Herbal support for animals during mating season

Well it's been a long time since my last blog so I'm afraid this one is going to be a bit longer. Just a bit :-)

I came across a very interesting post today which made me sit back and think. Someone was asking how best to support their young male dog, who was reacting to the bitches in season around him. Of course, this is a really difficult topic and I wondered what could be a good herbal approach to mother nature's calling to mate?

As a traditional herbalist and zoopharmacognosist, I like to approach the whole body, all systems, all parts of the being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – in whatever we, or our animals and pets, are faced with. Reproduction and survival are the prime instincts that mother nature 'gifted' all living beings on this planet with. But sometimes, these prime instincts can cause real problems and outright havoc in our modern lives!

There are many herbs and supplements on the market today that offer help in regards to 'calming' (most mixes actually contain strong sedatives) this sexual desire in dogs, horses, cats and even birds. Interesting enough you won't find supplements to stop a heifer from bullying or a ram from being fertile. So it's all a matter of perception and, of course, circumstances. Whilst we want and support fertility and the desire to mate in our agricultural animals - when it comes to our cats, dogs and horses this is rather not wanted!

But what do we do when this raging desire to copulate and reproduce, spreading the semen of life as far and as wide as possible to ensure the survival of the species, hits our pets and animals? Castration? Sterilisation? Or are there other options we can use to support the body in these, for the owner as well as the animal, rather stressful times? And if so, where do we start?

So first of all, we need to understand, what happens in the body when nature calls. Without going too deep into anatomy and physiology, essentially what happens is that the endocrine system kind of wakes up to the lengthening of the days and decides that it's time to spring into action. After all, the next most important thing after hibernation, restoration and survival (winter) is reproduction (spring), followed by nourishment (summer) and collection and preparation (autumn). Understanding that the waking sexual desire is a natural occurrence, deeply anchored within the body's DNA, which repeats itself over and over again until the female reaches the end of the reproductive period, is vitally important to understand how to work with these changes.

In these modern times we have a tendency to suppress events that don't suit our lifestyles. We take pharmaceutical hormone preparations in order to suppress, regulate, control or even shut down our menstrual cycles. “Oh, I want to go swimming/to the gym/have a meeting, do this, do that or the other, and my period is just not good convenient right now” or “Man, I'm going to meet this girl/woman and I really need to be up for it tonight so I can't be tired from work”. I think we've all more or less been there. But our animals are different. They don't have these modern commitments. They are just natural. And they follow their calling!

Unlike pharmaceuticals, natural medicine does NOT intend to stop or suppress these natural desires or hormonal fluctuations.

If you google 'herbs that stop sexual desire' you will find websites that promise the reduction of libido when in actual fact all those herbs do is acting as a sedative, or, on the funny side, some entries about witch and spell crafting. But you cannot reduce sex drive - all you can do is to overlay the 'problem' with a sedative. And that, in my opinion, is very undesireable for many reasons.

Natural medicine aims at supporting the body during these very highly stressful times, providing the whole body with nutrients and supporting the affected organs and systems to get through this – until the next cycle – rather than disrupting or suppressing it.

There are, of course, other solutions to the problem – castration and sterilisation are a few and sometimes these are the best option for animals and pets to prevent serious harm and suffering. In the end we, as their guardians, have to weigh up the benefits versus suffering and decide what is best for the individual animal and, of course, the situation that we are presented with. It is probably not a good idea to live in a busy city and leave your tomcat entire or your queen intact (especially if you live in a flat!); or if you are regularly competing with your horse you might want to geld your stallion if he becomes a danger to himself and others.

Depending on your circumstances you might want to book an appointment with your vet and discuss what options are best for you and your animal/pet.

However, if you have nerves of steal and you can reasonably cope with the seasonal disaster of wetting, dribbling, barking, howling, calling, crying, breaking through fences, stomping and other rather unpredictable behaviours, here are some ideas on how to support the various body systems of your animal or pet with herbs:

The endocrine or hormonal system

Well, this is where it all starts, right? Once the hormones are produced and start raging through the body at 280 miles an hour, support with herbs will be rather difficult because you are trying to catch up with what has already gone out of balance. My advice in general would be to start a herbal protocol BEFORE the season hits in order to prepare the body to be able to better deal with the huge change and sudden rise in chemicals. Here are some herbs to consider:

• Ashwagandha (Whitania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that has an affinity with and is a tonic for the endocrine system. It is also a restorative. This herb is very good when presented with utter exhaustion of the adrenals due to stress and anxiety and it helps in the rehabilitation after debilitating illnesses and has an impact on the thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha lowers adrenaline and helps the body to deal with stressful situations. It has a rather bitter taste and is slightly warming and drying. It is part of the nightshade family so be cautious with anyone who has allergies to nightshades. Don't use during pregnancy.

• Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is another, very well known, adaptogenic herb with an affinity for the nervous and endocrine system and the adrenal glands in particular. This herb rebalances the adrenals after periods of stress and provides energy, improves stamina and is overall strengthening to the whole system, enabling the body to better cope with stress. Panax ginseng is one of the highest priced herbs and, not just for this reason, should be used in small amounts. It is cooling and moistening and has a very sharp, intense taste. It should not be used with high blood pressure, fever or during acute inflammation. Can cause overstimulation if used in large amounts.

• Chaste Berry (Vitex Agnus Castus) or otherwise known just as Agnus Castus is, by many herb authors, regarded as an adaptogenic herb with a strong affinity for the endocrine system in general. It is known as the anaphrodisiac of all, and acts on the female (increasing fertility and milk production) as well as the male hormones (androgen inhibitor), though in very different ways. However, it is a particularly good remedy for overactive males in. There are studies about the use of agnus castus in Cushing's disease in horses as this herb has a strong influence on the adrenal system – but this belongs to another blog. Agnus castus has a sharp, peppery taste and is warming, potentially pungent and drying. There is a potential interaction with other drugs that use the same receptor sites (dopaminergic modulators) so if your animal/pet is on any other medication you need to check with your vet first whether the herb is compatible or not.

• Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an adaptogenic herb widely used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and has, amongst others such as the respiratory and digestive system, an affinity with the endocrine system and the adrenals in particular. It really has a very broad range of actions in the body, but in regards to the hormonal system, liquorice contains a compound called isoliquiritigenin which is believed to have an effect on gene expression in relation to the production of sex hormones, causing a decrease in estrogen production. Wynne and Fougere write that “Both, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhentinic acid (GA) have been reported to bind to (…) estrogen receptors, sex hormone-binding globulin, and corticosteroid binding globulin (..)”. Liquorice root has a restorative effect on the adrenals in particular after stressful events, chronic fatigue and adrenal gland depletion. It is believed hat the flavonoids contained in liquorice root have a hormone balancing effect, especially in regards to estrogen. Liquorice root is sweet, moistening and cooling with strong demulcent properties. It is also a hypertensive and therefore can cause havoc with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases and on blood pressure, therefore please contact a professional first if your animal/pet is on any other medication.

There are other herbs that have a more or less proven influence on the production and/or balance of hormones such as Sage (Salvia officinalis), Black cohosh (Cimicifusa racemosa) and Red clover (Trifolium pratense) but because of their possible and likely effect on estrogen, I feel that these herbs really belong into the hands of a professional for prescribing, as they can cause quite some side effects.

The nervous system

Nervines support the adrenal glands and the nervous system (that is the central as well as the peripheral nervous system) and help to calm things down a bit. However, a lot of nervines have strong sedative actions and you will need to consider taking responsibility for totally zonking your animal or pet out and whether this can cause other problems such as safety in traffic, at shows or even on a hack or walk out. The nervines listed here go from strongest to lowest strength – please start on the lower end first because you can always give it a top up but once your animal is so sedate that it collapses or doesn't know how to put one paw or a foot in front of the other, you are in trouble! So, here are some herbs to consider:

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has a strong affinity with the nervous system and is your classic relaxing nervine and restorative. It calms the brain (think about putting a cap on your head – skull cap = skullcap) and stops frantic thoughts and behaviours. It helps to release nervous tension and tension headaches due to its relaxing and vasoconstrictive properties. Some research suggests that skullcap can repair/restore damaged nerves. It is antispasmodic, sedative and also classed as a hypnotic (soporific). Skullcap is cooling and relaxing, has a rather bitter taste and is slightly astringent (in my opinion). Use with caution and in small amounts. Don't use during pregnancy.

