Application of Gemmotherapy in Holistic Treatment of Dogs & Cats
Gemmotherapy is a form of herbal medicine prompted by principals of homeopathic drainage and stimulation and regeneration of cells, tissues and organs, uses freshly harvested embryonic tissue of trees and shrubs ~ plant bud extracts, shoots, rootlets, seeds, bark and in a few cases sap.
This raw material is taken at the peak time of the tree or shrub’s annual germination in the spring for buds or the autumn for seeds. Certain plant hormones and enzymes are released during this process, and in some cases are only present in the plant at this time.
Unlike mature plants, embryonic plant tissue includes high amounts of growth factors such as phyto hormones, auxins and gibberellins. These substances stimulate cell growth, RNA and protein synthesis.
Gemmotherapy is a line of herbal tinctures that uses individual plant bud or young shoot extracts freshly harvested from a live growing plant. These tinctures help to eliminate toxic compounds from the body and the various plants focus on different organ systems in the body. Gemmotherapy uses the energy of the plant buds to gently stimulate and promote elimination of toxins. It is believed to work by the presence of gibberellins (plant growth material) among other compounds that act on the organs to be stimulated/cleansed. When the body is supported in its detoxification and repair process the body as a whole can be healthier. Gemmotherapy remedies are a great addition to a pet’s treatment regimen as they fit nicely into the theory of restoring balance to the systems that are out of balance.
What is gemmotherapy and how does it work?
Preliminary research on using plant buds therapeutically was begun by Dr. Pol Henry in the 1950s. After extensive clinical research on immature plant materials, Max Tetau, MD, introduced the gemmotherapy technique in 1971. The main principle behind this technique is drainage and detoxification of the organism at the cellular level so the body can truly heal itself.
In gemmotherapy, the buds or young shoots of immature plants are macerated and extracted with glycerin for 21 days, then made into a X potency. These extracts are high in growth factors, which contain phyto-hormones called auxins and gibberellins. These active ingredients are present in the buds of plants, but begin to disappear as the plant matures. Auxins have a fetal hormonal action, while gibberellins stimulate RNA and protein synthesis.
Gemmotherapies that are helpful for dogs and cats
| Gemmotherapy | Uses | Dosage |
| Mountain Pine | Excellent for any problems related to the spine. Will strengthen and detox the spine. For many small joint-related problems. I have used it for disc-related paralysis, spinal trauma, spondylosis, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative arthritis and chronic back pain. | 1-4 times per day |
| Wild Woodvine | For any joint-related problem, such as hip dysplasia, anterior cruciate ruptures, sprains/strains, degenerative arthritis, cartilage damage, etc. | 1-4 times per day |
| Common Juniper | For liver-related problems. Helpful for hepatic insufficiency with markedly disturbed laboratory tests. The remedy for a very deficient liver in decompensation phase with jaundice, cirrhosis etc. | Once per day for six weeks, then once per week thereafter for rest of animal’s life |
| Lime Tree | For any neurological diseases. I use it for behavior conditions; very effective in calming the nervous system so the animal can act instead of react. Excellent remedy for epilepsy, rabies miasms, vaccine-related neurological disease, ADHD and phobias. | 1-4 times per day as needed |
| European Hawthorne | For cardiac-related disease. Regulates slow cardiac movement, and increases myocardial tone, particularly in the left side of the heart. Has a sedative effect on all pericardial pain. Indicated in cardiac insufficiency and associated symptoms, cardiac spasms, tachycardias, cardiomyopahty and arrhythmias. | 2 times per day, depending on animal’s needs |
| Black Currant | Detoxes and strengthens the adrenal glands. Excellent substitute for cortisone, antihistamines or anti-inflammatories. Very helpful in pruritis cases to help manage itching while detoxing and balancing the immune system. | 1-4 times per day for any allergic condition |
| Bloodtwig Dogberry | For any thyroid-related problem, e.g. hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and cancers of the thyroid gland. Excellent adjunct therapy for helping detox and strengthen thyroid gland. | 2 times per day |
| Giant Redwood | For weakness of anything below the waist. For urinary incontinence, paraparesis and paralysis of rear limbs. I have had several prostatitis cases respond immediately to Giant Redwood with no further problems. | 2 times per day |
