HERBS Part 2 — How Herbal Support Works in Dogs

Parts used: Dried aerial parts

• Astringent

The tannin component of Agrimony is responsible for this action. Agrimony will help tone tissues by precipitating proteins and will reduce discharges and secretions. This means Agrimony can help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diarrhoea, colitis and indigestion.

• Carminative

Agrimony can be used where indigestion is a problem helping dispel gas in the bowel and ease any discomfort.

• Tonic

This action is due to the general effect that Agrimony has on the digestive system. It works by increasing the production of digestive juices and liver secretions.

• Cholagogue

Agrimony stimulates the production of bile and consequently will improve the digestion.

• Hepatic

Like other liver supporting herbs, Agrimony will help with liver function.

Parts used: Root bark

• Astringent

This herb works in a similar way to Agrimony as an astringent. It can help with diarrhoea in general and is particularly indicated where colitis is an issue and especially where mucus is a feature.

• Tonic

Baybury is both a tonic to the digestive system as well as the circulation.

BOGBEAN

Parts used: Leaves

• Anti-inflammatory

This herb has a marked anti-inflammatory action and helps to reduce joint pain and stiffness where arthritis is present. It combines well with Devil’s claw.

• Cholagogue

This action applies to herbs that stimulate the flow of bile and digestive enzymes; hence it is a tonic for the digestive system as well.

Parts used: Resin

• Anti-inflammatory

This is the main action of this plant which contains compounds which are to some of the components in modern anti-inflammatory drugs. It can help reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness but without affecting or irritating the lining of the gut.

Parts used: Roots and rhizome

• Vulnerary

This is one of the key features of Burdock, helping treat skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema including where secondary bacterial infection is present. It works well with Cleavers.

• Bitter

The bitter components of this herb mean that it has an additional action in stimulating the appetite.

Parts used: Root

• Tonic

As a general tonic for the body, it cools the blood and therefore is helpful where the skin is hot and inflamed. It specifically acts as a tonic to the adrenal glands and is useful for animals whose adrenal function has been compromised by the use of steroids.

• Anti-inflamatory

Rehmannia helps reduce skin inflammation triggered by allergies which result in eczema and dermatitis.

• Immune system modulation

This herb helps the immune system to function correctly by down-regulating the inflammatory response that contributed to itching and scratching.

Parts used: Aerial parts

• Lymphatic tonic

As a tonic for the lymphatic system, it helps drain toxins and therefore supports the immune system. In this way combined with its diuretic effect it can help support other herbs like Calendula in helping treat skin conditions. It is especially useful where the skin is dry and scaly.

• Diuretic

Cleavers has a very mild diuretic action and combines well with Nettles in removing toxins.

• Anti-inflammatory

Combined with other herbs, this action can help reduce the inflammation linked with dermatitis and eczema.

Parts used: Rhizome

• Astringent

Along with Baybury, the astringent action of this plant means that it will help bind up the contents of the gut. This makes it extremely useful in helping with diarrhoea and colitis and especially where blood is present.

• Anti-inflammatory

This property means that Cranesbill can help reduce inflammation at the surface of the gut supporting the action of Wild yam in this respect.

• Antacid

Cranesbill can help reduce the secretion of stomach acid which means that it can help with acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

• Vulnerary

It’s action as a vulnerary means that Cranesbill can help heal stomach ulcers

Parts used: Rhizome

• Anti-inflammatory

This is a key action in helping with joint pain, stiffness and problems with mobility in general.

• Anodyne

This term applies to herbs that reduce pain, hence the use of this herb in managing arthritis.

GINGER

Parts used: Root

• Stimulant

Promotes the flow of blood generally and especially to the periphery of the body and to joints effectively warming them.

• Anti-inflammatory 

Ginger can help with arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain through active compounds, called gingerols. This action is similar to some of the conventional drugs used to help manage arthritis.

• Carminative

Ginger can be used to help treat colic, settle indigestion, reduce flatulence and to promote the flow of digestive juices

• Sialagogue 

By promoting the flow of saliva, Ginger can promote the process of digestion.