• Hops (Humulus lupulus) and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are strong nervines and have, naturally, a strong affinity with the nervous system. Both are also quite bitter so they also act on the gastrointestinal tract. There has been quite a bit of research on both, hops as well as valerian, and it is without doubt that both have a very sedative effect and can make one drowsy. Hops has recently been the center of attention as it was claimed that it is poisonous to dogs (which is not true by the way). However, hops is also “(...) estrogenic and is used to increase sex drive in women and reduce it in men. It is indicated for hot, damp people who are often overweight and red-headed with fiery personalities and (that) have poor digestion and insomnia” (Thomas Easley, Steven Horne et al). Hops has a very strong smell that is often rejected by animals and it tastes very bitter. It has cooling and drying properties. Valerian is quite similar to hops and often used interchangeably. Valerian is a very strong nervine with tranquillising effects on the central nervous system. It is relaxing and slightly warming with antispasmodic, sedative and soporific (hypnotic) properties. It comes with a warning: DO NOT use valerian with an animal that has a hot, highly strung and excitable personality because valerian will make qualities these even worse as it will have a stimulating effect on those!

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a relatively mild (medium) and gentle nervine with a strong affinity to the nervous and muscular system. It is used with any nervous disposition caused by anxiety and 'uncertainty' (expectation that something really bad is going to happen). Passionflower is a mild sedative on its own and contains polysaccharides which also make it a mild restorative for an exhausted nervous system; it is antispasmodic, anxiolytic, anti-convulsive (good to use with Parkinson's, asthma etc) and a relaxing sedative. It is cooling and “has a depressive effect on the central nervous system and acts as a hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)” (Hoffman at al). Passionflower has a sweet, flowery and pleasant taste. It is believed to potentiate the sedative effect of other drugs so be careful when combining Passionflower with other herbs.

• Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is a gentle nervine with affinities to the nervous and digestive system, in particular the liver (hepatic) and gallbladder (galactagogue). In terms of its nervine properties, it is anxiolytic and relaxing/mildly sedative and antispasmodic. It is slightly bitter with a hint a of sweet flowery taste, which indicates that it is also a tonic and a mild restorative. Interestingly, in Europe vervain is more commonly used in combination with bitters for digestive upsets, rather than other nervines as is in the UK and US. However, bitters have a strong effect on the vagus nerve and therefore onto the digestive tract, so it's a good herb for digestive problems caused by stress and irritability. Vervain is cooling, bitter, drying and relaxing. Hoffman describes it as a diaphoretic (makes you sweat) so it is indicated at the first signs of fewer. Don't use in higher doses as it can cause jaundice.

• St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is very well known for its antidepressant properties but very few people know that this beautiful herb has a strong affinity to the nervous system in many more ways. It deals with every aspect of nerve related damage, whether that is through stress or physical damage (see its use in homeopathy for puncture wounds and nerve pains). St John's Wort stimulates nerve regeneration and repair through its astringency so is particularly good for any type of wound healing (injuries to the spine, puncture wounds, lacerations). It is antiviral and therefore has a strong impact on any type of viral infection that affects the nervous system, such as shingles, herpes and even influenza. It helps to comfort an anxious mind. DO NOT use when exposed to direct sunlight and do not use in combination with SSRI antidepressants.

• Milky Oats (Avena sativa) is a wonderful restorative and tonifying nervine with an affinity to the nervous system. Because it is rich in silica it is often used as a mineraliser together with its nerve tonic properties. This really is a wonderful herb to repair a frazzled nervous system and it is soothing, moistening, nourishing; it is one of the very few herbs that have a neutral temperature. The action on the nervous system here is more due to the nourishment rather than a directly sedative, hypnotic or calming action. There are no warnings or side effects other than a possible affect on those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a very mild nervine with aromatic and astringent properties and an affinity with the nervous, digesgtive and cardiovascular system. It is calming to the mind, the stomach and the heart. I find it refreshing and uplifting and due to its strong aromatic properties it is a loving friend in my house. Due to its high amount of essential oils, melissa is a good antiviral when hit by the flu or common cold. It is an excellent carminative, having a calming and antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract and thus having a calming effect on the nervous system. Melissa is cooling and slightly relaxing. There are no warnings or side effects reported.

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is the most calming, gentle and loving nervine of all – she is the mother of all herbs with a strong affinity to the nervous and digestive system. Most will know about the calming properties of chamomile but few know that chamomile can also be used as a digestive bitter – leave chamomile tea to steep for more than 5 minutes and you will taste the bitter properties which are so wonderful for the stomach and intestines. Perfect for children and animals, chamomile is a cooling and relaxing antispasmodic, carminative (GI tract) and a gentle nervine. It is also anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Some people have allergic reactions to chamomile but this is not very common.