| Rowan Tree | Drainer for the ears, nose and throat. Assists body in clearing toxins that may be blocking the efforts of the body to heal in these areas. For hearing loss, chronic otitis, nasal discharge, tonsillitis and chronic choking conditions. | 2 times per day or as needed for choking |
| Fig Tree | Incredible for any GI-related illness, e.g. IBD, colitis, acute or chronic diarrhea, vomiting. | Once per meal or as needed for vomiting and diarrhea |
| European Oak | Helps balance adrenal gland and male hormones. I use it in neutered males to help establish a better hormonal balance secondary to castration. Excellent for deficient adrenal glands and can help in Addison’s disease. Strengthens the mucosa in periodontal disease. | 2 times per day |
| European Walnut | Drainer and support for the pancreas. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| Common Birch | Called the Universal Drainer because it helps all systems drain more efficiently. Excellent for hip joint issues and ideal complement to any other gemmotherapies. Helps with overall drainage and inflammatory processes. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| Rosemary | Detoxes the gallbladder and liver; good for mental clarity. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| Briar Rose | For any nasal issues, such as sneezing, sinus infections, inflammation of the nasal mucosa, colds and bloody noses. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| European Hornbeam | Excellent for laryngeal paralysis, congestion, laryngitis, choking, aphonia, etc. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| Wineberry | Maintains female hormones and metabolism. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| Tamarisk | Helps build up red blood cells and platelets. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
| Silver Birch | For failing kidneys and bladder issues, to be used in conjunction with Common Juniper. | 2 drops per day in cats; 5 drops per day in dogs |
How are gemmotherapies made?
As soon as they are harvested, the bud and embryonic plant tissue are soaked in a mixture of glycerin and alcohol, in a ratio of 1/20 of the dry weight of the fresh plant used. Glycerin is selected as an excipient as it allows for better extraction of the embryonic ingredients. After three weeks, the macerate is filtered and diluted to 1/10 with a mixture of water, alcohol and glycerin.
What are gemmotherapies used for?
Towle further describes the use of gemmotherapy for drainage and detoxification utilizing organs or parts of the body that carry off waste.
Phytoembryotherapy, also known as gemmotherapy, is very close in concept to homeopathic therapy due to this drainage capacity. Three types of this modern method of drainage have been distinguished:
1. Drainage by means of organ stimulation.
2. Drainage by means of tissue excitation.
3. Drainage by means of toxin elimination.
How do gemmotherapies work for pets?
Despite the fact that gemmotherapies have most commonly been used by people, they can work just as well with animals. You simply adjust the dosage. I watched a video this week of a professional herbalist, Rita Hogan, who works exclusively with dogs. She discussed indications for using three specific gemmotherapies: Common Juniper, Rosemary and Birch.
For example, Common Juniper has an affinity for the liver, kidneys and skin. Conditions that Juniper improves include solid tumors, fatty lipomas, food allergies, seasonal allergies, leaky gut, malabsorption and as an anti-inflammatory.
Another example is Rosemary. This plant stem cell works as a protector being naturally high in antioxidants. It has an affinity for the liver, gallbladder and nervous system and is ideal for use with chronic allergies, stiff hips and neck, and balancing hormones.
Finally, Birch has even more indications. It’s ideal for destroying infections, supporting the spleen, immune system function, auto-immune disease, heavy steroid use and even rabies vaccinosis. Additionally, birch removes anesthesia, addresses thyroid imbalances, gallbladder, digestion, food sensitivities, leaky gut and even kidney imbalance/disease. As a systemic pain reliever, it is beneficial for joint pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
How to use gemmotherapy
These amazing plant therapies can be put in the mouth, in food or transdermally. Generally, for a 10X or 1D potency you would use 1 drop per 10 pounds. For Rosemary, because it is so powerful use only 1 drop per 25 pounds.
Adverse effects can include sebaceous cysts and nausea, and if nausea persists be sure to discontinue the remedy. To help guide you in their use, find an herbalist who is familiar with gemmotherapy or use muscle testing to determine which remedies resonate with you or your pet. Furthermore, muscle testing is a great way to determine dosage protocols.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
