THE KITCHEN PHYSICIAN for parrots

THE KITCHEN PHYSICIAN
Herbal Remedies For Parrots
by Carolyn Swicegood





Herbal medicine was early man's first line of defense against the many
ills and accidents that plagued him. Ancient humans learned from the
observation of animals, including birds, how to use leaves, earth, mud
and water to make soothing applications. Although the methods were
crude, several of today's medicines are based upon sources as simple as
those of ancient man.Presently, the use of herbs as self-prescribed medication is growing
rapidly in the United States. It is an industry with more than $1.5
billion in annual sales. Medicinal herbs are the same natural plant
drugs that have been used since antiquity. They remain the only form of
medicine for a large majority of the world's population that lacks
access to hospitals and pharmacies.

Some of the popular herbal remedies for people are:

• Backache: Valerian root
  
• Headache: Feverfew
  
• Muscle Aches: Capsaicum cream
  
• Indigestion: Peppermint or Chamomile tea
  
• Nausea: Ginger (tea, capsules, candy)
  
• Depression: St. John's Wort
  
• Anxiety & Stress: Valerian root
  
• Colds and Flu: Echinacea
  
• Coughs: Slippery elm
  
• Menopause Problems: Black cohosh extracts
  
• Sleep Problem: St. John's Wort or Valerian root
  

HERBAL TREATMENTS FOR PARROTS
Years ago, only the most experimental-minded of birdkeepers used herbs,
because there were no guidelines for their use, nor had dosages for
them been determined. As we realized that the potential for harm to our
birds by herbal remedies was somewhat less than that of
pharmaceuticals, we began to establish dosages by starting with minute
amounts and increasing gradually to the optimal level. When using the
milder herbs, one might use the method of establishing the correct
dosage for a human infant of about ten pounds, and use one tenth the
amount for a parrot weighing approximately one pound.
ALOE VERA-- The most popular herbal remedy for the care of
parrots seems to be aloe. One popular use of aloe is a topical spray to
sooth the irritated skin of birds that engage in feather plucking.
Dramatic results can be obtained with this protocol when used on
parrots who are destroying their feathers due to an itchy condition of
the skin. Even in cases of psychological plucking, the aloe spray has
been known to slow down feather destruction, due to the fact that damp
feathers seem to dampen the urge to pluck. The easiest way to obtain a
quality aloe spray for parrots is to buy it from a health food store. I
recommend George's Aloe Spray, which comes in a spray bottle with eight
ounces for approximately five dollars. Otherwise, a spray can be made
by obtaining a new and clean spray bottle and filling it with a
solution of one part pure aloe vera juice to three parts distilled
water.Our love of parrots can be extremely rewarding! Most of the time,
interacting with them is pure pleasure. But, one of the few drawbacks
of keeping parrots as a hobby or a business is the occasional painful
bite. It is surprising that although most of us know about the use of
aloe vera gel for sunburn, there seems to be little awareness of its
merits as an analgesic for other minor injuries.It will take only one incident of a smashed toe, a cut finger, a
scraped knee, or a crushing bird bite from a beak capable of exerting a
couple thousand pounds of pressure to convince you of the almost
magical pain-killing ability of aloe vera gel. Not only does aloe vera
gel relieve pain almost instantly, it also helps to prevent bruising
and its accompanying purple, black and blue colors. When you have a
cut, abrasion, bruise or painful bite, immediately immerse the wounded
area in a thick coating of the gel. For a badly bitten finger, fill a
rubber finger cot with the thick gel and wear it on the finger for as
long as you like, five minutes is good and an hour is better! The pain
will be a thing of the past within the first few minutes. If you have
older aloe vera plants with large leaves, you might cut open a leaf and
wrap it around an injured finger.
ALOE DETOX-- About a year ago, I wrote an account in an on-line
newsletter of an adult female eclectus that I own who became seriously
ill. After undergoing every imaginable test and treatment protocol by
two veterinarians, no diagnosis could be made and the bird was sent
home to be "kept comfortable." In desperation, I went browsing in a
health food store with the hope of finding something that might save my
beloved bird. Both vets had mentioned liver damage so I decided to try
