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Echinacea

Echinacea is a very popular herb for use in humans and is has some useful veterinary purposes.

It seems to have many beneficial roles within the the body some of which are: increases appetite; Infection: kills bacteria when applied topically,

Uses:

Wounds - useful where there is slow healing or infection, will control tissue destruction during infection, keels bacteria when applied topically, reduces the odour of infected tissue, stimulates phagocytosis in white cells (the ability to eat up bacteria & dead tissue), will also help to relive the pain of an infected wound when applied topically

Immune System - can improve the immune system in animals that have had immune system problems eg AIDs. Useful to help the immune system fight infections, to prevent onset of infection in times of stress eg competition

Degenerative Diseases  - in low grade tissue breakdown processes it can be useful eg chronic skin disease. Will also promote appetite in these cases, increases capillary circulation to the effected areas.

Massage - 5mls tincture1:2 in 100ml of oil base (eg almond) useful for sore muscles etc or where there is slow healing after an injury.

*Important - not much use in acute conditions eg viral infections, liver disease, rapid degenerative processes. Before giving Echinacea it is important that there is good liver function and adequate antioxidant levels in the diet as by activating the immune system Echinacea can cause an increase of free radicals in the body.

Doses: 
* Cat - 50mg of dry herb/day - use for 2-6 weeks then stop for 2-3 weeks
* Dog: 50-150mg dry herb/10kg body weight, use for 8weeks at a time then break for 4
* Horse - 10mls of tincture per 500kg bodyweight daily for a 4-6 month period

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