An holistic approach to treating illness in pet.
Ayurveda is a term for traditional medicine of ancient India.Ayur means life and veda means study of.Ayaurved gives an account of the actual beginningsof ancient medical science in India that was written between 2500 and 600 BC. The vedas are the earliest sacred books of India of which there are four : Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, Atharva veda. Sasruta, one of the most celebrated physicians of Ayurveda and author of ‘Sasruta Smhita’ calls Ayurveda an upanga or minor veda of Atharva veda.The earliest Vedic text were specially concerned with aging.various afflictions and prescription of curse involving prayers and medicines.Herbalism in some countries is now classified as an alternative medicine with over 80% of the population relying on herbs for health.More than 30% of the conventional pharmaceuticals are derivatives of plants.With the advancement of science enabling us to identify the chemical constituents or ative principles of medicinal plants,researchers can now better understand their healing power.
Many veterinarians belive that there is a great advantage to holistic care.Holistic veterinariance combine the knowledge and skills of regular allopathic medicin with the holistic approach.It is the broader range of treatments that makes this field of medicine so interesting and important.Herbal drugs take a more holistic approach to treating the illness.The underlying cost of the problem is sought and once idetified,it is that is treated,rather than the symptoms alone.Allopathic medicine tends to treat the symptoms and the pet’s body ends up getting overdosed with drugs.Holistic treatments usually cure the problem with the minimal or no side effects on the body. Whole herbs instead of isolated active principles are used because doctors practicing herbal medicine believe that the prescription of the whole plant.undoubtedly provide numerous advantages : like synergistic action,wider margine of safety, broader spectrum of action and high therapeutic efficacy with fewer side effects.
Ayurveda uses the entire part of plants.(e.g.leaves, roots, berries, etc.)not just a single chemical extracted from it.This science believes that the presence of various constituents is necessary for the medicinal action of plants.The active ingredients are balanced within the plant and the numerous co-existing constituents enhance their healing abilities.For instance, Ephedra sinica is a source of alkaloide ephedrine,which is used to treat asthama and nasal congestion but it causes an increase in blood pressure too.Within the whole plant,there are other alkaloides present,one of which prevents the rise in blood pressure.When herbs are prescribed as a mixture, it is known as poly-herbalism.There is evidence that certain combinations of herbs enhance each others action and / or reduce unpleasant side effect.For example Glycyrrhiza glabra is an herb pharmacological actions but mainly for its anti gastric secretory action. However, it does have the side effect of retaining sodium in the body, which can lead to mild moderate hypertension.Using Glycyrrhiza glabra with Boerhaavia diffusa(an herb known for it’s diuretic and natriuretic effects) nullfies the side effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra without diminishing its therapeutic effcacy.
Advantages of Herbalism in pet practice :
It is interesting to note that a large percentage of the Indian Population still relies on the systems of herbal medicine in some form or other for humans and animals treatment, due to cultural tradition, low cost and safety. When we combine the economy and safety factors with centuries of proven efficacy, herbal drugs stand out as the better choice for millions.Other important factors that indicate potentials use of herbal medicines include:
Herbal formulae concentrate a therapeutic principles (different herbals with potentially different mechanism of action for the same problem.)Proven efficacy.
Unique actions :
- High tolerability(for pets that are very young to pets that are very old.)
- Few or no adverse drug reactions in recommended doses.
- Predictable efficacy in certain diseases in comparison to modern medicine.
- Most of these drugs can be prescribed safely for pregnant and locating animals.
- Free from development of drug resistance and residue problem.
- Eco-friendly.
Non-hazardous to owner and pets.Herbal remidies are now becoming a popular alternative medicine concept in India because many veterinarians prefer an holistic approach in the treatment of various illness.Ayurvedic herbal medicines I thus successfully bridging the gap in modern medicine to promote your pet’s health in natural way.
Dr. A.D. Someshwaran, M.V.Sc. (Pharmacology, Toxicology) is the AGM at Venky’s Pet.
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