Herbal Consultations

Our vet Orlaith O’ Mahony undertook further training in Western Veterinary Herbal Medicine and is now offering integrated consultations at the Animal Care Hospital.

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the use of plant-derived medications in the treatment and prevention of disease. Many of our modern-day medicines originate from plants. In modern medicine, we tend to try and isolate the active substance rather than use the plant as a whole.

Herbal medicine differs from conventional medicine as all herbal medicine will contain several active constituents. By using the entire individual part of the plant (ie. leaf, root, berry) we are harnessing the plants’ innate synergy. Synergy describes how each constituent within the plant works together to give the maximum effects.

How do you give herbal medicine?

Tinctures are the most common preparation used in veterinary medicine. They are alcohol preserved extracts, allowing herbs to be bottled at different concentrations which allows easy dosing. It often involves adding some liquid to your animals food on a daily basis. Some herbal preparations are available in tablet form.

Why give herbal medicines?

Herbal medicine is used to treat a large number of ailments, some of which we have conventional medications for and some that we do not. Herbal medicine can be used on its own or in conjunction with conventional medications as needed. Often herbal medicine is used to support the body e.g. the liver to minimise the side effects of other drugs.

Do you have to stop conventional medications while giving herbal medications?

No. Integrated consults for your pet ensure that we can use conventional medications alongside herbal medicines in a safe manner.

How do herbal veterinary consultations work?

A consultation to perform a complete physical exam and assessment of your pet will take place at the hospital. This consultation can take between 30 minutes to an hour. Once our vet Orlaith has assessed your pet, she will formulate a tincture designed specifically for your pet. This can be collected at the hospital by arrangement after the consult.

If you are interested in herbal medicine consults, please call us on 021 489 3033 and we can answer any questions or queries you may have.