Pet Herb Library

Astragalus membranaceus

An adaptogenic immune-modulating herb safe for long-term use. Used for chronic immune support, cancer adjunct therapy, and vitality in aging pets. Unlike echinacea, safe for extended use.

Bupleurum chinense

Core TCM veterinary herb; liver-mover and harmonizer in formulas like Xiao Yao San and Minor Bupleurum. Treats liver stagnation, hepatitis, and fever in integrative practice.

Galium aparine

Premier lymphatic mover and gentle diuretic that drains congested lymph nodes and supports urinary flow. One of the safest and most reliable alteratives for acute swollen glands across virtually all species.

Symphytum officinale

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

Cordyceps militaris

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.

Zea mays

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.

Taraxacum officinale

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.

Eleutherococcus senticosus

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.

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Mucilaginous seed with galactagogue, hypoglycemic, and appetite-stimulant effects; supports nursing dams, diabetic pets, and animals recovering from illness or inappetence.

Zingiber officinale

Effective anti-nausea and digestive herb for dogs. Used for motion sickness, appetite stimulation, and mild GI upset. Should be used in small amounts.

Solidago virgaurea

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

Crataegus monogyna

The premier heart-support herb for aging pets. Used in veterinary cardiology protocols for congestive heart failure, murmurs, and circulation. Works synergistically with conventional heart medications.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

An anti-inflammatory and adrenal support herb. Short-term use only due to potential for fluid retention and blood pressure elevation. Often used to enhance palatability of herbal blends.

Althaea officinalis

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.

Althaea officinalis

A soothing demulcent similar to slippery elm. Excellent for urinary tract support, GI inflammation, and respiratory irritation. Very safe for all species.

Avena sativa

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.

Origanum vulgare

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.

Passiflora incarnata

A gentle calming herb, milder than valerian. Good for dogs with mild anxiety, restlessness, or sleep difficulties. Often combined with chamomile for a calming blend.

Mentha piperita

Aromatic carminative cooling the GI tract, relieving gas, spasm, and nausea; essential oil form is UNSAFE for cats, rabbits, and birds despite herb tolerance.

Wolfiporia extensa

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.

Rubus idaeus

Classic female reproductive tonic that tones uterine smooth muscle and prepares the dam for easier whelping, kindling, or foaling. Astringent tannins also support GI health and mild diarrhea.

Rehmannia glutinosa

TCM yin tonic and kidney nourisher; flagship for feline CKD, adrenal support, and autoimmune conditions. Raw form cools blood; prepared form (Shu Di) tonifies kidney yin.

Ganoderma lucidum

Premier immunomodulating and calming adaptogen mushroom supporting heart, liver, and immune function. Dual-extracted product is essential to capture both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes.

Rosa canina

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.

Schisandra chinensis

Hepatoprotective adaptogen berry with five flavors, used in veterinary herbalism for liver support, stress resilience, and cognitive function in aging companion animals and performance horses.

Ulmus rubra

A soothing demulcent that coats and protects the GI tract. One of the safest herbs for all pet species. First-line herbal support for diarrhea, vomiting, and GI inflammation.

Curcuma longa

Powerful anti-inflammatory used for joint pain, arthritis, and digestive support in dogs and horses. Requires fat and black pepper (piperine) for absorption. Stains everything yellow.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Arbutin-rich urinary antiseptic effective against UTIs when urine is alkaline; short-term use only due to hydroquinone liver toxicity. Species-specific cautions apply.

Valeriana officinalis

A well-known calming herb used for anxiety, noise phobia, and restlessness in dogs and horses. May cause paradoxical excitability in some animals. Cats are attracted to it like catnip.

Achillea millefolium

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 schidigera

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.