I started giving Mister herbs about eight or nine years ago. I brought him to the vet who said he had pneumonia. That vet told me to give Mister vit c in his food, and echinacea, which i thought was very unusual (most doctors scoff at herbs).
I myself had been taking herbs and vitamins for years, but never thought of giving it to my pet.
About a year later, Mister was coughing up mucous, i thought he might have pneumonia again, but the vet said that it was heart problems this time, fluid around the heart, so he gave Mister a shot of lacex (just like humans) and Mister started peeing everywhere... it relieved the fluid around his heart and he was fine. Now, I watch him, a few times I have given him hawthorn berry (which, on occasion i also use myself). It is a mild diuretic and has been used in european countries for over 100 years. I really haven't had to use it much since the astragalus tho...
I'm giving this information to the group because I see a lot of sick pets here and my Mister is old, but I've found some wonderful alternatives medicines to keep him healthy. I started with a little bit, maybe an eighth of a teaspoon of the herb for a couple of days to how he would react. Vitamin C is good and harmless... So in all, herbs and vitamins when he's needed it for about eight years now...
Also, I did a lot of research and these herbs have been used by other vets. Google and you'll find extensive references. I wouldn't dream of giving my pet anything that I haven't ingested myself. Sometimes, if Mister can't breathe (cold), I'll give him one CC (about 1/4 tsp) of Children's allergy and cold medicine and a dab of vicks on his little nose.
This is just mommy sense
Whooda thought i'd be a mom to Mister :>) ....d.