holistic herbs and remedies is for pet owners to understand what is in the holistic products purchased. We are shocked at the number of sites that will tell you it is ok to give your pet many herbs and oils that are toxic! As your pet’s frontline caregiver, you will make choices that make sense to you, your Woof or Meow, and your individual situation. We encourage you to consult a local holistic veterinarian before trying to treat your dog at home or for possible interactions with medications they are on.
It is important to understand that both Meows and Woofs metabolize herbs and medicines differently than humans. Cats’ and dogs’ digestive systems are shorter, and herbs are not digested at the same rate. Cats are particularly sensitive to most essential oils as they have a low number of specific liver enzymes necessary to metabolize these oils and many herbs. If you are not sure of the right amount necessary to be effective but not so much as to be toxic, please consult a natural healing veterinarian or purchase a premade holistic formula. We want to educate you on what herbs can be used for what ails your pet though, so you know what they are and why they are used. We use many of the holistic tinctures and remedies for our non-urgent pet needs and some for our chronic sufferers, like Fiona, one of our ambassadors.
We believe that you need to understand what ails your pet before attempting herbal healing practices and recipes. Unless you are using specific herbal remedies as a daily dose to increase the immune system, it is advised to use tinctures for shorter periods such as two weeks.
Although many herbs and natural healing products are found to not be toxic at the right amount for your Meows and Woof’s size, any pet can have an adverse effect if they are allergic to the compound. Thus, it is better to give smaller doses throughout the day instead of one big dose and watch carefully for any adverse response. This will also increase your pet’s system into accepting the healing properties and help boost the immune system faster.
* Never give any pet herbs undiluted orally in the mouth. A herbal dosage of liquid extract or tincture for general nutritional support should have the alcohol removed. Add to boiling water and cool or dilute in some food and hand-feed or mix with slippery elm powder mixed in filtered water and then given a little orally or in food.
Herbal teas are not as strong as herbal extracts or tinctures. When you make up an herbal liquid tea, twice as much can be added to meals compared to herbal extracts concentrated formulas.
Please click on the subject matter below to read about the issue. We present both Eastern and Western options on medicinals and products.
- Allergies
- Abscesses
- Arthritis
- Auto-immune problems
- Car Sickness
- Colitis
- Cuts
- Cat Bite-punctures
- Bacteria
- Bad Breath
- Behavior
- Bladder – Urinary
- Bleeding
- Bone
- Cancer
- Cat-Daily Support
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Detox
- Digestion
- Digestion Enzymes-Probiotics
- Dog Daily Vitamins
- Ear
- Emergency
- Endocrine
- Eyes
- Feline Leukemia
- Fungal
- Gas-Bloating
- Hairballs
- Heart
- IBS
- Immune
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Injury
- Itching
- Joints
- Kidney
- Liver
- Lungs
- Lymph
- Mature Pets
- Mouth
- Muscle
- Neurological
- Nose
- Orphan Feeding
- Pain
- Parasites
- Poor Appetite
- Respiratory
- Seizures
- Skeletal
- Skin
- Stomach
- Stress-Anxiety
- Surgery
- Thyroid
- Ulcers
- Vomiting
- Worms
Allergies
Brewer’s yeast added to your pet’s food or in tablet form.
Omega fish oil added every feeding.
Zinc 25mg to 50 lb
Licorice Root-acts as an anti-inflammatory and natural cortisone to help jump start the immune system.
Woof’s only– No more than 10% Tea Tree oil dilution rubbed on the affected areas can both heal and deter licking due to the unpleasant taste. Tea Tree oil of any kind is toxic to Meows and could be deadly.
Vitamin E Oil – In food and topically on the affected area
See our recommendations for all products Allergy related.
Calendula – (Calendula officinalis)
Usnea
Ledum palustre – This is the number one cat-bite remedy
Yarrow (achillea millefolium)
See all product recommendations here
Auto-immune problems
Goldenseal
Bee Pollen
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
See also Inflammation, Inflammatory Disease or specific auto-immune disease
A dog or cat can get carsick even during short trips in the car. Carsickness can be physical, or anxiety driven. Stopping the physical nausea will help either way. Nux Vomica is our go-to for anti-nausea however all our recommendations are highly effective.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Ledum palustre – This is the number one cat-bite remedy
Yarrow (achillea millefolium) use externally
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Colitis is a general term for inflammation in the large colon. The most common sign of Colitis is very soft to liquid feces, often with mucus or blood. This type of stool becomes commonplace, to the point where normal feces are rarely seen anymore. The inflammation in the colon results in decreased ability to store feces and reduced water absorption in the colon. Recommendations are to fast for 24 hours and then feed a bland high-fiber diet.
Common Eastern remedies for Colitis
Goldenseal
Nux vomica
Slippery elm Powder (Ulmus rubra)
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
See all product recommendations here
Goldenseal
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Olive Leaf
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Alfalfa
Buchu (Barosma betulina)
Cleavers (Galium aparine
Marshmallow
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Goldenseal-internal bleeding
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)-external bleeding
Calendula-topically to close wound fast. Make sure wound is cleansed first.
