Pet owners are increasingly showing an interest in traditional medicine, such as phytotherapy. They often particularly value closeness to nature and are markedly more accepting of naturally derived medicines. After all, the use of medicinal herbs is in no way limited to humans.<\/p>\n
For pets such as dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, rodents and birds as well as farm animals like pigs, cattle, sheep and chickens, plants \u2013 in the form of medicinal feed or feed supplements \u2013 can play a valuable role in preventing disease and curing illnesses. Pets, in particular, are increasingly facing age-related issues such as obesity, skin conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, joint pain and cardiovascular diseases. Often, these problems are caused by food intolerances or allergies. Unnatural domestic lifestyles may well take their toll.<\/p>\n
Today, more than 20,000 different plant species are used in phytotherapeutic remedies across the globe. So much of what nature has to offer can be used to help animals benefit from alternative medicine. This includes parts of plants, such as the roots, bark, seeds, flowers, leaves and fruit, each of which may contain active ingredients in varying quantities and qualities depending on the degree of comminution (cut sizes: whole, coarse cut, fine cut, crushed, powder).<\/p>\n
These remedies are effective thanks to ingredients such as bitter substances, tannins, essential oils and flavonoids. On the whole, different medicinal plants are effective for different organ systems and can be classified as such. On the basis of various symptoms and physiological functions, the following descriptions showcase some of the medicinal plants frequently used in phytotherapy to promote animal health.<\/p>\n
The immune system serves to protect the body. On the one hand, it is responsible for warding off any external influences that may threaten the organism. On the other, it monitors the functioning of the body\u2019s cells. The metabolism encompasses all the biochemical processes in the body. Substances are primarily absorbed through respiration and food intake and are processed to maintain the body. Many medicinal plants can help strengthen the immune system and stimulate the metabolism.<\/p>\n
Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum)<\/strong> Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)<\/strong> Garlic bulbs (Allium sativum)<\/strong> Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)<\/strong> Common nettle, small nettle (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens)<\/strong> Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)<\/strong> Rosehip (Rosa canina)<\/strong> Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)<\/strong> Diet is the key factor in gastrointestinal health and therefore the general health and well-being of the animal. The stomach and bowel form the digestive tract. Where disorders occur in this area, they are often related to feed quality. The liver and pancreas also play an important role in digestion.<\/p>\n Ginger (Zingiber officinale)<\/strong> Dwarf mallow, common mallow (Malva neglecta, Malva sylvestris)<\/strong> Chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla)<\/strong> Peppermint leaves (Mentha x piperita)<\/strong> Sage leaves (Salvia officinalis, Salvia triloba)<\/strong> Carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus)<\/strong> The respiratory tract directs the breath, ensuring that oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is expelled. Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are usually caused by several factors at play simultaneously. Such diseases are primarily inflammations \u2013 widely triggered by irritation of the mucus membranes or by colds.<\/p>\n Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)<\/strong> Anise (Pimpinella anisum)<\/strong> Sage leaves (Salvia officinalis, Salvia triloba)<\/strong> Rosehip (Rosa canina)<\/strong> Just like humans, animals can also find themselves in stressful and frightening situations that lead to behavioral problems and affect the animal\u2019s life. Factors such as noise, thunderstorms or traffic can disturb the animal\u2019s daily routine. Age can also have an effect on the central nervous system and can lead to restlessness.<\/p>\n (True) valerian (Valeriana officinalis)<\/strong> Musculoskeletal system<\/strong> Ginger (Zingiber officinale)<\/strong> Devil\u2019s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)<\/strong> Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)<\/strong> It is vital to adapt the dose and, if necessary, the general compatibility of the medicinal herbs to the needs of each species as well as to each individual animal. Age, sex, physical condition, body weight and the general clinical presentation all play a role here.<\/p>\n It is recommended to give animals plants from controlled cultivation or certified wild harvesting only. The time of harvest is crucial for both types of production, as this bears a major influence on the active ingredient content. Proper harvesting, drying and storage ensure that active ingredients are preserved as well as possible during further processing.<\/p>\n As a specialized processing company, Kr\u00e4uter Mix also ensures the medicinal herbs in question are consistently of the highest quality. This is done through certified laboratory analyses whereby the plants are tested for identity, content and purity in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia. After all, alongside the efficacy of the medicinal plant, product safety also has a vital role to play in phytotherapy and in the nutrition of pets and livestock.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi
\n\u2022 Stimulate digestion and urine flow
\n\u2022 Anti-inflammatory
\n\u2022 Galactagogue
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: mucilage, proteins, flavonoids<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Positive effect on kidneys
\n\u2022 Proven remedy for gastrointestinal tract disorders
\n\u2022 Stimulate appetite, promote digestion, promote flatulence
\n\u2022 Helpful for bronchitis
\n\u2022 Stimulate lactation
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: essential oil, tannins<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Stimulate appetite and digestion
\n\u2022 Effective against bacteria, viruses and parasites
\n\u2022 Dissolve viscous mucous in the bronchial tubes
\n\u2022 Improve blood flow
\n\u2022 Promote and detoxify gut flora
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: allium oils, flavonoids, enzymes, vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, C<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Strengthens connective tissue, diuretic and stimulates the metabolism as a result of high silicic acid content
\n\u2022 Useful for urinary tract infections and kidney\/bladder stones
\n\u2022 Strengthens the lungs
\n\u2022 Used for rheumatism and chronic skin conditions
\n\u2022 Helpful in cases of bladder sphincter weakness and incontinence
