How Our Dogs Benefit from Rosemary & Oregano

Posted on 20 October 2016

Oregano has been considered a natural remedy for bad breath and is
often promoted for good oral hygiene. Bad breath is associated with
dental infections so it is worth checking with your vet should your dog
be prone to smelly breath. Poor gut heath is also attributed to smelly
breath and may be indicative of an underlying liver condition.

If your dog does suffer with bad breath then it is worth considering a
raw diet to optimise the pH of the stomach. Doing this will also
increase the natural flora necessary to maintain good digestion. Eating
bones and green tripe act as flossing agents to clear away natural
detritus between the teeth and gums.

Oregano is antimicrobial, it is often used as a natural antibiotic or to

support health during and after a course of antibiotics to alleviate side
effects and support immunity.
Benefits of Oregano:

Antimicrobial

Digestive aid

Antibiotic

Antioxidant

Ant inflammatory

Aids Respiratory function - used to treat bronchitis in humans

Bad breath

Highly Nutrient Dense

Oregano is used as a digestive aid which may be one of the reasons for
efficacy in bad breath. As an antimicrobial it will naturally kill bacteria in
the mouth. It is high in antioxidents and flavanoids and is reported to
help with arthritis. It contains numerous phytonutrients which reduce
infection and inflammation. 2 of these phytonutrients are thymol and
carvacrol, these have been found to inhibit bacteria such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Others have
been found to have potent antioxidant properties, eliminating free
radicals giving it anti cancer properties.
An active ingredient in oregano; beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) may
possibly be of use against disorders such as osteoporosis and
arteriosclerosis.
Studies suggest that oregano plays a role in strengthening the mucosal
barrier by increasing the thickness of the inner mucus layer, which
protects against invading pathogens and disease. It is hypothesised
that it utilities one of its components eugenol. Eugenol inhibits
pathogens thereby promoting healthy microbes which secrete the
mucous necessary for gut health. Therefore it also possesses excellent
preventative properties.
Oregano is incredibly nutrient dense, containing iron, calcium,
magnesium, vitamins; A, B6, C and omega-3 fatty acids.
Oil of oregano is considered to have many benefits, however it is potent
in this form so care must be taken in administration even if using
externally. Less is more with oregano whereby smaller doses have been
linked to having the most benefit.

Rosemary; a great pathogen-fighter against common food bacteria,

hence it is often present in dog food as a natural preservative. The use
of rosemary in holistic canine care has been subject to some scrutiny.
Dried or fresh rosemary is safe but oil of rosemary is potent. The oil can
potentiate some nervous disorders and I advise against it.

Benefits of Rosemary:

Heart health

Digestion

Antioxident - due to its many phytonutrients

Antifungal

Antimicrobial

Antidepressant

Antiviral

Analgesic - pain relief

Highly Nutrient Dense

Glossy coat - a lack lustre coat is nearly always due to underlying

issues, eg; yeast overgrowth, poor gut health and poor diet.

In herbal medicine, rosemary is used to treat indigestion, liver disease,

gastritis, high cholesterol, bronchitis, asthma, oedema, constipation,
colds, coughs & sinusitis.
This is largely due to the numerous phytonutrients: including tannic
acid, borneol, iso-bornyl acetate, carnosol, carnosic acid, cineole,
pinene, camphor, camphene, linalool, rosmanol, rosmarinic acid,
terpeniol, verbinol, and borneol.
Rosemary is also highly nutrient dense containing vitamins A, B6, C as
well as being rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium & iron
Rosemary is a natural repellent for fleas and tics and may be used in a
spray as a preventative measure. We use rosemary with garlic and
diluted apple cider vinegar and it is highly effective on our dogs and
cats. Unlike conventional flea and tic treatment is works by repelling the
bugs rather than killing them after they have bitten your pet.
The Best Dog Treats are healthy, holistic & super tasty. Our holistic
range are available as Gourmet Bags and Gourmet doggy Bags
For Pippa...
Angie xx