Organic Gardening Tips and Tricks

A Safe Non-Toxic Repellent for Snails and Slugs

Organic gardening uses no poisonous insecticides or pesticides - Agra-Homeopathy is an inexpensive and totally safe way to get rid of garden pests on your favorite plants without drenching your kids, pets, wildlife and the environment with harmful chemicals. That means no trips to the emergency room if your child or pet eats or comes in contact with it. It also means that the plant is healthier, stronger and safer to eat.

Slugs and Snails

These relentless munchers are hard to get rid of and can destroy a garden or flowering plant in nothing flat. Homeopathic Helix tosta in a 6c potency can and will send them packing. Think about how popular you'll be when you share you're gardening secret with your neighbors!

Homeopathic remedies aren't just being used in people and pet healthcare. Organic farmer's all over the world rely on Agrahomeopathy (a form of homeopathy for farm and garden) to eradicate plant pests as well as botanical diseases. Heavy rain doesn't seem to reduce it's effectiveness either. The repellent properties may last as long as 4 weeks! Some farmers spray the remedy right on the plants (being sure to get the upper and lower sides of the leaves), others find it easier to water it into the soil below the plants (this is our favorite method) with equally good results. A dose of Helix tosta will have the snails moving right along before they can manage to nibble your garden to the ground.

What is Helix Tosta?

It's a homeopathic remedy made from toasted snail shell. Originally this remedy was used by homeopaths to treat respiratory illnesses and tuberculosis, especially if the patient was coughing up blood. Only recently has this remedy found new fame as a snail and slug repellent.

How to Make a Spray or Watering Solution

Step 1. Put 2 pellets/pills of Helix tosta 6c into 1 liter (4 1/2 cups) of distilled or purified water. Succuss this bottle 50 times. That means, strike the bottom of the bottle straight up and down, hitting the bottom of it hard on a padded surface (phone book, towel, etc.). This liter of the liquid remedy will make many bottles (about 15 liters) of spray or watering solution.

Step 2. To make your spray or watering solution put 3 Tablespoons from the remedy bottle you've made into an empty 1 liter bottle, then fill the bottle up with water. This 2nd dilution is what you will use to spray or water the plants.

To make additional bottles just repeat Step 2. above.

Note: Discard any unused liquid solution (it is not harmful so there are no special handling instructions). It will not remain potent for future use. The repellent effects of a spray or watering application should last up to 4 weeks.

Where to Find the Remedy

Helix tosta 6c is not an easy remedy to find. But it can be purchased online from Heilos Homeopathy. Their lab is located in the UK and their shipping is exceptionally quick - the remedy usually arrives in the U.S. in under a week. This is often faster than ordering a remedy locally in the states.

Check Back and Bookmark This Page -

In our up coming articles we'll be telling you how to affordably and safely treat plant diseases, dissuade pests, richen the soil, increase your fruit, vegetable and flower yield, all in an Eco-safe manner, using homeopathy.

Resources

To learn about more plant remedies click here Organic Home & Garden.

Be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts for dogs, cats, horses and birds. The ultimate guides to help you easily learn to use herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure for dogs, cats, horses and birds. Developed to enable anyone to confidently treat their companion animal at home.

Alternative Non-Toxic Treatment for Fleas

The nosode, PSORINUM can be given to a dog to repel those fleas that are so hard to get rid of during the summer. Even better, it also makes attacks by ticks less likely to happen; this helps the dog to fight more effectively against "tick sickness". We often recommend its use in the treatment of intolerance to flea/tick collar insecticides, or ineffectiveness. Hardy fleas will brave a flea collar.

If your dog suffers intollerable itching and skin inflammation due to flea allergies, Psorinum may offer your pet a safe, side effect free solution to corticosteroid shots, toxic sprays, shampoos, dips and drop on chemicals.

Suggested Dosage for Dogs: PSORINUM 30C, dose 1 pellet, once weekly.

What Is A Homeopathic Nosode

Nosodes are homeopathic remedies that are made from the specific products of a particular disease. This can be tissue containing the actual disease agents or tissue affected by those agents. A nosode is prepared in a diluted and potentized form just like any homeopathic medicine. There is no potential for an animal or person to become infected with a given disease agent from a nosode because of the pharmaceutical process that occurs which dilutes and inactivates any viable organisms. Nosodes seem to work most effectively, homeopathically, when they are given near or at the time of exposure.

Where to find the remedy: Psorinum 30c can be purchased here online for under $9.00. Or you can do a google search for the remedy name and you will find additional links to where you can order the nosode.

