Breathing Supplements

If you regularly read my blog you will know that Basil has some level of Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO).  I wrote a blog about it last week.   I have been thinking about putting him on some type of supplement to try to help.  I wanted to do some research first to try to get the one which would suit him best and ideally I want something that is natural and tasty.  Basil is not great at eating funny tasting things in his food!

So, as I have been looking at Herbs I decided to start with them.   Looking at everything I have found out so far, for his RAO the best herbs are: Garlic, Aniseed, Liquorice, Thyme and Red Clover (I haven't written blogs about all these yet)!  So it makes sense that a good supplement includes these.

Additional herbs which would be good are those that are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, such as:  Arnica, Celery, Chamomile, Comfrey, Devil's Claw, Echinacea, Eyebright, Golden Rod, Rosemary, Saw Palmetto, Slippery Elm, St John's Wort, Willow, Witch Hazel, Wormwood and Yarrow. 

Echinacea and Red Clover would also enhance his immune system and herbs to help strengthen and heal the respiratory system (Pectoral): Aniseed, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Garlic, Horehound, Liquorice, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm and Vervain.

Perhaps herbs which help to remove excess mucus would also be useful (Expectorant) and these are: Aniseed, Basil, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Fennel, Fenugreek, Garlic, Gingko, Golden Rod, Horehound, Lime Tree, Liquorice, Marjoram, Marshmallow, Nettles, Parsley, Psyllium, Red Clover, Red Poppy, Saw Palmetto, Slippery Elm, St John's Wort, Thyme and Vervain.

I have looked at 9 different supplements and have been surprised to find that few of them contain many of these herbs.

Of the herbs I have listed above...

NAF Easy Breathing contains:  Dried Garlic, Aniseed, Gingko, Marshmallow and Nettles.
Feedmark Clarity contains: Garlic, Liquorice and Coltsfoot.
Global Herbs Pollen X contains: Liquorice.
Global Herbs Weez contains: Liquorice.
Equistro Secreata Promax contains: Thyme, Coltsfoot and Black Horehound.
Lincoln Pro Breathe Respiratory contains: Liquorice.
Equine America Airways Extra Strength contains: Peppermint Oil.
Hilton Herbs Freeway contains: Liquorice, Thyme, Eyebright, Psyllium and Marshmallow.
Hilton Herbs Shake No More Gold contains: Echinacea, Chamomile, Devils Claw Root, Eyebright and Nettles.

Obviously, these contain some other herbs too which have benefits but I really was looking for those that have been identified with relevant benefits.

Looking at the list the NAF Easy Breathing or the Hilton Herbs Freeway seem to be the ones with the most beneficial ingredients.  

NAF Easy Breathing at £19.99 for 1Kg.  Basil will need 50g for 7-10 days then about 35g a day for maintenance.  So the 1Kg pot at the maintenance level will last 28 days. Costing about 71p a day.

Hilton Herbs Freeway £25 for 1Kg.  Basil will need about 3 scoops a day which the website says are 50ml.  The website says this is an average cost of 67p a day.

They look like they are similar in cost and both have liquid options which are supposed to be quicker to get into the system and take effect.  I think that I will start Basil on this relatively soon so that his system has really had a chance to improve before the pollen strikes next spring/summer.  I will let you know how we get on!

Did you seel last week's video 'Clipping Basil' on my You Tube channel.   
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Until next time!

Jo