Veterinarians and animal health professionals everywhere are turning to ashwagandha for better pet health. Here’s why…
As veterinarians (and pet parents) increasingly recognize the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional and environmental aspects of healing, the integrative approach to pet health continues to gain prominence. This involves embracing a comprehensive animal wellness strategy that combines traditional medicine with natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. One natural remedy gaining traction in this context is ashwagandha pure root extract, an adaptogenic herb renowned for its multiple health benefits. But what, exactly, are those benefits; why should you be integrating ashwagandha into your own practice and health protocols?
Ashwagandha: An Ancient Herb with Modern Benefits
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), is an adaptogenic herb derived from the roots of the Withania plant. Ayurvedic physicians, aka vaidyas, in India have been using this natural healer for more than 4,000 years, thanks to its well-documented stress-reducing properties, along with a whole host of increasingly recognized additional health benefits.
(There is a caveat to this, however: not all ashwagandhas have healing powers. It is important to seek out those, like KSM-66 Ashwagandha, which:
- Use only roots and no leaves in their production.
- Has a multitude of ongoing human and veterinary clinical trials and published studies proving the science-backed benefits of KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract for pet health
- Prioritize quality, safety and transparency in the farming, harvesting and manufacture of the final product.)
How Ashwagandha Can Help and Heal Companion Animals
Given its adaptogenic ability to alter its therapeutic actions to match the body’s unique needs, integrating ashwagandha pure root extract into your practice has the potential to help pets in the following ways:
1. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Pets, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety, which negatively impact their overall health. KSM-66 Ashwagandha is clinically proven to help reduce stress in both dogs and cats – with zero adverse effects reported. This makes it a valuable addition to the treatment options for pets:
- with anxiety disorders, or
- undergoing stressful situations, such as moving, travel, or ongoing treatment for diseases. (Supportive cancer care springs to mind here.)
2. Immune System Support
KSM-66 Ashwagandha is also known to enhance immune function. It is rich in:
- antioxidants, and
- the bioactive constituents necessary to boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. Which, ultimately, helps stimulate disease-fighting cells.
For pets with compromised immune systems or those recovering from illness, ashwagandha can therefore provide crucial support by boosting their natural defenses.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Chronic inflammation, a common problem in aging pets in particular, can lead to joint issues, including conditions like arthritis. Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory properties can help manage and reduce inflammation, improving mobility and quality of life for senior pets.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can also play a key role in relieving other inflammatory conditions – gastrointestinal disorders or heart conditions, for example.
4. Overview of Healing Benefits
In addition to the above, KSM-66 has, in fact, been clinically proven to:
- Enhance calmness, sleep and overall well being
- Reduce stress, anxiety and cortisol
- Maintain a healthy and shiny coat and fur
- Support immunity, normal recovery and joint health
- Increase cognitive health
- Maintain hormonal balance
Integrating Ashwagandha into Pet Care
With plenty of clinical proof of the efficacy of KSM-66 Ashwagandha for a multitude of health conditions already in place, and many more studies currently underway, the potential of this healing herb to become the MVP in animal (and human) health is indisputable. This is the future of happier, healthier furry patients – and the future is now.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Innovative Veterinary Care Journal bridges the gap between the worlds of allopathic and integrative veterinary care. Thousands of veterinarians and vet technicians are interested in ways to enhance their practice and update their skills…and integrative health is considered to be highly innovative and requested by patients along with a vast number of other traditional and emerging techniques. IVC features articles by some of the top experts, focusing on market trends in health treatments, new product features, industry news, how to create a strong retail experience, leading integrative modalities, and nutrition education not typically taught in vet school.
