Pet Herb Library

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

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 25 of 69 herbs

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

BGood EvidenceFabaceae

An adaptogenic immune-modulating herb safe for long-term use. Used for chronic immune support, cancer adjunct therapy, and vitality in aging pets. Unlike echinacea, safe for extended use.

Burdock Root

Arctium lappa

CLimited EvidenceAsteraceae

A gentle detoxifying herb excellent for chronic skin conditions in dogs. Supports liver function and blood purification. Safe for long-term use.

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

TTraditional UseLamiaceae

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.

Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

BGood EvidenceRubiaceae

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

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.

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.

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.

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

BGood EvidenceRosaceae

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.

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.

Licorice Root

Glycyrrhiza glabra

BGood EvidenceFabaceae

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.

Maitake

Grifola frondosa

AStrong EvidenceGrifolaceae

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

Marshmallow Root

Althaea officinalis

BGood EvidenceMalvaceae

A soothing demulcent similar to slippery elm. Excellent for urinary tract support, GI inflammation, and respiratory irritation. Very safe for all species.

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

BGood EvidenceRosaceae

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.

Milk Thistle

Silybum marianum

AStrong EvidenceAsteraceae

The go-to liver support herb for pets. One of the most evidence-backed herbs in veterinary medicine. Used after drug therapy, toxin exposure, or for ongoing liver health.

Nettle

Urtica dioica

BGood EvidenceUrticaceae

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.

Oatstraw

Avena sativa

BGood EvidencePoaceae

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.

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.

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.

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

AStrong EvidencePolyporaceae

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.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

BGood EvidenceZingiberaceae

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.

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.

Yucca Root

Yucca schidigera

BGood EvidenceAsparagaceae

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.