USING PLANTS FROM THE HERB GARDEN
by Mary Boughton of Dorwest Herbs
Member of the British Herbal Medicine Association's Veterinary Committee

Most of the herbs mentioned here will be growing in your garden and as you probably will have either grown them from seed or a plant from a reputable nursery, identification should be simple, but before using any of them always ensure you know the true identity of the plant.
Sage leaves have strong antiseptic properties but also a rather strong although pleasant smell. One of its principal uses is as a mouthwash and for the quick relief of sore throats although this may be more appropriate for the owner than the dog after a day on a dusty showground ! Make an infusion of 1oz of dried or 2oz fresh Sage leaves using 1 pint boiling water and allow to cool. Sipped slowly this will soothe sore throats immediately and cleanse the mouth and gums. This infusion can also be rubbed on the gums and teeth of dogs or cats suffering with gingivitis with good effect. Peppermint is medicinally the most used member of the mint family and is well known as an aid to digestion and this is just as appropriate for dogs as it is for people. An infusion of the herb will aid digestion and a few leaves chopped finely and added to the feed will help to prevent wind. It is also very soothing and warming making it beneficial for abdominal cramps as well as sickness and vomiting. Garlic is known as the 'king of herbs' because of its enormous value in medicine. It is antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic as well as having a specific beneficial effect on the circulation and respiratory system. It is an internal purifier of great importance having the ability to cleanse the system, stimulate the immune system and treat infections. Although its use internally is of greatest value, the juice and oil can be used externally to aid healing of wounds and its strong smell acts as a flea repellent. The cloves of garlic can be crushed and added to the food but it really is one of the herbs which is best given in tablet form, mainly so that sufficient quantities can be administered but also to avoid the smell which some people find unpleasant. To increase resistance to fleas and worms, to treat and prevent infections and increase general health there is nothing to approach the effect of this wonderful herb.

Finally, Rosemary must be mentioned as a valuable herb from the garden which can be used for more than just cooking - it is the oil of Rosemary that gives its characteristic odour and it is this volatile oil in the leaves which contain the valuable properties of the herb. It is used internally to aid digestion and strengthen the heart but can also be used externally to rub on the coat to improve condition and prevent scurfiness as well as having the added benefit of flea repellent properties. It has much too woody a leaf to be able to chop finely enough to add to the feed but can be given in its powdered form, or pulped in a blender. For external use it is best used from an infusion made with 1oz dried herb to 1 pint boiling water and allowed to cool.