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Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments Herbal Help for Humans and their CompanionsThis week we feature:-
Feline - Struvite Stones Struvite stones in the cat are almost always formed because of the urinary changes that occur with specific types of bladder infection. Almost always a staphylococcal infection but occasionally a Proteus infection. Struvite crystals are not unusual in normal urine and are usually of no consequence but when they are present in very large amounts together with a Staph or Proteus bladder infection, crystals can congeal into stones. It all begins with a substance called urea. Urea is a waste product generated in the metabolism of protein and it is removed from the body via excretion in urine. When urine is infected with bacteria that are able to digest urea, urea is broken down into ammonia . Ammonia is toxic to the cells of the bladder wall and its presence generates inflammation although the infection present also generates inflammation as well. The proteins released in the inflammatory reaction form a matrix which the struvite crystals use to form an actual stone. The reaction takes place only in an alkaline pH but the presence of ammonia creates just the alkaline pH needed for stone formation. Bacteria capable of digesting urea are called urease positive bacteria and in most cases we are talking about Staphylococci. In general rule is: No infection, no bladder stone. Canine - Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease involving the spinal cord. It is thought to be an inflammatory, autoimmune disease, variable in its presentation and course, in which the immune system attacks the dog's central nervous system. This attack leads to a loss of insulation around the nerve fibers (myelin) and of nerve fibers (axons). This disorder affects dogs 5 years of age or older. There is a slowly progressive loss of coordination in the hind limbs, with increasing weakness. This occurs because of deterioration of structures in the spinal cord that are responsible for conduction of nerve impulses (specifically the loss of myelin and degeneration of axons in the white matter). Although the changes may be found anywhere in the spinal cord, they are most severe in the lower back (thoracolumbar) region. The following breeds have been found to develop the same type of Degenerative myelopathy as that seen in the German Shepherd Dog: Belgian Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Labs and possibly the Great Pyreenes. Confirmation of diagnosis in other breeds is very important. The changes develop slowly and may initially be blamed on hip dysplasia. The first signs are weakness and lack of coordination in the hind limbs, which are more apparent when the dog is walking on a smooth surface. One side may be more severely affected than the other. The condition does not appear to be painful, and dogs retain the ability to control urination and defecation, although as they become progressively weaker they will be unable to move to an appropriate spot or assume the necessary posture. These signs gradually worsen until the dog is unable to walk, usually several months to a year after the neurologic problems are first noticed. The herbal mix includes Mugwort, Hypericum, Saw Palmetto, Horsetail Comfrey, Parsley and Maritime Pine Bark along with the Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, Oak, Wild Rose, Scleranthus and Clematis. Together these herbs will strengthen the myelin sheath and support the nerve impulse process. Equine - COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) COPD in horses can be likened to asthma or hayfever or allergies in humans. COPD is most often seen in mature horses (usually seven and older) that are stabled during the winter months. It is rarely apparent in warm, dry climates where horses are kept outside all year. The most significant management factors involve the horse's environment. Turn the horse out as often as possible. Reduce dust in the stable by removing bedding such as straw or shavings. Instead, use shredded paper or rubber matting. Keep hay away from your horse as much as possible, and ensure that any hay in the vicinity is kept dry. 1. Provide a feed that is low in dust such as pellets and alfalfa cubes. Grass silage (haylage) is no longer recommended due to the risk of botulism. 2. Remove your horse out of the stable when you are mucking out, to reduce exposure to dust. 3. Ensure that there is good, draught free ventilation through the stable. Keep doors open at all times and ensure that there are large windows that can be kept open. It is better to keep your horse warm by giving him more rugs, than by closing off his ventilation. 4. Stick with your management routine to minimize exposure to allergens. Few horse owners stick with a plan for the long-term, making recurrence of symptoms likely. Treatment Recommendations: Herbal treatment will strengthen the lungs, reduce sensitivity to allergens and rid the body of any secondary infections. 1. The Allergic Rhinitis Mix nourishes and settles the respiratory immune system, reducing symptoms and oversensitivity. 