Pet Herb Library

69 detailed pet herb profiles with species-specific safety ratings, weight-based dosing, and administration guides.

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 19 of 69 herbs

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

One of the safest and most versatile herbs for pets. Mild sedative, digestive soother, and anti-inflammatory. Used as a calming tea, skin rinse, or added to food.

Comfrey Leaf

Symphytum officinale

BGood EvidenceBoraginaceae

Classic "knitbone" topical wound, bruise, and sprain herb rich in allantoin; used EXTERNALLY ONLY in modern veterinary herbalism due to pyrrolizidine alkaloid hepatotoxicity.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

BGood EvidenceCordycipitaceae

Adaptogenic mushroom renowned for enhancing stamina, oxygenation, kidney function, and cardiac performance. Cultivated Cordyceps militaris provides equivalent cordycepin and adenosine content without wild-harvest concerns.

Corn Silk

Zea mays

BGood EvidencePoaceae

Gentle demulcent diuretic made from corn stigmas; soothes inflamed urinary tract lining and is safe for dogs, cats, horses, and small mammals with cystitis or bladder irritation.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

A gentle tonic for liver and kidney support. Root supports the liver; leaf acts as a natural diuretic rich in potassium. Safe for most species and excellent for older pets.

Dandelion Root

Taraxacum officinale

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

Bitter cholagogue root that stimulates bile flow, supports hepatic detoxification, and aids digestion of fats. Distinct from leaf (diuretic) and flower (mildly hepatic); root is the premier liver and gallbladder tonic.

Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosus

BGood EvidenceAraliaceae

Classic Soviet-researched adaptogen used to enhance stamina, stress resilience, and recovery without the stimulating edge of Panax ginseng. Supports working dogs, performance horses, and convalescent animals of all species.

Goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

Anti-inflammatory kidney and urinary tract tonic; an excellent aquaretic for dogs, cats, and horses with chronic cystitis, UTIs, or early-stage kidney insufficiency.

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

BGood EvidenceLamiaceae

Gentle, lemon-scented nervine with notable antiviral activity against herpesviruses. Unique among the mints for tolerance across small exotic species including rabbits and birds when used in moderation.

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

BGood EvidenceHericiaceae

Neurotrophic medicinal mushroom that stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) and supports cognition, peripheral nerve repair, and gut mucosa. Emerging use in senior cognitive decline and IBD protocols across species.

Marshmallow Leaf

Althaea officinalis

BGood EvidenceMalvaceae

Cooling, mucilaginous demulcent that coats and soothes dry respiratory and urinary tissues. Leaf is distinct from root in having stronger upper-respiratory affinity and gentler action for dry, irritated coughs.

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

BGood EvidenceRosaceae

Premier gastric mucosa protectant containing natural salicylates that soothe ulceration while astringing tissue. Widely used for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS); contraindicated in cats due to salicylate sensitivity.

Oatstraw

Avena sativa

BGood EvidencePoaceae

Deeply nourishing trophorestorative nervine that rebuilds exhausted nervous systems while supplying silica, calcium, and B vitamins. Milky-stage oats (fresh tincture) are strongest for anxiety and burnout.

Olive Leaf

Olea europaea

BGood EvidenceOleaceae

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial leaf rich in oleuropein, used for immune support, chronic low-grade infection, and mild blood pressure elevation in companion animals (Animal Essentials Super Immune ingredient).

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

BGood EvidenceLamiaceae

Potent antimicrobial and antifungal aromatic leaf; a staple in commercial poultry production for gut health and widely used in canine and equine herbalism for GI and respiratory infections.

Poria

Wolfiporia extensa

BGood EvidencePolyporaceae

TCM damp-draining fungus "Fu Ling" supporting spleen qi and gentle diuresis; widely used in canine, feline, and equine formulas for edema, digestive weakness, and mild anxiety.

Rose Hips

Rosa canina

BGood EvidenceRosaceae

Vitamin C and bioflavonoid-rich fruit that supports joint cartilage, immune function, and antioxidant status. Especially critical for guinea pigs and primates who cannot endogenously synthesize vitamin C.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

Ancient hemostatic and febrifuge with strong antimicrobial activity. Stops bleeding topically, modulates fevers, and supports urinary and digestive tone. Species-sensitive due to essential oil and mild alkaloid content.

Yucca Root

Yucca schidigera

BGood EvidenceAsparagaceae

Saponin-rich desert root with cortisone-like anti-inflammatory action, joint support, and a famous ability to reduce manure and litter-box ammonia odor in dogs, cats, and livestock.