Guest guest Posted March 12, 2004 Report Share Posted March 12, 2004 Here is what I have collected: (Pam) Make an herbal flea powder Combine one part each of as many of these powdered herbs as you can find: eucalyptus fennel rosemary rue wormwood yellow dock Put this mixture in a standard shaker-top jar (such as a jar used for parsley flakes). Apply the flea powder sparingly to your pet's coat by brushing backward with your hand or a comb, and sprinkling it onto the base of the hairs, especially on the neck, back, and belly. If infestation is severe, use several times a week. After each treatment, put your pet outside for awhile so that the disgruntled tenants vacate your pets fur in the backyard (and not in your house). Use an herbal flea collar These collars are impregnated with insect-repellent herbal oils. Some are designed to be “re-charged” with the oils, and can be used repeatedly. Others are designed for a specific usage period before replacement. You can buy these types of products at local health food stores. Add brewer's yeast or garlic to pet food to keep fleas away Yeast is an effective way to control fleas, particularly if your pet's health is good to begin with. Many people also praise garlic as an effective flea repellent, though current scientific studies do not yet support this. (You may also rub trace amounts of garlic directly into your pet's coat as a means to apply.) ===================================== Flea Allergies A common problem among cats and dogs is flea sensitivity and allergy. Key in preventing flea problems is a healthy natural diet. Supplement diet with either formula given above. You may add Kelp powder and Echinacea powder to their diet and Omega-3 Oil, fresh Garlic or capsules would stimulate their immune system In the “hot spots” produced by excessive itching and chewing, thickly coat with an herbal salve made with St. John’s Wort, Calendula and Comfrey. De-flea your house regularly. Vacuum frequently with a strong suction machine, especially in the warm weather. Carpets should be vacuumed and furniture your pet may sit on. Hard wood floors should be waxed or oiled to smother the flea eggs. The pet’s sleeping area should also be de-fleaed. Make cedar sleeping pillows (cedar is a natural flea repellant) and change the chips when the scent is gone. A good natural flea powder should be on the entire sleeping area. Bathe the animal regularly. Use a mild non-detergent base soap. Most soap dry out the natural oils. Keep the pet in warm water for 8 to 10 minutes (a challenge with cats). This drowns the fleas. Make a strong Eucalyptus tea to bathe the animal. Use the fresh leaves if you have them or use the oil directly in the water. Be sure to bathe the head and neck carefully. Flea Shampoo ½ cup castile soap ½ teaspoon orange essential Oil Mix the oil with the soap and store in glass bottle in cool dark closet. Flea Repellent Oil Make a mixture with pure essential oils: 3 drops Eucalyptus 3 drops Pennyroyal (substitute Citronella oil for cats) 3 drops Rosemary *Caution when using essential oils on cats – use sparingly since they like to lick their fur. Mix the oils together and dilute in 2 Tablespoons with a fixed vegetable oil, such as almond or olive oil. Rub a small amount into your hands and apply to the fur. Store in a dry cool place and apply daily until the fleas are gone. OR mix 3 drops Eucalyptus 3 drops Lavender 3 Drops Peppermint *Caution when using essential oils on cats – use sparingly since they like to lick their fur. Flea Collar Use pure essential oils. 10 drops Pennyroyal (Citronella for cats) 5 drops Eucalyptus 5 drops Cedarwood 5 drops Lavender Combine the essential oils, and with a dropper, run a thin bead of essential oils along a leash or segment of soft cotton rope, let sit for 30 minutes. Secure collar around the animal’s neck, but not too loose to get caught on anything. Lasts 1-2 weeks. Flea Powder Use pure essential oils. 1 teaspoon Pennyroyal (for cats Sage or Rosemary) 1 teaspoon Citronella 2 teaspoons Eucalyptus 1 pint Eucalyptus tea Mix together and put into spray bottle. Apply several times a day. Shake well before each use. OR mix 1 cup water 20 drops Cedarwood Mix together, put into spray bottle and use frequently; shake well before each use. Flea Powder 1 cup Diatomaceus Earth (clay) 2 Tablespoons Citronella 4 Tablespoon Eucalyptus 4 Tablespoons Sweet Orange (Diatomaceus Earth is a microscopic skeleton of diatins. Their sharp skeletal structure cuts into the flea scales and kills them). Mix the oils into