Herbal Remedies
Information on Herbs
Excerpt from:
Herbal Remedies for Birds by Carol Spicegood
ALOE VERA
The most popular herbal remedy for the care of parrots seems to be aloe. One popular use of aloe is a topical spray to sooth the irritated skin of birds that engage in feather plucking. Dramatic results can be obtained with this protocol when used on parrots who are destroying their feathers due to an itchy condition of the skin. Even in cases of psychological plucking, the aloe spray has been known to slow down feather destruction, due to the fact that damp feathers seem to dampen the urge to pluck. The easiest way to obtain a quality aloe spray for parrots is to buy it from a health food store. I recommend George's Aloe Spray, which comes in a spray bottle with eight ounces for approximately five dollars. Otherwise, a spray can be made by obtaining a new and clean spray bottle and filling it with a solution of one part pure aloe vera juice to three parts distilled water.
Our love of parrots can be extremely rewarding! Most of the time, interacting with them is pure pleasure. But, one of the few drawbacks of keeping parrots as a hobby or a business is the occasional painful bite. It is surprising that although most of us know about the use of aloe vera gel for sunburn, there seems to be little awareness of its merits as an analgesic for other minor injuries.
It will take only one incident of a smashed toe, a cut finger, a scraped knee, or a crushing bird bite from a beak capable of exerting a couple thousand pounds of pressure to convince you of the almost magical pain-killing ability of aloe vera gel. Not only does aloe vera gel relieve pain almost instantly, it also helps to prevent bruising and its accompanying purple, black and blue colors. When you have a cut, abrasion, bruise or painful bite, immediately immerse the wounded area in a thick coating of the gel. For a badly bitten finger, fill a rubber finger cot with the thick gel and wear it on the finger for as long as you like, five minutes is good and an hour is better! The pain will be a thing of the past within the first few minutes. If you have older aloe vera plants with large leaves, you might cut open a leaf and wrap it around an injured finger.
ALOE DETOX-- About a year ago, I wrote an account in an on-line newsletter of an adult female eclectus that I own who became seriously ill. After undergoing every imaginable test and treatment protocol by two veterinarians, no diagnosis could be made and the bird was sent home to be "kept comfortable." In desperation, I went browsing in a health food store with the hope of finding something that might save my beloved bird. Both vets had mentioned liver damage so I decided to try a liver-detoxifying agent called Aloe Detox by Naturade. I was shocked at the immediate response--her appetite returned, she began perching for the first time in weeks and she became responsive to her surroundings again.
After a couple weeks of steady improvement and when she seemed normal again, I took her back to one of the treating vets for blood work. He was pleasantly surprised just to see her alive, and he drew blood for re-testing. He phoned me with the results of the CBC and said "If I had not drawn the blood myself, I would not believe that it came from the same bird. All of her liver values are completely normal!"
In hindsight, I wish that I had kept a log of all her treatments, including the Aloe Detox, but the dosage that I used was, at best, unscientific, being simply all that I could get into her. I made her drinking water half Aloe Detox, soaked her bird bread in it, and put it on everything that she would eat. Being a non-toxic product, I felt that there was no danger of overdosing her. Due to the serious nature of her condition, there was nothing to lose.
Through the internet and by word of mouth, Aloe Detox has become popular with quite a few Avian vets in the U.S. and has been credited with saving many birds, which is most gratifying to me. I think that it should be an integral part of all Avian first-aid kits.
Edited by FaeryBee 2/26/16
The product name has changed. You may be able to find the product at some health food stores.
Otherwise, if you go a "Google-Search" you can locate it using the name.
One link is attached below:
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice
Dr. Greg Harrison, Avian vet of Lake Worth, Florida, also recommends Aloe Vera. In his book, Avian Medicine, Principles and Application, he makes the following recommendation: George's Aloe Vera (Warren Laboratories) Available as a lotion for topical application on pruritic lesions or as a liquid for oral administration. Solution for treating pruritic skin lesions is made by mixing one-half ounce of Aloe Vera oral liquid with one teaspoon of Penetran, two drops of Woolite and one pint of water.
ECHINACEA
Echinacea is an herbal preparation made from the purple coneflower plant or echinacea augustifolia. It has been called an herbal antibiotic on the level of penicillin. The plant and its extracts currently are being marketed primarily for their effect of stimulating the immune system through several different mechanisms--stimulation of phagocytosis, increased motility of leukocytes, and increase in T-lymphocytes and interferon production. Echinacea also inhibits hyaluronidase, which may prevent the spread of microorganisms throughout the body. Dr Greg Harrison says that he has seen a clinical response in sick birds who have evidence of infection and in birds following antibiotic therapy. He says too that birds with chronic pin feathers, liver problems, pox lesions, allergic dermatitis, and any clinical sign suggesting the need for immune stimulation have shown response to Echinacea.
