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Cats + Complementary Medicine

  • Ginger is a well-known tropical herb whose root is used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Herbal Medicine. The most famous medical use of ginger is as an anti-emetic (prevention of nausea and vomiting).

  • While the Ginkgo nut is used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of respiratory disorders, the Ginkgo leaf is used in western herbal medicine, primarily to stimulate blood flow, both peripheral to the extremities and cerebral (to the brain).

  • In Chinese medicine, Korean Ginseng is used as a Qi tonic to boost vitality. Likewise, Ginseng is used for the same purposes by vets, often as a component of a larger herbal formula.

  • Glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally in the body and plays an important role in forming and maintaining the body's tissues such as nails, skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, heart valves, discharging mucous from the lining of the digestive tract, urinary tract and respiratory tract.

  • Glutamine is found in fairly high levels in dairy, fish, eggs and meat products, however supplementation with glutamine is more appropriate when the digestive system is compromised.

  • Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are combinations of proteins and sugars and are found in a variety of tissues, including the blood plasma, joints, and the mucosal (mucous membrane) lining of a variety of organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and the bladder.

  • Green-lipped or Perna mussel (Perna canaliculus), is a shellfish that is a natural source of glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) including chondroitin. These products are potentially very useful in the treatment of arthritis in dogs and cats.

  • Hawthorn bioflavonoids preserve circulation to the heart. In dogs and cats, they have been shown to improve blood circulation to the ventricles of the heart specifically.

  • Orthomolecular (from 'ortho' meaning 'right') therapy is the prevention and treatment of disease by using nutritional supplements. The health of the patient as well as their diet, environment and other external factors are taken into account.

  • Immune stimulants, or immunostimulants, are herbs or neutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) that have a beneficial effect on the body's ability to fight infection, disease and injury.