Guest guest Posted May 22, 2003 Report Share Posted May 22, 2003 Hi everyone, This was not only informative, but very cute... Be Well, Misty http://www..com Herbal Care For The Aging Dog Excerpted from Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care As a 50-something graybeard, I have a lot of empathy for my aging dog, Rufus He is almost as gray around the muzzle as I am, and I know exactly how his rusty joints feel when he gets up off his bed in the morning. Neither he nor I is quick to hear my wife, Sue, when she calls, and both of us are a little stockier around the middle — despite taking in almost exactly the same amount of daily food we ate when we were younger. He and I are both slower in our get-along, and neither of us sees as well as we once did. I understand perfectly that he just wants to lie by my side and be petted as I type away on this book. The fact is that nearly all of Rufus’s and my body systems are not what they once were. We cannot deny these age-related changes, but both of us are learning that herbal tonics are the perfect companions as we continue our journey through life. A Holistic Protocol for Aging Nothing can prevent aging, but you can prevent some of the problems associated with it. Rufus and I take our daily dose of herbs for one organ system or the other. We use several of my favorite herbs (many of which are listed in this book), concentrating on one organ system for a month or so and then moving on to another organ system. Both of us over the years have come to enjoy the tart taste of the herbs; indeed, neither of us enjoys our food quite as much without the tang of herbs sprinkled on top. Use Tonic Herbs Tonic herbs support the function of different organs, which, in turn, improves the overall health of the body. I prefer to use tonic herbs on an on-off basis, alternating them as our taste buds, our perceived needs for the month, and the availability of the herbs dictate. My favorite tonic herbs for the aging dog include: Dandelion, which enhances liver function and is a diuretic Echinacea, a general immune-system balancer Ginger, which boosts a lethargic digestive system Hawthorn, a cardiotonic that helps the aging heart Milk thistle, a liver-function enhancer Nettle, a gentle, whole-body tonic Sarsaparilla, a male rejuvenator and immune-system enhancer Saw palmetto, a male rejuvenator that is especially good to help avoid prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement) Get Adequate Exercise I am a firm believer in the adage " Use it or lose it. " So even though exercise is more of a chore than a pleasure for both Rufus and me, we make it a point to take our country walks at least four times a week. And while I lift weights to maintain the muscle mass that wants to deteriorate with every passing year, Rufus chases his ball for a daily muscle-building routine. Incorporate Antioxidants As we age, our cells are producing more and more free radicals — chemicals that speed the aging process. One of the keys to antiaging is to counter this overproduction of free radicals with antioxidants. Vitamins C and A are good antioxidants, but so are many herbs. Some of the culinary herbs even have antioxidant activity. These include: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Longevity Herbs? In addition to the above regimen, both Rufus and I are gradually adding to our daily intake herbs that can enhance the length and quality of life during the golden years. Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Ginkgo is our primary antiaging herb. It acts on two major systems of the body: the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Ginkgo has proved effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and senile dementia. (In animals, senile dementia associated with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms is referred to as cognitive dysfunction or dimming mind syndrome.) Ginkgo enhances both long-term and short-term memory in puppies and old critters alike. This popular herb improves circulation and has good antioxidant activity. Studies also indicate that ginkgo is often effective as treatment for age-related hearing and vision loss, dizziness and vertigo, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary contains bioactive ingredients that help prevent the breakdown of the chemical acetylcholine in the brain. A deficiency in acetylcholine is believed to be a contributing factor in senility in general and Alzheimer’s disease in particular. Rosemary is also an important antioxidant. Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, the good fats that reduce triglycerides and cholesterol (the prime fatty arterial blockers) and prevent blood clots. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is the yellow component of curry powder, and it stimulates the liver’s bile production. This herb is a potent antioxidant. Turmeric is also heart healthy, acting as a blood thinner (which prevents clots) and helping to prevent excess cholesterol accumulation. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) The green variety of tea contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which are a type of flavonoid that may be a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins C and E. Green tea is oxidized for a shorter period of time than black tea; practitioners don’t think the black variety has the same health benefits. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) A traditional herb of both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola has antioxidant activity that protects the body from damage by free radicals. The herb is particularly useful for stress-related disorders and memory problems. Rufus and I (and the rest of our aging family) are just beginning to try gota kola, so you should consult a local holistic practitioner to see if it will benefit your dog. — from Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care by Dr. Randy Kidd, D.V.M., Ph.D http://www.wiser-women.com/modules.php?name=News & file=article & sid=7 Kerry Argue not with dragons, for thou art crunchy and go well with brie No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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