The appropriate choice of herb or herbal formulation can be based on any of a number of medical philosophies. Any veterinarian utilizing herbs for treatment purposes should have a thorough training in the applied medical philosophy and the Materia Medica of herbs. Because of this, the source, and formulation, of the herbal product are a major consideration. They can influence macrophages and helper T-cells in stimulating immunity and activating the complement system. They can form tannins which control inappropriate fluid release from cell surfaces.
Natural steroids have a much lower potency that their synthesized counterparts.
In addition the have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties. They also enhance phagocytosis and leukocytosis.