Usnea
Yarrow (Serenoa repens)–internal bleeding
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Bee Pollen –prevention of
Bladderwack (kelp)
Cat’s Claw – support as a immunomodulator
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Goldenseal
Grape seed Extract
Slippery elm Powder –Stomach or Bowel cancer
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
Psyllium grains
Yarrow (Serenoa repens)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
There are also powdered electrolyte solutions available to keep on hand. Electrolyte solutions given in place of water for the first 24 hours will also help new pets that were shipped to deal with the stress of shipping.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Alfalfa
Blue Violet Leaf– is used with Red Clover as a Detoxifier and blood cleanser for pets who have a toxic reaction to the Annual Vaccinations.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Yucca
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid here
Your pet’s digestive system is not designed to process grains like wheat and many other bulking agents that are commonly used in commercial pet foods. Signs of digestive system issues may include diarrhea, excessive drooling (nausea), constipation, loss of appetite, vomiting, and excessive gas. To help with your pet’s digestion you must start with the right food and if necessary, add one of our recommended digestion aids.
Slippery Elm ( Ulmus fulva)
Mint (Mentha species)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Nux vomica– useful in case of gastroesophageal reflux, stomach acid, acute and chronic gastritis, ulcers,
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western Digestive aid here
Most pets digest and utilize their food efficiently, while some do not, especially seniors. Although nutrient absorption will increase with a high-quality diet, the body may still need assistance through supplements. Due to processing methods, many pet foods lack the probiotics, enzymes, and prebiotics necessary to keep your pet’s digestive tract healthy and operating at peak performance.
Digestive enzymes will catalyze the breakdown of foods to be readily utilized and then properly eliminated by the body. Even with high quality food, it still must be properly digested. If it is not digested properly you may see chronic digestive issues like IBD, constipation, vomiting, colitis etc.
Chicory root (cichorium intybus) is an inulin heavyweight; when dried it contains up to 18% inulin. Add chicory powder to food at mealtimes, or use a prebiotic supplement
We recommend daily digestive enzyme supplements and probiotics in both Eastern and Western.
Protease— helps catalyze the breakdown of proteins
Cellulase — Cellulasebreaks down cell walls of vegetables and grains
Amylase — breaks down starches.
Probiotics— help gut microflora.
Probiotics are also a good idea. Prebiotics are starchy fiber compounds that are not absorbed or digested or in the stomach, instead they go straight into the lower intestine where they ferment and selectively feed beneficial bacteria. Inuline is a good prebiotic, a polysaccharide compound, and found in the roots of many plants.
See all product recommendations for Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and Prebiotic
White Vinegar – kills yeast and dries the ear. Do not dilute. Pour a capful in the ear and rub allowing your dog to shake it out. Wipe the ear clean and repeat until all debris is gone. Repeat for several days. Until the ear is no longer red, itching.
Calendula – (Calendula officinalis) – diluted oil is used for infections
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – use externally only
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid for the Ear here
Natrum sulphuricum (Nat sulph) – Head and spinal injury
Aconite – sudden and overwhelming trauma
Carbo vegetabilis – weak and lifeless.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid for Emergency here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western aid for Emergency here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western Eye care here
Co enzyme 10 supplement
Bee Pollen
Isatis
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Feline Aids (FIV) care here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Feline Infectious Peritonitis
care here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Feline Infectious Peritonitis care here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for a Fever here
Thuja – effective on ringworm
Turmeric
Wormwood
Black Walnut Hull
Astragalus
Calendula – (Calendula officinalis)
Echinacea(Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)
Goldenseal
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for a Fungal infections here
Mild bloating is usual for a pet that overeats and should go away after several hours. Bloating (GDV) is a serious condition that requires immediate professional assistance. Signs of bloating include swollen or distended abdomen, pain in the abdomen, distress, vomiting or attempting to vomit, rapid breathing.
Slippery elm Powder (Ulmus rubra)
Nux Vomica
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Marshmallow
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Gas – Bloating here
Hairballs
Slippery Elm
Olive Oil
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Hairballs here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Heart wellness here
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Slippery elm Powder (Ulmus rubra
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for IBS here
Goldenseal
Bee Pollen –With Meows start by giving a few granules a day to check for intolerance. For a 50 lb. Woof you can start with a teaspoon.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Immune System Boost here
Please see specific infection site ie. Ear, eye, skin etc.
Turmeric
Devils Claw
Licorice root
Cats Claw
Alfalfa
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Ash (fraxinus excelsior)
Devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Willow bark (Salix spp). NOT FOR CATS
Marigold ( Calendula Off) inflammation in the throat and stomach.
Wild yam (Dioscorea Villosa)
Meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria) digestive tract.(NOT for CATS)
Witch hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) astringent, throughout the digestive tract
Barberry
Slippery Elm ( Ulmus fulva)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Inflammation here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Injury or Surgery care here
There are several options that have been heralded for the healing your pet’s itchiness.
Brewer’s yeast added to your pet’s food or in a tablet form.
Omega fish oil added every feeding.
25 mg zinc per 50 lbs. weight once daily
Licorice Root– a natural cortisone to help jump start the immune system.
