Herbs and Bach flowers for animals

 

Holism is derived from the Greek word ‘holon’, which means ‘whole’. The concept emphasizes consistency and interconnectedness.

Everything is part of one whole: our body and soul, heaven and earth, our illnesses and our state of mind, our relationships and our character and so on.

The same is true for animals. They may physically express feeling through a disease and what they see and experience, with or without their owners, affects their behaviour.

A holistic approach emphasizes the bond between humans and animals and prioritises respect for the animal

Holistic also means listening to the animal because the animal will have the answers; it’s up to us to ask the right questions.

 

Every person and every animal is unique; every human-animal combination is unique. You cannot always be helped by black and white, one size fits all, thinking.

I really believe that working with a holistic approach means going back to basics, seeing people and animals as individuals and finding the way for each individual to move forwards. This requires a way of thinking that looks at the whole and takes into account the combination / interaction and the nature and essence of each individual.

 

Everything is moving, everything is growing and everything is interconnected. Each choice raises another choice and can affect other people, causing them to move on and grow…

 

Humans and animals are best appreciated in a natural environment, where behaviour is natural and unforced…

“We are also animals, naked apes,” said Desmond Morris. Many things that apply to us are equally applicable to our animals.

I see an animal as a whole, and when there is a problem, I do not just look at the symptoms of the ‘patient’, but also the personality, emotions and psyche.

So I try to find the cause of the problem rather than just finding a solution for the symptoms.

I look at the animal and his family and the environment he lives in and especially the behaviour and emotions of “his” people because this will affect the animal. Look at the whole, the cause and not just that one symptom.

Symptomatology is a doctrine looking primarily at the symptoms a patient is showing. I feel that seeking out the cause should be the primary objective.

For a behaviourist to choose a supportive, holistic approach is not always easy, because many people remain sceptical. That scepticism is partly justified but not always. Whether or not you “believe” in herbs, Animal Reflection ®, etc. an animal does not suffer from the so-called placebo effect, .If something works then it just works, regardless of the opinions of the bystanders.

An objective human will be able see the results for themselves.

“A healthy dog is a happy dog ​​!”

Alternative medicine carefully and expertly used can provide a valuable support to mainstream medicine.

 

To me, nature (even your own nature) is the best teacher, the brightest star, the clearest mirror … showing you the way.

So look to nature for solutions.

 

Below is a brief overview of some common herbs and precious gemstones, mentioning their uses and properties:

 

Cedar: nervousness, fun, harmony, gives courage

Cypress:  a tonic for veins and arteries, antispasmodic, incontinence

Lemon rind:  rejoice, concentration, good condition, white blood cells, urine cleansing, antiseptic

Dill:  hiccups (magnesium deficiency)

Eucalyptus:  lower respiratory tract, red blood cells, mucus, fever

Ginger: stomach cramps, rheumatism

Geranium:  blockages, aggression, scars, flea allergy

Pine:  soothing, self-confidence, upper respiratory tract

Juniper: circulation, purifying, diarrhoea

Chamomile: soothing, purifying skin, fever, stomach and intestines

Cinnamon: digestion, heat, neck, gums

Clove: toothache, uterine, reinforcing

Lavender:  balance, insects, burns, eczema, relaxation

Lemongrass:  concentration, strains, bruises, glands

Garlic: blood cleansing, antiseptic, hair growth, bones, condition, parasites and worms

Marjoram:  consolation, hormone balance (false pregnancy, macho behaviour)

Peppermint: head and intestines, cooling

Rosemary: circulation, liver and gall, energy, low blood pressure, baldness

Orange:  happiness, leisure, bladder and kidneys, digestive

Tea tree:  antibiotics, antiseptic

Thyme:  Respiratory – cough and runny nose

Fennel:  intestines and flatulence

 

Amethyst is a purple stone that influences the crown chakra (Sahaswara) which in both animals and humans is situated at the top of the head. This lovely stone helps to soothe hyperactive or nervous animals Amethyst also stimulates the higher spiritual consciousness, so the animal remains calm and at ease in his surroundings. The use of the extract or wearing the stone or placing it on the body helps to prevent flea infestations. Amethyst extract is an ideal way to make an animal feel content and reduces negativity.