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: silicic acid, flavonoids<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Contain minerals and trace elements
\n\u2022 Contain anti-inflammatory and diuretic substances
\n\u2022 Stimulate metabolism and excretion, meaning improved excretion of metabolic waste products such as kidney\/bladder gravel and stones
\n\u2022 Used for diseases involving chemical build-ups (e.g., kidney stones), skin impurities and rheumatic conditions
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: flavonoids, silicic acid, calcium and potassium salts<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Helps to protect and regenerate the liver, stimulates the gallbladder, is an antioxidant and prevents ulcers, is anti-inflammatory and counteracts arthritis
\n\u2022 Used in a supportive capacity in cases of toxic liver damage and for supportive treatment in chronic inflammatory liver diseases, also recommended for cirrhosis of the liver
\n\u2022 Used in cases of poisoning, digestive disorders and gallbladder problems
\n\u2022 Used externally against ulcers
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: flavonoids (silymarin complex), fatty oil<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Antioxidant
\n\u2022 Used to treat colds and flu-like infections
\n\u2022 Used for intestinal diseases, diarrhea and digestive disorders
\n\u2022 Used for vitamin C deficiencies and infectious diseases, and as a tonic
\n\u2022 Used in diseases relating to the draining of the urinary tract, in urinary gravel and stone formation and to promote bile and urination
\n\u2022 Used for edema, gout and rheumatism
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, tannins<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Impacts the immune system, kills bacteria, viruses and fungi, and promotes wound healing when used externally
\n\u2022 Used internally to improve the body\u2019s defenses against recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: mucilage, flavonoids<\/p>\nGastrointestinal system<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, promotes digestion, stimulates blood circulation
\n\u2022 Stimulates appetite, digestive juice production and gastrointestinal movement
\n\u2022 Encourages flatulence
\n\u2022 Prevents travel sickness and vomiting
\n\u2022 Used to treat coughs and sore throats
\n\u2022 Used for rheumatic conditions
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: pungent substances, bitter substances, essential oil, starch<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Soothe irritation and coat mucus membranes due to their high mucilage content
\n\u2022 Can be used for inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucus membranes and mild diarrhea
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: mucilage, flavonoids, tannins<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Anti-inflammatory, germicidal, expectorant, alleviate flatulence, promote digestion
\n\u2022 Used for intestinal cramps, colic, flatulence, vomiting, gastrointestinal inflammation and ulcers
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: essential oil, mucilage, flavonoids, coumarins<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Stimulates appetite and digestion, choleretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic
\n\u2022 Used against viruses, bacteria and fungi and generally invigorating
\n\u2022 Can be used for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, bile duct spasms and gastrointestinal mucus membrane inflammation
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: essential oil, tannins, flavonoids<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Stimulate appetite, normalize digestion, relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tact
\n\u2022 Effective against viruses, bacteria and fungi, inhibit inflammation, relieve pain
\n\u2022 Fresh plants are particularly effective at inhibiting sweat production and lactation
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: essential oil, flavonoids, tannins, bitter substances<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Germicidal, antispasmodic, antioxidant
\n\u2022 Good for eyesight
\n\u2022 Contains vitamins
\n\u2022 Used for digestive disorders, diarrhea and nutritional disorders
\n\u2022 Also used against colds and respiratory diseases
\n\u2022 Stimulates growth
\n\u2022 Used to treat diuresis and edema
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: beta-carotene, sugar, flavonoids, pectin<\/p>\nBronchial system<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Soothes irritation, inhibits inflammation, coughs and other respiratory diseases
\n\u2022 Strengthens (lung) tissue
\n\u2022 Effectively counters bacteria
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: mucilage, aucubin (antibiotic), flavonoids, tannins, silicic acid<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Promotes digestion and blood circulation
\n\u2022 Stimulates all digestive juice production
\n\u2022 Expels flatulence and regulates intestinal activity by loosening spasms
\n\u2022 Expectorant and relieves bronchial spasms
\n\u2022 Stimulates lactation
\n\u2022 Repels vermin
\n\u2022 Effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: essential oil, flavonoids, fatty oil<\/p>\n
\nSee above<\/p>\n
\nSee above<\/p>\nNervous system<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Sleep-inducing, anti-anxiety, antispasmodic, muscle relaxant
\n\u2022 Used supportively for restlessness, nervousness and excitability
\n\u2022 Used internally for stress, hysteria, restlessness and anxiety, cramps and muscle spasms as well as for gastrointestinal disorders caused by nervousness, mild colic (e.g., due to stress caused during transportation)
\n\u2022 Appetite stimulant
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: essential oil, sesquiterpenes, glycosides<\/p>\n
\nBones, muscles, joints and tendons are all part of the musculoskeletal system. As well as generating movement, they also protect the internal organs and give the body support and form. Musculoskeletal development, and therefore physiological resistance, depends on the species of animal. Movement is a key way that animals can express how they are feeling.<\/p>\n
\nSee above<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Anti-inflammatory, mildly analgesic and anti-rheumatic
\n\u2022 Useful against joint arthrosis and back pain
\n\u2022 Stimulates appetite and bile
\n\u2022 Helpful in cases of appetite loss and digestive problems
\n\u2022 Used internally for gastrointestinal complaints, pain, rheumatism, arthritis
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, triterpenes<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Germicidal, antispasmodic, stimulates blood circulation
\n\u2022 Used internally for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, digestive support and flu-like infections
\n\u2022 Recommended externally to stimulate blood circulation for mild muscle pain as well as to treat gout and rheumatism
\n\u2022 Key ingredients: glucosinolates, essential oil, coumarins, phenolcarboxylic acids, vitamin C<\/p>\n