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Herbal/Botanical Medicine
By Marlene Smith-Schalkwijk DVM
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia is a medium size tree found in India, Africa and the
Middle East. After the bark has been peeled away there is
an oleo-resin which contains oil and gums. It is these gum
resins (also called guggals) that have been used traditionally
in Ayurvedic (Indian) Medicine as a natural anti-inflammatory for
arthritis. Boswellia spares the degradation of the glycosaminoglycans,
which serve to protect the cartilage surface of joints. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory such as ketoprofen or metacam do not protect
the joint surface so arthritic conditions progress. Our doctors
will often include Bosweilla in the powdered herbal formulas, tailor-made
for our achy canine-friends. Arthrisooth is an example of
a commercially made joint protective product containing Bosweilla.
Boswellia can also be used in asthma related inflammatory respiratory
conditions.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a member of the sunflower family.
It originated in the Mediterranean area in Europe, and has spread
to many areas in North America. The ripe seeds are used as an alcoholic
extract or ground powder. Its traditional uses ranged from cancer
to poor milk production. The most common use is for liver protection.
The active ingredient is silymarin. It accelerates the rate
of protein synthesis in the liver and stimulates the production
of new liver cells to replace old damaged cells.
It can be used on dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, rabbits, cows and
humans to aid in liver or kidney damage, hepatitis, jaundice, parvo
etc. It is often used in Europe before and after anesthesia.
Since this is medicinal herb, it should only be used in diseased
livers and not in healthy animals on a routine base. Most good
quality powders have 70-80 % silymarin. The tincture can be used
in animals whose livers are not seriously compromised.
Long-term use can suppress liver function. Please check with your
holistic veterinarian as to the dose and duration of therapy. In
skin diseases related to liver problems, milk thistle can be combined
with dandelion, burdock, yellow dock or Oregon grape.
Caution: Do not use in pregnant animals.
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