27/01/2021
Name: Jordan Carnwath and Reagan Carnwath
Tell us a bit about yourself: Yes we are twin sisters! We both studied veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow and now have a lovely holistic veterinary practice together just a stones throw from where we grew up, in the heart of Glasgow.
Reagan: After qualifying Reagan went into a busy mixed practice in rural Galloway before moving back to small animal practice in Glasgow. My journey into holistic veterinary education started when I was still at vet school when I undertook a course in western herbal medicine. After qualifying from vet school I moved to a rural practice in Galloway before returning to Glasgow to small animal practice. I went on to study for my acupuncture diploma, undertake a course in nutrition and I am currently studying for a certificate in veterinary Chinese herbal medicine.
I have a wonderful 2 year old son who keeps me busy when I am not at the practice. Two wonderful canine companions and a kitty cat.
Jordan: I was lucky to have spent my childhood and much of my young adult life in the company of horses, dogs, cats and wildlife. It was this time that kindled my passion for all four legged creatures and sparked my desire to help and support them in any way I could.
After graduating from the University of Glasgow I completed an equine internship at the Royal Veterinary College in London and then spent several years in first opinion practice, in the Forest of Dean. I went on to study TCVM acupuncture and undertook the graduate diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine.
I grow many medicinal plants in my garden at home, combining my love for herbal medicine with that of gardening, often using the results to treat friends, family and of course my 3 dogs and 7 rescue chickens!
How did you become interested in herbal medicine?
Reagan: I first developed an interest in herbal medicine after trying it on myself. From a basic cup of gentle chamomile tea to help me get off to sleep to the famous Echinacea when I got the cold, my interests grew. As I read more I began to use plant medicine on my dogs, Patch and Scrap and even my young family! I am fascinated with plant medicine and can often be found growing and gathering plants and making my own medicine.
Jordan: During my time in first opinion practice, I found myself searching more and more for the root cause of my patients problems, evaluating their lifestyles and diets and looking for treatments to support them, rather than simply treating their symptoms.
When i discovered traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture a switch flicked, finally I felt able to treat my patients in a way I felt they deserved. From here my passion for holistic therapies has grown, I am currently studying towards a graduate diploma in veterinary herbal medicine as well as looking at food therapy and other adjunct treatments to allow me to support all my patients in the most holistic way I can.
What is your favourite herb?
Reagan: So hard to pick one. Elder Sambucus nigra.
A wealth of folklore, romance and superstition the Elder tree is believed to be sacred and the trees natural gifts (flowers, berries and wood) have long been descried as blessings.
From one tree we can gather medicine to treat an astounding range of ailments. Parts used are flowers, leaves, berries and bark. The bark, leaves and root contain sambunigrin, which is potentially toxic because it can release cyanide. Cooked berries do not carry this risk.
The flowers are used to treat upper resipratory tract issues, cold and flus, diabeted and constipation. It can also be used as a diuretic, diaphoretic and to stop bleeding.
The berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that boost your immune system. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and can help protect your heart.
The bark is a strong purgative to be used with care. It is also protective against seizures.
Jordan: Urtica dioica the humble stinging nettle!
Parts used: Left, seed, root
Leaf- for inflammatory disease
Root- for prostatic disease
Seed- for renal disease
Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, nutritive, homeostatic, antidiarrhoeal, kidney trophorestorative (seed)
Not only is nettle extremely good for you (it contains calcium, chromium, magnesium, zinc, cobalt, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, protein, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, vitamin A and vitamin C!) it also tastes great- I love adding it to soups, stir fries, omelettes and bread. Don’t worry, the hairs are no longer ‘stingy’ after cooking.
I use nettle in lots of cases, particularly allergies, osteoarthritis, benign prostatic hypertrophy and chronic diarrhoea.
For me the best thing about nettle is that it is everywhere! So why not pick yourself some nettle’s (best to wear gloves, or pinch firmly to avoid the sting) and enjoy as a tea or part of a nutritious meal.
Where is your practice? Herbal Vet Scotland, 123 Allison Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G42 8NE.
Do you offer any other services? We are Scotland's only referral holistic veterinary practice. We offer herbal medicine, acupuncture, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, raw and home cooked diet consults, microbiome analysis and restorative therapy and have a range of visiting practitioners offering additional therapies such as chiropractic treatment and massage. We have a shop at the practice that sells raw food and natural treats. We have a fully stocked dispensary and offer a dispensing service to other practitioners. We run talks and educational workshops both at our practice and throughout Scotland.
What are your contact details? www.herbalvetscotland.co.uk 0141 423 8633 [email protected]