To learn more about homeopathic remedies for dogs, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts Homeopathy to the Rescue, the professional guide to using homeopathy to treat your pet at
home.

Recommended Reading: For professionals or serious students - This is the gold standard in books for Veterinary Homeopathy. 'Fast Forward to the Cure', is a digital publication in PDF format that you can download and start using now. Learn advanced veterinary homeopathy, LM dosing techniques and the methods of 'Dynamic Dosing' for animals which can speed a pets healing time by 1/4 to 1/2 or more! Veterinary Medica, Therapeutic Repertories, printable Case Taking Forms, Observation Sheets and full color Anatomy Charts for dogs, cats horses and birds are included in 14 Chapters and 872 pages. To see complete details and excerpts from the book CLICK HERE.

Homeopathic Remedy to Repel Mosquitos

Do you have bad reactions to mosquito bites? Try taking the homeopathic remedy, Staphysagria 30C once a week. It is reputed to prevent the bites of mosquitos in those who are extremely susceptible to them. It actually repels mosquitos, even in Africa and the Dominican Republic.

Staphysagria can be so effective in repelling mosquitoes and preventing bites that it is often taken on vacations to third world countries because of the concern about Malaria. There are no side effects and it can be taken by adults, or given to children or pets (such as unprotected dogs visiting in areas where heartworm is endemic).

Instructions

Put two pellets in a clean bottle containing 8 oz. of distilled water then add 1 teaspoon of unflavored brandy or vodka to preserve it.

Dose: Succuss the bottle once before each dose and take one teaspoon weekly. Succuss means to strike the bottom of the bottle on a hard padded surface (like a phone book on a countertop, you will do this each time you take the remedy). The dose is the same for adults, children or any size dog. If you would rather not use alcohol as a preservative you can add 2 teaspoons of food grade glycerine instead.

In case you do get bit, and are uncomfortable take 2 pellets of Ledum 30c, when required. It can give instant relief to most sufferers from allergic reactions to mosquito bites.

Note: Keep homeopathic remedies out of sunlight in a cool dark place. Do not store near perfumes, aromatic spices, computers, T.V. or microwave ovens. If you are an avid (more than 1 or 2 cups a day) coffee drinker this remedy may not work for you. Caffeine has the potential to antidote or negate the positive effects of homeopathic medicines.

When taking a remedy it is best to take the dose into a clean mouth. This means 20 to 30 minutes apart from food, drinks or brushing your teeth.

Giving the remedy to dogs: If your dog is not on conventional heartworm medication and is unprotected, this is not a preventative but may help temporarily to ward off biting mosquitos and the transmission of heartworms if you are visiting an area that is having the problem. The dosing procedure is the same as for people. Give the remedy at least 30 minutes apart from a meal. If need be the remedy may be mixed with a small amount of cream, unflavored yogurt, or rice milk to help you more easily administer the dose.

Where to find the remedy: Staphysagria 30c can be purchased online, or from most health food stores that stock homeopathy. Some progressive pharmacies (like CVS) carry homeopathy. Call ahead though just to make sure they have it on hand.

To learn more about holistic treatments and natural healing strategies for dogs, cats, horses and birds, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts the companion animal guide to using herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure at home.

Recommended Reading: For professionals or serious students - This is the gold standard in books for Veterinary Homeopathy. 'Fast Forward to the Cure Pro-Version, 2.0', is a digital publication in PDF format that you can download and start using now. Learn advanced veterinary homeopathy, LM dosing techniques and the methods of 'Dynamic Dosing' for animals which can speed a pets healing time by 1/4 to 1/2 or more! Veterinary Medica, Therapeutic Repertories, printable Case Taking Forms, Observation Sheets and full color Anatomy Charts for dogs, cats horses and birds are included in 14 Chapters and 872 pages. To see complete details and excerpts from the book CLICK HERE.

Milk Thistle in Veterinary Medicine

A Liver Healing Herb

What's the best-researched herb in the world? From the standpoint of known active constituents, proven pharmacological mechanisms of action, proven clinical effectiveness through dozens of controlled clinical studies and decades of experience, and an excellent safety record, there is only one herb that can fit all of those criteria. It is milk thistle.

Milk thistle, Sylibum marianum, can be given to dogs, cats, horses and birds and is a wonderful healing herb for the liver. In animals (people too) it has been shown to protect the liver and regenerate liver cells. Its active ingredients are found in the fruiting bodies, the seeds and the entire plant. Birds will readily eat the tasty millet-size seeds, making milk thistle an excellent addition to the diet for any pet bird with liver problems.

