Is your furry friend feeling down? Several herbs can help relieve symptoms of illness
When it comes to combating cold and flu symptoms, nature has provided us with a treasure trove of antiviral herbs.
These botanical wonders possess potent properties that can help alleviate symptoms, boost the immune system and aid in the recovery process.
Recently, there's been a lot of attention in the media regarding a mystery respiratory illness affecting many dogs in the U.S. In this article, we will explore the properties of some important antiviral herbs that could be used to help our dogs affected by the illness, or in some cases, prevent it. These include thyme leaf, andrographis, peppermint leaf and oil, and calendula.
Thyme Leaf (Thymus vulgaris):
Thyme leaf is a popular herb known for its culinary uses, but it also possesses remarkable antiviral properties.
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It contains compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which have been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against various strains of influenza and the common cold. Thyme leaf can help soothe coughs, relieve congestion and support respiratory health. Thyme can be added to your pet's diet as a supplement with the whole plant or made into a tea and added to the food.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata):
Andrographis, also known as "King of Bitters," is a powerful herb widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. It contains andrographolides, which have been extensively studied for their antiviral properties.
Andrographis can help reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, including fever, cough and sore throat. A look into a myriad of studies in PubMed reveals that this is pretty safe for use in pets. There is a study in which a pharmaceutical test used a mouse allergic asthma model, which concluded that andrographolide could reduce allergen-induced inflammation, cellular infiltration in the airway and airway hyper-responsiveness by inhibiting NF-κB expression in the lungs.
My holistic colleagues use the pill/capsule forms of this supplement ( available online) to treat their severely ill patients without any issues.
Peppermint Leaf (Mentha piperita):
Peppermint is a refreshing herb known for its cooling and soothing properties. It contains menthol, which acts as a decongestant and can help relieve nasal congestion and cough associated with cold and flu.
Peppermint oil can be used topically to alleviate headaches and muscle aches caused by viral infections in humans, but it could be an irritant for the GI of dogs and cats, so oils should not be diffused, sprayed or applied near your pets. However, adding a few fresh mint leaves to your pet's food should be safe.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis):
Calendula, also known as marigold, is a vibrant flower with potent antiviral properties. It contains compounds like flavonoids and triterpenoids, which possess antiviral and immune-stimulating effects.
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Calendula can help soothe inflamed mucous membranes, reduce fever and promote the healing of respiratory infections. It is used topically in a lot of pet products but it can be used internally as well. The best way to administer is using it as a tea and adding it to your pet's food.
Incorporating these herbs into our pet's daily routine, whether through teas, tinctures or fresh herbs can provide relief from symptoms, boost the immune system and aid in the recovery process.
However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using these herbs, especially if your pet has any underlying health conditions or is taking medications.
Mitsie Vargas of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven is a fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and author of "Alt-Vet: The Revolutionary Pet Care and Longevity Solution." www.osahvets.com.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Several herbs have been shown to offer relief to pets
