Mary Allen
Wildflowers are known to have many good qualities. We humans have been using them for a very long time – whether in the kitchen, as an alternative healing method for illnesses, wounds, or other ailments, or for our animals. They can have a very positive effect on the organism and can be used in a wide variety of forms. Maybe you already know these plants as an alternative healing method or through your dog’s BARF? Because wildflowers are very popular with dogs, especially when it comes to nutrition.
Nettle – A Jack of All Trades Among Wildflowers
If we’re being honest, stinging nettles aren’t exactly the prettiest of wildflowers. We usually meet them at the side of the road, in meadows, or in our own garden. They can spread very quickly and come in the form of large and small nettles. Due to the many small stinging hairs on the plant, we usually only remember the itchy and burning pustules that appear on the skin after touching them. As a result, it naturally struggles with a rather bad reputation and is therefore considered more of a weed. But there is actually much more to this plant. It is considered a very important medicinal plant and is often used by humans, dogs, and other pets. It has many different ingredients that can have a positive effect on health problems or on keeping your dog healthy. Not only can it be used internally, it can also be used externally.
The healing effects of stinging nettle at a glance:
- blood purifying
- hemostatic
- hematopoietic
- appetizing
- diuretic
- anti-inflammatory
- pain-relieving
- metabolism-enhancing
Uses of nettle:
- for detoxification of the body
- to stimulate metabolism
- to support the liver
- as a supplement for loss of appetite
- in urinary tract diseases
- to strengthen the immune system
- for external use on eczema and other rashes
- to relieve flea bites
Dandelion – Not Only Beautiful to Look at But Also Useful
Often perceived as “weeds”, however, you can integrate the dandelion very well into your everyday life. Whether for maintaining health or for physical symptoms, the dandelion is a remedy that is as important as it is valuable. Its detoxifying and especially stimulating effect on the bile, stomach, and pancreas plays a decisive role in dog nutrition. You can offer it to your dog as tea, but you can also use it as a tincture for external ailments.
The medicinal properties of dandelion:
- antispasmodic
- appetizing
- digestive
- blood purifying
- anti-inflammatory
- detoxifying
- diuretic
Dandelion uses:
- stimulation of the bile
- Stimulates the stomach and pancreas
- Use during states of weakness to build-up
- Support for joint problems
- positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract
- increase in well-being
Giersch – The Bad Reputation Precedes Him
Notorious and unpopular as a weed in most gardens, ground elder is instead very welcome in the kitchen or as a medicinal plant. Its many beneficial ingredients, especially its high mineral and vitamin C content, make it a very popular herb.
The healing properties of ground elder:
- hemostatic
- diuretic
- detoxifying
- appetizing
- deacidifying
- digestive
Possible uses of goutweed:
- for acute intestinal problems
- Use in urinary tract diseases
- Improvement of general well-being
- external use for skin rashes, injuries, or insect bites
Caution!
If you are interested in Giersch and would like to use it for your dog, please take a close look at the plant. The goutweed, also known to many as the goat’s foot, has a few similar-looking competitors. However, these are toxic for your fur nose. These include the spotted hemlock, the poisonous water hemlock, and the hogweed. Furthermore, the burnet is confusingly similar to the goutweed. However, this is not toxic to your dog.
Therefore, research very carefully in advance if you are not very familiar with wildflowers. You can also take pictures of ground elders and the other plants to avoid confusion.
These characteristics can help you distinguish:
- The shape of Stem and Leaves: Ground elder has triangular stems and triangular leaves composed of three individual leaves. The edge of the leaves is jagged.
- Smell: If you rub a few leaves in your hand, the goutweed has a slight note of parsley.
When it comes to wildflowers, proper dosage and usage are important. Because these useful plants also have vitamins and minerals and – if used incorrectly – can have undesirable effects on the dog’s organism, especially if your dog suffers from certain diseases or has to take medication regularly. For example, even bitches should not get everything in their food bowl during pregnancy.