Natural Ingredients
Aloe Leaf
The leaf of the aloe vera succulent plant is well-loved for its skin-healing properties. It has been used as a folk treatment to heal and soften the skin for thousands of years and treat a wide variety of skin disorders including:
- acne
- skin injured by radiation
- minor burns,
- psoriasis
- dandruff
- and skin abrasions
It also contains chemicals that work as a laxative. It is a cactus-like plant that grows wild in tropical and arid climates worldwide and is native to southern Africa, Madagascar, Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula, and various Indian Ocean islands.
For pets, aloe is best recognized for providing calm and relief from itchy, irritated spots on the skin. These inflamed, infected skin areas can be caused by excessive licking, scratching, flea infestation, allergies, or tangled and matted fur. Aloe can help heal and soothe the itching.
Arnica
Arnica (originating in Europe and Greenland) is a perennial, herbaceous plant in the sunflower family that produces yellow-orange, star-shaped flowers and grows in high-elevation environments.
It is believed that the plant has anti-inflammatory properties and is well known for being used for bruises, sprains, muscle soreness, and muscle spasms often associated with sports activity, without any unwanted drowsiness. Arnica is also used to treat:
- joint pain
- arthritis
- wounds
- inflammation caused by insect bites
- broken bones’ swelling
Arnica also stimulates the mucous membranes’ immune functions and is even said to help heal emotional trauma.
It can be incredibly powerful with pets; use it for acute injuries, post-surgical repair, and when an animal is in shock.
Allspice
Made from the dried brown berry of the tropical Pimenta dioica tree, allspice has a sweet flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
The mid-canopy tree is a clove relative native to the West Indies, southern Mexico, and Central America and similar to the bay laurel tree in size and form.
Thanks to the compound eugenol, a weak antimicrobial agent, allspice has what is known as carminative properties; it eases stomach upset like gas and bloating.
The spice’s many antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate:
- nausea
- cramps
- vomiting
- and even constipation
The crushed allspice berries contain tannins that have a mild anesthetic action and are used to treat bruises and to soothe sore joints and muscles.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is pressed from the avocado tree fruit (not the seed), which contains approximately 60% oil. Although native to Central America, the avocado likely originated in south-central Mexico.
Avocado oil offers significant health benefits and contains vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids, both of which contribute to decreasing inflammation. Decreased inflammation can, in turn, can help reduce pain and stiffness (caused by osteoarthritis) in both humans and pets. It also supports healthy skin and connective tissues. Other therapeutic uses include:
- lowering cholesterol
- improving heart and eye health
- enhancing the absorption of other vital nutrients
- preventing gum disease
- enhancing wound healing and neutralizing free radicals
Many dogs and cats can benefit from taking avocado oil as well since it has the same anti-inflammatory effect. It can especially help relieve pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the knee.
Bay Leaves
Camphor has a long history of providing therapeutic relief for a variety of maladies. It is a species of evergreen trees native to China south of the Yangtze River, Taiwan, southern Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties can treat skin conditions, improve respiratory function, and relieve pain, using either the leaves of the tree or oil extracted from the wood.
If applied to the skin, it can stimulate nerve endings, which seems to relieve pain and itching symptoms.
It is known to be a mild pain reliever and is easily absorbed through the skin. It can also be applied to the neck and chest to reduce the urge to cough when breathed in.
Camphor
Camphor has a long history of providing therapeutic relief for a variety of maladies. It is a species of evergreen trees native to China south of the Yangtze River, Taiwan, southern Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties can treat skin conditions, improve respiratory function, and relieve pain, using either the leaves of the tree or oil extracted from the wood.
If applied to the skin, it can stimulate nerve endings, which seems to relieve pain and itching symptoms.
It is known to be a mild pain reliever and is easily absorbed through the skin. It can also be applied to the neck and chest to reduce the urge to cough when breathed in.
Capsicum
Capsicum can be any of several tropical plants native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America (including Peru), and Bolivia.
Cultivated as edible peppers, these spicy, or only sweet, flowering plants have several health benefits, significantly impacting the digestive system, improving immune health, and providing pain relief.
The capsicum plant’s fruit can have different names based on where it is grown and the type.
The spicy varieties are commonly called chili peppers, while the large, mild form is called red pepper or bell pepper.
The plants are known for being rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants and an ingredient called capsaicin that altogether boost immunity, lower inflammation in the body (thus providing pain relief).
They can even speed up metabolism for weight loss.
CBD - Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring, biologically active compound derived from the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a stout growing herb that originated in the temperate zones of Central Asia. China is the current leading producer of hemp.
Cannabinoids mimic the chemicals that the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. CBD does not have the same psychoactivity as THC found in marijuana. The cannabinoid compound can be used for treating various ailments, including:
- stress
- epilepsy
- menstrual pain and bloating
- chronic pain
- and muscular or joint pain
CBD is also commonly used for anxiety and to treat insomnia.
It can also be used for pets to address separation anxiety, certain skin conditions, arthritis pain, and even control seizures.
CBG - Cannabigerol
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a less abundant cannabinoid, and a naturally-occurring compound derived from the hemp plant.
CBG has been referred to as “the mother cannabinoid” as it is produced when the hemp plant is young. It has been observed to reduce inflammation and combat pain.
Unlike CBD, CBG is thought to directly elicit its therapeutic effects through interaction with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It is most effective at treating inflammation – particularly with swelling in the skin. It also supports immune and cellular health.
CBG is also incredibly beneficial for your pet if they have a condition that involves inflammation (for example, inflammatory bowel disease). When combined with CBD,
CBG works well to provide an even more substantial effect.
CBN - Cannabinoid
Cannabinol (CBN) is a naturally-occurring, biologically active compound derived from the hemp plant, similar to CBD.
CBN is typically found on aged hemp plants as it naturally occurs due to oxygenation. And like CBD, it is a non-psychoactive compound.
Known as a minor cannabinoid, it has been touted for its anti-inflammatory properties for pain management, as well as its promise as a sleep aid to relieve insomnia.
Compared to CBD, it is more widely used for sleep due to its sedative effect; it can be combined effectively, however, with CBD to cause an overall sense of mind and body tranquility.
CBN can also be used as an appetite stimulant and used on pets safely.
