Herbal Medicine for Animals (IIRR, 1996, 18 p.)

Foreword

These manuals have been written with the simplest language possible for the convenience of the intended user-the animal health practitioners or ("pare-vets") working in isolated rural communities. It is not designed to be a complete veterinary medicine reference material. But rather, aims to present the most important animal health problems commonly encountered and some of the most effective, but simple treatments.

The manuals are based upon experiences documented through a series of intensive field work activities over a one-year period with a group of livestock small-holders living and working in Cavite province of the Philippines. The manuals were first produced in a draft form in early 1994. It was then pretested by a group of small-scale animal producers in June of that year.

The manuals arc divided into four separate booklets:

1 Restraining animals and simple treatments
2 Basic husbandry practices and veterinary care
3 Disease control and treatment
4 Herbal medicine for animals

Herbal plants mentioned in this booklet arc the most common ones used by farmers in Cavite, Philippines, to treat certain animal diseases.

If no specific animal species is mentioned the remedy can be used for all livestock. Amount of herbal medicine may differ with animals age and size.

We hope that this manual will help rural animal health practitioners to identify and remedy common health problems which they may encounter in their work. Further, we hope that this humble contribution will truly help practicing "para-vets" to make greater contributions as partners in the veterinary profession.

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the funding support provided by the Canada Fund-Philippines of the CIDA through the Canadian Embassy. Their support financed the fieldwork upon which these manuals are based, as well as the actual production and printing of the manuals. Their continued assistance to the betterment of the rural communities of the Philippines is greatly appreciated.

Nita Cueva Abena wrote the first draft of these manuals. Ms. Abena is a practicing rural veterinarian. She has worked with a feedmill operated by a cooperative and has worked as a veterinarian within rural development and extension programs. She is presently involved with two veterinary clinics which cater to both food and companion animals. She is also a consultant to swine production farms.

Growing and using herbal medicine

Cultivation and planting

It is best to plant medicinal plants during the rainy season.

Collection

What to collect

Collect only the recommended plant part.

When to collect

Collect ingredients in the morning or on a sunny day.

How to collect

· If the part to be used is seed, the fruit must be fully ripe before harvest.

· If the whole fruit is to be used, it should be collected before reaching maturity.

· If the underground part is to be used, collect the plant part before it starts flowering.

· The bark should be collected from the trunk and branches when the plants are in bloom or in vigorous growth.

· Collecting should be done by handpicking.

· Avoid collecting plant parts that are discolored, have insect bites and have other signs of injury.

Preparation

Use containers like earthenware pot. The most common way of preparing herbal medicine is to boil the plant material in water for 15-20 minutes after the water has started to boil. The fluid is called a "decoction" and should be used within 12-24 hours.

Usage

· Use only the prescribed dose. Dosages given are in ranges (e.g., 2-3 liters). The lower number applies to young animals while the larger number to adult animals.

· Use only one plant at a time.

Drying and storage

Properly dried leaves crumble easily.

FIG. 1. Properly dried leaves crumble easily.

Herbs can either be air- or sun dried. Small amounts can be dried in large transparent containers. Large amounts can be hung in bundles or baskets outdoors. Protect herbs from molds, insects or rodents by puffing them in glass containers. Write the plant name and date of collection on the containers.

Allium sativum

Garlic

FIG. 1. Allium sativum -Garlic

FIG. 2. Allium sativum -Propagation

Areca catechu

Betel nut

FIG. 1. Areca catechu -Betel nut

FIG. 2. Areca catechu -Propagation

Blumea balsamifera

Camphor

FIG. 1. Blumea balsamifera -Camphor

FIG. 2. Blumea balsamifera -Propagation

Carica papaya papaya

FIG.1.Carica papaya -Papaya

FIG.2.Carica papaya -Propagation

Cocos nucifera

FIG.1.Coconut (Young)

FIG.2.Coconut-Propagation

Chrysophyllum cainito

FIG.1. Chrysophyllum cainito-Star apple

FIG.2.Chrysophyllum cainito-Propagation

Gliricidia septum

FIG.1.Gliricidia septum -Madre de cacao

FIG.2.Gliricidia septum -Propagation

Momordica charantia

FIG. 1. Momordica charantia-Bitter gourd

FIG. 2. Momordica charantia-Propagation

Moringa oleifera

FIG. 1. Moringa oleifera -Horseradish

FIG. 2. Moringa oleifera -Propagation

Musa sapientum

FIG. 1. Musa sapientum -Banana

FIG. 2. Musa sapientum -Propagation

Premna odorata

FIG. 1. Premna odorata- Alagau

FIG. 2. Premna odorata-Propagation

Psidium guajava

FIG. 1. Psidium guajava -Guava

FIG. 2. Psidium guajava -Propagation

Tamarindus indica

FIG. 1. Tamarindus indica -Tamarind

FIG. 2. Tamarindus indica -Propagation

Tinosphora rumpii

FIG. 1. Tinosphora rumpii

FIG. 2. Tinosphora rumpii- Propagation

Vitex negundo

FIG. 1 Vitex negundo- Five-leaved chaste tree

FIG. 2 Vitex negundo- Propagation