Here we will be discussing first aid herbal remedies for our animals with skin issues. It can be quite tricky with our animals since most of them are covered with fur or feathers. It can go without being seen and application of remedies can seem impossible. Whether your animal has feathers, scales or fur, there is a way we can help their skin injuries, irritations and conditions that best suits them. The good thing in the herbal approach with skin issues, is it’s not only working from the outside in, but from the inside out as well. This is especially true with skin conditions as they come from an imbalance from the inside of the body.
As mentioned above, it can be more complicated with our animals with fur or feathers, it is not like us humans where we disinfect and slap a bandaid on top. When our animals get minor cuts or injuries, we can utilize herbs to clean the injury and encourage healing. The type of herbs that would be used are antiseptic and antimicrobial herbs. They will create an animal friendly bandaid that promotes comfort and a speedy recovery.
It’s important to take the time at this point to remind pet parents that our animals still have their wild nature programmed in them for survival. It can be difficult to see if our animals are in pain or discomfort because any sign of weakness in the wild makes them more vulnerable to predators. However, there are signs to look out for, they may hide or keep to themselves and look out for any change in the way they walk or lie down. Excessive licking on a particular spot could indicate an issue as well.
Once you have spotted the injury, assess the depth of the cut or abrasion, you need to consider if this is an emergency room situation. However, if it is minor, we can use herbal home remedies to help out our furry bundles of joy. Remember that whatever you place on the injury site will most likely be licked off by your animal which is why we have to be mindful with what we choose to apply on their skin.
First, we want to clean the area with a wash to prevent infection using antiseptic herbs. A cool/room temperature herbal tea can be made, 3 to 4 teaspoons of dried herb steeped in 1 cup of water. Another option is to boil water and allowing it to cool, then adding drops of tincture, about 10ml per cup of water. You will want to make enough herbal wash to rinse the injury site well. Antiseptic herbs for cuts and abrasions include:
- Echinacea
- Goldenseal
- Usnea
- Lavender
- Sage
- Thyme
- Myrrh
- Marigold
When an injury is a bit more severe with bleeding, an antiseptic herb may not be enough. It would be a good idea to use a herb that will help to stop the bleeding, known as styptic herbs that can be appleid as a wash. These herbs include:
- Yarrow
- Plantain
- Woundwort
If bleeding is still persisting, a powdered herb from the list below can be sprinkled on the wound, these include:
- Yarrow
- Nettle
- Plantain
- Cayenne
If the bleeding still persists, you may need to consider a visit to the veterinarian to intervene.
Once the wound has been washed, your home treatment should come to completion. However, you can give the area another wash later in the day with an antimicrobial herb like lavender, English marigold, plantain, woundwort or nettle. Using these washes for the first few days that are water-based helps to keep the site nice and clean as you are promoting healing. You don’t want to introduce a salve too soon that will stick to their fur, especially when there is bleeding at this time. This sticky and matted mess will trap dirt and debris, welcoming microbes or dirt into the wound. This is why using a herbal wash for some time initially is a better way to approach this type of home care.
Note: Comfrey is not to be used on deep wounds, it traps microbes deeper in the wound since it promotes rapid wound healing along the surface of the skin. Be sure that the wound is no longer open in order to prevent any chance of an abscess.
Second, once the injury is starting to heal over, it is then safe to start with a herbal salve or infused oil. The injury will now allow the herbs to sit on the skin for a longer period of time. The nice thing about ointments at this stage is they will create a protective coating over the healing wound. We also sell handmade balms in our shop, if you would like to check them out click here.
Herbs to have in your salve/oil that are great for healing include:
- Lavender
- St John’s Wort
- Lady’s mantle
- Goldenseal
- Comfrey
- Plantain
- Woundwort
These are the top herbs for cuts and abrasions for your animals, big and small! Make sure to follow the steps in the correct manner and be patient with your animal when it comes to their healing process.
Consult with a holistic veterinarian or holistic practitioner to lead you in the right direction. If you feel uncertain, holistic practitioners have the expertise and wisdom to direct you to top quality herbal products for your animal. Do not use any remedies if you are not certain which and how to use them, it is best to work with a practitioner. This blog is for educational purposes only.
If you are interested in a consultation from Maria for your animal, feel free to learn more here.
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