The digestive system

Most of herbs that are benefitial for the digestive system are bitter and have a supportive action on the entire digestive system, with the liver in particular (this is called a cholagogue and a choleretic). The digestive system shuts down in times of fright or flight and switches the body into sympathetic system mode – who wants to digestive lunch when you are being chased by a tiger? The same applies to any stressors, be it a life threatening situation or the excitement of a potentially hot and passionate love affair. Ok, animals don't do love and passion (I think) but they certainly get excited by the prospect of a female in season or a male who might be perfect for the job. This causes enormous stress for the whole body. The liver is hugely important here because this is the organ that helps to break down the circulating hormones in the body and helps the body to come back to homeostasis. If the liver is overwhelmed and cannot cope, the hormones cause havoc as they keep going around and around in circles (quite literally!). So, in order to support liver function and breakdown of chemicals (including hormones), here are a couple of suggestions:

• Dandelion (Taraxacum offinale) is a diuretic (leaves) and hepatic (root) herb with a strong affinity to the digestive system, in particular the liver (roots), pancreas and the kidneys (leaves). The leaves are high in potassium so potassium, that is lost through the kidneys and the urinary tract, will be replaced by the potassium dandelion leaves provide. This is important because metabolic waste, in particular toxins, needs to be eliminated but mineral loss can cause severe deficiencies. The root is primarily a stimulant for the liver and gallbladder and helps to get digestive juices going; it prevents liver congestion and stagnation and supports the function of the liver in general. Dandelion also acts as an alterative (blood purifier). This herb is a cholagogue, choleretic, diuretic, alterative, digestive liver tonic and is hepatoprotective. The herb is slightly astringent and bitter, the root is slightly bitter and sweet. Both are cooling and drying.

• Milk Thistle (Sylibum marianum) has a very strong affinity with the digestive tract, in particular the liver. There is a large amount of scientific research on this subject, confirming the hepatoprotective properties of Milk Thistle. The seeds protect and repair liver cells that have been damaged through all sorts of toxins, be it heavy metal, alcohol, hormones (yes in high amounts they can damage liver cells), medication, mushroom toxicity and other chemical and environmental poisons. The flavolignans (a mixture known as silimarin) in milk thistle increase the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Milk Thistle seeds have an interesting nutty flavour which changes into a mildly, non-offensive bitterness. They are cooling and moistening. Like with any hepatoprotective herbs, they might have an impact on the metabolism of medication in the liver so please speak to your vet if your animal/pet is on any medication.

• Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is very similar to Milk Thistle, in that it is a hepatoprotective, containing the flavolignans sylimarin as well as cynarin, anohter proven hepatoprotective phytochemical. Artichoke is bitter with cooling and drying actions. For warnings see Milk Thistle above.

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a classic aromatic bitter, often used as part of the famous Swedish Bitters. It has a strong affinity with the digestive tract, in particular the liver, small intestines and the spleen. It helps to warm up a cold and sluggish digestive system that has, for whatever reason, come to a standstill (stagnation). In Ajurvedic medicine it is used to lighten up the digestive fire. Because of this, it also helps to expel fluids from the body – the lungs as well as the digestive tract, helping these to de-congest. The warming action will often cause perspiration so don't use this herb with any animal that is already 'hot' – either in actual body temperature or hot in terms of personality. Angelica is a very warming and drying digestive tonic and has an aromatic, sharp and bitter taste. Do not use during pregnancy or heavy menses.

• Fennel (Fueniculum vulgaris) and Anis (Pimpinella anisum) are both aromatic digestive tonics with a very strong affinity to the digestive system, in particular the small and large intestines, as well as the respiratory tract. The seeds are carminative, antispasmodic especially in relation to the muscles of the digestive tract, preventing flatulence, colic and spasms by stimulating digestion and reducing intestinal gas. Fennel also stimulates milk flow in pregnant and nursing females. The seeds are both warming and drying, although anis is a bit sharper in taste. Both have a fresh taste. Use cautiously during pregnancy.

• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a digestive tonic with a strong affinity to the whole digestive tract. It increases appetite and encourages the uptake of food whilst at the same time stimulating the production of digestive juices through signalling in the taste receptors. Fenugreek increases milk production and together with plenty of fluid uptake, it produces a soothing and protective, mucilaginous layer along the whole digestive tract. This is particularly useful for any animal that has lost appetite due to stress and then suffers ulceration in the digestive tract as a result. There is some research suggesting that fenugreek also has an impact on blood sugar metabolism in that it balances blood sugar levels. The seeds, as well as the leaves, have a strong and aromatic taste of curry – in fact, the seeds are part of the famous curry mix – and are quite warming and drying. Large amounts can cause digestive upsets and flatulence.