Woof’s only– No more than 10% Tea Tree oil dilution rubbed on the affected areas Tree oil is toxic to Meows and could be deadly.
Vitamin E Oil – In food and topically on the affected area
Quercitin
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Itching here
Cascara Sagrada
Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Boswellia
Alfalfa
Glucosamne
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Joint care here
Your pet’s kidneys help manage blood pressure, make hormones, stimulate the bone marrow to make more red blood cells, and remove waste products from the blood stream. Studies show that 1 in 3 cats will suffer from kidney disease and it is commonly considered the number two killer of dogs in the U.S. Kidney disease is a leading cause of suffering and death in cats and is difficult to combat because it is often not detected until the damage was done and permanent. All pets should be given preventative measures, cats especially, to support good kidney function.
Parsley Root
Kali chloricum– is useful for treating long term pet kidney disorders.
Arsenicum Album
Silicea– Fortifies kidney tissue and slows kidney degeneration.
Aluminum hydroxide
Dandelion Leaf
Burdock Root
Cleavers
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Kidney care here
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Dandelion root
Devil’s Claw
Goldenseal
Oregon grape root (Mahonia aquifolium)
Yucca Root
Yarrow (achillea millefolium)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Liver care here
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Dandelion root
Devil’s Claw
Goldenseal
Oregon grape root (Mahonia aquifolium)
Yucca Root
Yarrow (achillea millefolium)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Lymph support here
Slippery elm Powder (Ulmus rubra)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Nettles
Boswellia
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Mature pets here
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Mouth-Teeth support here
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Yerba Mansa
Capsicum
Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Muscles support here
Our pets have nervous systems like humans, and like humans, the spinal cord, brain, vertebrae and peripheral nerves may experience injury and deterioration. The result is a neurological dysfunction that can often be managed, healed, and possibly cured. Signs of neurological disfunction may include circling, disorientation, head-pressing, inability to use a limb, sudden weakness or stumbling, and seizures. Seek professional care immediately for a diagnosis. Use of supportive items is part of palliative care and important to a good recovery or management.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Neurological support here
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Olive Leaf
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Nose support here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Nose support here
Wormwood
Black Walnut Hull
Olive Leaf
Thuja – effective on ringworm
Fresh whole organic pomegranate seeds-for intestinal parasites
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Parasites here
Kudzu root (pueraria lobata)
Pleurisy Root
Olive Leaf
Skullcap (chinese skullcap)
Isatis
Echinacea Angustifolia
Licorice Root
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Respiratory here
During the seizure sit on the floor, if your pet is lying down, and place your hand on the body for comfort. They will be very disoriented when the seizure stops, and they will need calm gentle reassurance. Allow them a quiet safe place to sleep and reset.
Seizures are common in both cats and dogs, but more so in dogs. Seizures are usually short, lasting less than 3 minutes and most pets that have them lead a very normal life.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Seizures here
Arsenicum Album
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Nux Vomica
Slippery elm Powder (Ulmus rubra)
Alfalfa
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Stomach sensitivity here
Valerian
Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita) – can be used both topically and as a tea
Ashwagandha
Licorice root
Bee Pollen
Agrimony
Aconite (Aconitum Napellus)
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Stress and Anxiety here
Common Eastern remedies for Surgery post-op
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Nose support here
The thyroid gland makes a hormone called thyroxine that controls metabolism (the process of turning food into fuel). Untreated, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can shorten your pet’s life span. In most cases these diseases can be treated successfully and your pet can live a long and healthy life. Have your pet get a blood sample from a professional to test for thyroid problems before embarking on treatment.
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Thyroid here
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Ulcers here
Slippery Elm ( Ulmus fulva)
Peppermint (Mentha species)
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Nux vomica– acts on both the central and peripheral nervous system, on the stomach and liver, useful in case of gastroesophageal reflux , stomach acid, acute and chronic gastritis , ulcers, nausea, IBD , colitis, constipation and cystitis
See all product recommendations for both Eastern and Western for Vomiting here
1 cp oatmeal
1 tbsp. rosemary
¼ cup olive oil
Essential oils that are safe for dogs include:
-
- Myrrh
- Frankincense
- Chamomile
- Lavender oil
- Ginger
- Rosemary
Dangerous to Dogs
-
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint oil
- Cinnamon
- Wintergreen
- Pine
- Thyme
- Sweet birch
- Tea tree oil (melaleuca) more than 10% dilution
- Anise
- Clove
- Ylang ylang
- Juniper
-
- Frankincense
- Lavender oil
- Chamomile
- Catnip
Oils toxic to cats
-
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Sweet birch
- Pennyroyal
- Cinnaman
- Cl0ve
- Peppermint oil
- Ylang ylang
- Eucalyptus
- Bergamot
- Tea tree oil
Herbs that are toxic
Following is a list of common herbs that are known to be toxic-
- Borage (Borage officinalis)
- Caraway (Carum carvi)
- Eucalyptus.
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Hops (Humulus lupulus)
- Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
- Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
- Marijuana (Cannabis sativa/indica)
- Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
- Mint (Mentha sp.)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum)
- Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
- Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus).
- White Willow (cats)
- Yucca Leaves