Using plants and herbs for medicinal purposes is an ancient practice. You can cut up fresh herbs and mix them into the food, or use the liquid “tincture” form, which is the most potent and the best choice in most cases. Herbs can be used externally as dips and tonics for skin problems. They also have unique properties when it comes to stimulating the immune system for diseases like Feline Leukemia and Cancer that are largely untreatable by traditional methods. Certain herbs are potentially toxic at any dose and should be avoided. These include: Chaparral, Comfrey, Pennyroyal, Garlic, Tea Tree and Mahuang. topically.
HERBAL PREPARATIONS 1
* Herbal Infusion or Tea – Use leaves and small stems. Mix one teaspoon dried or 3 teaspoons fresh herb in 1 cup boiling distilled water, cover, let stand 15 minutes, strain, refrigerate and cover. Keep in colored glass container. Stays fresh 3 days.
* Cold Herbal Infusion – Soak 6 teaspoons fresh bruised herb or 2 teaspoons dried herb in 1 cup cold water for 12 hours. Strain and store as for tea. Infusions can be used to make hot or cold compresses.
* A Poultice – is stronger than a compress. To make: mix fresh parts of the herb plant with a few drops of boiling water and make a paste. Apply to affected area. Cover with gauze.
FACTS ABOUT HERBS
* One teaspoon dried herb = 3 teaspoons fresh herb.
* One teaspoon dried herb = 5 drops of tincture or extract.
* Herbal teas for most cats are given 3 or 4 times a day, 1 to 2 teaspoons for cats, ½ teaspoon for kittens and continued for 3 to 4 days for minor problems or for several weeks in chronic conditions.
* Herbal Tincture can be bought already made. Average cat dose is 1 to 2 drops. Dilute with broth because of bad taste. This is the strongest form of herb available in the smallest quantity and therefore is best in most cases for cats.
* An Herbal Elixir is indicated for internal problems such as a liver problem or a urinary bladder condition. It is made similar to a homeopathic remedy. An elixir increases the healing effect of the herb and the taste is less objectionable than a tincture to cats. To make an elixir put 3 drops of herbal tincture into a new 1 ounce glass dropper bottle filled with distilled water. Cover and shake vigorously 108 times, tapping the bottle against a thick rug each time. Give ¼ dropper full to cats by mouth before meals.