Echinacea can be found in health food stores in tablet and capsule form. Toxicity studies in animals indicate that Echinacea is non toxic. Dr Harrison mixes 3 ml of echinacea extract with 7 ml of lactulose, a non-prescription product from pharmacies. He administers one drop twice daily to a budgie-size bird. The recommended dose of echinacea for a parrot is 2.5 drops per kg of body weight, or 5 drops per cup of drinking water. It is thought that echinacea should be administered for only two weeks in succession, followed by two weeks off the herb. Echinacea alone should not be used to treat a critically ill bird that needs aggressive antibiotic treatment.
Echinacea can be used as an indicator of the quality of herbs in a product line. If I wanted to test Brand X herbs, I would buy their echinacea capsules, break one open and put some of the herb on my tongue. If it numbed my tongue, I would assume that it was a good line of products with fresh and viable herbs. If it did not have the expected numbing effect, I would not buy any of the other products of that brand name as they may have little or no effect.
The following is a list of other herbs and the conditions for which they can be used in the treatment of parrots.
ALFALFA
Aids in allergies and arthritic conditions of parrots by removing toxins from the body; neutralizing acids, and purifying the blood. Alfalfa stimulates the appetite, and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium & other nutrients.
ALOE
Fresh aloe gel is a perfect application for small cuts, abrasions, and rashes on parrots' skin. It dries and heals the injury.
CAYENNE
The active ingredient, capsaicin, is an appetite stimulant and a good natural treatment for sinus congestion in parrots. Used topically, it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Parrots enjoy its fiery taste.
CHAMOMILE
One of nature's safest and mildest sedatives useful to calm birds in stressful situations. Studies show that this herb also kills the yeast fungi Candida albicans as well as certain staph bacteria.
CINNAMON
Exerts mild anti-fungal effect on candida and other types of yeast, and aspergillus. It also has a mild anti-bacterial effect against strep and staph bacteria.
DANDELION
Helpful in diseases of the liver and digestive organs. Useful in the treatment of arthritis.
ECHINACEA
Used as an immunostimulant. May speed recovery in some cases of poxvirus and in debilitated birds. Also possesses anti-bacterial properties.
EYEBRIGHT
Useful herb for protecting and maintaining the health of parrots' eyes. A strong tea of eyebright, used as a wash, is perfect for irritated eyes on all pets.
GARLIC
Has anti-oxidant properties as well as anti-parasitic properties which kill intestinal parasites. It protects the liver from the damage of chemical pollutants in the air and in food and water supply. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England found that garlic juice is as strong as the antifungal drugs, Amphotericin and Nystatin, against Candida, a fungal problem sometimes found in parrots. Garlic should be used sparingly in the bird diet, and in the form of fresh garlic slices rather than concentrated garlic powder. One or two thin slices once or twice a week is sufficient. Garlic belongs to a family of plants that may cause anemia in some animals if given for long periods of time.
GINGER
Excellent to prevent motion sickness when parrots must travel. Use a few drops of ginger extract in the water, and slices of fresh ginger offered the night before the bird must travel. Very useful against nausea and regurgitation.
KAVA KAVA
A member of the pepper family, and popular among people in the South Pacific islands since earliest times, Kava Kava has sedative and tranquilizing effects. It is useful in some cases of feather plucking and hyperactivity of parrots. This herb is quite strong and therefore must be used sparingly.
MILK THISTLE
Seeds contain silymarin, a flavonoid that is effective for liver disorders. This is the main herbal ingredient of Aloe Detox and the number one herb for the treatment of all liver problems. Milk thistle has been used without side effects for years.
PASSION FLOWER
Passiflora incarnata, also commonly known as Maypop acts as a gentle sedative and may be our best natural parrot tranquilizer. Parrots that engage in feather destruction may respond favorably to either Passion Flower, Kava Kava, or St.Johns Wort. Hyperactive parrots or those with compulsive behavior patterns may be helped by Passion Flower.
PAU D'ARCO
Or Taheebo is considered a "miracle bark" from a South American tree, with anti-fungal properties effective against candida and intestinal parasites in humans and parrots alike.
