Astragalus Root for Dogs and Cats

Astragalus Root for Dogs and CatsAstragalus Root for dogs and cats is formulated with organic astragalus root which is a well known adaptogen and a highly researched immune system enhancer. It works to support an animal's resistance to stress while boosting the number and activity of immune cells*. Astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, including enhancing phagocytic activity of monocytes and macrophages, increasing interferon production,

 Astragalus Root for dogs and cats is formulated with organic astragalus root which is a well known adaptogen and a highly researched immune system enhancer. It works to support an animal's resistance to stress while boosting the number and activity of immune cells*. Astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, including enhancing phagocytic activity of monocytes and macrophages, increasing interferon production, enhancing T-cell activity and potentiating other antiviral mechanisms.

Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation and is safe to use on a daily basis. In China, they use astragalus to boost immune function during and after radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

MD Anderson Cancer Center (Texas) researchers reported that cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy had twice the survival rates if they took astragalus during the treatment.

Recently, The Pet Health and Nutrition Center has begun using a new technology to extract our glycerite herbal remedies called Ultrasonic Botanical Extraction. To the best of our knowledge, at this time, we are the only pet supplement company using this modern technology to create the herbal remedies our clients use for their dogs and cats.

This modern technology uses ultrasound waves to break apart plant matter to release active, beneficial plant constituents into the solvent (in our case USP organic glycerin). We have used independent, third-party testing to ensure our new herbal remedies will be as effective as our prior method of extraction. The results exceeded our expectations and showed an increase of 10X in the amount of active plant constituents using this modern botanical extraction method.

What you may notice… First, let me make clear that our herbal formulas are the same and have not changed. However, you may notice that they are lighter in color and less viscous (thinner). If you would like more information on this modern method of creating herbal remedies we have provided an article and video on Ultrasonic Botanical Extraction for you to enjoy.

What to Look for in a Superior Astragalus Formula:

✓ Organic Herbs

Our formula contains certified USDA organic herbs. Research shows organic herbs have higher amounts of important nutrients as opposed to conventionally raised plants. Organic farming methods are also better for the environment and of course do not have the levels of residual pesticides that conventionally grown herbs can have. We also do not use wild crafted herbs in our formulas as this practice can damage wild populations of herbs and you do not necessarily know where the herbs are coming from or how they've been grown. Instead, we prefer to be on the safe side and only obtain herbs from USDA certified organic farms.

✓ Natural Ingredients

Natural ingredients are going to be gentler on your animal's body when compared to synthetic chemical ingredients or medications. The proper natural constituents are able to provide the body with what it needs to heal and get better. This is in direct contrast to synthetic ingredients or medications that can be especially hard on the liver and kidneys. Medications are also designed to have a symptom suppressing action in line with the principles of allopathic medicine which is to create a diagnoses and then use drugs to suppress symptoms. Using this course of action can never result in true healing and is not really meant to.

✓ Alcohol-Free Tincture with ORGANIC Vegetable Glycerin for Animals

Our blend is formulated by a special process using low heat and organic vegetable glycerin. Tinctures are concentrated forms of a plant's constituents that are readily absorbed and utilized by your pet's body. Because your pet may not like the taste of alcohol, we use vegetable glycerin which gives our tinctures a sweet taste your animals will like. Vegetable glycerin is a carbohydrate but is metabolized differently than sugar and does not raise blood sugar levels. It is also an efficient menstruum which extracts valuable constituents from plants and makes them readily available to the body. In addition, we take the extra time and effort to use a low heat process that extracts many more constituents than just soaking in glycerin alone as is done by most other herbal companies. And, of course, the use of USDA organic vegetable glycerin ensures your pet avoids genetically modified ingredients and herbicides in their natural medicine.

✓ Uses only Human Grade Ingredients

Our products are manufactured using human grade ingredients. In the pet industry this is far from the rule as many companies use pet quality ingredients, those considered "not fit for human consumption".