There is a nutraceutical extract of milk thistle called silymarian, which is a flavonoid that has an affinity for the liver. It is used quite commonly in Japan and Europe for acute liver toxicosis. It's primarily used to regenerate hepatocytes, where it improves the flow of bile and fat to and from the liver.

Milk thistle, or silymarin, is one of the best herbs for liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, acute toxicosis of the liver and fatty liver disease. It is also beneficial for bile duct inflammation and is a potent anti-oxidant.

Clinical Applications

1. Regeneration

Milk thistle helps the liver regenerate healthy cells and repair old damage.

2. Skin Disease

According to Chinese medicine, inflammations of the skin are basically caused by a weak liver. Milk thistle is helpful in the treatment of skin diseases because of its positive impact on liver health.

3. Toxic Liver

While removal of the liver disease-causing substance is important in management of toxic liver situations, silymarin is the best documented drug for treatment of liver intoxication.

4. Mushroom Poisoning

Milk thistle has also been used as a preventive and/or antidote to poisoning by Amanita phalloides, the deadly deathcap mushroom. Animal research has found that milk thistle extract completely negates the toxic effects of the mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion. If given within 24 hours of eating the deathcap, the herb significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death.

5. Antioxidant

Milk thistle is many times more potent than vitamin E.

6. Cancer

Laboratory studies also suggest that active substances in milk thistle may have anti-cancer effects. Silymarin has strong antioxidant properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate, breast, and cervical cancer cells in test tubes.

7. Detoxification

Milk thistle has been shown to increase the glutathione (GSH) content of the liver by as much as 35 percent. Glutathione is one of the most important hepatic detoxification pathways of the body. More GSH, helps the liver more successfully process environmental toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides. It also improves protection against carbon tetrachloride, galactosamine, and praseodymium nitrate.

Where does milk thistle come from: Milk thistle preparations are from the seeds of Silybum marianum, a member of the sunflower family, grown for centuries throughout Europe and naturalized on that continent. It is also grown in the United States, and can be found as a common weed in California.

Toxicity and cautions:

1. Milk thistle has no known toxicity.

2. Extremely large doses can cause loose stools as a result of excessive bile production.

Human Applications

Alcohol Abuse

If you have been a "drinker" for several years, it looks hopeful that you can repair your liver by taking milk thistle seed.

Detoxification

Scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for pain; acetaminophen, can cause liver and kidney damage especially if taken by people who drink alcohol regularly.

High cholesterol

One animal study found that silymarin (an active compound in milk thistle) worked as effectively as the cholesterol-lowering drug probucol, with the additional benefit of substantially increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Common Herbal Dosages for Animals

Carnivores *

Extract or powder capsule (100mg)

Cats: 1

Dogs (25 LB): 1

Extract Tablet (250 mg)

Cats: 0.5

Dogs (25 LB): 1

Tinctures

Cats: 5 to 10 drops

Dogs (25 LB): 5-10 drops

* Carnivores require more per pound on the basis of human dosage. These doses are given two times daily mixed into food or given at mealtime.

Herbivores *

Preparation

Extract or powder capsule

Goat (250 LB) 1 tsp

Cow (1500 LB) 2 T

Horse (1000) 2 T

Extract Tablet

Goat (250 LB) 3 to 5

Cow (1500 LB) 10 to 15

Horse (1000)

10 to 15

Tinctures

Goat (250 LB) 1 tsp

Cow (1500 LB) 2 T

Horse (1000) 2T

* Herbivores require less per pound on the basis of human or carnivore dosage. These doses are given two times daily, preferably given at feed time.

Horses undergoing high performance routines would benefit from receiving Milk thistle, especially if the horse has been given drugs and synthetic vitamin supplements.

Herbal Dosages for Pets

No standard, scientifically validated method of dosing animals exists. Typically the herbalist or veterinarian starts with conservative dosages and carefully gauges the animal's reaction before increasing medication. It is a good idea to start out with a lower dose and increase the amount slowly until you reach the suggested amount. This will allow the patient to get used to the substance gently and you will have fewer problems, if any.

Note: Herbs should be given on a 6 day on, 1 day off cycle (the 7th day no herbs are given). The one day off allows the body to clear and work on its own.

To learn more about holistic treatments and natural healing strategies for dogs, cats, horses and birds, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts the companion animal guide to using herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure at home.

Natural Fever Reducer for Pets

Veterinary Materia Medica

Aconitum Napellus (Monkshood)

It is appropriate that Aconite should be the first remedy in the materia medica, because it is the first remedy to consider whenever the patient is traumatized or there is shock, fright or fear with trembling, rapid bounding pulse and increased respiration.