the clay. Powder. Cover with a porous towel and let sit for several hours. When dry, use a wire whip to stir the oils into the clay. The mixture should smell very strong. If not, repeat the oils and the process. Put into a spice shaker or powder container. Use frequently. OR mix 20 drops cedarwood 10 drops Lemon or citronella 10 drops Eucalyptus 1 cup cornstarch Add the essential oils to the cornstarch and mix well. Let sit for a few days, covered. Put into a shaker can. Shake onto fur and rub in. ----------------------- FLOOR WASH Problems with fleas in your home? Try cleaning your floors and baseboards with this mixture. Boil 1 quart of water. Remove from heat Add 2 tablespoons of dried pennyroyal and 1 tablespoon of peppermint. Cover. Steep 15 minutes. Strain and cool. This mixture can be harmful to pets if ingested. Keep your pets away from the areas you have applied this mixture to until dry. ==================== Herbal Flea Powder and Doggie Deodorizer Recipe. 1 Extra large box of baking soda, 2 lbs Cornstarch. Blend the following to a fine powder: 2 cups dried pennyroyal, 2 cups dried lavender, 1 cup dried Rosemary. The following essential oils: 20 drops citronella 20 drops lemon 30 drops pennyroyal 20 drops rosemary Mix all ingredients and leave the scents mingle a few days. Sprinkle on your pets coat. Make your own flea repellent pillows. For a dog pillow: 2 oz. Pennyroyal, 1 oz Thyme, 1 oz Wormwood. Mix these herbs together and place inside your dogs pillow or sew your own with heavy denim type material. For a cat pillow: 2 oz Pennyroyal, 1 oz Catnip, 1 oz Chamomile. Mix these herbs together and place inside your cats pillow or sew your own pillow. Flea Powder This works for both cats and dogs. 2 oz Pennyroyal, 1 oz Wormwood, 1 oz Rosemary, large dash of cayenne. Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container and use when necessary. To keep fleas out of your pets bed try one of these herbs under your pets blanket. Tansy, Pennyroyal, Mugwort, Yarrow, Feverfew, Wormwood, Thyme, and Chamomile. Feed your animal a diet that has plenty of B vitamins, extra supplements of brewers yeast, wash the bedding with a drawstring pouch filled with Pennyroyal. - DOGS My doggie essential oil box contains the following oils: Lavender: calming, anti-fungal and good for skin Peppermint: discourages insects and prevent motion sickness (applied to towel, not internal) Tea Tree Oil: antibacterial, treat insect bites and cuts Eucalyptus: respiratory, insect prevention and anti-fungal Cedarwood Oil: Flea control Homemade Flea Collars 1 bandana 2 feet of strong rope 2 rubber bands 3 tablespoons each of dried herbs (crushed) Lavender Pennyroyal Eucalyptus 4 drops each Cedarwood Oil Citronella Oil Geranium Oil Laying the bandana flat, pour herbs into the center forming a line going cattycorner on the bandana. Mix the oils together in a small dish and pour over the line of herbs. Lay the rope across the herb line with equal measure sticking off both ends of bandana. Taking the corner closest to you fold bandana over to form a triangle. Gather the bandana tightly around the rope as you go, roll the bandana into one long tube. *Herbs should be equally dispersed along the rolled length. Secure each in of your " tube " with a rubber band (tightly). Be cautious on fitting your new flea collar on your dog. You do not want it too tight of course, but also not loose enough for her to bite at it and spill herbs all over the place. I used this on my puppies since I did not want to use chemicals when they were young. ** Use a strong knot and not a slip knot when securing the bandana.** Bedding Stuffing Add in the pillowcase of your dogs' floor pillow to keep fleas at bay: Cedar chips Dried Lavender Pennyroyal ==================================== The Best All-Around Non-Toxic Flea Control More Remedies & Treatments Solutions FPRIVATE " TYPE=PICT;ALT= " The Care2 Staff Let’s face it. Fleas are the WORST, but applying pesticides to our pampered pooches doesn’t make us howl with excitement either. In an attempt to find non-toxic flea control remedies, Care2 staff stumbled upon this amazing technique that kills fleas fast without toxic chemicals. While citrus peel extract (d-limonene) works well for dogs, cats can't tolerate it, so this is an especially great choice. Simple Solution: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder comprised of microskeletons of deceased diatoms, which are a type of algae (both fresh water and sea water varieties occur). You sprinkle the powder on