The benefits of Ayurveda’s holistic approach to pet health

More and more pet loving owners want to take a more holistic approach to caring for their furry friends. Paying close attention to everything that goes into your pet’s body is the most important first step on the road to natural health. A holistic approach to pet care starts with the use of herbs as natural remedies that help the body heal itself.

Whilst conventional pharmaceuticals and prescriptions certainly have an important role to play, safe and effective natural alternatives are often overlooked. Many prescription medications are effective in reducing symptoms; however, herbal organic solutions focus on eliminating the root cause and working with the body to restore natural balance and health.If you are looking for a natural remedy, the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda is an ideal guide for both humans and pets. Ayurveda’s herbs and remedies have been used effectively for thousands of years.

Dosage

The most frequently asked question about the treatment of animals revolves around the recommended dosage of Ayurvedic herbs. The specific dosage should always be discussed with a health professional (in this case a veterinarian) who can assess the pet’s body type, symptoms and diagnose the problem in order to recommend the appropriate treatment and dosage.

The general rule of thumb to consider is:

– 0.5 grams of ayurvedic herbal powder per 10 kg per day. This is equivalent to about 1/8 teaspoon or 1 capsule of Bixa Botanical.

In a slightly broader context, recommendations range from 200-500 mg twice daily for cats and 500-1000 mg twice daily for dogs, depending on size, age and condition.

– All our products are 100% natural, but to minimise the risk, it is recommended to start with a reduced dose (25-50%) of the daily intake. Check if there is any reaction from the pet and if we are sure there is not, we can gradually increase the amount to the full dose over a few days.

Please note that this dosage guideline is for information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.

Ayurvedic herbs that can promote the health and well-being of your pet

Here are some Ayurvedic herbs that are beneficial and easy to provide for most pets. Of course, this information is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is always a good idea to consult a veterinarian or qualified veterinary care provider if you have any questions about your pet’s condition.

Triphala to aid digestion

Triphala is used as a soothing tonic for sensitive stomach and digestive problems. Its antioxidant properties help the digestive system to eliminate toxins and restore the body’s natural balance. Triphala consists of three fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. It contains five of the six flavours recommended in Ayurveda for optimal nutrition: sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent. The addition of triphala to your pet’s diet can help optimise digestion and the absorption of all the nutrients in the body. It may also help the respiratory and circulatory systems to function properly. Triphala Powder can be given to your pet on a regular basis or as and when needed.

Boswellia for joints, bones and cartilage health

The plant Boswellia contains high levels of natural resin, which is very good for treating cartilage and relieving cartilage wear. The active ingredient is boswellic acid, which strongly supports the absorption of calcium in the body, helping with all bone and joint related problems. Boswellic acid also reduces inflammation and pain by suppressing the enzymes that cause inflammation in the joints.

Brahmi for blood supply to the brain

Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi) is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine primarily to support the brain and nervous system. Brahmi can be used to relieve stress and anxiety. Based on Ayurvedic observations, it is a very effective herb for improving blood supply to the brain, thereby helping in the recovery from or prevention of stroke.

Ashwagandha to alleviate stress and strengthen the immune system

This natural remedy helps neutralise the effects of stress, reduces anxiety and helps strengthen the immune system. This grounding, nourishing herb is perfect for pets suffering from vata imbalance.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb – essentially a general health promoting plant that benefits the body in a number of ways. Traditionally, Ashwagandha is used to strengthen the immune system and muscle tone, as well as to rejuvenate the body and mind to help restore balance to our overall health.

The powder of Ashwagandha is easy to add to your pet’s diet. The recommended dosage here is about 250mg per 10 kilograms per day.

Neem for detoxification and skin irritation

In Ayurveda, neem is used to purify the blood, maintain healthy skin and promote proper heart and liver function. Neem is also a natural remedy for relieving various types of skin irritations. With its cooling effect, neem is particularly good for balancing the pitta dosha.

Spices

Turmeric

This herb is an excellent choice if your pet is suffering from muscle or joint pain. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and supports healthy digestion by breaking down fats, which are an important part of a healthy pet’s diet.

Ginger

Another Ayurvedic cooking ingredient is ginger, which has a number of well-known benefits, particularly for supporting healthy digestion. Ginger is known for its bitter and astringent properties, which can help clear excess moisture from the respiratory system. It can also be helpful in relieving joint discomfort and facilitating movement. Ginger is also a useful herb for kapha imbalances, with its cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Spending time in nature, choosing fresh and high quality nutritious food and regular exercise are essential for a healthy lifestyle for our pets. Without these, an imbalance in the body will lead to health problems. Ayurveda offers traditional ways to help restore balance. Although the literature on Ayurvedic observations of animal well-being is scarce, from what we know, humans and animals respond in much the same way to the natural remedies used in Ayurveda, working with the body to maintain and restore health.

_{References: 1. EU https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/26e4d8a4-1c17-11ec-b4fe-01aa75ed71a1/language-en, 2. “Növényi eredetű vegyületek nutrigenomikai aktivitása az egészségben és a betegségekben: Results of a Dietary Intervention Study in Dog (Egy kutyán végzett étrendi intervenciós vizsgálat eredményei).” Kutatás az állatorvoslásban. W.B. Saunders, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528816304581 3.https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/5-herbs-for-pets/ , 4. https://organicindiausa.com/blog/herbs-for-pets/, 5. https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/pet/ayurveda-for-pet-care-5-ways-to-boost-your-pet-s-health-with-neem-ashwagandha-other-ayurvedic-herbs-101659598035056.html}

Tags: ayurveda, animals