Pet Herb Library

69 detailed pet herb profiles with species-specific safety ratings, weight-based dosing, and administration guides.

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 19 of 69 herbs

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

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.

Chickweed

Stellaria media

BGood EvidenceCaryophyllaceae

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.

Corn Silk

Zea mays

BGood EvidencePoaceae

Gentle demulcent diuretic made from corn stigmas; soothes inflamed urinary tract lining and is safe for dogs, cats, horses, and small mammals with cystitis or bladder irritation.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

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.

Dandelion Root

Taraxacum officinale

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

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.

Dang Gui

Angelica sinensis

BGood EvidenceApiaceae

Preeminent TCM blood tonic; nourishes blood, moves stagnation, supports reproductive health. Core ingredient in Si Wu Tang and Xiao Yao San. Strictly avoided in pregnancy.

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

BGood EvidenceHericiaceae

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.

Olive Leaf

Olea europaea

BGood EvidenceOleaceae

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).

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

BGood EvidenceLamiaceae

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

Plantain

Plantago major

BGood EvidencePlantaginaceae

Gentle demulcent and vulnerary herb that draws toxins from bites, stings, and wounds while soothing inflamed mucous membranes. A safe, ubiquitous lawn weed used across all species for skin and gut healing.

Poria

Wolfiporia extensa

BGood EvidencePolyporaceae

TCM damp-draining fungus "Fu Ling" supporting spleen qi and gentle diuresis; widely used in canine, feline, and equine formulas for edema, digestive weakness, and mild anxiety.

Pumpkin Seed

Cucurbita pepo

BGood EvidenceCucurbitaceae

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

Rehmannia

Rehmannia glutinosa

BGood EvidenceOrobanchaceae

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.

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

BGood EvidenceGanodermataceae

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.

Rose Hips

Rosa canina

BGood EvidenceRosaceae

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.

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

BGood EvidenceSchisandraceae

Hepatoprotective adaptogen berry with five flavors, used in veterinary herbalism for liver support, stress resilience, and cognitive function in aging companion animals and performance horses.

Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra

BGood EvidenceUlmaceae

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.

Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

BGood EvidenceEricaceae

Arbutin-rich urinary antiseptic effective against UTIs when urine is alkaline; short-term use only due to hydroquinone liver toxicity. Species-specific cautions apply.

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

BGood EvidenceHamamelidaceae

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.