What is herbal medicine?Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine by using herbs to cure a wide variety of ailments. Based on geographical regions, there are many different system of herbal medicine such as Western herbal medicine, Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What is vitality (vitalistic/vitalism) Vitalism is the concept that living processes are animated by the Vital Force, which starts flowing from the moment of conception to that of death. It is called Chi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, prana in Ayurvedic medicine. This flow of vital energy in the body nourishes, heals develops, and sustains the body. What is holistic (holism)? The word of “Holism” came from the ancient Greek word "holos," meaning "whole.” The idea of holistic medicine is that treating the whole body, including mental and social factors rather than just the symptoms of a disease (part of body). How veterinary herbal medicine fits within conventional veterinary practice?Veterinary herbal medicine can work together with conventional veterinary medicine. For example, a debilitated 14-year-old dog with diarrhea and 2 years old robust dog with diarrhea may have the same diagnosis and get the same medication. As you can imagine, 14 years old dog may require additional remedies for impaired digestion, nervous disorder, nutritional/antioxidant support to boost recovery. Herbal medicine can give those additional support. Example of an herb (how does an herb work)? Boswellia (Boswellia Serrata) Boswellia may reduce pain and inflammation through its activity as a lipoxygenase inhibitor. One study showed that boswellic acids have activity against 5-lipoxygenase, but that they did not affect 12-lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase. An open, multicenter (10 veterinarians) clinical trial was performed with a resin extract of Boswellia serrata (BSB108, product of Bogar AG). A total of 29 dogs with signs of chronic joint and spinal disease were enrolled; 25 had radiologic signs of osteoarthritis and “degenerative conditions.” BSB108 was administered in the diet at a dose of 400 mg/10 kg body weight daily for 6 weeks. Of 24 eligible dogs, the investigators believed that 71% of them showed improvement. Potential herb drug interactions for animals already receiving care and how they can be mitigated. It is strongly recommended to get advice/consultation by a veterinarian or herbalist specialized in veterinary medicine before introducing any new herbs to animals.
In general, herbs are more gentle than synthetic chemicals (conventional drugs). However, combination of medication and herbs can alter the pharmacologic effects of drugs or vice versa. The result may be either enhanced or diminished drug or herb effects, or the appearance of a new effect that is not anticipated from use of the drug or herb alone. To prevent potential herb-drug interactions, please provide the list of herbal product, supplements, and medication the animal is currently on upon the first consultation.
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AuthorYuki Konno MS, LVT, CVWHM(civt) Archives
November 2024
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