Animal Wound Care Group

With the current growth of public interest in the use, and value, of medicinal plants, our thoughts turn to the conservation of these plants. Increasing demand does not guarantee ongoing supply, for a variety of reasons. Preservation of the knowledge of plant growth and harvesting requirements, habitat loss through natural or man-made disasters, destruction of forests, overharvesting, and climate change are just some of the issues guardians of medicinal herbs and plants need to consider.

There is a growing list of herbs, plants, and trees that are now considered endangered or at risk. Echinacea, Slippery Elm, American Ginseng, and Goldenseal are just some of these.

Environmental pirating of herbs, plants, and trees and the loss of indigenous rights to ownership of native plants for short-term financial gain by pharmaceutical companies is a very real threat to the sustainability of medicinal plants. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes the value of…

Tresch, et al (2019) provides a systematic review of publications (final number 138), including 4 books and surveyed veterinarians specializing in phytotherapy, to evaluate the most commonly used medicinal plants for therapy of canine skin diseases.

These plants were: Calendula officinalis L. (Marigold), Hypericum perforatum L. agg. (St. John's Wort), Matricaria chamomilla L. (syn. Matricaria recutita L., Chamomile) and Salvia officinalis L. (Sage).

The ability of extracts of these plants to provide additional therapeutic tools in the treatment of pyoderma, canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), otitis externa (OE), and dermatophytosis were proven through their ability to provide antibacterial and antifungal effects on a broad spectrum of common canine skin bacteria & fungi, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The beneficial effects of all extracts included fighting off infection and promoting wound healing and strengthening skin layers. In addition, synergistic effects with antibiotics and disinfectants were provided by Chamomile and Sage.

The ability of these…

Pots of honey, thousands of years old, have been found by archeologists in Egyptian tombs. Unspoiled, the honey is edible and retains its medicinal properties. Why?

Reason One: Honey is sugar and in its natural form is very low in moisture. In this environment of low moisture, bacteria and microorganisms do not survive.

Reason Two: Low ph - honey is acidic with a ph 3.5-4, also another reason bacteria do not survive.

Reason Three: Hydrogen Peroxide - the chemical makeup of a bee's stomach also plays a large part in honey’s resilience. Bees have an enzyme in their stomachs called glucose oxidase (PDF). When the bees regurgitate the nectar from their mouths into the combs to make honey, this enzyme mixes with the nectar, breaking it down into two by-products: gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Commercial honey is heat-treated and pasteurized, destroying the enzymes mentioned above. This is why we…