Tips from our herbalist: August Monday 01 August 2016 Prevention is better than cure: Jane Wallwork-Gush shares some herbal tips for keeping your furry friends fit and healthy. There are a number of approaches to using herbal medicine with animals; Zoopharmacognosy or the principle of animal self-selection, homeopathy and adding herbs singularly or in blends to the feed, and of course external or topical applications. As a herbalist and small-holder, Jane has a simple and practical approach to herbal animal care to keep her companions in good health. Prevention is better than cure. Jane’s dogs Teasel and Loop have a green food supplement daily in their dinner. The constituents of this blend boost immunity and provide a good source of nutrients in addition to their food. It is important to have a few standard remedies and base herbs available for use. It is not always viable practically or economically to have a wide and varied selection of plants, oils and other preparations to hand, particularly essential oils as these can be expensive. With a few simple herbs, powders, oils and essential oils a basic kit is easy to use and maintain and can support your animals in good health. Having a great relationship with your vet and accurate diagnosis is vital, however, we don’t wish to see him too often! BASIC GREEN FOOD SUPPLEMENT 100g Wheatgrass 100g Barleygrass 150g Spinach Powder 100g Bladderwrack 150g Ascophyllum Fine Granules 150g Nettle Powder 100g Cleavers 100g Dandelion Leaf 50g Spirulina Powder Method: Weigh all the ingredients into a bowl and mixed thoroughly. Dosage: Small breeds 2.5ml per day Medium breeds 5ml per day Large breeds 7.5ml – 10ml per day