 

Bloodstone/Heliotrope is a dark green or bluish black stone, which positively affects the heart chakra (Anahata). In animals this chakra is located in the middle of the rib cage. This stone is useful for any disorder associated with the heart. It helps to revitalize an inactive animal. It can also help an animal that is frightened or uncertain, for example, when there is a thunderstorm.

 

Citrine is a pale lemon coloured stone that is used to create or stimulate physical endurance. It helps cleanse the body and promotes an optimistic outlook. The organs that are affected by this stone are the stomach and pancreas, making it the ideal stone to help when a diet needs to be adapted. It improves enzyme activity and helps regulate the blood sugar. The energy of this stone helps to restore the balance between the stomach and pancreas and allows negative energy to flow away, paving the way to the healing process.  Citrine represents the sun and promotes stamina and mental clarity.

 

Lepidolite – Lepidolite is a beautiful, soft lavender coloured stone, which affects the crown chakra. The elixir has a very calming and regulatory effect on moods. You could say that it softens the sharp edges of human life, and gives a sense of self-confidence. It is seen as a cornerstone of “change”. When animals end up in a new environment, with a new owner, this stone is excellent for confidence-building. On a physical level, the stone helps to regulate disturbances in the nervous and muscular systems.

 

Moldavite is a beautiful, rare green stone that looks like glass. It comes from a meteorite that fell to earth in Slovenia millions of years ago. This stone has a positive effect on the solar plexus chakra and the third eye chakra. It can make it possible to achieve a strong psychic bond between an animal and the owner. It is very suitable for use with puppies or dogs that have problems during training sessions as it will improve communication.

 

Moonstone is a beautiful pearl white stone with a blue or whitish glow. This stone has a positive effect on the third eye / brow chakra (Ajna) which is situated in the middle of the forehead of an animal and the crown chakra (Sahaswara), situated on the top of the head. The energy of this stone is that of the natural moon. It brings feminine energy into balance. It strongly encourages all aspects of the female reproductive organs, pregnancy and female emotions. It can help regulate the oestrous cycle and can help stabilise the body after a pseudo pregnancy.

 

Rock crystal (quartz) is composed of silicon dioxide, which constitutes about 12 percent of the earth’s crust. It is colourless and transparent with a very powerful energy and is considered to be the master crystal. It heals and brings the crown chakra (Sahaswara) into balance and it has a positive influence on all energy centres and internal organs. Rock crystal ensures a balance of all the chakras as it is able to both give and receive energy. When used in combination with other stones it will strengthen their individual properties.

Rock crystal will offer protection against negative external influences.

 

Rose Quartz is a pink stone that has a positive effect on the heart chakra (Anahata). The heart chakra is situated in the middle of an animal’s rib cage. This beautiful stone can be used to stimulate feelings of friendship, helping shy and retiring animals to open up to others. It could be used, for example, for an animal that has suffered abuse and neglect. Rose quartz extract allows an animal to remember what it is to experience a kind and loving environment. It helps the animal to recover confidence and promotes a sense of security.

 

 

Turquoise is a beautiful blue-green stone that has been regarded over the centuries as a very spiritual stone. The energy of the turquoise has a positive effect on the throat chakra (Visuddha), which in animals is located in the middle of the neck. Turquoise can strengthen and balance all of the chakras, but in animals it helps especially for all throat problems as well as for rheumatism and arthritis. It allows the animal to make their wishes and needs clearer especially those that might otherwise not be understood by the owner. It also protects the animal when the owner is not present. It is an ideal stone to dispel negative energy.

 

Herbs in the form of essential oils are also often used for massage in animals.

 

In the context of Animal Reflection and a holistic approach you can choose to apply a similar therapy to both yourself and your animal.

 

In Toscanzahoeve we offer you the possibility of a duo massage when you and your dog are massaged simultaneously by two therapists.

Following the massage using the method of Animal Reflection we can tell you everything we have noticed about the bond between you and your animal or even any problems that may exist in your relationship.

 

What is your opinion about alternative and complementary therapies and holistic perspectives as applied to animals?

Do you have any useful tips about herbs, massage … or do you have any questions? I look forward to hearing from you!