✓ Uses Fresh, High Quality Ingredients

We purchase our ingredients from some of the most highly regarded companies in their respective fields so you and your animals are ensured the finest quality supplements. In addition, we purchase in small quantities to make sure the products we provide to you are fresh and bursting with important nutrients. This is in direct contrast to many other products on the market that can spend a year or longer sitting in non-climate controlled warehouses before they even get to you.

[ingredients]

Active Ingredients per ml
A proprietary blend of USDA ORGANIC extracts (1:5)...250mg

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)

Inactive Ingredients: ORGANIC vegetable glycerin USP, distilled water

About the Organic Herbs in This Formula

Astragalus Root - A very popular adaptogenic herb that supports the body's resistance to stress. Being a tonic herb it supports the adrenal glands and helps to energize the entire body. It builds immune strength, nourishes the spleen and supports bone marrow activity. If that isn't enough studies show this herb also helps to support the immune system during radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

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[instructions]

Provide 1 ml per 25 lbs 2 - 3 times per day. May be squirted directly in the mouth, placed in a small amount of favorite food (goat milk yogurt works well) or added to meals. It is desirable to provide herbal remedies such as this away from meals for better absorption when possible.

Shake well before use.

Since this is not a medication, dosages do not have to be exact. Do the best you can to get as close to the suggested dosage below as you can for your animal’s weight.

For serious acute conditions - It is recommended to provide three dosages per day. When your animal is doing better you may try reducing dosages to twice daily and see how they do with that schedule.

For chronic conditions - You may provide two to three times daily. If your animal does not respond to two dosages they will need three until they show improvement and then you may reduce to two dosages daily and see how they do.

Long-term use: After the first two - four weeks when your animal's condition stabilizes or improves begin to use on a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off as long as your animal's condition allows this schedule without deterioration.

Storage: If to be used over a period of a few weeks store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Refrigerate for longer term storage.

Important: If animal's condition worsens or does not improve or any unusual symptoms occur discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.

We recommend you purchase enough for at least 2 - 4 weeks to get an idea if this remedy will work for your animal. Use the chart below as a guide.

Approximate Daily Servings per Container

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[faqs]

Does this herbal formula have any contraindications?
This herbal extract does not have any contraindications for dogs and cats when used according to our serving suggestions and frequency.

Is this herbal extract safe for my dog or cat?
All of our herbal formulas have been developed by a certified Master Herbalist with years of educational training and over 20 years of experience creating herbal extracts for dogs and cats. The safe use of herbs and plant extracts has a long history dating back thousands of years, while modern pharmaceutical drugs - mass-produced, chemically synthesized medications - have only experienced widespread acceptance since the mid 1900’s.

Does this herbal formula actually work?
We wouldn’t be in business for the last two decades with thousands of positive reviews if our herbal formulas didn’t work for dogs and cats. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that results can vary as all animals are individuals with different diets, lifestyles and nutritional needs. If your pet is fed a processed kibble pet food, receives excessive booster vaccines every year, flea and tick pesticide treatments every month, is currently using, or has used, a variety of prescription medications, experiencing the benefits of an herbal remedy may require a little more effort.

What is the correct dosage?
The general serving size of our herbal extracts for dogs and cats is one ml (using the provided graduated dropper) per 25 lbs of animal weight at a frequency of 2-3 times daily. Detailed information with a servings chart can be found under the Instructions tab on this product page.

Can this herbal extract be used alongside prescription medications?
Generally, the answer to this question is “yes” with some caveats. First, see if there are any contraindications listed in the FAQs question above. Next, we suggest that herbal formulas are given at least two hours away from medications to avoid the potential for interactions. Lastly, since herbs can have a similar effect on the body as a medication prescribed by your veterinarian, your vet should monitor your dog or cat to see if the dosage of any medication needs to be adjusted lower. Don’t adjust the dosages of a medication your pet is using without your vet’s supervision.

