This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
By Joyce Belcher


Natural Pet


Herbal Help for Pets to “Spring” Forward


and our pets is to move stagnation from the lymphatic system, blood and organs. Schisandra berry is warming enough for the re- mainder of winter but cooling enough to adjust the body for spring preparation. It can help to bring balance to our pets as they spend more time breathing recycled air than in the warmer months when our windows are open and they’re romping in the grass. Schisandra is an adaptogen, a remedy that reduces the effect of stress on the body by reducing the production of stress hormones from the adrenal glands. But, schisandra goes beyond many other adaptogens in the fact that it also has a strong impact on the ner- vous system. In Chinese medicine, it is said to calm the shen (spirit or emotions) that lives in the heart. In Western terms, it enhances memory and refl exes and has antidepressant and anticonvulsive effects. It has an effect on the central nervous, sympathetic, endo- crine, immune, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The skin is the largest organ of elimination and plays a vital role in the immune system. When you see signs of rashes, skin irritations, yeasty ears, itching and scratching, bald or thin spots in the fur, allergies to all sorts of things, runny eyes, pH imbalance, growths, tumors; these can all be signs that the liver as well as other eliminatory organs may be overburdened. The liver, kidneys, colon, and intestines work hard to keep the body functioning well but processed (commercial) foods, public drinking water, pharmaceuti- cals, vaccinations, fl ea-tick chemicals and collars, can overload the body with toxins, some being heavy metals This fruit has been shown to increase the production of en-


A


zymes in the liver and the organs of digestion, especially the bowel which increases the body’s ability to metabolize and eliminate toxins. Schisandra is hepatoprotective, meaning it can protect the liver from damage and it increases hepatic glutathione which is an essential liver antioxidant. For this reason, it should be considered for adjunct therapy when heartworm is present and the dog is un- dergoing treatment. Studies have shown that signifi cant protection is provided against chemical and drug induced liver damage. It may prevent liver damage that could be caused by hepatotoxic medi- cations as well as vaccinations, given in advance for 14-30 days, continue during and after for 14-30 days. If using certifi ed organic dried and powdered berries: ½ tsp. per 25 lbs. body weight. If us- ing 1:5 extract in certifi ed organic alcohol/water: ½ drop per lb. of body weight.


s we count down the days until spring, we start to imagine spring cleaning and letting go of the heaviness winter brings us all. A nice way of letting go of heaviness within ourselves


Stress creates a turmoil situation for our pets’ immune system


and overall wellbeing. Schisandra has a stress-protective effect as it is calming and relieves anxiety, both physical as well as mental. It has a dual effect on the nervous system by enhancing mental acuity and calming over stimulated (hyper-activity) to help create balance within. Because of this, schisandra is also quite useful with our working dogs as it heightens mental focus without causing agita- tion, restlessness or overstimulation. It helps with performance both physically and mentally as it provides respiratory support, enhances refl exes, work performance, facilitates recovery and overall im- proved body function. For many of these reasons schisandra is a nice addition for guide and service dogs, not only for the balance of focus and mental clarity without boredom, but for the energetic and physical protection it provides. This type of working dog faces many health challenges by taking on the energy of the person or persons he/she is helping. The fl ower essence can be used along with the extract or ground berry powder to provide optimum protection, both physi- cal and emotional. Yarrow fl ower essence (tri-color) combines well with schisandra for blocking unhealthy energy, providing a wel- come safety net for animals working in such environments. This herb is quite helpful for use in horses with COPD (chronic


obstructive pulmonary disorder), or dogs with asthmatic symp- toms, especially if the kidneys are weak. This is partly due to the anti-infl ammatory properties and is useful to treat wet coughs and wheezing. Schisandra is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Fat, Chromium, Cobalt and Magnesium and it blends well with Rhodiola Root, Milk Thistle, Cilantro, Bacopa and Oatstraw among other herbs. Schisandra should NOT be used in pregnant animals. It is sometimes used with humans to promote childbirth in late pregnan- cy. Studies with rabbits show that it increases the reproductive cells in males and females. Removing toxins on a regular basis provides optimal health and balances immune function, schisandra can help to prevent and/or eliminate many toxins while protecting the body.


Herbs for Life, Inc. is a small batch, handcrafted manufacturer in York, Maine USA since 2008. They produce pure, organic herbal pet supplements with no fi llers or bulk agents. Their formulas are uniquely developed by an Herbalist/Formulator and Holistic Veterinarians. Joyce Belcher is an Herbalist-Formulator specializing in organic medicinal formulations for animals, herbal consultant in veterinary herbalism. Visit www.petwellnessblends.com for more information. See ad on page 11.


www.EssentialLivingMaine.com 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29