Maria Allen
There is a herb for every ailment – as the old saying goes. Nevertheless, phytotherapy, probably the oldest of all forms of therapy, was an often forgotten art for a long time.
But the range of wild and medicinal plants that can also help cats is still large – and is just waiting to be discovered by you.
It is wise to help yourself. Wild animals have integrated this motto, which can ensure their survival, into their behavior from the very beginning – and pass on the learned knowledge about the benefits of certain wild herbs and the avoidance of other, poisonous plants from generation to generation. Whether preventive measures or combating acute illnesses, pain treatment, or wound care: many animals use nature’s medicine cabinet in a very targeted manner to treat complaints on their own. Domesticated pets like our house tiger, on the other hand, need the help of their people when it comes to using the healing power of nature in the form of wild and medicinal herbs to specifically combat animal suffering. And they, in turn, must be well versed in our native flora or trust someone who has proven himself to be a knowledgeable botanist and connoisseur of the plant ingredients and their diverse effects. Kers-tin Delinatz is one of those who have specialized in the application of phytotherapy to pets and farm animals – and are also happy to pass on their knowledge
Phytotherapy Can Do A Lot …
“In seminars and on herb hikes, I show pet owners which plants they need to produce remedies for their animals or how these are put together and used,” says the trained psychotherapist. In her courses and seminars, the participants learn how to make ointments, teas, oils, and tinctures themselves and how to administer them correctly. “You can plant the plants at home in the flower box on the window sill or in the garden as a herb bed or collect them on a walk,” says the dedicated herbalist. Kerstin Delinatz has been working as a psychotherapist for animals and humans for two years now, introduces those who are interested in wild and medicinal herbs and the knowledge of the healing powers of plants, and visits animal owners who do not have the time for oils, essences, and ointments and make your own tea. “These people can then get the medicine they need from me or have their animals treated by me,” says the veterinarian, who herself has three cats, a dog, and a horse.
… As An Oil Aand Ointment, Tincture, Tablet, Or Tea
Phytotherapy is suitable for almost all cat complaints. “Of course, you can’t use it to heal serious illnesses or fractures, the veterinarian is always responsible for that,” says Kerstin Delinatz, “but as a supportive therapy, it can at least alleviate the symptoms even in cancer patients.” Between spring and late autumn, nature has many plants ready that can be dried for about a year, as oils a little longer, and as tinctures (extracts with alcohol) almost forever. As basic herbs, Kerstin Delinatz swears by St. John’s wort for teas and oils (which has a calming effect and helps with fungal diseases and eczema or rashes), marigold flowers for ointments (supports wound healing and helps with skin problems), ribwort plantain (strengthens the immune system), rosemary for tinctures (for rubbing in for osteoarthritis), dandelion and nettle for infusions (have an anti-inflammatory effect, support the liver, stimulate the metabolism, cleanse the kidneys and detoxify), garlic (lowers blood pressure and stimulates circulation) and fennel (for bloating and digestive problems).