Pet Herb Library

Bupleurum chinense

Core TCM veterinary herb; liver-mover and harmonizer in formulas like Xiao Yao San and Minor Bupleurum. Treats liver stagnation, hepatitis, and fever in integrative practice.

Calendula officinalis

The premier wound-healing herb for pets. Used primarily topically for cuts, hot spots, skin irritation, and ear infections. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and promotes tissue repair.

Matricaria chamomilla

One of the safest and most versatile herbs for pets. Mild sedative, digestive soother, and anti-inflammatory. Used as a calming tea, skin rinse, or added to food.

Stellaria media

Cooling, mucilaginous spring green that soothes itchy, inflamed skin and moistens dry coughs. A nutritive, mineral-rich herb safe and beneficial as daily forage for virtually all companion and livestock species.

Galium aparine

Premier lymphatic mover and gentle diuretic that drains congested lymph nodes and supports urinary flow. One of the safest and most reliable alteratives for acute swollen glands across virtually all species.

Symphytum officinale

Classic "knitbone" topical wound, bruise, and sprain herb rich in allantoin; used EXTERNALLY ONLY in modern veterinary herbalism due to pyrrolizidine alkaloid hepatotoxicity.

Cordyceps militaris

Adaptogenic mushroom renowned for enhancing stamina, oxygenation, kidney function, and cardiac performance. Cultivated Cordyceps militaris provides equivalent cordycepin and adenosine content without wild-harvest concerns.

Taraxacum officinale

A gentle tonic for liver and kidney support. Root supports the liver; leaf acts as a natural diuretic rich in potassium. Safe for most species and excellent for older pets.

Taraxacum officinale

Bitter cholagogue root that stimulates bile flow, supports hepatic detoxification, and aids digestion of fats. Distinct from leaf (diuretic) and flower (mildly hepatic); root is the premier liver and gallbladder tonic.

Echinacea purpurea

Immune-stimulating herb used for short-term immune support during infections. Not for long-term use or autoimmune conditions. Well-studied in veterinary medicine.

Inula helenium

Warming expectorant lung tonic with antimicrobial inulin-rich root; traditionally used in horses (hence "horse-heal") and dogs for chronic wet cough, bronchitis, and post-kennel-cough recovery.

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Classic Soviet-researched adaptogen used to enhance stamina, stress resilience, and recovery without the stimulating edge of Panax ginseng. Supports working dogs, performance horses, and convalescent animals of all species.

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Mucilaginous seed with galactagogue, hypoglycemic, and appetite-stimulant effects; supports nursing dams, diabetic pets, and animals recovering from illness or inappetence.

Linum usitatissimum

Omega-3 rich seed (ALA), lignans, and soluble fiber supporting coat quality, skin health, and mild bowel regulation in dogs, cats, horses, and small mammals.

Zingiber officinale

Effective anti-nausea and digestive herb for dogs. Used for motion sickness, appetite stimulation, and mild GI upset. Should be used in small amounts.

Solidago virgaurea

Anti-inflammatory kidney and urinary tract tonic; an excellent aquaretic for dogs, cats, and horses with chronic cystitis, UTIs, or early-stage kidney insufficiency.

Melissa officinalis

Gentle, lemon-scented nervine with notable antiviral activity against herpesviruses. Unique among the mints for tolerance across small exotic species including rabbits and birds when used in moderation.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

An anti-inflammatory and adrenal support herb. Short-term use only due to potential for fluid retention and blood pressure elevation. Often used to enhance palatability of herbal blends.

Hericium erinaceus

Neurotrophic medicinal mushroom that stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) and supports cognition, peripheral nerve repair, and gut mucosa. Emerging use in senior cognitive decline and IBD protocols across species.

Althaea officinalis

Cooling, mucilaginous demulcent that coats and soothes dry respiratory and urinary tissues. Leaf is distinct from root in having stronger upper-respiratory affinity and gentler action for dry, irritated coughs.

Filipendula ulmaria

Premier gastric mucosa protectant containing natural salicylates that soothe ulceration while astringing tissue. Widely used for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS); contraindicated in cats due to salicylate sensitivity.

Urtica dioica

A nutrient-rich herb with natural antihistamine properties. Excellent for allergy support, urinary health, and as a nutritional supplement. Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins.

Olea europaea

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial leaf rich in oleuropein, used for immune support, chronic low-grade infection, and mild blood pressure elevation in companion animals (Animal Essentials Super Immune ingredient).

Origanum vulgare

Potent antimicrobial and antifungal aromatic leaf; a staple in commercial poultry production for gut health and widely used in canine and equine herbalism for GI and respiratory infections.

Passiflora incarnata

A gentle calming herb, milder than valerian. Good for dogs with mild anxiety, restlessness, or sleep difficulties. Often combined with chamomile for a calming blend.

Mentha piperita

Aromatic carminative cooling the GI tract, relieving gas, spasm, and nausea; essential oil form is UNSAFE for cats, rabbits, and birds despite herb tolerance.

Cucurbita pepo

Cucurbitacin-bearing seed with mild anthelmintic (tapeworm, roundworm) action, urinary and prostate support; nutritive source of zinc and essential fatty acids for all pets.

Rubus idaeus

Classic female reproductive tonic that tones uterine smooth muscle and prepares the dam for easier whelping, kindling, or foaling. Astringent tannins also support GI health and mild diarrhea.

Rehmannia glutinosa

TCM yin tonic and kidney nourisher; flagship for feline CKD, adrenal support, and autoimmune conditions. Raw form cools blood; prepared form (Shu Di) tonifies kidney yin.

Ganoderma lucidum

Premier immunomodulating and calming adaptogen mushroom supporting heart, liver, and immune function. Dual-extracted product is essential to capture both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes.

Rosa canina

Vitamin C and bioflavonoid-rich fruit that supports joint cartilage, immune function, and antioxidant status. Especially critical for guinea pigs and primates who cannot endogenously synthesize vitamin C.

Ulmus rubra

A soothing demulcent that coats and protects the GI tract. One of the safest herbs for all pet species. First-line herbal support for diarrhea, vomiting, and GI inflammation.

Thymus vulgaris

Respiratory antiseptic and GI carminative with thymol-rich aromatic leaves; widely used in dogs, horses, and poultry for cough, bronchitis, and digestive gas.

Curcuma longa

Powerful anti-inflammatory used for joint pain, arthritis, and digestive support in dogs and horses. Requires fat and black pepper (piperine) for absorption. Stains everything yellow.

Valeriana officinalis

A well-known calming herb used for anxiety, noise phobia, and restlessness in dogs and horses. May cause paradoxical excitability in some animals. Cats are attracted to it like catnip.

Hamamelis virginiana

Astringent topical bark and leaf used as a hydrosol/distillate for insect bites, hot spots, minor cuts, inflamed ears, and anal gland irritation in companion animals and horses.