2. Chest and Immunity Tonic; To treat all types of coughs and respiratory infections. It stimulates the chest muscles and the mucous membranes of the lungs and bronchials, to clear residues and infections, while also building up resistance and cleaning the blood. I also recommend adding the following supplements to your horses: 1. Chamomile tea; Dose a handful of the flowers to 1 litre of boiling water. Steep, cool and add half to feed am and half pm. 2. Crushed white millet and Linseed, (1 cup of each) halved and added to feed am and pm. A few horses will experience a slight increase in symptoms at the 2-3 week mark, as the herbs start to repair the problem, but this will resolve within the week. Human - Vitiligo Herbal Treatment Vitiligo is a condition in which a loss of melancytes results in whitish patches of skin. It can be seen prominently on the upper surface of the hands, and may only include a couple of patches or it may cover large parts of the body. The areas affected also includes a loss of pigment in the hairs growing on that effected skin. Vitiligo may result following an unusual physical trauma particularly to the head, it may also occur in conjunction with other diseases such as Addisons dis., diabetes, pernicious anaemia and thyroid diseases. Due to its disfiguring outcome it can have severe psychological effects. Interestingly it is seen mostly as a southern hemisphere problem it is thought that the exposure to ultra violet effects the melanin layer of the skin. It is important to keep the sun off the effected areas. as the unpigmented skin areas are very prone to sunburn. Our mix for external application that includes Comfrey, Hypericum, Celandine, Thuja, Calendula and Maritime Pine Bark along with the Bach Flowers Crab Apple, Clematis, Cherry Plum and Chestnut Bud. It consists of the following herbs: - Hypericum - for nerve endings, Cajuput - stimulates circulation, Cod Liver Oil- Is high in A and D vitamins , Wheat Germ Oil- High in Vitamin E. Research on other herbs Other herbs that may be helpful: An extract from khella , a mediterranean (Ammi visnaga) is so far one of the best herbs found to be useful in vitiligo. Khellin, the active constituent, appears to work like psoralen drugs-it stimulates repigmentation of the skin by increasing sensitivity of remaining pigment-containing cells (melanocytes) to sunlight. Studies have used 120-160 mg of khellin per day. A double blind, placebo controlled study of 60 people indicated that the combination of oral khellin and natural sun exposure caused repigmentation in 76.6% of the treatment group; in comparison, no improvement was seen in the control group receiving sunlight plus placebo. Khellin has no reported side effects when used topically. Oral doses, however, have caused various side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to liver inflammation. In a double-blind study of 52 people with slowly spreading vitiligo, supplementation with Ginko Biloba extract (standardized to contain 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides), in the amount of 40 mg three times per day for up to six months, resulted in marked to complete repigmentation in 40% of cases, compared with only 9% among those receiving a placebo. Home Remedies - Vegetarians and Vit B 12 Where do Vegetarians obtain Vitamin B12 from? Traditionally vegetarians thought that Vitamin B12 was readily avaialble in Mushrooms, however the latest research may disput this Some reseacrh on mushrooms is being done at Uni of western Sydney that is meant to be finished in 2008 /9 However, those who do not eat meat should not rely on mushrooms as they provide only about 10% of daily requiremnets as a source of vitamin B12. Eggs and dairy products will supply vitamin B12 for vegetarians, but those who eat no animal products should get B12 from a supplement or from some soy products to which the vitamin has been added. Getting enough vitamin B12. Animal foods provide all the B12 you need -- so if you have dairy foods or eggs you're OK. Vegans can get B12 from soy milk and cereals that have it added, and studies are under way to check if the type of B12 found in mushrooms is used by the body. Comfrey and spirulina, once thought to be sources of B12, have been found to contain a form the body can't use. There are also questions regarding the body's ability to use the B12 found in fermented soya products such as tempeh. It's hard to spot a B12 deficiency until after damage has occurred -- once you can notice the damage to blood cells and nerves, it's too late -- so it's a good idea to have your blood B12 levels checked regularly if you're a vegan, and pregnant or breastfeeding vegans may need a supplement. Children may too, once breastfeeding stops, unless they are having a formula or soy drink that has added B12. http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=100918&catId=100289&tid=100008&p=3&title=Going+vegetarian Reader Feedback We value your feedback so much that we are making it easier for you to send us a sentence or two. Please fill in the form below and click 'Submit' Wishing you and your companions the best of health and happiness. Yours Truly, Judith Burton for Robert McDowell |
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