a liver-detoxifying agent called Aloe Detox by Naturade. I was shocked
at the immediate response--her appetite returned, she began perching
for the first time in weeks and she became responsive to her
surroundings again. After a couple weeks of steady improvement
and when she seemed normal again, I took her back to one of the
treating vets for blood work. He was pleasantly surprised just to see
her alive,
and he drew blood for re-testing. He phoned me with the results of the
CBC and said "If I had not drawn the blood myself, I would not believe
that it came from the same bird. All of her liver values are completely normal!"In hindsight, I wish that I had kept a log of all her treatments,
including the Aloe Detox, but the dosage that I used was, at best,
unscientific, being simply all that I could get into her.
I made her drinking water half Aloe Detox, soaked her bird bread in it,
and put it on everything that she would eat. Being a non-toxic product,
I felt that there was no danger of overdosing her. Due to the serious
nature of her condition, there was nothing to lose.Through the internet and by word of mouth, Aloe Detox has become
popular with quite a few Avian vets in the U.S. and has been credited
with saving many birds, which is most gratifying to me. I think that it
should be an integral part of all Avian first-aid kits.Product description: NATURADE Detoxifying Formula, Double Strength Aloe
Vera Gel (200:1) with Aloe Pulp and Natural Herbal Blend: Milk Thistle,
Burdock, Dandelion, Echinacea, Green Tea, Red Clover and Blue Cohosh.
Cost: $15 per quart. Where to buy: health food stores or NATURADE web
site at: http://www.naturade.com/products/specialty/detox.htmDr. Greg Harrison, Avian vet of Lake Worth, Florida, also recommends
Aloe Vera. In his book, Avian Medicine, Principles and Application, he
makes the following recommendation: George's Aloe Vera (Warren
Laboratories) Available as a lotion for topical application on pruritic
lesions or as a liquid for oral administration. Solution for treating
pruritic skin lesions is made by mixing one-half ounce of Aloe Vera
oral liquid with one teaspoon of Penetran, two drops of Woolite and one
pint of water.
ECHINACEA--
Echinacea is an herbal preparation made from the purple coneflower
plant or echinacea augustifolia. It has been called an herbal
antibiotic on the level of penicillin. The plant and its extracts
currently are being marketed primarily for their effect of stimulating
the immune system through several different mechanisms--stimulation of
phagocytosis, increased motility of leukocytes, and increase in
T-lymphocytes and interferon production. Echinacea also inhibits
hyaluronidase, which may prevent the spread of microorganisms
throughout the body. Dr Greg Harrison says that he has seen a clinical
response in sick birds who have evidence of infection and in birds
following antibiotic therapy. He says too that birds with chronic pin
feathers, liver problems, pox lesions, allergic dermatitis, and any
clinical sign suggesting the need for immune stimulation have shown
response to Echinacea.Echinacea can be found in health food stores in tablet and capsule
form. Toxicity studies in animals indicate that Echinacea is non toxic.
Dr Harrison mixes 3 ml of echinacea extract with 7 ml of lactulose, a
non-prescription product from pharmacies. He administers one drop twice
daily to a budgie-size bird. The recommended dose of echinacea for a
parrot is 2.5 drops per kg of body weight, or 5 drops per cup of
drinking water. It is thought that echinacea should be administered for
only two weeks in succession, followed by two weeks off the herb.
Echinacea alone should not be used to treat a critically ill bird that
needs aggressive antibiotic treatment.Echinacea can be used as an indicator of the quality of herbs in a
product line. If I wanted to test Brand X herbs, I would buy their
echinacea capsules, break one open and put some of the herb on my
tongue. If it numbed my tongue, I would assume that it was a good line
of products with fresh and viable herbs. If it did not have the
expected numbing effect, I would not buy any of the other products of
that brand name as they may have little or no effect.
The following is a list of other herbs and the conditions for which they can be used in the treatment of parrots.

• ALFALFA--
  Aids in allergies and arthritic conditions of parrots by removing
  toxins from the body; neutralizing acids, and purifying the blood.
  Alfalfa stimulates the appetite, and aids in the assimilation of
  protein, calcium & other nutrients.
  