Are their potential side effects?
While this herbal extract is very well tolerated by the majority of dogs and cats, a very small percentage of users may experience mild stomach upset or nausea if they are sensitive to an ingredient in the formula just like they may with any new food. These effects are rare and typically stop shortly after you discontinue use. If your pet has a history of being more sensitive, we recommend starting with 1/4 of the suggested serving size to see how your pet reacts before using the full suggested serving. If your dog or cat does display symptoms of nausea, don’t panic, just discontinue the herbal extract and allow time for your pet’s stomach to settle.

Is the vegetable glycerin used for your herbal formulas organic?
Yes, our glycerin is certified USP organic and is derived from organic sunflower oil or organic flax seed oil. It is not palm-derived (environmentally damaging) or soy-derived unlike most glycerin used by others in the pet market.

Are the herbs used in your herbal formulas organic?
Yes, all of the herbs used in our formulas are certified USDA organic. There is a significant additional expense in using USDA organic herbs compared with conventional herbs. However, we feel this is important to get the highest quality herbs from organic farms and suppliers we trust without the potential for contamination with pesticides and herbicides. As far as I am aware, we are the only pet supplement company that uses 100% USP organic glycerin and USDA organic herbs in their herbal formulas for dogs and cats.

How do I store this herbal formula?
Our herbal extracts can be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat on the kitchen countertop or in a cabinet. Refrigeration can be used if the extract is going to be stored for a longer period of time because it can extend the shelf life, but it is not necessary.

Does the herbal extract have an expiration date?
The "Best by" date can be found on the bottom of the bottle using a label. If the label falls off feel free to contact us and we will know from your order date what the “Best by” date is.

How long does it usually take to see results?
Generally, you should start noticing some sort of results within a few days. Continue providing the herbal extract to your dog or cat for at least one month to get a good idea as to whether this particular herbal formula is working for your pet. The answer to this question will be influenced by two considerations. The first is the vitality and lifestyle of the dog or cat. Some animals have a stronger vitality and therefor a better response to herbal extracts. Some dogs and cats also have better diets and less exposure to toxins and chemicals from over-vaccination or medications.

Another consideration is whether you have selected the correct herbal formula for your dog or cat. If you don’t see improvement in a month’s time please contact us at [email protected] so we can discuss what you are trying to accomplish and make sure you have the correct herbal extract or other supplement.

Lastly, let me mention that herbal extracts are not pharmaceutical drugs that have a dramatic affect on the body. What we are trying to accomplish with our herbal formulas and other supplements is to provide nutritional support for weak organs/systems and this can take a little time to accomplish in some cases. Also, as I alluded to earlier, diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the health of your dog or cat. If you continue to feed a poor-quality, processed diet, provide repetitive booster vaccinations or use chemical flea/tick products, these will work against what we are trying to accomplish and make it more difficult to improve the health of your companion. This is because all of the aforementioned place additional stress on the liver, kidneys and immune system instead of allowing the body to focus its energy on restoring balance.

What if my pet is not responding as hoped?
If your dog or cat is not responding to the herbal formula as hoped, then you may increase the herbal extract serving size by 50% and monitor the results. You can also increase the frequency up to three times daily. Reduce back to the lowest effective serving size and frequency as your pet’s condition improves. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] so we can offer you more advice. Our goal is for you to succeed and we will help you to the best of our abilities.

What if I have a large dog and/or on a budget?
We understand that providing a large animal with herbal remedies and natural supplements can be a financial burden. We would suggest to provide what is within your budget and see how that works. For example, if you have a 100 lb dog that would require 5 mls of an herbal extract two to three times daily, figure what is within your budget and try that. It may only be 1 ml or 2 mls two times per day. However, in our experience this is preferable to avoiding the herbal formula entirely.

What if my vet is not receptive to a more holistic approach using herbal extracts or natural supplements?
Unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence. Try telling your vet that you respect their knowledge and experience but would like to incorporate a more natural approach into your pet's care. If this doesn’t work, and your vet is still unreceptive, then finding a veterinarian that shares your holistic philosophy may be appropriate. Some resources that may help in your search include: American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) or the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).

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