Pet Herb Library

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

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 17 of 69 herbs

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

BGood EvidenceSolanaceae

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.

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

BGood EvidenceHymenochaetaceae

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.

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.

Chaste Tree Berry

Vitex agnus-castus

AStrong EvidenceLamiaceae

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.

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.

Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosus

BGood EvidenceAraliaceae

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.

Eyebright

Euphrasia officinalis

CLimited EvidenceOrobanchaceae

Upper respiratory and ocular mucous membrane tonic, traditionally used for allergic conjunctivitis, runny eyes, sneezing, and sinus congestion in dogs, cats, and horses.

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

CLimited EvidenceEquisetaceae

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

Marshmallow Leaf

Althaea officinalis

BGood EvidenceMalvaceae

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.

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.

Self Heal

Prunella vulgaris

CLimited EvidenceLamiaceae

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.

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

AStrong EvidenceMarasmiaceae

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

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

BGood EvidenceLamiaceae

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

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.