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – see above under nervines

The cardiovascular system

Well, this is another system that is very important to support during the reproductive season, whether you want to avoid reproduction or actually breed from your animal/pet. Imagine the excitement becoming so strong that it causes the heart to pump so hard it seems like the animal is going into cardiac arrest any second! A healthy cardiovascular system is very important for the health and well being of any living being, be in during mating season or not. So here are some herbs that help to maintain a healthy cardio and vascular system:

• Hawthorn (Crateagus pp) is most researched herb for the cardio and vascular system and is proven to have enormous protective properties. The berries improve the tone and strength of the heart muscle as well as the musculature of the vasculature (the arteries and veins, right down into the finest capillaries). They support uptake of oxygen in the lungs and uptake of oxygen into the tissues. Because of these strengthening and tonifying properties, Hawthorn reduces strain of the heart by increasing blood circulation and making the vascular system much more efficient . This also lowers lowers pressure. The increase in circulation nourishes all body tissues, from connective tissues to bones, muscles, organs and right down to the digestive tract. Used are the berries (most potent) as well as the leaves and flowers. Hawthorn is a cooling and moistening hypo- and hypertensive cardiac tonic. If your animal is on any blood pressure medication please consult with your vet first to ensure the monitoring of the condition before using hawthorn.

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a calming nervine but it has a very strong affinity with the heart and the cardiovascular system as a whole. It relieves anxiety and nervousness and lowers blood pressure through the glycosides it contains. This has a great impact on the heart, reducing strain and heart palpations. In traditional herbal medicine motherwort is also used to 'mend a broken heart' and giving it the strength (look at the name – leonurus cardiaca – Lion Heart) that it needs in difficult emotional times. It is a classic herb for the fourth chakra (heart chakra). Culpepper writes “ It makes mothers joyful and settles the womb, that is why it is called Motherwort. It is for use of trembling of the heart and fainting and swooning. (…) It provokes the urine and woman's courses, cleanses the chest of cold phlegm (…). It helps cramps and convulsions”. As a specific herb for mothers it helps regulate menstruation and reproductive cycles and eases painful menses. Motherwort tastes quite bitter and is a cooling, drying and relaxing herb with hypotensive, antispasmodic and cardiotonic properties. Speak to your vet if your pet is on other medication regarding cardiovascular issues.

Other options

Aromatics

Many plants have aromatic properties and therefore yield a more or less large amount of essential oils. In order to calm an agitated and highly stressed mind, herbs are very useful acting on the physical body by oral administration or through self selection. However, giving your animal/pet the option to self select from essential oils through inhalation just puts the dot on the I. Animals have a much stronger sense of smell - their smell and taste receptors are just so much more fine tuned than our nose and tongue.

Below are some essential oils and/or aromatic herbs that can be offered to relax and calm the animal. However, just like with the herbs above, it is vitally important to use these essential oils BEFORE the adrenaline kicks in because it is much easier to interact with a calm mind that can select what it needs than a mind that races at 280 miles an hour!

Calming essential oils

Chamomile (use also the flowers), Melissa (can also use the herb), Rose (can also use the petals or the whole flower as the essential oil can be adulterated and is when pure very expensive – best is damask rose), Lavender (also use the flowers and the herb), Jasmine, Linden Blossom (can also use the blossoms, Violet leaf, Mimosa, Ylang Ylang, Holy Basil (may also use herb)

Grounding essential oils

Vetiver (may also use the herb), Patchouli (can also use the herb), Vanilla (may want use vanilla sticks as pure oil can be adulterated and very expensive), Sandalwood (can use wood instead of oil which can be very expensive – watch out for ethically harvested plant material!), Frankincense (may use resin), Hops (may also use herb)

Other oils that I have found to be selected frequently are Peppermint, Orange, Bergamot and Eucalyptus, maybe this is because for their uplifting, fresh properties and 'happy' profiles.

Please remember: many of the aforementioned herbs and essential oils are not safe or not known to be safe during pregnancy. PLEASE do consult a professional or herbal vet if you have any concerns regarding the safety of any of the herbs or oils in regards to your animal or pet.

Finally, I would like to finish this blog with a little fact and food for thought:

Did you know that there are only a handful of species (humans, various types of whales, some elephants, various types of monkeys and a few others) that go through something akin like a menopause? In every other animal species, females will die when they reach the end of their reproductive years. Let that sink in.