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Veterinary Acupuncture and Pain Management
Herbal Medicine
Our holistic approach utilises whole plant extracts to cater to each animal's unique needs, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms but to optimise health and vitality. With an emphasis on safety and efficacy, we integrate herbal remedies alongside conventional treatments, promoting comprehensive well-being while adhering to regulatory guidelines for the best care of our animal companions.
FAQ
What is Western Herbal Medicine?
How are herbal medicines prepared and used?
What sets herbs apart as individual medicines?
How does a holistic approach guide herbal treatment?
In what what ways do herbs balance the animal body?
Can herbs harmonise with conventional treatments?
What is Western Herbal Medicine?
Modern western herbal medicine is based upon a knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and ethnobotany combined with modern scientific, chemical, toxicological, and pharmacological knowledge. This evidence-based approach to herbal medicine allows herbs to be prescribed safely and effectively.
How are herbal medicines prepared and used?
Herbal medicines are formulated using whole plants, or extracts of the whole plant, not isolated active constituents. The whole herb extract contains many phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Phytochemicals within an herb or herbal medicine can work together to increase the desired effects and also minimize side effects (the “entourage” effect).
What sets herbs apart as individual medicines?
One of the differences of using herbs as medicines is that each herb has their own set of properties that can have specific effects on the patient. The choice of herbs depends on the nature of what we are trying to treat and also the energetics of our individual patients. It is not “one size fits all”.
How does a holistic approach guide herbal treatment?
When herbal medicines are prescribed to treat an animal a holistic, patient centred approach is always taken. This involves looking at and eliminating the perceived causes of ill health as well as treating symptoms. The goal is to optimize health and increase vitality (energy to self-heal), improving the quality of life for the patient.
In what ways do herbs balance the animal body?
We are trying to stimulate the whole body and its organ systems. Herbs, with their complex and wide range of active constituents, can balance the body rather than just treat a specific problem. We treat the whole animal and empower the body to overcome any disease or problem.
Can herbs harmonise with conventional treatments?
Herbs can be easily used alongside conventional medicine and, like acupuncture, are part of the holistic approach to the health of any animal. All herbal tinctures and tablets I use are medical grade and only available to herbal practitioners and are not for sale over the counter in health shops.
We know that there are several herbs that are recognized in helping with pain and OA and overall well-being but you need to ensure that what you give is both safe and efficacious. What we have to remember with these “natural” products is, that if they are able to exert a positive pharmacological effect, then unwanted side effects are also a possibility. They also have the ability to interact with other medications so care should be taken with their use.
CBD and Veterinary Medicine: Regulations and Precautions
Many over-the counter products (sold for both human and animal use) are ineffective. As they are classed as a food supplement, they are not subjected to the same level of rigorous quality control and efficacy studies that our pharmaceutical products have to be. They only have to be safe. For this reason, the levels of the active ingredient are generally low, there is not as much active ingredient in as the product claims (and in some cases there might not be any!) and the availability of the ingredient to the body may be low, meaning that much of it just passes straight through!! Some of these products may also be contaminated with other substances that we might not wish to be giving to our pets.
Scientific studies supporting the use of many of these products is still lacking and most of the evidence we have is anecdotal or extrapolated from human data. This also applies to CBD containing products and can also be said for many of the drugs we use to manage chronic pain in animals.
PLEASE NOTE: CBD is classed as a prescription only medicine by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and should not be given to animals without a prescription from a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Further Information
If you would like any further information then please contact me via the online contact form or email me at vetacupuncturelincs@gmail.com.