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My Three Favorite Herbs

May 01, 2009 - 4 minute read by Dr. Harvey


Choosing my favorite herbs from the hundreds of herbs that I know and love, is like trying to choose my favorite child; impossible. But over the many years that I have worked with herbs for healing, there are three herbs that possess particular properties that continue to amaze me. These three herbs have been used for thousands of years in many cultures. They have repeatedly revealed to me the powers that they possess.


Of course, I have seen many other herbs do miraculous things, but I want to begin by telling you about Astragalus, Calendula and Milk Thistle.

Astragalus

has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. I use it primarily for boosting the immune system.

Immune Function

One of the key uses for Astragalus is to improve immune function. Astragalus also has antiviral properties. I have found it very useful for dogs and cats that have a compromised immune system. It is very useful for animals that have suffered an illness or may be recovering from surgery or injury.
Astragalus is often used in conjunction with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease. For humans it can be taken regularly as a preventative during cold and flu season.
Astragalus may help protect the body from disease as it contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Astragalus has antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The root of the Astragalus is the part that is used for healing purposes.
Astragulus can be used as an extract or a powder and can be found all health food stores.
I use Astragulus as part of our Emune-Boost Supplement formula for dogs and cats.

Calendula

my opinion there is no better topical healing herb than Calendula. When looking for an herbal remedy to treat skin or wounds, think about this wonderful herb.

Calendula has a long history of use as a wound-healing and skin-soothing botanical. This lovely marigold-like flower contains a substance that promotes healing. Calendula also has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It is most often used topically for lacerations, abrasions, and skin infections.

I have seen wounds, rashes and hot spots clear up with amazing rapidity with this wonderful and safe herb. Calendula is an important element in our Healing Cream.

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. It is primarily used for liver and gallbladder disorders. Milk Thistle’s active component is called silymarin. Silymarin is extracted from the seeds of Milk Thistle.

Milk Thistle protects and regenerates the liver. It is one of the best examples of herbal preventative medicine that we have today, as it not only protects each cell of the liver from incoming toxins, but also simultaneously encourages the liver to cleanse itself of damaging substances, drugs, medications, mercury and heavy metals, pesticides, and environmental toxins. That is why it often used as a “liver cleanse”. Milk thistle can be helpful and restorative for dogs and cats that have been on medication or have suffered from illness or any stress to the liver.

Protecting The Liver

As the liver is the major organ of filtration in the body, using milk thistle for dogs or cats who have been eating a commercial pet food diet can assist the liver in eliminating the toxic preservatives contained in these foods.
One of the special qualities of Milk Thistle is that it cleanses and detoxifies a liver that is working too hard by strengthening and tonifying this most important organ.
Milk thistle can be given as a liquid extract or as a powder and is available in all natural health food stores.

Herbal healing is a wonderful gift from nature. Once you see the benefits of using herbs, you will be compelled to learn more. While it may not always be possible to avoid the use of pharmaceuticals, there are times when herbs can offer a safe alternative and have far fewer side effects. Herbs can be beneficial for your companion animals and for everyone in your family.