This remedy is especially indicated when the condition has come on quickly, is associated either with intense inflammation or extreme fear. The aconite patient suffers their pain with great intensity. To the animal or person the pain is intolerable and the patient is driven to despair with it.

Tendency to faint and severe loss of strength (Ars. Camp., Hydro-ac) paleness, weakness. This animal will want very much to lie down. The do not wish to be touched. There may be inflammation of inner parts (mucous membranes). Tightness of the muscles (acute rheumatism). Fevers, inflammatory and due to infectious diseases - especially the early stage of fever with malaise. The patient with an aconite fever will want to be uncovered. Often there is a great aversion to light. Consider this remedy for foreign bodies (dust, stickers, plant awns) in the eyes. An animal in an aconite state does not like to go out into a crowd, where there is any excitement or many people, aversion to cross the street.

Physical and mental restlessness and fright, are the most characteristic manifestations of Aconite. Acute, sudden, and violent invasion, with fever, call for it.

Remember, Aconite is a brief acting remedy, but it acts very quickly. It may have to be repeated several times at short intervals (its effects can be seen in minutes). To be effective it must be used at the early onset of symptoms (first 24 to 48 hours).

Veterinary Uses

Use Aconite in the early stages of all feverish conditions where there is sudden appearance of symptoms. Outstanding when given at the earliest onset. This is one remedy that should be kept on hand as it can literally stop viruses and illness before they can take hold. Use any time an animal (or a family member for that matter) is feeling slightly off or has been exposed to sickness.

• USE AT THE FIRST SIGN OF ILLNESS - FIRST 24 HOURS

• ACONITE IS THE MOST VALUABLE FEVER REDUCER IN THE ENTIRE RANGE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS

• USE TO STEADY THE NERVES FROM THE BAD EFFECTS OF FRIGHT , TRAUMATIZED RIGHT AFTER A FALL, TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, ATTACK OR ABUSE

• SUDDEN RAPID HEARTBEAT - TACHYCARDIA

• TO HELP CONTROL PAIN OF ANY KIND

• RETENTION OF URINE IN THE NEWBORN

• WHEN THERE IS HEMORRHAGE (BLEEDING), ESPECIALLY IF DISTRESS IS APPARENT WITH TREMBLING, INCREASED HEART RATE AND RESPIRATION

• FREQUENT STOOLS WITH STRAINING, SMALL BROWN, PAINFUL, BLOOD OR PURE BLOOD PASSES WITHOUT FECES.

Key Notes

• A state of fear, anguish of mind and body, restlessness

• Sudden and violent onset of symptoms call for it

• Sudden rapid heartbeat

• Sudden and great sinking of strength

• Does not want to be touched

• Afraid to go out or cross the street

• Pain is unbearable and drives them to despair

REMEMBER - ACCIDENTS - SHOCK - TREMBLING - FRIGHT - FEVER - CHILLS

Modalities

Better: In the open air.

Worse: In the evening and at night; in a warm room, when rising, when lying on the left or affected side.

Aconite is the acute of Sulphur, and both precedes and follows it in acute inflammatory conditions.

Definition of Homeopathic Terms

What are keynotes? They are highlights of a remedy's best known characteristics, symptoms and modalities.

In a homeopathic Materia Medica some words or sentences are in CAPITALS, bold or italics; these are usually the remedy's keynotes.

Key Notes give us clues to choosing a remedy. Especially in acute prescribing.

What are modalities?

They are modifying and qualifying factors of a remedy, they are what makes someone's symptoms feel better (ameliorated, 'amel') or worse (aggravated or 'agg.')

Modalities may apply to weather, movement, activity, time of day, heat or cold, plus desires and aversions, to food, thirst, being touched, held, etc.

For detailed guidance in selecting and dosing the appropriate homeopathic remedy across a wide range of illnesses and conditions for dogs, cats, horses and birds we use Pet Remedy Charts

Recommended Reading: For professionals or serious students - This is the gold standard in books for Veterinary Homeopathy. 'Fast Forward to the Cure', is a digital publication in PDF format that you can download and start using now. Learn advanced veterinary homeopathy, LM dosing techniques and the methods of 'Dynamic Dosing' for animals which can speed a pets healing time by 1/4 to 1/2 or more! Veterinary Medica, Therapeutic Repertories, printable Case Taking Forms, Observation Sheets are included in 13 Chapters and 872 pages. To see complete details and excerpts from the eBook CLICK HERE.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Horses

No matter what words you use to define it, separation anxiety, buddy sour, or herd bound, it's a difficult problem for a lot of horse owners to remedy.