ST. JOHNS WORT
Hypericum has anti-depressant qualities and can be tried as a substitute for Haloperidol in some feather-plucking parrots. Not all herbs work the same in all parrots so it may be necessary to try more than one for some symptoms. St. Johns Wort could possibly be a problem if administered to parrots that live outside with access to direct sunlight. The reason for this warning is that there were studies of sheep that ingested extremely large quantities of pure hypericum-perforatum and died of phototoxicity. This may or may not apply to parrots. No studies have been published on the use of St. Johns Wort in parrots.
SEAWEEDS
Sea vegetables such as Kelp, Wakame, Undaria, Kombu and Nori protect parrots as well as humans against several gram positive and gram negative bacteria known to potentiate carcinogens in the system. They posses anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties. They are powerful immunostimulants.
SLIPPERY ELM
Used externally for wounds, burns, rashes, abscesses, boils, or insect bites, and internally for the lungs, coughing, vomiting
VALERIAN
Used as a sedative and pain reliever, stronger than most other herbal sedatives. Should be used only with the advice of an experienced herbalist.
WITCHHAZEL
Applied topically in a spray, it has astringent and healing properties and relieves itching. Can be used in addition to or as an alternative to aloe vera spray when parrots have itchy skin. Unlike aloe spray, witch hazel usually is preserved with alcohol so it should not be sprayed near the face of a parrot. I prefer aloe spray because of the potential of inhalation of the alcohol in witch hazel.
HERBAL PRODUCTS TO AVOID
BORAGE
Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
CALAMUS
Indian type most toxic
CHAPPARAL
Can induce severe liver toxicity
COLSTFOOT
Contains carcinogenic alkaloids
COMFREY
Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
*** or MA HUANG
Can cause dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure
GERMANDER
Can cause liver toxicity
LICORICE
Can cause sodium and water retention and potassium depletion
MA HUANG
Has caused heart attacks, seizures, psychotic episodes and death in humans
LIFE ROOT
Can cause liver toxicity
LOBELIA
Also called Indian tobacco, can lead to vomiting, convulsions, coma and death
PENNYROYAL
The oil is highly toxic to the liver and interferes with blood clotting
POKEROOT
May be fatal
SASSAFRASS
Ineffective and carcinogenic
Excerpt from:
Herbal Remedies for Birds by Carol Spicegood
ALOE VERA
The most popular herbal remedy for the care of parrots seems to be aloe. One popular use of aloe is a topical spray to sooth the irritated skin of birds that engage in feather plucking. Dramatic results can be obtained with this protocol when used on parrots who are destroying their feathers due to an itchy condition of the skin. Even in cases of psychological plucking, the aloe spray has been known to slow down feather destruction, due to the fact that damp feathers seem to dampen the urge to pluck. The easiest way to obtain a quality aloe spray for parrots is to buy it from a health food store. I recommend George's Aloe Spray, which comes in a spray bottle with eight ounces for approximately five dollars. Otherwise, a spray can be made by obtaining a new and clean spray bottle and filling it with a solution of one part pure aloe vera juice to three parts distilled water.
Our love of parrots can be extremely rewarding! Most of the time, interacting with them is pure pleasure. But, one of the few drawbacks of keeping parrots as a hobby or a business is the occasional painful bite. It is surprising that although most of us know about the use of aloe vera gel for sunburn, there seems to be little awareness of its merits as an analgesic for other minor injuries.
It will take only one incident of a smashed toe, a cut finger, a scraped knee, or a crushing bird bite from a beak capable of exerting a couple thousand pounds of pressure to convince you of the almost magical pain-killing ability of aloe vera gel. Not only does aloe vera gel relieve pain almost instantly, it also helps to prevent bruising and its accompanying purple, black and blue colors. When you have a cut, abrasion, bruise or painful bite, immediately immerse the wounded area in a thick coating of the gel. For a badly bitten finger, fill a rubber finger cot with the thick gel and wear it on the finger for as long as you like, five minutes is good and an hour is better! The pain will be a thing of the past within the first few minutes. If you have older aloe vera plants with large leaves, you might cut open a leaf and wrap it around an injured finger.
ALOE DETOX-- About a year ago, I wrote an account in an on-line newsletter of an adult female eclectus that I own who became seriously ill. After undergoing every imaginable test and treatment protocol by two veterinarians, no diagnosis could be made and the bird was sent home to be "kept comfortable." In desperation, I went browsing in a health food store with the hope of finding something that might save my beloved bird. Both vets had mentioned liver damage so I decided to try a liver-detoxifying agent called Aloe Detox by Naturade. I was shocked at the immediate response--her appetite returned, she began perching for the first time in weeks and she became responsive to her surroundings again.
