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.

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.

Zea mays

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.

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.

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.

Foeniculum vulgare

A gentle carminative herb for gas, bloating, and appetite stimulation. Safe for dogs and often accepted readily due to its mild licorice-like flavor.

Trigonella foenum-graecum

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

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.

Crataegus monogyna

The premier heart-support herb for aging pets. Used in veterinary cardiology protocols for congestive heart failure, murmurs, and circulation. Works synergistically with conventional heart medications.

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.

Verbascum thapsus

A gentle respiratory herb used for coughs, bronchial issues, and ear infections (as flower-infused oil). Safe and soothing for the lungs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.