Scents Of Peace

Holistic Animal Care - Sore Joints

As our beloved pets become older, they become prone to the same ailments we endure as we age. With minimal financial investment, you can help them during times of overexertion or debility by making the same formula we used on our own faithful companions and witnessed remarkable improvement.

Our Story:

Miss Rock, an at least fourteen year old chow mix, went from barely able to hop on three legs with her back two tangled; to (albeit not very graceful at times) able to walk on all four ! And Miss Sable ran like she was three instead of nearly thirteen. The last winter we had our girls, we concocted this supplement to help them when it became obviously painful for Miss Sable and Miss Rock to rise and greet us. Miss Sable's back legs shook after a short run; and with Miss Rock losing mobility, we had choices to make and we chose to supplement.

Before you start:

Within this site you will find simple recipes that are from simple ingredients. Nothing is more frustrating than reading a recommendation for a natural remedy that requires a second mortgage -IF - you can find the required ingredients. Feel free to contact me directly if you need clarification on any of these recipes, need assistance locating ingredients, or would like me to formulate a "concoction" for you. Most recipes are intended for dogs, but some have been used on farm animals - and even a few "two-leggeds" ! But before you adapt any of these home remedies for your feline companion, please read all cautions listed. Most importantly - do your own research before using !

On that note, we need to address a very important issue and warning to cat owner's. Please heed the following information !

Cats are sensitive creatures and toxicology studies show that the feline liver usually needs 48 hours to process and excrete toxins. Safe for a dog does not mean safe for a cat in all scenarios. Their liver is more delicate; and because they lack the necessary enzyme to break down toxins, do not eliminate them as quickly. As an essential oil therapist, with few exception and rare circumstances, I do NOT advise cat owners to use essential oils. The reason is that many essential oils have trace amounts of phenols, which build up in the liver. Interestingly, phenols are contained in many household cleaning products - just another reason to "go green" when cleaning. When diffusing oils, try not to use excessive amounts of essential oil, and make sure your cat can get to 'undiffused' air if it is not to their liking. Remember cats have many more olfactory receptors than we do !

If a situation arises, only a few essential oils are safe enough and must be highly diluted before use. Please consult with a knowledgeable cat practitioner and educate yourself on proper usage. Generally, never use oils on your pets that would not be appropriate on an infant. The previous statement was more a caution than an endorsement of comparison ! Simply stated, a cat and a human infant do not have the same liver function. Comparing the healing benefits of essential oils for you, and applying them to your pet is not wise due to metabolic differences.

And to make another point . . .

Although Tina’s great-grandfather was the local country “vet” and we run a small farm ourselves, we are herbalist, not trained veterinary staff. The commentary and recipes found in the site are in no way to be interpreted as medical or veterinary advice. It is simply a composite of personal experiences and information we are freely sharing with you to read and research. Everything contained is anecdotal and it is your responsibility to evaluate your situation. We assume no responsibility if you are unable to use common sense.

Now let's get started !

Willow Bark Peanut Butter Balls

Preparation :

1/2 cup Chick Pea Flour
1/2 cup White Willow Bark Powder
1/4 cup Red Star Nutritional Yeast
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

CAUTION :

Never give acetaminophen or ibuprofen products to your cat because the results will likely be fatal ! And when it comes to aspirin, it stays in a cat's bloodstream for a long time. Aspirin is always given in very small doses with a few days rest in between - because half of it will still be circulating in a cat's bloodstream two days after being administered ! That being said, although white willow bark has been in use longer than modern day aspirin, usage on cats should be considered comparable.

TIP :

If you measure the ingredients in the order listed you will find that after measuring your dry items and then the peanut butter last; it will slip out of the measuring cup without leaving half stuck inside the rim.

Usage :

Remember that approximately 1/3 of the finished product is white willow bark, so it is not necessary to give a large amount at one time. Use your own discretion; but we used approximately the size of a pencil eraser per fifteen pounds each night at feeding time, especially during cold, damp weather.

This should work for several reasons:

Chickpea Flour - According to Ayurveda, chickpea is regarded as the most wholesome of all the ground flours and is easily digested. An excellent source of molybdenum and manganese; chickpeas are also a very good source of folate, protein, copper, phosphorous, and can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores. Like other legumes, they are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract absorbing bile (which contains cholesterol) and toxins. Soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Research studies have shown that insoluble fiber not only helps to increase stool bulk and prevent constipation, but also helps prevent digestive disorders.

White Willow Bark - Many believe (incorrectly) that white willow is the natural precursor to modern day aspirin. Actually meadowsweet is what was originally used; hence the name ASPIRIN, derived from the botanical name Spirea ulmaria. Nonetheless, white willow bark contains salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid. Generally, those sensitive to aspirin can safely use white willow bark because of the many isolated compounds, some of which have been identified as having antioxidant value. Researchers have also suggested that white willow bark is more effective than aspirin because of other active properties found in the bark, but not the synthetic drug. The pain-relieving action of the herb depends on symbiotic ("friendly") intestinal bacteria to break it down and convert it into a usable form. Aspirin does not require digestion by intestinal bacteria, therefore working more rapidly. Although aspirin may work faster, white willow bark on the other hand, provides safer and longer lasting pain relief and has been in use prior to the creation of it's chemical cousin.

Red Star Nutritional Yeast - The recipe uses Red Star Nutritional Yeast, not brewer’s yeast, a bitter by-product of the brewing industry that does not have a consistent nutritional value. They are not the same and are not interchangeable. If you do not use the yeast, add more chickpea flour in it's place. Nutritional yeast is harvested specifically as a food supplement and then thoroughly washed and pasteurized. Considered an excellent source of protein (containing an average of 50% protein by weight), dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals; nutritional yeast is especially rich in B-complex vitamins, folic acid, and high in essential and non-essential amino acids.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - The virtues of extra virgin olive oil for us are easily compared to our pets. Valued nutritionally, it also has mild laxative properties by acting as a stool softener. Considerably rich in mono-unsaturated fats, (most notably oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid) it’s been shown to provide heart health benefits, which may improve blood circulation to the joints. Oleocanthal, found in extra virgin olive oil, has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase - giving similar relief as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Peanut Butter - Peanuts (also a legume) are known to be a rich source of protein, more than any other legume or nut. Considered a healthful fiber rich food; they are a good source of niacin, B vitamins such as folate and many essential minerals such as magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Peanuts contain oleic acid, the same fat found in olive oil known for vascular health and cancer prevention. Research also reveals roasted peanuts are rich in antioxidants, comparable to blackberries and strawberries, but exceed the antioxidants found in apples, carrots or beets.

Summary :

An older pet has a sensitive digestive tract; which has been taken into consideration with heart-healthy, power-packed ingredients that are easily metabolized while supporting the needs of the entire body. This formula is beneficial at many levels, not only for its pain relieving value, but also for increased joint health due to its antioxidant properties. If our companion’s mobility is compromised, it becomes imperative that toxic elimination not be compromised also. Not only is it an essential bodily function; but if hindered, could cause undue strain on vital organs such as the heart. To support bowel health, peanut butter, chickpea and yeast offer additional fiber, while extra virgin olive oil has a mild laxative action.

We hope you share the same remarkable results from this easily-made-at-an-affordable-price-that-doesn’t-taste-like-medicine “medicine” with your companion.