Herbs are effective supplements but one must keep in mind that cats are small animals and many herbs can cause damage to them. I want to make this very clear that even herbs that help cure certain ailments begs moderate usage with small animals. Their livers cannot process excessive chemical loads like a human and caution always is the key.
I do not recommend going to the health food store and buying human products for your cats. This may work in some cases but the best information and treatment will come from a certified veterinary naturopath or certified holistic expert. Today you can go to certain natural pet websites and get various herbal remedies already designed and tested for cats.
With that in mind, the following herbs demonstrate healing or prevention from these illnesses:
Bladder and urinary tract infection:
Berberis vulgaris is a widely used homeopathic remedy and known for its positive effect on the bladder and urinary tract. This remedy also helps to support healthy immune system functioning.
Cantharis is often recommended for its ability to support a healthy flow of urine and soothe the bladder.
Staphysagris is a proven natural remedy also recommended for urogenital health and as a known prostate tonic.
You can find these individually but I recommend getting them in combination at one of the better online natural pet stores. This combination does well to heal and sooth the bladder and urinary tract.
Dry hacking, sneezing and coughing:
Plantagois is a homeopathic remedy that is for soothing the throat. It also helps to support clear, healthy chests, noses and throats.
Byronia is a proven natural remedy that is very effective when used to soothe the throat and keep chests clear.
Echinacea purpurea is one of the top-selling ingredients used to support the immune system. Clinical trials have proved its benefits in supporting the immune system.
These herbs when combined with some tissue salts sooth the throat, nose, chest, and boost the cats' immune response. This I recommend buying at an online natural pet store.
Immunity boosters:
These are the most publicized herbs but few articles explain that some of them can cause other medical conditions depending on your cats' health and the concentration given.
Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceous) known in traditional Chinese medicine and recent research has highlighted this remedy to support the functioning of the immune system. Astragalus also helps to support vitality and a healthy appetite and support a regular water metabolism.
Mistletoe (Viscum album) used to support normal blood pressure and support a healthy immune system. Viscum album has been widely tested in both human and animal studies with many positive findings.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) known for its excellent benefits for immune functioning, and is effective as a tonic for the lymphatic system. Regular use can help to keep your pet healthy.
Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera) is one of the most important Ayurvedic tonic herbs, (Ayurvedic medicine also called Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical systems and it originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years). It helps to support growth, health, and vigor that can help to nourish the blood and support healthy hemoglobin levels.
Milk Thistle (Sylibum marianus) has a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the therapeutic benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and its positive effect on maintaining healthy liver functioning would have a direct impact on the overall systemic health of your pet, as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tormentosa): The natives of Peru use cat's Claw for hundreds of years. Cat's Claw boasts many therapeutic benefits, among them its supportive role in maintaining immune system strength and widely researched for its ability to support healthy cells.
In summary, there are many herbal treatments available for cats from natural online pet stores. I do not recommend buying herbs individually unless a certified naturopath or holistic expert directs you. Some veterinarians specialize in holistic medicine. Herbs are an effective and natural method of treating ailments and diseases. In the wild, animals instinctively know which plants and grasses help them. This is just a few of the herbal remedies available and is not an all-inclusive list.