• Anti-emetic

Ginger can help reduce the feeling of nausea which accompanies travel sickness and bouts of vomiting.

Parts used: Yellow flowers

• Anti-inflammatory

This action is particularly focused on the skin and can help where eczema or dermatitis is present, including where there are secondary problems such as a bacterial or fungal infection.

• Vulnerary

This term applies to herbs like Calendula that can help heal damaged tissue. This applies not only to the skin, but also to the gut.

Parts used: Root

• Demulcent 

This is without doubt the most important property of Marshmallow. The high levels of mucilage ensure that it will soothe and protect inflamed mucus membranes. Marshmallow root is an ideal remedy to use in the treatment of diarrhoea, colitis, stomach ulcers, and acid reflux.

• Emollient 

Used on the skin, Marshmallow will soothe and heal sore or ulcerated areas.

• Vulnerary

Marshmallow will stimulate healing both internally and externally.

Parts used: Aerial parts

• Anti-inflammatory

Reducing inflammation at the surface of the gut allows it to heal where there is damage from excess acid or after an infection.

• Antacid

Combined with Cranesbill, this plant helps reduce the secretion of stomach acid and therefore its use in managing acid reflux and stomach ulcers.

• Astringent

Binding up the gut contents means that Meadowsweet can help manage diarrhoea.

• Anti-nausea

This makes this herb extremely useful in treating issues with vomiting or acid reflux.

Parts used: Root

• Antibacterial and antifungal

This herb contains compounds that have a strong antimicrobial effect and therefore it can help with skin issues where bacterial infection is a problem. Similarly, it can help where there are problems with secondary fungal infections, often an issue with some types of eczema and dermatitis.

• Anti-inflammatory

This action helps reduce skin inflammation where skin issues are linked with allergies.

• Tonic

Berberis aquifolium is a general tonic for the skin and can be useful in almost all skin conditions.

Urtica dioica - Greater nettle, Urtica urens - Lesser nettle

Parts used: Leaves

• Astringent

Astringent herbs help tone and strengthen tissues and can be used to help reduce the risk of haemorrhage including uterine haemorrhage and nosebleeds.

• Diuretic

Nettles have a mild diuretic effect and can increase the output of urine through the kidneys. This action has a cleansing effect on the body, helping to remove toxins, unwanted metabolites, and poisons. This accounts for some of the benefits of nettles, including the use of the remedy in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, arthritis, rheumatism. Nettles can also be used in the prevention and treatment of bladder stones and gravel (urolithiasis) as well as flushing out the waste products that accumulate in kidney disease.

• Tonic

Due to the cleansing nature of nettles and their high vitamin and mineral content, nettles are considered a good general tonic to help strengthen the body. Used over a period of time this herb can improve the quality and appearance of the hair and coat. Due to the high iron content of nettles, it can be used to help treat cases of anaemia, including where kidney disease is present.

• Anti-histaminic

Nettles have a mild action as an antihistamine and can help reduce itching and irritation when used both externally (as a tea or lotion) and when taken internally.

• Lowers blood sugar

In combination with other herbal remedies, nettles can be used to help lower blood sugar in cases of diabetes.

Parts used: Root

• Anti-inflammatory

This herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is indicated where the skin is markedly inflamed, for example, severe cases of eczema and dermatitis. It also has some pain relieving qualities.

• Immune system modulation

Immune modulation means that this plant contains compounds which modulate the immune system not notably where it is over-active such as in cases of severe allergic dermatitis and some auto-immune conditions.

Parts used: Dried root

• Anti-spasmodic

This action means that Wild yam can help where there is an issue with gut pain (colic) caused by gut inflammation from various gut conditions such as colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and indigestion.

• Anti-inflammatory

Reducing inflammation at the surface of the gut means that the gut can heal and support the microbiome which can impact on other aspects of general health.

• Hepatic

This term is related to supporting the general health of the liver.

• Cholagogue

This refers to the stimulation of bile production which helps promote digestion and has an additional benefit in helping with constipation.

• Anti-nausea

Wild yam can help with the nausea associated with gut upsets in general where vomiting is a feature and where there is acid reflux.