There is no better way to enjoy the full benefits of herbs than to make your own herbal medicinal teas,tinctures, herb infused oils, balms and salves at home. You are in control the quality, and save money too! But more importantly, you can create your own personal formulas that exactly match you, your family, and your animals needs in a way no mass produced product, even the very best ones, can do.

Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs from the garden, or from a local organic grower, whenever possible, should be the first choice. They are rich in nutrients and medicinal value. Not only are they better for you and your animal, but they are better for the planet as little to no fossil fuels are expended to get them to the table. Some desert plants like aloe can be grown as house plants in areas where they would not flourish outside. Fresh herbs can be eaten with food, infused as teas, and preserved in oils and tinctures.

Dried bulk herbs:When herbs have been organically grown, ethically harvested, and preserved they retain their medicinal value. The color and scent of dried herbs should be similar, though not as strong, as fresh. Dried bulk herbs have the same versatility as fresh and can be used in teas, sprinkled on food, infused in oils, and preserved as tinctures.

Herb Capsules: Capsules are a familiar way to "take our medicine", are convenient, and can make taking unpleasant tasting herbs less of a chore for both humans and their animal friends. However, dogs and cats have short digestive tracts, and capsules can pass through them undigested. You may want to break the capsules open and sprinkle onto your animals food, to be sure they are getting a large enough dose.

Tinctures :Tinctures offer a convenient and effective way to take herbal medicine. Vegetable glycerine tinctures are usually the first choice for animals and small children because the sweet taste makes them easier to take than alcohol tinctures.

The most versatile and easy system for measurements is the simpler's method, because it is based on ratios, measurements are referred to as "parts", for instance 3 parts dandelion, 1 part nettle, 2 parts raspberry, is a very common 3:1:2 synergy. This simple way of measurement lets you make your formulation in any volume you wish, whether ounces, tablespoons, cups, liters, grams etc.

When using herbs and essential oils for cats and dogs, always double check the safety of the herb first. Dogs and cats are not just smaller versions of humans - The suggested doses and formulas given here are meant as just that, suggestions, and do not replace the guidance and care of a holistic veterinarian.

Some General Guidelines In general cats are more sensitive than dogs to herbs, and need much less to produce a therapeutic response. Start with a very minimal dose, observe your pet's reactions carefully, before giving the full recommended dosage. Nature's bounty gives us a wide array of choices - many different herbs that will serve the purposes. Herbs that work gently, and are safe to give over an extended time should be your first choices.

Cats and aromatherapy often do not mix well. While researching the material for this website I found many sources that recommend using essential oils for treating cats - and others that gave dire warnings against it. While I love using essential oils for myself, my own feline friend (an elderly cat), does not react well to oils. I prefer to use diluted whole herb teas and herb infused oils with her.