Pet Herb Library

Withania somnifera

Revered Ayurvedic adaptogen rooted in rasayana tradition. Calms excess stress response, supports thyroid and adrenal balance, and restores depleted animals. Grounding rather than stimulating, making it ideal for anxious, wiry constitutions.

Boswellia serrata

Ayurvedic gum resin rich in boswellic acids that inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), delivering potent anti-inflammatory action for joints and gut without the COX-inhibition liabilities of NSAIDs. Exceptionally well tolerated.

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.

Nepeta cataria

Famous for its stimulant effect when sniffed by cats, but acts as a mild sedative when ingested. Also useful for dogs as a digestive and calming herb. A safe, multi-species herb.

Uncaria tomentosa

Peruvian inner bark vine with immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties; used in canine and equine arthritis, Lyme disease support, and chronic immune conditions.

Inonotus obliquus

Birch-dwelling sclerotial fungus rich in betulinic acid and melanin antioxidants; used in veterinary integrative medicine for immune support, oxidative stress, and adjunctive cancer care.

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.

Vitex agnus-castus

Dopaminergic berry that modulates pituitary function; flagship herb for equine PPID (Cushing's disease) and hormonal regulation in dogs and horses with strong clinical evidence.

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.

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.

Angelica sinensis

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.

Harpagophytum procumbens

Southern African root with harpagoside anti-inflammatory action; a leading herbal choice for canine and equine arthritis, hip dysplasia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

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.

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.

Equisetum arvense

Silica-rich ancient plant used for connective tissue support, urinary health, and coat/hoof quality; species selection critical due to toxic relative Equisetum palustre.

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.

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.

Grifola frondosa

Beta-glucan rich medicinal mushroom with strong immunomodulating (D-fraction), hypoglycemic, and antitumor effects; excellent adjunct for diabetic and oncology veterinary patients.

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.

Avena sativa

Deeply nourishing trophorestorative nervine that rebuilds exhausted nervous systems while supplying silica, calcium, and B vitamins. Milky-stage oats (fresh tincture) are strongest for anxiety and burnout.

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.

Plantago major

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.

Wolfiporia extensa

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.

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.

Schisandra chinensis

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.

Prunella vulgaris

Gentle antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing mint-family herb used traditionally as "heal-all" for oral sores, minor wounds, herpesvirus flares, and mild lymphatic swelling.

Lentinula edodes

Medicinal mushroom rich in lentinan beta-glucans; powerful immunomodulator with antitumor, antiviral, and hepatoprotective effects used adjunctively in veterinary oncology and immunity.

Trametes versicolor

Highly researched medicinal mushroom rich in PSP and PSK polysaccharopeptides. Penn Vet hemangiosarcoma study demonstrated extended survival in canine patients using high-dose polysaccharopeptide extract.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

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

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.

Achillea millefolium

Ancient hemostatic and febrifuge with strong antimicrobial activity. Stops bleeding topically, modulates fevers, and supports urinary and digestive tone. Species-sensitive due to essential oil and mild alkaloid content.

Yucca schidigera

Saponin-rich desert root with cortisone-like anti-inflammatory action, joint support, and a famous ability to reduce manure and litter-box ammonia odor in dogs, cats, and livestock.