NATURAL PET
Nutritive Herbs… Not Just for People! By Joyce Belcher
hen I think of nutrition within our pets, I of course go im- mediately to the whole food diet and the necessary bal- ance of the diet. But my next thought is the importance of the absorption of the nutrients within the diet which is where ”Nutritive Herbs” come into play; an important part of good and balanced nutrition. These herbs are a classifi cation to the nutritive value they can provide to enhance the diet.
W Nutritive Herbs are:
• foods that can give our pets some medicinal effects like fi ber, mucilage, diuretic, adaptogenic and play a key role in the absorption of vital nutrients
• considered to be both food and medicine as they have the elements of both
• herbs that provide carbohydrates, fats and proteins along with the vitamins and minerals necessary for good nutrition
• boosting to the immune system • cleansing and alkalizing (detoxifying) of the body
• nourishing to our pets on the deepest level: brain, bones, muscles, skin, coat, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys
• not a substitute for animal protein but wonderful supplementation
It is becoming increasingly clear that to achieve the best health
ever in our pets, they need to consume a balanced diet rich in good quality animal protein, and supplemented with absorbable vitamins, minerals and trace minerals which can be provided with nutritive herbs with a concentrated, nutrient rich balance.
Nutritive herbs can provide an abundance of synergistic ele- ments in their dried or extracted preparation. They are readily avail- able, affordable as well as palatable, making it easy to add to our pet’s daily meals to provide the balance needed for optimal health.
The list of “Nutritive Herbs” is seemingly endless so I have listed a small handful that are what I consider to be some of the most effective with pets and easily obtainable organically grown or ethically wild harvested, some may be in your own yard. Feel free to experiment with one herb or make a compound blend of several with your pet’s individual nutritive needs in mind.
1. Nettle Leaf
Known as “stinging nettle” by its common name. Once dried or extracted, there is no sting left to the leaf and has a diminished chance of allergic reaction. In fact, fresh extractions of nettle leaf are used to combat seasonal allergies by treating imbalances of the mucous membranes. Nettle is a blood purifi er, can be a diuretic where there is excess fl uid, increases kidney and liver function, and is a digestive. It is high in calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, thiamine, and Vitamin A. Nettle is a catalyst for absorption of many vitamins, minerals and trace minerals as well as several other herbs.
2. Alfalfa Herb
Commonly used worldwide as an animal feed, known as “The King of Herbs” and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Known for a cure of all infl ammations including arthritis, also thought to be hypocholesterolemic (lowering cholesterol) and hypoglycemic as well as a blood purifi er and bitter tonic making it a digestive aid as it contains the digestive enzyme betaine. Alfalfa contains natural chlorophyll, the green color in plants but oxidizes quickly when cut so is best to extract or quick dry to maintain the nutritive proper- ties. Alfalfa has 21% crude fi ber, is 20% protein, high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, copper and niacin amongst many other minerals making it a rich source of nutrients.
18 Essential Living Maine ~ March/April 2015
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