Apologies and acknowledgement to Isabell Shipard and her wonderful book "How I can Use Herbs in my Daily Life" and website. Our newsletter wishes to acknowledge that information on Sheep Sorrell in a recent newsletter (Link To Article) was sourced from this book.

Isabell has put together a book covering 500 herbs and spices which is easy to read for anyone who has an interest in healthy living, managing their illnesses with herbs or simply if the gardener in you loves growing herbs.

Here is a link to Isabell's wonderful Website.

This week we feature the following articles ....
Anti-parasitic/Anti-fungal Concentrate
Arthritis and Rheumatism
Blood Cleanser
Bone and Joint Problems
Bronchitis/Asthma

Anti-parasitic/Anti-fungal Concentrate - Alternative Cat Treatments

Herbal approaches to parasites all revolve around discouraging rather than killing the parasites. Also herbs provide support for your cats own systems defences.{addcart product_sku=1118}

I prescribe individual formulations in a concentrated extract form and these are mixed with Vinegar and or with Methylated Spirit and sprayed onto affected areas after wetting down.

The spray includes Wormwood, Tansy, Thuja and Male Fern along with the Bach Flowers Crab Apple and Impatiens.

The herbal agents are carried down the hair to the skin and remain as a residue providing a most discouraging environment to parasites.

This approach is similar to the herbal approach to worming and leaves the animal's skin and defences healthy and much more able to repel and resist any parasitic attacks in the future.

Arthritis and Rheumatism - Alternative Cat Treatments

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 Rockwater. This formula will detoxify the system, reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation. The dog will show an improvement in mobility and comfortwith continued use.

This mix is a safe and healthy alternative to pharmaceutical pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Blood Cleanser - Alternative Cat Treatments

'Hot Spots' and 'Skin Sores' are really a manifestation of a buildup of toxins under the skin seeking release through a local infective process. This is one avenue that the immune system uses to rid the body of toxins from the blood and most can ine skin problems should be seen so shouldn't be seen as an indication of problems in the blood rather than a problem of the skin itself .

This blood cleansing mix contains various alterative herbs which are high in iron and sulphur and work through the Kidneys, Liver, Lymphatic System and Bowel to detoxify the blood. Other herbs in combination are included to assist the alteratives in driving impurities out and clearing the skin once and for all.

The mix includes concentrated herbal extracts of; Echinacea, Garlic, Horsetail, Nettle, Pine Bark, Red Clover and Violet Leaves along with the Bach Flower Crab Apple.

A course of the Blood Poisoning Mix for the full blood cycle of 12 weeks will clear 'Hot Spots' or 'Skin Sores' found on your cat.

Bone and Joint Problems - Alternative Cat Treatments

The most common signs of arthritis and joint disease in cats include stiffness, limping, or favouring a limb - particularly after sleep or resting, reluctance to jump or even climb stairs, and noticeable pain.

Feline progressive polyarthritis, as the name suggests, affects multiple joints in a cat and worsens over time. There are generally two types of this disease.

These kinds of changes are similar to those seen in hip dysplasia and other degenerative joint disease. The most commonly affected joints are those of the feet, the carpus (wrist), and hock.

In the second type of progressive polyarthritis, the erosion of the cartilage is severe such that the bone under the cartilage is exposed, which causes severe pain. This is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in dogs and people.

Progressive polyarthritis in cats generally affects young and middle-aged male cats . The cats show a reluctance to walk, the joints are swollen, the range of motion is reduced, and in some cases, the cats experience recurring episodes of fever, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes.

Mainstream treatment is usually along the lines of pain relief use of anti inflammatories & immune supressing drugs.

There is no cure for either type of progressive polyarthritis. Even with strong combinations of pain relievers, anti-inflammatories such as prednisone, and more potent medications, which suppress the immune system, many cats remain in extreme pain and owners may elect to have the cat euthanized.

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 cats and the herbs I have included are; Dandelion, Celery Seed, Bog Bean, White Willow and Yarrow. I also include the Bach Flowers Oak and Rockwater. This formula will detoxify the system, reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation. Your cat will show an improvement in mobility and comfort with continued use.

Bronchitis/Asthma - Alternative Cat Treatments

Cats with this condition are given asthma medications similar to human meds like bronchodilators from mainstream practitioners but these do not adequately support the lungs.

Start your cat on the Lung capacity as an alternative to strengthen the lungs & function.

My mix includes Hawthorn, Comfrey, Elecampane, Golden Rod, Liquorice, Mullein, Rue, Horsetail and Nettle along with the Bach Flowers Mimulus and Gorse.

Some actions can also be taken in the home to reduce the symptoms of feline bronchitis.

Do you smoke around your cat? Avoiding smoke from fireplaces and cigarettes is very important. This type of smoke tends to settle near the floor in a room at the cat's breathing level.

Reducing the use of air fresheners and other household sprays can also be effective. Use human grooming products that are in spray form, such as hair sprays or deodorants, well away from the affected cat.

Change to a low-dust clay cat litter or one that is made of an alternate material.

Air purifiers may also be helpful. Any activity that is associated with symptoms of asthma in the individual cat, such as going outside in cold weather, should be avoided. Finally, obese cats will benefit from weight reduction.