However, the art and science of herbalism was not lost altogether.  Today there are many holistic vets and practicing herbalists using herbs for their medicinal and nutritional properties.  In fact, Jo Powell, Herbalist and Holistic Health Educator describes herbalism as her “primary method of care.”  She works to achieve wellness primarily with herbs and incorporates other holistic modalities as needed. 

Even conventional vets are educating themselves and adding herbs to their treatment protocols.  Dr. Chuck Hawkins of Dogwood Pet Hospital of Portland says he incorporated herbs into his conventional practice three years ago.  He discovered “herbs are slower acting and generally safer than many medications.”  He often uses them in conjunction with other treatments, both holistic and conventional.

Even though herbs are often gentler and safer than many modern medications, the results can be quite dramatic.  Ulbrich has seen “remarkable things” occur with the use of herbs, including “incurable heart disease that became cured with just the use of hawthorn.”  Hawkins relates a case of cataracts that was cured with the herb bilberry. 

While these cases are fairly specialized, many herbs have more varied and broader benefits.  Garlic has “over 200 different uses,” says Ulbrich.  “It’s a tonic, astringent, immune booster, antibiotic, helps clear the digestive tract…garlic can be fed every day.” 

Mary Wulff-Tilford, Professional Herbalist and co-author of All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets” recommends versatile chamomile “to make into a tea for upset tummies [or] to soothe and calm thunderstorm fears.”

The ever-present weed dandelion is also a helpful herb.  Ulbrich says “it’s been shown that dandelion is just as potent as furosemide (the prescription diuretic Lasix) without having some of the side effects such as potassium depletion, because dandelion also has very high levels of potassium, so it replenishes any potassium that is flushed out in the urine.  It’s also good for the liver [and] a blood cleanser.”   

Some acute situations respond very well to herbs too.  “Ginger is great for motion sickness,” says Hawkins.  Give it to your dog in capsule or tincture form before car rides, to keep that queasy feeling at bay.

Wulff-Tilford suggests using “cayenne pepper to stop bleeding in an emergency.  It can be applied directly to a wound…such as on a cut footpad, or a toenail.”

Powell recommends “Clark’s Rule” if you are unsure of how to reduce an adult human dosage appropriately for a dog.  With Clark’s Rule, simply divide your dog’s weight in pounds by 150.  This gives you a percentage.  You then give your dog that percentage of the stated adult dose.  For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, divide 50 by 150.  This gives you 33 percent.  If the adult dosage of a tincture were 30 drops, you would give 33 percent of that, or 10 drops to your 50 pound dog.

When using herbs internally, there are several ways to administer them.  Powell often adds fresh or dried herbs directly to the dog’s food.  Wulff-Tilford prefers a glycerin tincture or extract given directly in the mouth.   She also suggests making a tea with fresh or dried herbs, mixing it with some broth and letting your dog drink it.  The method you use depends on the herb and how your dog is willing to take it.

Teas and poultices also are great ways to use herbs externally.  Ulbrich suggests a rosemary tea to help with “flaky, eczema-type skin problems…rinsing the skin with an infusion of rosemary can be very, very soothing.” 

“When you are buying herbs off the shelf, be sure to get good quality,” says Ulbrich.  “Discount herbs won’t really give you the same [results] as well processed herbs.” 

This is one of the reasons that Hawkins recommends working with a professional when using herbs.  Besides being immersed in the practice on a daily basis, professionals have access to the highest quality products available. 

If you are interested in using herbs to support your dog’s wellness, your best bet is to begin working with a professional.  You also can explore herbalism through books or classes. 

The most important thing to remember is that like prescription medicine, herbs can be powerful.  They may be the right answer to what’s ailing your dog, however like prescription medicine, if used inappropriately some herbs have the potential to be harmful.  Ulbrich reassures us though that “if it’s safe for people, it’s probably safe for your pet"

Herbs particularly useful with Addison’s disease

Licorice
This herb helps prolong the life of corticosteroids, making it particularly useful as a supplement to dogs with Addison’s disease.  There is often confusion about the use of this common herb.  Many listings in herb books give warnings about its possible actions. 

Typically the warnings about licorice are because it can elevate blood pressure.  The reason it does this is it's corticosteroid like activity or enhancement of the body's own corticosteriods.  Glycyrrhiza is the active ingredient that does this.  That's why you'll often see deglycyrrhized licorice (sometimes called DGL) because it doesn't have this effect, but still has the other positive effects of licorice.  Now, this is a problem when you don't have Addison's, but it is what makes it a particularly great addition to a dog's (or human's) regime that does have Addison's.

In addition, licorice can reduce the immuno-suppressive activity of steroids such as prednisone.  This is undesirable when using prednisone to stop an auto-immune condition such as lupus, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or rheumatoid arthritis.  However, the steroid doses given to dogs with Addison’s are not designed to stop autoimmune activity and suppress the immune system, instead, they are to replace the hormone cortisol that the body is not producing at optimal rates.

“Glycyrrhiza works by blocking the breakdown of hydrocortisone in the liver.  Therefore, the hydrocortisone level becomes higher, and this slows down the production of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) from the pituitary gland… ”

In Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine, Principles and Practice edited by Dr. Allen M. Schoen and Dr. Susan G. Wynn:  “GLA (what glycyrrhiza becomes in the body) also inhibits 11b-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase. This action increases the glucocorticoid concentration in mineralocorticoid-responsive tissues, which in turn increases sodium retention, potassium excretion, and blood pressure (Mills, 1991; Tyler, 1994)”

Milk Thistle

Slippery Elm

Ginger

Garlic

Valerian

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