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.

Bupleurum chinense

Core TCM veterinary herb; liver-mover and harmonizer in formulas like Xiao Yao San and Minor Bupleurum. Treats liver stagnation, hepatitis, and fever in integrative practice.

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.

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.

Stellaria media

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.

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.

Cordyceps militaris

Adaptogenic mushroom renowned for enhancing stamina, oxygenation, kidney function, and cardiac performance. Cultivated Cordyceps militaris provides equivalent cordycepin and adenosine content without wild-harvest concerns.

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

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.

Eleutherococcus senticosus

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.

Euphrasia officinalis

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

Trigonella foenum-graecum

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

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.

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.

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.

Silybum marianum

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.

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.

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.

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.

Plantago ovata

Mucilaginous seed husk providing bulk-forming fiber; flagship herb for equine sand colic prevention and bowel regulation in dogs, cats, and small mammals. Always with water.

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.

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.

Trifolium pratense

Classic lymphatic and alterative herb rich in isoflavones that supports skin, glands, and gentle detoxification. Mild phytoestrogen activity makes it a key adjunct in chronic skin and lymph nodular conditions.

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.

Ganoderma lucidum

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.

Rosa canina

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 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.

Thymus vulgaris

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

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.