Depending on the type and severity of the problem, here are some recommendations to consider.

Equine Separation Anxiety (relating to emotional grief)

There are two periods where a foal is particularly susceptible to developing a dependence on other horses: the imprinting period and the weaning period.

Symptoms

Weaning. Having to separate a foal from its mother.

Note: If you do put your foal in direct contact with other horses during the weaning process try to ensure he isn’t paired with just one horse for an extended period of time. This will help prevent an unhealthy dependence on another horse that would put him at high risk for future emotional problems.

A horse that has difficulty being separated from the horse, or horses, he is attached to. Example: Two mares are closely bonded. The distress begins when you take one away from the other. Most mares that have a special buddy generally will bond to a substitute, or at least calm a bit by having a surrogate companion.

Natural Remedies, using the drug free approach to help the horse balance emotions and more easily adjust to the situation are:

Bach Flower Remedies

Centaury (Centaurium erythraca or C. umbellatum)

Personality Type

The Centuary horse is quiet, willing and usually calm. He is dominated by all other horses and does not defend himself very well. When ridden in a group situation he becomes tired more quickly than the other horses. As a foal, this type of horse is slow to wean and does not want to leave his mother even when the mare tries to push him away. He may protest the weaning process for a long time and, even when he accepts it, he will stay close to his mother if allowed to rejoin her. Because he is content to follow other horses this type of horse makes a great school horse.

Key Characteristics

Dominated by other horses, he works best with a group

When To Use Centuary

During a foal's weaning process.

Separating a horse from one group of horses and introducing him to a new group.

Red Chestnut

Personality Type

The horse will remain calm and unaffected by surroundings in all situations except when separated from his companions. He becomes very agitated and suffers from severe separation anxiety.

Clinical Uses

Weaning. Having to separate a foal from its mother. It will decrease the anxiety in both foal and dam.

A horse that has difficulty being separated from another horse, or horses, they have become attached to.

Homeopathic Remedy for Separation Anxiety (relating to emotional grief)

Ignatia amara 30c potency

Ignatia is indicated for acute grief events and emotional shocks, mainly related to relationships. Any broken heart situation should be remedied by Ignatia.

The Ignatia picture is one of changeable moods! Homeopaths frequently refer to it as the "homeopathic Valium" (without the side effects of course) as it is also used in any event where the patient is upset from: bad news, disappointment (especially in relationships with friends, family, children, etc.), apprehension and jealousy.

It is also called the rehearsal remedy as the mental state is one of replaying old and painful memories, over and over again so that they remain full of disappointment and unfulfilled expectations.

Training Method to Cure Buddy Sour or Herd Bound Horses

Most horses become herd bound during their earliest months of life. This is due to a bonding of trust not having been established between the animal and humans. A foal should experience human interaction and contact early on and often so that the bonding can take place.

Horses penned together can easily become dependent, or buddy sour, and suffer from separation anxiety while being ridden individually or involved in separated activities. Instead of letting the horse reach a of anxiety which may cause them to injure themselves, become ill, or prone to an accident, you need to cure the horse of their co-dependency. Learn how to cure a buddy sour horse by watching this training, video tutorial from an expert horse trainer.

Homeopathy to the Rescue for Buddy Sour Horses

Stramonium 30c

Stramonium is a remedy for extreme fear leading to violent behaviour.

This can stem from an intense fear of being hurt or from being left behind - these animals dread abandonment.

Specific fears for the Stramonium horse are reflections in still water or the sight and sound of running water.

Also, claustrophobia or a fear of tunnels can be seen. They sometimes have twitches or ticks.

At worst this can manifest as epilepsy or fits. They are better for being in company and being warm. One bizarre feature of a Stramonium patient is that conditions, which are usually very painful, appear painless in these individuals.

Homeopathic Dosing Instructions for Horses Complete guidelines using Pet Remedy Charts.

You can order Bach Flower Essences and homeopathic remedies online or find them at your local Health Food Store. Some local pharmacies might even carry them (call ahead to make sure).

Recommended Reading: For professionals or serious students - This is the gold standard in books for Veterinary Homeopathy. 'Fast Forward to the Cure', is a digital publication in PDF format that you can download and start using now. Learn advanced veterinary homeopathy, LM dosing techniques and the methods of 'Dynamic Dosing' for animals which can speed a pets healing time by 1/4 to 1/2 or more! Veterinary Medica, Therapeutic Repertories, printable Case Taking Forms, Observation Sheets for dogs, cats horses and birds are included in 13 Chapters and 1,000 plux pages. To see complete details and excerpts from the book CLICK HERE.