Homeopathy and phytotherapy two possible avenues for our pets.
"Homeopathy and phytotherapy have in common that they give importance to the globality and the regulation of healing forces, as well as to empirical data. They become interesting alternatives to simple pathologies. Also, they can be an additional treatment to traditional medications to relieve our animal and reduce certain side effects. These complementary medicines cannot cure a cancer, will not have any effect on a serious disease and will not avoid an urgent surgery to our animal, but they can relieve the pain.
Homeopathy is a complementary medicine dating back to 1790 and invented by the German Samuel Hahnemann. It is increasingly used by specialized veterinarians, but it was in 1833 that the German veterinarian, William Lux, had the idea of experimenting with homeopathy on animals.
Phytotherapy is also an alternative medicine that has been used for thousands of years by humans, but also by our animals. Indeed, since undetermined times, men have treated their animals with plants. This type of treatment is based on the virtues of the active principles found in the different parts of plants: leaves, flowers, roots or buds.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is very useful on a daily basis and can also complement an allopathic treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.
In 1796, Hahnemann invented the word homeopathy from the German "Homöopathie". This name has its roots in the ancient Greek word for "similar" (ὅμοιος, hómoios) and "what one experiences" (πάθος, páthos).
Homeopathy is based on the law of similitude. The latter is the basic principle that supports homeopathy. "It is summarized by 'similia similibus', which means 'like by like'."
The first step is to know the symptoms of the disease that we want to fight, before treating it. Then, we must find a natural substance that has the ability to cause the same symptoms in a healthy animal.
Once the natural substance is identified, it is diluted to an infinitesimal dose and then dynamized. The first dissolution (1/100th) is obtained by diluting a droplet of the solid medicinal part in 99 drops of 60° alcohol. The bottle is then capped and subjected to a series of vertical shakes. This process of making homeopathic treatments, requires expertise in the field.
Homeopathic remedies are available in several concentrations and in different forms: granules, tablets or syrup.
Homeopathic complexes for our animals
In the Laurentian region, we are fortunate to have a manufacturer of animal care products, Zanimo. Their homeopathic complexes are available over the counter at their distributors.
Here is the list of these complexes:
ZEN ATTITUDE contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system.
CALM EMOTION, maintains physical and emotional balance.
TRAVEL, supports the balance of the nervous system during transportation.
HEALTHY EARS, helps support the health of the ear apparatus.
REGULARITY, regulates stool consistency.
ORAL CARE, promotes healthy teeth and gums and prevents tartar build-up.
DERMA CARE, plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the skin.
URINARY CARE, helps the proper functioning of urinary elimination
PHYTOTHERAPY
Phytotherapy, whose name comes from the Greek phyton (plants) and therapeia (to treat), is recognized for its preventive and curative actions. Nevertheless, it should be noted that herbal medicine is not without risk. It is therefore recommended to avoid self-medication and to respect the dosage prescribed for our animal. Herbal therapy works very well. But, for some of them, the effects are often visible only in the long term and not immediately at the beginning of the treatment.
Phytotherapy products for our animals
Phytotherapy uses fresh and dried medicinal plants. In order for this plant to be effective, its active ingredients must first be extracted. We can all prepare, ourselves, plants in decoction for our quadruped. However, personally, I recommend investing in the purchase of complexes whose quality is certified and which are manufactured by specialists, experts in botany.
Once again, I recommend Zanimo with its plant-based compounds:
HAIRBALLS, laxative paste for cats.
COCONUT & HEMP, soothing formula for dry skin.
EAR CARE, non-oily cleanser.
HEMP OIL, nourishing process, hair loss.
EYE CARE, cleansing.
Conclusion
If homeopathy and phytotherapy are gentler than many allopathic and alternative treatments, one must still be careful. Indeed, some active plants are particularly powerful, especially in phytotherapy.
The side effects are more limited, but plants are not without undesirable effects in case of wrong dosage or combination with another treatment. Also, the practice of phytotherapy should never be self-medicated in order to avoid risks. Always seek advice from your veterinarian or specialist and systematically select products designed specifically for animals to avoid intoxication.
Sources :
- Homeopathy for dogs and cats
- Veterinary homeopathy
- History of animal homeopathy
- Treating our pets with phytotherapy
1-Vogel : Phytotherapy and its different forms, herbal remedies generate ramifications.
2-Planète homéopathie : Homeopathy, the therapy that cures evil with evil?
Where to find the products in this article?
Use our store locator. You will find our products at many retailers.
