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Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments 20 January 2007 Herbal Help for Humans and their CompanionsThe Asha`ninka expression, I am healthy, means "I carry harmony".This week we feature:-
Feline - Arthritis and Rheumatism (We continue to add new descriptions to our cat site) Many older cats, (just like people) get stiff and sore especially after cold weather or after exercising. In an older cat for example, this is likely due to wear and tear or injury during their lives. In a younger companion animal, it is more likely to be the result of a diet lacking in raw bones and inappropriate exercise patterns while very young. See Nicole Smith's Story - Then press the Back button to return. Rheumatic and arthritic pain was a feature of mankind's existence since the beginning of time. In every culture there is a wide selection of herbs to address all the different aspects of this sort of pain. I have chosen a mixture which is a good general approach for dogs and the herbs I have included are; Dandelion, Celery Seed, Bog Bean, White Willow and Yarrow. I also include the Bach Flowers Oak and Rock Water. This formula will detoxify the system, reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation. The cat will show an improvement in mobility and comfort with continued use. This mix is a safe and healthy alternative to pharmaceutical pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Canine - Diabetes There are two types of diabetes ; Type I (also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus). Requires daily shots of insulin. Type II (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus). Dietary changes usually reverse this condition. Canine Diabetes can often be managed, but it will require a significant amount of dedication on the part of the dog's owner. Canine Diabetes occurs in dogs of all breeds, ages, and genders, and the exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, it is known to most commonly affect older, obese animals, and males are more commonly afflicted than females. Therefore, attempt to keep your dog at a healthy weight, particularly older dogs and males. As a herbalist, we look at diabetes as being more a reflection of a metabolic imbalance than of a diseased pancreas as such and Robert has successfully treated this many times using herbs which focus on metabolic harmony and tonics for the Liver and Pancreas specifically. Such is the blend of herbs in my Conditioning Mix to be found on the website; http://www.herbal-treatments.com/dog_conditioning_mix.html As eye problems are often associated with diabetes the addition of the eye wash will assist in reversing this condition by maintaining the health of the eye itself. See link for dosage information. http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_eye_wash.html Dietary changes are really important as your dog will require to eat a raw, natural diet to assist in balancing the blood sugar levels and reducing the weight if obese. Change the diet slowly however. Choose minced chicken, chicken wings, fish, fresh not tinned and keep them small like pilchards, sardines, whiting, liver once a week only for the wonderful vitamins it stores. Veggies cook some extra for your cat, mashed sweet potato, pumpkin, creamed corn or put a selection of raw veggies through a food processor and make it more palatable by mixing in a little oil which they find tasty. The other simple food which is helpful in these cases is rolled oats like the porridge breakfast cereal. This may be soaked in water and added to feed which should preferably be raw and consist of meaty bones ( prefer not beef) and nothing much else. No processed food if you can avoid it. Equine - OCD (Osteo-chronditis Dissecans) OCD is quite a common occurrence in larger young horses, hence it is very wise to keep them a little leaner through this area of growth and age, and to also reduce the amount of protein in the diet. As well as ensuring they have a large paddock to exercise in. Robert has a wonderful Bone and Ligament mix that can be ground and ordered at: http://www.herbal-treatments.com/horse_tendon_bone_healing.html If a horse is only young and large as well, I would tend to turn him out for a good 6 months on good pasture and keep an eye on him. Watch the protein amount in his diet also. Letting him grow will be of great benefit to him in the long term (mentally and physically) and he will be able to exercise enough in a paddock. It takes a great deal of time for a horse to mature correctly. Robert also has a wonderful article regarding Bone and Ligament damage in horses: http://herbal-treatments.com.au/articles_bone_and_ligament.html Read about other limb problems at the following site http://www.herbal-treatments.com/horse_limb_problems.html Human - Herpes In the modern day, herpes is nothing more than a reflection of a depleted immune system. In earlier times before the abuse of antibiotics and drugs (especially marijuana) the herpes virus was not nearly as rampant and more easily managed by the average person's natural immunity. In fact herpes may be used as a health indicator and those times when it is not active will be the times your immunity is in better shape. It can be reactivated by minor infections, trauma, stress and sun or wind exposure. If you make certain adjustments to your lifestyle and diet which allow it to recede there is no need for it ever to be active. L-Lycine is helpful but this is not a single cure condition. Lysine rich foods are helpful:-,fish, chicken, legumes , turkey and most vegetables. Avoid the arginine rich foods such as :- chocolate, seeds, almonds and peanuts. The simplest two steps to boost physical immunity is to drink regularly (2 cups daily for example) Rosehips tea to assist with the upper end of the immunity. For the lower end of the immunity you can do no better than taking a daily supplement of Maritime Pine Extract see: http://www.altivoe.com/maritime_pine_bark_extract_pycnogenol.html Immunity is also affected by emotional stress of course and Vitamin B's are the best way to support the restoration of emotional vitality apart from changing those things which are causing the stresses. Vitamin C and Zinc are also beneficial. Melissa Cream (Lemon balm) is effective when applied 3 times a day on active sores. Melissa cream heals more quickly and has been known to either drastically reduce outbreaks or even prevent further outbreaks for some people. Read more at the site below- http://herbal-treatments.com.au/article_understanding_herpes.asp Home Remedies - Weight Loss Over the Christmas season with celebrations and all that catching up with friends that we tend to do, with its associated eating and drinking we can put on more kilos than what we are happy with, so I have included a few simple ideas for getting back into control after the merry season. Chromium- a trace mineral discovered in 1957. It is essential for proper blood sugar control. Chromium in our body can be depleted by refined sugars and white flour consumption and by a lack of exercise. In USA there is a marginal deficiency across the population. Taking a supplement of Chromium can alleviate mood swings and sugar cravings. Fennel was traditionally known as the slimming herb as it has a stimulating effect on the metabolism. Chew seeds as a snack for hunger pangs, to depress the appetite and desire for sweets, chocolates and rich cakes. Eat the leaves, stems and seeds, or make a leaf or seed tea for weight loss. Fennel helps the liver and pancreas in the metabolism of fats and sugars. Also, it has been said, fennel helps to dissolve fat deposits of the body. One problem with the accumulation of fat in the body is that it must be mobilised into the blood steam before it can be burnt as energy. Anything which assists this process (which fennel is credited for) will help with weight loss, provided attention is also paid to factors of overall diet and exercise. Fennel as a diuretic herb, increases the expulsion of urine or a build up of fluid retention in the body. Fat cells store a lot of water and as the fat is broken down, this water is released and can pass from the body. Fennel can help with this process, particularly in the early stages of a weight loss program. For a more serious look at weight loss please read Robert's work at the website below. http://www.herbal-treatments.com/human_treatments.html#weight_loss_treatment Reader Feed Back We value your feedback so much that we are making it easier for you to send us a sentence or two. Please fill in the form below and click 'Submit' Wishing you and your companions the best of health and happiness. Yours Truly, Judith Burton for Robert McDowell |
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