After a couple weeks of steady improvement and when she seemed normal again, I took her back to one of the treating vets for blood work. He was pleasantly surprised just to see her alive, and he drew blood for re-testing. He phoned me with the results of the CBC and said "If I had not drawn the blood myself, I would not believe that it came from the same bird. All of her liver values are completely normal!"
In hindsight, I wish that I had kept a log of all her treatments, including the Aloe Detox, but the dosage that I used was, at best, unscientific, being simply all that I could get into her. I made her drinking water half Aloe Detox, soaked her bird bread in it, and put it on everything that she would eat. Being a non-toxic product, I felt that there was no danger of overdosing her. Due to the serious nature of her condition, there was nothing to lose.
Through the internet and by word of mouth, Aloe Detox has become popular with quite a few Avian vets in the U.S. and has been credited with saving many birds, which is most gratifying to me. I think that it should be an integral part of all Avian first-aid kits.
Edited by FaeryBee 2/26/16
The product name has changed. You may be able to find the product at some health food stores.
Otherwise, if you go a "Google-Search" you can locate it using the name.
One link is attached below:
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice
Dr. Greg Harrison, Avian vet of Lake Worth, Florida, also recommends Aloe Vera. In his book, Avian Medicine, Principles and Application, he makes the following recommendation: George's Aloe Vera (Warren Laboratories) Available as a lotion for topical application on pruritic lesions or as a liquid for oral administration. Solution for treating pruritic skin lesions is made by mixing one-half ounce of Aloe Vera oral liquid with one teaspoon of Penetran, two drops of Woolite and one pint of water.
ECHINACEA
Echinacea is an herbal preparation made from the purple coneflower plant or echinacea augustifolia. It has been called an herbal antibiotic on the level of penicillin. The plant and its extracts currently are being marketed primarily for their effect of stimulating the immune system through several different mechanisms--stimulation of phagocytosis, increased motility of leukocytes, and increase in T-lymphocytes and interferon production. Echinacea also inhibits hyaluronidase, which may prevent the spread of microorganisms throughout the body. Dr Greg Harrison says that he has seen a clinical response in sick birds who have evidence of infection and in birds following antibiotic therapy. He says too that birds with chronic pin feathers, liver problems, pox lesions, allergic dermatitis, and any clinical sign suggesting the need for immune stimulation have shown response to Echinacea.
Echinacea can be found in health food stores in tablet and capsule form. Toxicity studies in animals indicate that Echinacea is non toxic. Dr Harrison mixes 3 ml of echinacea extract with 7 ml of lactulose, a non-prescription product from pharmacies. He administers one drop twice daily to a budgie-size bird. The recommended dose of echinacea for a parrot is 2.5 drops per kg of body weight, or 5 drops per cup of drinking water. It is thought that echinacea should be administered for only two weeks in succession, followed by two weeks off the herb. Echinacea alone should not be used to treat a critically ill bird that needs aggressive antibiotic treatment.
Echinacea can be used as an indicator of the quality of herbs in a product line. If I wanted to test Brand X herbs, I would buy their echinacea capsules, break one open and put some of the herb on my tongue. If it numbed my tongue, I would assume that it was a good line of products with fresh and viable herbs. If it did not have the expected numbing effect, I would not buy any of the other products of that brand name as they may have little or no effect.
The following is a list of other herbs and the conditions for which they can be used in the treatment of parrots.
ALFALFA
Aids in allergies and arthritic conditions of parrots by removing toxins from the body; neutralizing acids, and purifying the blood. Alfalfa stimulates the appetite, and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium & other nutrients.
ALOE
Fresh aloe gel is a perfect application for small cuts, abrasions, and rashes on parrots' skin. It dries and heals the injury.
CAYENNE
The active ingredient, capsaicin, is an appetite stimulant and a good natural treatment for sinus congestion in parrots. Used topically, it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Parrots enjoy its fiery taste.
CHAMOMILE
One of nature's safest and mildest sedatives useful to calm birds in stressful situations. Studies show that this herb also kills the yeast fungi Candida albicans as well as certain staph bacteria.
CINNAMON
Exerts mild anti-fungal effect on candida and other types of yeast, and aspergillus. It also has a mild anti-bacterial effect against strep and staph bacteria.