your pets and your carpets, and the fleas die from dehydration. As a foster care provider for hundreds of dogs, this stuff has been a miracle. You can use it on dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats. How it works: When applied to the animal's fur, DE scrubs on the hard exoskeletons of fleas. The tiny granules of silicon (think finely ground sand) work in the tiny holes of the flea's respiratory system and in the joints of the fleas. Every time the flea moves or breathes, the silicon grinds away at the exoskeleton, eventually killing the flea through blocking/maiming the respiratory holes or by water loss, as the exoskeleton helps keep in the flea's body water. It works the same way when applied to carpets instead of fur. How to use it: 1) Wear a mask and put one on your pet. Even though it's nontoxic, you don't want to get it in your lungs. 2) Sprinkle the DE along your dry pet's spine. Massage it along the body, working your way carefully to the extremities, avoiding the eyes. 3) Spread some diatomaceous earth on the carpets, brush it in and leave for about four days. Then vacuum it up to remove most of the fleas in the carpet. 4) Repeat the application frequently during an infestation. You should notice a decrease in fleas within a couple days. NOTE: Make sure not to use the kind of DE used in swimming pools. Use natural diatomaceous earth; it is available in gardens supply centers, some health food stores, and from natural-pet catalogs. Citrus peel extract is an excellent choice against fleas for dogs, because its components—d-limonene and linalool—kill all stages of the flea's life cycle. I have completely eradicated our home and dogs of fleas using citrus peel extract—I don’t think anything else works as well. Still, you must use caution: while it is a natural material, and much safer for health and the environment than toxic synthetic pesticides, it is not without problems, especially for asthmatics (see “Caution,” below). Citrus shouldn't be used around cats. Simple Solution: For Fleas from and on Dogs Assuming you don’t own a cat, and you keep your windows open when using citrus peel extract products, get rid of fleas in your house by washing floors twice a week with a solution of 1/4 cup citrus peel extract (available in health food stores--citra solve is one brand) in 1 to 2 gallons of water. Spray bedding with a mixture of 2 teaspoons citrus peel extract and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. To make a fur rub for the dog, cut up 4 lemons, and simmer for one hour in 1 quart of water, adding more water as it evaporates. Cool the mixture, strain, and massage into the dog’s coat. Note that there are a number of pure citrus-peel-based pet products on the market (see Shop for Supplies, below). For Cats *and* Dogs Herbal repellents work well to repel fleas. Make an herbal infusion by adding a handful of dried herbs (available in most health food stores) to a tea pot and fill with boiling water. Let the “tea” set overnight, and then strain it into a spray bottle. Recommended herbs include southernwood, rue, rosemary, sage, catmint, eucalyptus, and leaves from the black walnut tree. Start with just a small amount to make sure the pet can tolerate the herb. --\ ----- http://www.naturalhealthweb.com/articles/kay3.html Herbal Critter Repellent Mix: Dried peppermint, eucalyptus, bay leaf, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, clove buds. Crush your botanicals well and fill a muslin bag or use it in the cedar chip mixture of your dog’s bed. The muslin bags can be placed near your dogs bedding area. Tick Spritzer Blend: 2 drops of Lavender, Basil, Lemon, Opponax, Eucalyptus 1 tea spoon apple cider vinegar 1 tea spoon vodka 1 cup of dried marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary 1- 2 cups of water Please note that this tick repellent is not for treating or curing any tick related or other diseases. Contact your dog's vet in case you are concerned about a tick bite! Flea Spritzer Blend: 2 drops of cedarwood, lemongrass or citronella, rose geranium 1 tea spoon AVC (apple cider vinegar) 1 tea spoon vodka 1 cup of dried peppermint, eucalyptus, bay leaf herbs 1- 2 cups of water Keep in mind that the effectiveness of your blend will depend on the quality of your essential oils and herbs; therefore always buy therapeutic grade essential oils and organic botanicals/herbs. Add the essential oils and vodka in a bottle, tighten the lid and shake well. Once the mixture blended (should turn slightly white), add apple