Animals were the first, and original, herbalists. They instinctively ate the grasses and plants that helped them to stay healthy. Today, our companion animals depend on us, their caretakers to feed them properly and care for their health.

Herbs can be a part of that care. Most herbs that people use are also safe for animal use, with a few exceptions. Cats cannot tolerate aspirin; so salicylate-containing herbs should be avoided. These include: anything of the Salix family, such as Willow; and Meadowsweet (Spirea, where the name aspirin originally got its name). Dogs and cats also may get Heinz-body anemia from eating huge quantities of garlic or onions.

Herbs can be used for many types of debilitating diseases. Always consult a holistic veterinarian before administering herbs to your companion animal.

For an excellent reference that is very easy to understand and that tells you what herbs to use in what situations, I would recommend The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke, PhD. It is well outlined, written with humor as well as wonderful information. I ordered mine from one of those book of the month clubs, but I assume you could find it most anywhere. The ISBN# is 0-87596-316-1.

Marina Zacharias is often referenced and has been used by many people on Wellpet. Her company is called Natural Rearing and she is located in Oregon. Mary Wulff-Tilford and her husband Gregory Tilford, of Montana, have been
of invaluable assistance to us when we have had questions and problems. I am hoping that Mary will pass along a few articles for me to include here.

A very good reference that was recommended is East Earth Trade Winds and their number is 1-800-258-6878.
Another is Life Works which also has a discussion forum for herbs and our pets.

Some more herbal references:

CoQ10 by Dr. Ray Sahelian
Hypericum and Depression by Peter McWilliams
AllHerb.com your herbal pharmacy~~~favorites are 50% off retail prices
Tasha's Herbs for Dogs and Cats The natural choice 800-315-0142
Robert McDowell Herbalist from Australia
Storey Books...Books for Herb lovers everywhere
Herbalist and Alchemist The science of one, the art of the other
The Australasian College of Herbal Studies Educate yourself about herbs at home
The Herbal Pharmacy software for medicinal plants
Premium Purveyors concerned with the quality of supplement purchased at chain stores
Chinese Herbal Medicine by Daniel P. Reid
Chinese Tonic Herbs by Ron Teeguarden
Herbs for Health and The Herb Companion magazines dedicated to herbs and herb education
East West School of Herbology covers both Western and Chinese Herbology
Herbs & More America's Herbal Store
Clayton College of Natural Health Alternative Health Degree Programs
HerbClip on CD library of top references
Any other sites that would fit this page are welcomed. Tell me and I'll add them.

Bonnie

The American Death Ceremony

The death ceremony started as a crude ritual back in the days of witchcraft. In recent years it has been developed into a science. It usually takes from 10 to 15 years. However, modern scientific advancements are shortening this period of time. It starts with one simple aspirin for a simple headache. When the one aspirin will no longer cover up the headache, take two. After a few months, when two aspirin will no longer cover up the headache, you take one of the stronger compounds. By this time it becomes necessary to take something for the ulcers that have been caused by the aspirin. Now that you are taking two medicines, you have a good start.

After a few months these medications will disrupt your liver function. If a good infection develops you can take some penicillin. Of course, the penicillin will damage your red blood corpuscles and spleen so that you develop anemia. Another medication is then taken to cover up the anemia. By this time, all of these medications will put such a strain on your kidneys they should break down. It is now time to take some antibiotics. When these destroy your natural resistance to disease, you can expect a general
flair-up of all your symptoms. The next step is to cover up all of these symptoms with sulfur drugs. When the kidneys finally plug up you can have them drained. Some poison will build up in your system, but you can keep going quite a while this way.

By now the medications will be so confused they won't know what they are supposed to be doing, but it doesn't really matter. If you have followed every step as directed, you can now make an appointment with your undertaker. This game is played by practically all Americans, except
for the few ignorant souls who follow nature.

Submitted by Joy LaCaille