Clean Run Magazine - October 2007 - 31

KAVA KAVA PASSION FLOWER CLEMATIS Herbs Herbs have been used medicinally for thousands of years. These special plants contain substances that affect the body just like drugs do. The difference is that herbs have active ingredients in a more dilute form and they contain other chemicals that may act as buffers. The result is that herbs have a more subtle effect than drugs so it often takes weeks for them to have an effect, as opposed to drugs, which tend to act immediately. Alternatively, herbs are gentler and less likely to cause side effects as drugs often do. Because there is not the same level of government regulation of herbal products that there is for pharmaceuticals, some brands are very low quality and do not have adequate active ingredients. It is best to purchase your herbs from an experienced veterinary herbalist. Also, drugs and herbs can have dangerous interactions so do not use herbs in conjunction with medications unless instructed by your veterinarian. Be aware that the continuous, long-term use of any herb can cause side effects. For our purposes we will look at herbs that help to ease stress. Valerian root, Valeriana officinalis, contains chemicals that have a calming effect on the nervous system. It can be used as a sedative, sleep enhancer, and muscle relaxant. The alcohol tincture preparation is recommended for use because this form captures more of the active ingredients than other forms of the herb. The appropriate dose is one to two drops per pound of dog, given twice a day. Be aware that it may take two weeks to see the full effect of valerian so just giving it the day of the trial as you would a tranquilizer is not likely to be helpful. Kava-kava rhizome, Piper methysticum, has been proven to be a very effective sedative. However, there have been reports indicating kava-kava could cause liver damage and long-term use can result in dermatitis. Although these side effects are rare, this herb should be used with caution. The safest form is the dried herb at a dose of 10 to 15 mg. per pound, given twice daily. October 07 | Clean Run Passionflower leaf, Passiflora incarnata, has mild sedative effects. It can rarely cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea or vomiting. The proper dose is two drops per pound of the alcohol tincture, given three times daily. Skullcap root, Scutellaria baicalensis, is a sedative herb with no known side effects. Give one to two drops per pound of the alcohol tincture, three times a day. Flower Essences Flower essences are a form of energy medicine. They have nothing to do with the smell or herbal characteristics of the plant but rather the emotional, energetic essence of the particular flower. Flower essence therapy was originated in the early 1900s by English physician Dr. Edward Bach, who was one of the first doctors to realize the important role emotions play in the disease process. He developed 38 flower remedies to balance the emotions that were negatively affecting his patients. Although this therapy has been used mostly in humans, many veterinarians have used this system in animals for the last 60 years with positive results. Today, there are several companies producing flower essences and some makers have expanded upon the original 38 remedies by creating new ones of their own. Flower essences can be found in most health food stores and come in small dropper bottles. The solutions in these vials consist mostly of alcohol and can be diluted in water or given directly. Up to seven individual remedies can be mixed to produce a custom treatment to address the varied concerns of a particular individual. To make a flower remedy mixture for your dog, mix two drops of each remedy in a one-ounce glass dropper bottle. Then fill the bottle with three parts spring water and one part alcohol (vodka or brandy); the alcohol acts as a preservative. Store the mixture 31

Clean Run Magazine - October 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - October 2007