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Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments 03 February 2007 Herbal Help for Humans and their Companions"If you judge people you have no time to love them" - Mother TheresaThis week we feature:-
Feline - Irritable Bowel Disease An irritable bowel is a system that has become irritated from any number of causes and thenceforth habitually either sends material through the digestive system too quickly or too slowly or worse still, alternates between the two. Feline Irritable Bowel Disease (disorder, or syndrome) are terms that describe a group of gastrointestinal disorders which display as inflammation of the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract. Feline IBD can occur in the large intestine (colitis), the small intestine (enteritis), or the stomach (gastritis). The most common symptoms of Feline IBD are chronic vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms which can be present in a number of other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure, or pancreatitis. In some cases, loss of apppetite accompanied by weight loss, may occur. These symptoms are also common in other conditions. Microscopically the disease is characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract but the cause of IBD is unknown. In the gastro-intestinal tract, Slippery Elm acts directly. Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes lining the digestive tract. Slippery Elm is an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It is high in fiber, and so helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting in pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. Author Anitra Frazier gives the following recipe for Slippery Elm Bark syrup in her book, "The New Natural Cat", which applies equally well to our canine companions when adjusted for weight: Into a small saucepan place 1/2 cup cold water and 1 teaspoon powdered slippery elm bark. Whip with a fork. Bring to simmer over low flame, stirring constantly. Simmer 1 or 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Cool and refrigerate. Keeps 7 or 8 days. Give a teaspoon of syrup (5 cc) for an average-size cat (again, about 10 pounds) 5 minutes before a meal to minimize diarrhea. Secondly a herbal mixture to support the healing is made up from the following ingredients; Vervain, Chamomile, Slippery Elm, Rhubarb, Yarrow and St Mary's Thistle with the Bach Flower Remedies Impatiens, Willow, Agrimony and Wild Oat. This mix is taken at a dose rate of 5 drops twice daily in favourite food. The treatment must be maintained initially for at least 3 months . Canine - Bladder Stones and Infection Urinary tract infections and stones are both pretty straight forward to treat herbally, as both the stones and infection were major problems through the centuries. I suggest the Urinary Tract Infection mix to control infection, strengthen resistance to same and the health of the bladder itself, see link; http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_urinary_tract_infection.html A stone mix along the lines of the human formulations to regulate the chemistry in the urine and actively break down the stones themselves and reduce the tendency for them to accumulate is the other side of the picture; http://www.altivoe.com/herbs_bladder_stone.html I would recommend making dietary changes along the lines of the suggestions contained in my article to be found on the website by clicking the link; http://herbal-treatments.com.au/articles_digestive_system_ofadog.html This program and the dietary changes will certainly break down the stones, bring the bladder back to perfect health and reduce the likelihood of any such future problems dramatically. Equine - Bone and Joint Health-Hoof Oil As part of all ligament and bone related problems in the lower limb of your horse, we formulate an oil to be applied to the hoof during treatment. This oil contains herbs that dramatically improve circulation to the hoof and therefore right down through limb. It is the paucity of circulation that allows degenerative conditions to occur and makes them difficult and slow to heal. Other specific herbs in the hoof oil (Comfrey, Bladderack, Equisetum, Wintergreen, Arnica and White Willow) are driven directly into the hoof to support healing processes. The hoof oil is found on; http://herbal-treatments.com.au/horse_hoof_oil.html This very same hoof oil, due to its effectiveness has gone on to become the basis for our yoga oil and athletes oil. Everyone should have it on hand for damage to muscles, ligaments and joints. http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/herbs_yoga_oil.html Human - Epididymitis The epididymis is a series of small tubes, attached to the back of each testicle, that collects and stores sperm. One of the most common causes of scrotal pain is epididymitis, which is infection and subsequent inflammation of these coiled tubes. Epididymitis is not contagious, not inherited, and not a sign of cancer. Epididymitis is usually a secondary bacterial infection that is triggered by a range of conditions, it is more often than not a urinary tract infection, however it could be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Epididymitis may be acute or chronic . The chronic type is usually non bacterial epididymitis meaning an inflammation of the epididymis not caused by a bacteria. The symptoms come on gradually. The causes are many and include viruses, trauma, and unknown causes.Acute epididymitis includes symptoms that usually come on suddenly and more severely. The symptoms of epididymitis may include slight fever, chills, a sensation of heaviness or a drawing pain in the affected testicle, the testicle is sensitive to pressure, frequent urge to urinate, abdominal pain and possibly pelvic pain. Mainstream treatment options include antibiotics and bed rest. Our support mix includes Wild Yam, Saw Palmetto, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Buchu and Liquorice along with the Bach flowers Clematis, Hornbeam and Wild Oat. Home Remedies - Life Giving forces of Miso Soup Miso soup alkalises the blood, wakes up the nervous system and offers nourishment, stamina and energy. 1 medium onion, 2 litres water, 1 cut carrot, 1/3 inch wakame seaweed . Boil the above ingredients. 1cup chopped greens, reduce heat add greens and simmer for 10 minutes . 3-4 teaspoons light or dark miso,? mix with small amount of the liquid then add to soup pot. Half cup small diced silken tofu, Chopped scallion or parsley as garnish. 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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