Herbal Medicine

[Inuus]

I have recently had an interest in herbal medicines homeopathy etc. Not for me though for my dog. Harder to find information for treating animals.
My dog is on Reishi 2 caps 2 times a day, Astragalus 2 caps one time per day, Zeolite 13 drops daily, along with Safflower oil 2 times daily. Its quite the concoction but I mix it with soft food(I open the caps and empty them into the mix). I chose these herbs(not sure if that is the correct term) etc for their tumor reducing properties. My dog has had chemo and been in remission for 2 years but recently we believe the cancer has returned. Since chemo isnt as effective the second time around I decided to try a different route. She hasnt been on this long but I figured no harm in trying and I researched and made sure they all are compatible together.

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by Inuus

I have recently had an interest in herbal medicines homeopathy etc. Not for me though for my dog. Harder to find information for treating animals.
My dog is on Reishi 2 caps 2 times a day, Astragalus 2 caps one time per day, Zeolite 13 drops daily, along with Safflower oil 2 times daily. Its quite the concoction but I mix it with soft food(I open the caps and empty them into the mix). I chose these herbs(not sure if that is the correct term) etc for their tumor reducing properties. My dog has had chemo and been in remission for 2 years but recently we believe the cancer has returned. Since chemo isnt as effective the second time around I decided to try a different route. She hasnt been on this long but I figured no harm in trying and I researched and made sure they all are compatible together.

My favorite local pet store is owned by a lesbian couple that are involved in homeopathic and herbal care for pets. They have a great referral list at the store for accupunturists, herbalists, etc. Also, the store has many products in stock and organic foods, etc. Many books. And the best line of safe pet toys. So far, it has remained open through the recession. My dog would be so upset if it closed. Me too.

[Passionaria]

The lovely thing about natural and herbal medicines are their are so many traditions to draw from, and so many ways to go about healing. Each person has to choose what resonates for themselves. Different cultures can use the same herb in different ways, and get results. I think it has to do with some innate intelligence in the plant itself.

I know herbalists from many traditions, and we can have some interesting conversations about the way we use the same herbs. I think it is these types of conversations that keep the medicine dynamic, alive, and growing. Especially withing the Western herbalist traditions here in America, because it is such a mixing and blending of cultural traditions and backgrounds, so there is a recreation of the medicine in some ways. I think it's beautiful.

On another note, I am experimenting with homeopathic and Bach flower remedied for my pets as well, and find they respond well to it. Pretty cool stuff. I am excited about the way natural medicines are blending into the western Veterinary world. I think in some ways animals like children are easier to treat, because they don't get in the way of their own healing

[Passionaria]

Just a clarification about Kava, I am referring to the eastern energetics, not western views, no offense meant. Stress affects the liver qi, and causes it to rebel and attack other meridians and organs systems, hence the stomach issues that arise following stress. In eastern medicine we would calm and move the liver qi, energetically, not add more stress to it. So many ways to view herbs as I said, and I am not a Western practitioner. What counts, is that it works for you! It's good to see you all sharing. Blessings,
Pashi

[Sachita]

cancer is really tough and I lost my Rottie to it. It was painful for both of us. I give my boxer (boxers are prone to cancer) extra Vitamin C. Sometimes its a hard call to decide the right course because you want what is best. I think that if one of my dogs now was diagnosed with cancer I would try the Gerson Therapy which is juicing and veggies along with vitamin therapy. Maybe not pure juicing but smashed up raw organic veggies or whatever I could get them to eat. I don't know if it would work but our systems are a lot a like and I am afraid I'd have to give it a try.

I had another dog who had really bad skin problems with severe outbreaks. She would chew her poor paws raw and bloody. While researching candida for myself it clicked in me the she might have a yeast problem. I treated her with herbs to kill the yeast and changed her diet to raw veggies, boiled chicken and a very small amount of rice. She lost weight but she also cleared her problem. Then slowly we started added a grain free dog food. She had been in and out of vets like crazy taking all kinds of harmful steroids and antihistamines.

[Passionaria]

I just wanted to add one thing here about the use of herbal medicine. While mild conditions such as stress, tummy aches, trouble falling asleep, bruises, etc can be researched and treated easily, there are cautions to consider. Herbal medicine is powerful and effective but the key to treatment is having the correct diagnosis. Often a combination of herbs (always in TCM) is used and you need to understand the relationship each herb has to each other. Some herbs support the actions of other herbs, some cancel or counteract the effects. It is a complicated science. If you are dealing with chronic or complicated conditions, please don't self diagnose. Love your body enough to see a professional. What ever modality you resonate with, see someone, and make sure that you are taking the right combination of herbs or supplements to really get the results you seek. There are tons of alternative therapies, and often these practitioners will work with you even if you have to make some payment arrangement. It takes years to learn to diagnose correctly, and it is difficult for us to see our own blind spots, or to follow an odd group of symptoms to get a clear picture of the core issues.

from the heart,
Pashi

[nekohl]

Has anyone had any experience with DMSO? (Dimethyl sulfide- derived from lignin, the binding substance of trees)

I was introduced to it by one of my massage instructors. She swears by it for many uses. I've been doing some online research (even though you can't always believe what you read online!) and am curious if anyone has any personal experience.

Thanks for any input