DANDELION
Helpful in diseases of the liver and digestive organs. Useful in the treatment of arthritis.
ECHINACEA
Used as an immunostimulant. May speed recovery in some cases of poxvirus and in debilitated birds. Also possesses anti-bacterial properties.
EYEBRIGHT
Useful herb for protecting and maintaining the health of parrots' eyes. A strong tea of eyebright, used as a wash, is perfect for irritated eyes on all pets.
GARLIC
Has anti-oxidant properties as well as anti-parasitic properties which kill intestinal parasites. It protects the liver from the damage of chemical pollutants in the air and in food and water supply. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England found that garlic juice is as strong as the antifungal drugs, Amphotericin and Nystatin, against Candida, a fungal problem sometimes found in parrots. Garlic should be used sparingly in the bird diet, and in the form of fresh garlic slices rather than concentrated garlic powder. One or two thin slices once or twice a week is sufficient. Garlic belongs to a family of plants that may cause anemia in some animals if given for long periods of time.
GINGER
Excellent to prevent motion sickness when parrots must travel. Use a few drops of ginger extract in the water, and slices of fresh ginger offered the night before the bird must travel. Very useful against nausea and regurgitation.
KAVA KAVA
A member of the pepper family, and popular among people in the South Pacific islands since earliest times, Kava Kava has sedative and tranquilizing effects. It is useful in some cases of feather plucking and hyperactivity of parrots. This herb is quite strong and therefore must be used sparingly.
MILK THISTLE
Seeds contain silymarin, a flavonoid that is effective for liver disorders. This is the main herbal ingredient of Aloe Detox and the number one herb for the treatment of all liver problems. Milk thistle has been used without side effects for years.
PASSION FLOWER
Passiflora incarnata, also commonly known as Maypop acts as a gentle sedative and may be our best natural parrot tranquilizer. Parrots that engage in feather destruction may respond favorably to either Passion Flower, Kava Kava, or St.Johns Wort. Hyperactive parrots or those with compulsive behavior patterns may be helped by Passion Flower.
PAU D'ARCO
Or Taheebo is considered a "miracle bark" from a South American tree, with anti-fungal properties effective against candida and intestinal parasites in humans and parrots alike.
ST. JOHNS WORT
Hypericum has anti-depressant qualities and can be tried as a substitute for Haloperidol in some feather-plucking parrots. Not all herbs work the same in all parrots so it may be necessary to try more than one for some symptoms. St. Johns Wort could possibly be a problem if administered to parrots that live outside with access to direct sunlight. The reason for this warning is that there were studies of sheep that ingested extremely large quantities of pure hypericum-perforatum and died of phototoxicity. This may or may not apply to parrots. No studies have been published on the use of St. Johns Wort in parrots.
SEAWEEDS
Sea vegetables such as Kelp, Wakame, Undaria, Kombu and Nori protect parrots as well as humans against several gram positive and gram negative bacteria known to potentiate carcinogens in the system. They posses anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties. They are powerful immunostimulants.
SLIPPERY ELM
Used externally for wounds, burns, rashes, abscesses, boils, or insect bites, and internally for the lungs, coughing, vomiting
VALERIAN
Used as a sedative and pain reliever, stronger than most other herbal sedatives. Should be used only with the advice of an experienced herbalist.
WITCHHAZEL
Applied topically in a spray, it has astringent and healing properties and relieves itching. Can be used in addition to or as an alternative to aloe vera spray when parrots have itchy skin. Unlike aloe spray, witch hazel usually is preserved with alcohol so it should not be sprayed near the face of a parrot. I prefer aloe spray because of the potential of inhalation of the alcohol in witch hazel.
HERBAL PRODUCTS TO AVOID
BORAGE
Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
CALAMUS
Indian type most toxic
CHAPPARAL
Can induce severe liver toxicity
COLSTFOOT
Contains carcinogenic alkaloids
COMFREY
Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
*** or MA HUANG
Can cause dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure
GERMANDER
Can cause liver toxicity
LICORICE
Can cause sodium and water retention and potassium depletion
MA HUANG
Has caused heart attacks, seizures, psychotic episodes and death in humans
LIFE ROOT
Can cause liver toxicity
LOBELIA
Also called Indian tobacco, can lead to vomiting, convulsions, coma and death
PENNYROYAL
The oil is highly toxic to the liver and interferes with blood clotting
POKEROOT
May be fatal
SASSAFRASS
Ineffective and carcinogenic
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