[Ellie May]

Yes, a lot of drugs come from natural extracts. It is possible to use some of these natural remedies to treat diseases. A few problems come with that though.

First, self-diagnosis is usually involved followed by self-treatment. I don't have a license to practice medicine, so I'm not going to read an article about a random plant extract and assume it's ok to give it to my dog.

Then there is the issue of side effects not being reported. It's bad enough that the effects of drugs aren't reported by some vets. There is no system of reporting for holistic medicine, so there is very little accountability.

And I'd hate to see an owner start a new treatment without realizing that it is countraindicated when taking into consideration another disease the pet has or a drug that they are already on. For instance, chamomile can interact with cyclosporine.

Also, besides side effects not needing to be reported, there are no solid records for success of treatment. There aren't studies to back these things up, so then it is subjective opinion.

It's certainly safer if the vet diagnoses a problem and suggests this way of treatment. And for those who want their pets to only have all natural remedies, that's fine. But remember if it was really as good as it sounds, more vets would do it. Ellie's vet has no problem with supplements...when they have research backing them. And these studies have to be published and peer reviewed. They should end up on PubMed or otherwise be widely accepted among vets.