Echinacea is an herb that works as an antibiotic. It has become popular as an alternative to the more invasive remedy. How does this work on your pets? Let’s take a look.
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea, whose scientific name is Echinacea purpurea, is an herb largely used to help build immunity. All the parts of the plant -flowers, stems, and roots- can all be used for medicinal purposes.
But the most potent part of the plant is the root. This herb can be harvested at any time, but the root does better during the fall, after the third year of the plant.
The plant was discovered by a traveling salesman named Joseph Meyer in the late 1800s. Back then, Moyer sold it as a cure-all. Today, we know that Echinacea is indeed a great immune booster.
Echinacea: the benefits for your pets
Ok, but that does that all mean for your pets. Can their immune system be boosted as well? Absolutely.
Pets can get the benefits of this herb. The process through which it works in the organism is identical in both cats and dogs. Basically, the herb helps animals better fight off infections, no matter what is the organism that caused it.
So, Echinacea is an antimicrobial herb that works best when used with other herbs such as cleavers or goldenseal. If your dog or cat is suffering from a microbial infection, this is the go-to herb to treat them.
The plant is especially effective for respiratory infections.
Echinacea: Much is Enough?
The Echinacea plant is used to prepare a tincture. This is basically an extract of the plant. In the case of dogs, 12 to 25 drops of the tincture a day is good enough.
It is important to note that the plant has two varieties: purpurea and Angustifolia. They have complementary properties. A good formula has both of them.
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