Plants like Marshmallow and Skullcap are starting to emerge in the herb garden, joining the other plants that are growing well. Many plants such as Angelica, Meadowsweet and Valerian enjoy a damper environment, which is just as well with the current weather 🌧️
#herbgarden #herbsforpets🌱 #herbalmedicine #zoopharmacognosyapplied #zoopharmacognosy #plantmedicine #supportingnature #naturalworld #mothernature #supportingwildlife
Rootin’ tootin’ good ….
The lovely Lola thoroughly enjoying dried burdock root and dandelion root, from a range of herbs offered. As the plant dies back towards the end of the year the energy is sent down to its roots to help it through the winter. Roots are generally harvested in autumn after the first few frosts which signal the plant to move this energy. Wild animals such as badgers and deer will dig for roots, in fact deer are pretty adept at doing this.
Burdock root has many supportive properties including immune support, cleansing the system which could be beneficial for skin conditions and joint issues, as well as supporting the digestive system and gut health.
Dandelion root has diuretic activity and supports the urinary system, as well as being rich in potassium - which is felt to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. This plant also has a positive effect on the liver and supports healthy digestion.
We offer a range of herbal options at sessions for your animal to choose to support them for their optimal health. This is a journey for both you and your animal, and if this is something you want to embark on, check out our website for more information:
https://holistichoundaoanimals.co.uk/herbal-self-selection
Also, the sweet Lola is still looking for her person or persons, so if you have a dog shaped hole in your life click on the link for more info about her: https://www.bleakholt.org/portfolio-items/lola-2/
Amazing time learning about bees today 🐝 🌼🌺🌸🌻
Lovely German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica/chamomilla)
This annual plant readily self-seeds and often produces white flowers, with yellow centre, throughout the year. Grows best in full or partial sun, however the blooms will last longer in partial shade.
Traditionally the flowers are used and are best collected through the summer, and picked during dry weather. These flowers can be dried, and when offered to cats many will select; often rolling on them.
German chamomile has anthelmintic properties, particularly against roundworms and whip worms, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions which may be useful for general aches and pains.
The mild sedative action of this plant has traditionally been used for anxiety and stress related issues, tension and restlessness, and is supportive for digestive upsets brought on by nervousness or hyper-excitability.
A cooled tea, which could be offered alongside fresh water, is supportive for gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, vomiting and intestinal gas. The flowers contain a range of constituents including Chamazulene and Apegenin which together have antispasmodic actions, and could be supportive in easing nervous spasms. Additionally a cooled tea has been commonly used topically on bites and contact allergies to reduce inflammation, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. However if using externally always offer to your animal before applying, and always apply to a small area first to ensure no reaction.
This herb, however, is best avoided during early pregnancy and in large quantities in cats, so would probably be best omitted from a catio or cat garden
NOTE: We promote offering for self-selection (zoopharmacognosy), preferably alongside choice(s), and should not replace appropriate veterinary care. We would also suggest further investigation to ensure there are no contraindications with any medication or conditions your animal may have. Properties and information listed comes from personal ex
We recently completed an Enrichment course with the fabulous Kirsty at The Dog Nose.
So what is enrichment?
It is “the act or process of adding or improving the quality or power of something by adding something else”
So how can we translate this to animals
We can add species appropriate items to their environment to stimulate senses and behaviour, along with offering and giving your animal the ability to choose. The European Commission has a document that requires “provision of enrichment materials to pigs” and states should provide “a sufficient quantity of suitable materials necessary to enable pigs to fulfil their innate needs to look for food (edible materials), bite (chewable materials), root (investigable materials) and manipulate (manipulable materials)”. This may be due to research finding that enrichment reduced the rate of aggression amongst pigs.
If we think about our daily routine with our animals we have a huge impact on their decisions, which is needed to keep them safe and often to be able to fit into our daily lives. But what makes your animal “tick”; what do they enjoy? Enrichment should bring enjoyment to your animal, positive experiences, and bring the wider world into their environment.
Could this benefit your animal?
By introducing new experiences to your animal and giving them options to make decisions, you not only build a better understanding of them, but it also enhances your bond. Problem solving is also well documented across a range of species and birds, in particular crows are remarkable problem solvers. Problem solving and enrichment is often cited as resulting in calmer, more confident animals, particularly in new situations, and an increase in optimism. Curiosity has also been shown as a key driver for learning.
For more information, pop over to our website:
https://holistichoundaoanimals.co.uk/enrichment
Below is the lovely Narla investigating a range of random objects, full of interesting scents:
We offer Herbal self-selection sessions and Reiki sessions currently, and have put together a short presentation to let you know more information about these, and myself. Hope you enjoy; feel free to drop me a message if you would like more information. Thank you 🌿🌷🪴🐾🐴
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) being enjoyed by the lovely Millie. Fingers crossed for this little lady as hopefully she is on her way to a home soon.
Lemon grass is enjoyed by both dogs and cats and often ingested. It is relatively easy to grow, however it does need to be inside over winter as it does not tolerate colder weather and frosts.
This great plant supports the nervous and digestive systems, and may be beneficial for stress-related issues, as well as digestive tract spasms, as can be both calming and relaxing for nerves and muscles. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties may be beneficial for stomach disorders, particularly when caused by pathogens, but may also be beneficial for general gut health. One study found Lemon grass leaves helped protect the stomach lining from the effects of Aspirin, with other references to this plant being beneficial for gastric ulcers.
Lemon grass also supports the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties; along with emotional support as is said to help release negative emotions from the past, as well as being uplifting.
#lemongrass #zoopharmacognosy #herbs #herbalmedicine #herbal #selfselection #dogs #cats #dogsofinstagram #animals #healingjourney #rescuedogs #plantsmakeanimalshappy #enrichmentfordogs #canineenrichment #sensorygardenforpets #sensorygardenfordogs Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary
