Will Meadowsweet Help Your Dog?
If your dog suffers any type of pain, meadowsweet might be a good option.
Dogs experience pain for a variety of reasons, just like us.
Active dogs hurt when they tear a cruciate ligament.
Older dogs feel pain when they develop arthritis.
Arthritis pain isn’t curable, but it is treatable.
A Western practitioner may simply offer pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for a dog suffering from back and knee pain.
NSAIDs, and other common pain relievers, often carry harmful side effects.
Veterinarians practicing Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) in addition to Western medicine often have more options available for pet parents.
TCVM utilizes Eastern and Western herbs to treat the root cause of illness, rather than just the symptoms.
Herbal remedies are typically gentler, providing relief with lower risk.
For example, a TCVM vet may recommend a supplement containing Meadowsweet for dog pain.
What is Meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet, also known as Filipendula ulmaria, is a fragrant wildflower native to Europe and Western Asia.
Meadowsweet contains salicylates such as salicin, salicylaldehyde, and methyl salicylate.
These compounds oxidize in the digestive tract, forming salicylic acid, which is similar to aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
In 1853, German scientists created the first form of aspirin using the extract.
Meadowsweet is also called Meadow Queen, Pride of the Meadow, Bridewort, Meadsweet, Dollof, Lady of the Meadow, Meadow-Wort, Queen of the Meadow, and Mead Wort.
Meadowsweet’s white flowers, and occasionally the root, are typically used for medicinal purposes.
How Does It Help Dog Pain?
The salicin in Meadowsweet blocks prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals causing pain and inflammation.
Salicin has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces pain and fever.
Therefore, it alleviates joint pain by reducing acidity, a known cause of inflammation.
For centuries, health experts use Meadowsweet to treat arthritis and rheumatism of muscles and joints and may improve connective joint tissue.
In a study by the UCD Institute of Food and Health in Ireland, scientists identified Meadowsweet as protective against oxidative damage, which is a common feature in diseases.
Another study from Russia showed the water-alcohol extracts from the herb inhibit the development of the symptoms of inflammation, similarly to NSAIDS.
Does It Have Side Effects?
Meadowsweet is safe for use in animals without kidney problems, bleeding disorders, sensitivities to salicylates, NSAIDs, or anticoagulants.
Pregnant animals should also avoid use.
How to Use Meadowsweet with Other Herbs and Compounds
Meadowsweet’s benefits are best when combined with other compounds.
For example, a supplement including Yucca, Boswellia, and Cornus would most effectively help your pup.
Seeking an all natural supplement to alleviate pain in your dog?
