Anyone who studies the field learns where the individual medicines work and where they don't, and what works best in combination. Historical knowledge of the herb is based on the part or the entire plant being used. Concern that the products are not standard from year to year due to variations in growing conditions is valid, but not a major concern. The overall effect of the herbal combination tends to be standard, so moderation in an individual component does not significantly alter the therapeutic properties. This has been borne out in hundreds of years of herbal use and study.
Herbal products have potential to help many of our animal patients.
They can be used as the sole form of therapy or as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy. Their use should not be arbitrary or capricious, because while they are safe, they can have strongly medicinal effects. When used properly they have the ability to significantly expand the range of medical problems that can be treated safely and effectively.