cider vinegar. If you have some herbs mentioned above you can make an herbal tea to use in your spritzer. Boil 2-4 cups of water and remove from heat. Add your dried herbs in the water and let is simmer for 30 minutes. Once cool, drain and use instead of plain water in your spritzer. If you are using an herbal tea, this mixture must be kept in the refrigerator as the herbal teas have the tendency to go bad faster. Once you have your spritzer you can use this by gently spraying it in to your dogs coat, legs, tummy and back. Rub it in well and apply it as necessary. --\ -------------- http://www.aromathyme.com/natural-home.html PET POWDER 2 drops Juniper Oil 2 drops Lavender Oil 1/2 cup arrowroot OR cornstarch OR clay OR baking soda OR any equal parts of these Directions: Combine the arrowroot and essential oils. Crushing the clumps of oils between your fingers to evenly distribute them. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the pure essential oils to avoid any contact with eyes or delicate mucous membranes. Sprinkle on pet as a preventive powder. HERBAL BUG REPELLENT PILLOW You can make a bug repellent pillow for a cat or dog by adding equals amounts of Lavender flowers, Cedarwood chips and Pennyroyal herb (NOT THE OIL), to the stuffing of a pillow or small homemade pet mattress. If you are substituting essential oils for the dried herbs, us ONLY 5 drops TOTAL to pillow or mattress and again AVOID PENNYROYAL OIL. I know that Penny royal oil is used in many animals recipes but I feel that it is too strong to be used directly on an animal. Also AVOID using Citrus Oils. While they are an ingredient in many flea repellents, they are used highly diluted. I once witnessed a small kitten go into convulsions after an unsuspecting owner applied orange oil to its fur. I would not use pure essential oils on young kittens and dogs. I tend to use homeopathy with my cats and seldom have the need to use essential oils on them. PETS BATH WATER: Pure essential oils may be added in small amounts to a pet's bath water. About 8 drops of essential oils to 2 gallons of water. These oils work well: Lavender, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Peppermint or Tea Tree. To get rid of doggy smells and pet odors, spray bedding regularly with a solution of 3 drops eucalyptus oil and 2 drops rosemary to 2 oz of purified water. This makes a quick, instant spray. As there is no alcohol to preserve the oils, make up small amounts at a time and shake the bottle vigorously before using. From The Naturally Scented Home by Julia Bird page 85. Natural Alternatives for Insect Repellants The following essential oils have been found to have moderate to high effectiveness in keeping various insects away from you. To repel mosquitoes: Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella, Geranium, Juniper, Rosemary To repel house flies: Citronella, Geranium, Juniper To repel ants: All Mints To repel fleas: Cajeput, Lemon, Pine Citrus oils can be used as natural cleaning agents around the house. Simply add a few drops of Orange, Lemon, Bergamot or Mandarin oil to water, moisten a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe down children's rooms and school bags. ======================================================================= http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/ento/mythconc.htm#fleas Flea Shampoo (source: http://www.888CleanLA.com) 2 cups boiling water 1/2 cup sodium lauryl sulfate 1/4 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons peppermint essential oil 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons rosemary essential oil 2 tablespoons white cedar essential oil 1/2 cup citronella essential oil 2 tablespoons eucalyptus essential oil Mix water and sodium lauryl sulfate together until completely dissolved. Cool. Mix vinegar and remaining ingredients and add to sodium lauryl sulfate mixture. Flea Collar: (source: http://www.888CleanLA.com) 2 tablespoons peppermint essential oil 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons rosemary essential oil 2 tablespoons white cedar essential oil 1/4 cup citronella essential oil 2 tablespoons eucalyptus essential oil Soak a natural fiber rope in mixture and let dry for several hours. Tie around pet's neck Dog House Flea Repellant (source: http://www.888CleanLA.com) Wash dog houses with salt water. Scatter fresh pine needles or cedar shavings under your pet's sleeping pad. Keep bedding clean --\ ---------------------- http://www.pet-grub.com/appendixA/scene10.pets If you have