DIY: Harvest Herbs for Your Pet's Health

(Page 3 of 3)

January/February 2000
By Randy Kidd 
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Chickweed (Stellaria media) is another of those herbs that’s good for what ails your pet, inside or out. It is a wonderful external remedy for wounds and cuts, and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions make it a good choice for itchy, irritated areas. Used internally, it has anti-rheumatic properties and is soothing to the intestinal tract and urinary system.

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Weeds from roadsides or pastures

These final two herbs are not as common in backyards as are the above herbs. You may have to look along roadsides or in pastures for these.

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a premier herb for treating dry and scaly skin. It functions as a lymph cleanser and is thus good for any disease where toxins or body waste products have accumulated internally. It is also good for rheumatism, and its bitter quality stimulates digestive juices, thus aiding digestion. Burdock leaves, used externally as an ointment, accelerate wound healing.

Mullein (Verbascum spp.). Mullein leaf tea is very nutritious, and it is specific for treating dry, hacking coughs. It is also soothing for painful urinary problems. Mullein flowers in an olive oil base are excellent for treating ear infections, and the leaves are a good addition to topical salves for treating wounds and infections.

How to use the herbs

All of the above herbs and wonderfully medicinal and easy to grow or find in most of the United States. For all the herbs and backyard weeds, the preferred delivery methods are one of the following: dried or fresh herbal sprinkles added to food, homemade tinctures, and/or teas. Begin using herbs with your pets when they feel good—don’t wait until they come down with a disease.

Randy Kidd holds doctorates in veterinary medicine and veterinary and clinical pathology. After practicing traditional veterinary medicine for ten years, he opened Honoring the Animals, a holistic practice in Kansas City, Missouri.

Information provided in “Pet corner” is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

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