ever read books like Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats you will notice that for skin problems like fleas, ringworm, mange, ticks to name a few, it is suggested that people should ensure their companion is getting enough of the mineral called sulphur. Sulphur helps with skin problems. Garlic is said to repel fleas, and it does, but not because of its odour. It does so because it has a high sulphur content. Equally important to ensuring that your companion gets enough sulphur, one needs to ensure your companion can utilize the sulphur. You can be feeding foods high in sulphur, but if your pets can’t utilize the sulphur, then the sulphur is useless. The best way, in my opinion, to ensure your companion is utilizing nutrients of all kinds is to feed wholesome, natural foods with good supplements..... the key word again is balance. --\ --------- http://www.pet-grub.com/appendixA/scene10.pets What’s The Herbal Flea Alternative For Pets? I like to use the ancient herb called erigeron. Very rare, this herb dates back to Medieval times when the herb was burnt as a smudge stick to clear the air of insects. This herb is still used by native Indians who make a tea from it. Luckily, erigeron does not overpower your dog or cat’s sense of smell. It helps to deter, zap and exterminate fleas naturally because of its aroma. It is soothing and healing to the skin. If licked internally it is said to aid digestion. I personally have used erigeron flea application on myself when I was hiking to help get rid of the bugs. I’ve also used erigeron to remove an itch created by my knapsack. I always keep it on hand for immediate use on either my pets or myself. I've also seen erigeron literally make fleas jump off one cat that had a major infestation. Now I know what you are thinking, you’re saying, if this herb is so good, why doesn’t everyone use it. Well, the truth is that erigeron is classified as a weed by many. It’s common name is Canadian Fleabane and is probably growing in a forest or pasture near you, but because it is a weed, farmers don’t grow it. Erigeron will over take the land if planted and so farmers fearing the loss of their fields, terminate it. In addition, erigeron can only be harvested for one week out of the year. Truly, erigeron is an interesting herb. Erigeron is the only product I suggest you use to get rid of fleas naturally. I wouldn't use any other product or any other brand. So to help with fleas, the following products are available through all-the-best.com: FleaBane Shampoo 16oz FleaBane Spray 16oz You can use one or both of the above products. Generally speaking, the Erigeron spray not only helps to rid your pet of fleas, but also helps to soothe and heal the skin. For around the home or yard, I like to suggest a natural product called " Greg's Green Earth " as it helps to effectively eliminate fleas. Made from calcium based salt covered in natural oils, a product like this will stick to the fleas and then dehydrate them rather than poison them. Clearly a better choice than chemicals you spray in your home. A product like this which is environmentally friendly will not harm your pets, you or your family. Unfortunately, I do not know where to currently get Greg's Green Earth. --\ ---- http://www.caninecaregroup.net/dholistichealth.htm#IMMUNE%20SYSTEM%20AND%20INFEC\ TIOUS%20DISEASES Diet A natural preservative-free diet and supplements is the cornerstone of a healthy immune system, whereas a bad diet invites disease. Fasting is really helpful when there is a fever or at the onset of an infection (see chapter three for details). If you only add one supplement make it vitamin C. It helps to rebuild the immune system and is a good preventative measure against infections. Use high quantities of vitamin C spread throughout the day (you can go to bowel-tolerance levels). Other immune boosting supplements are B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and D (or use cod liver oil), zinc, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin E and selenium. Apple cider vinegar added to food or water is also an immune booster, as is royal jelly. Do not use brewer's yeast in cases of fungal or bacterial infections (see chapter four for details on food supplements). _______________ Fast. Reliable. Get MSN 9 Dial-up - 3 months for the price of 1! (Limited-time Offer) http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200361ave/direct/01/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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