• ALOE-- Fresh aloe gel is a perfect application
  for small cuts, abrasions, and rashes on parrots' skin. It dries and
  heals the injury.
  
• CAYENNE-- The active ingredient, capsaicin, is
  an appetite stimulant and a good natural treatment for sinus congestion
  in parrots. Used topically, it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Parrots
  enjoy its fiery taste.
  
• CHAMOMILE-- One of nature's safest and mildest
  sedatives useful to calm birds in stressful situations. Studies show
  that this herb also kills the yeast fungi Candida albicans as well as certain staph bacteria.
  
• CINNAMON-- Exerts mild anti-fungal effect on
  candida and other types of yeast, and aspergillus. It also has a mild
  anti-bacterial effect against strep and staph bacteria.
  
• DANDELION-- Helpful in diseases of the liver and digestive organs. Useful in the treatment of arthritis.
  
• ECHINACEA-- Used as an immunostimulant. May
  speed recovery in some cases of poxvirus and in debilitated birds. Also
  possesses anti-bacterial properties.
  
• EYEBRIGHT-- Useful herb for protecting and
  maintaining the health of parrots' eyes. A strong tea of eyebright,
  used as a wash, is perfect for irritated eyes on all pets.
  
  GARLIC-- Has anti-oxidant properties as well as anti-parasitic properties which kill intestinal parasites.
  It protects the liver from the damage of chemical pollutants in the air and in food and water supply. Researchers
  at the University of Cambridge in England found that garlic juice is as strong as the antifungal drugs,
  Amphotericin and Nystatin, against Candida, a fungal problem sometimes found in parrots. Garlic should be used
  sparingly in the bird diet, and in the form of fresh garlic slices rather than concentrated garlic powder. One or
  two thin slices once or twice a week is sufficient. Garlic belongs to a family of plants that may cause anemia
  in some animals if given for long periods of time.
  
• GINGER-- Excellent to prevent motion sickness
  when parrots must travel. Use a few drops of ginger extract in the
  water, and slices of fresh ginger offered the night before the bird
  must travel. Very useful against nausea and regurgitation.
  
• KAVA KAVA-- A member of the pepper family, and
  popular among people in the South Pacific islands since earliest times,
  Kava Kava has sedative and tranquilizing effects. It is useful in some
  cases of feather plucking and hyperactivity of parrots. This herb is
  quite strong and therefore must be used sparingly.
  
• MILK THISTLE-- Seeds contain silymarin, a
  flavonoid that is effective for liver disorders. This is the main
  herbal ingredient of Aloe Detox and the number one herb for the
  treatment of all liver problems. Milk thistle has been used without
  side effects for years.
  
• PASSION FLOWER-- Passiflora incarnata, also
  commonly known as Maypop acts as a gentle sedative and may be our best
  natural parrot tranquilizer. Parrots that engage in feather destruction
  may respond favorably to either Passion Flower, Kava Kava, or St.Johns
  Wort. Hyperactive parrots or those with compulsive behavior patterns
  may be helped by Passion Flower.
  
• PAU D'ARCO-- Or Taheebo is considered a "miracle
  bark" from a South American tree, with anti-fungal properties effective
  against candida and intestinal parasites in humans and parrots alike.
  
  
• ST. JOHNS WORT--
  Hypericum has anti-depressant qualities and can be tried as a
  substitute for Haloperidol in some feather-plucking parrots. Not all
  herbs work the same in all parrots so it may be necessary to try more
  than one for some symptoms. St. Johns Wort could possibly be a problem
  if administered to parrots that live outside with access to direct
  sunlight. The reason for this warning is that there were studies of
  sheep that ingested extremely large quantities of pure
  hypericum-perforatum and died of phototoxicity. This may or may not
  apply to parrots. No studies have been published on the use of St.
  Johns Wort in parrots.
  
• SEAWEEDS-- Sea vegetables such as Kelp, Wakame,
  Undaria, Kombu and Nori protect parrots as well as humans against
  several gram positive and gram negative bacteria known to potentiate
  carcinogens in the system. They posses anti-fungal, anti-viral, and
  anti-tumor properties. They are powerful immunostimulants.
  
• SLIPPERY ELM-- Used externally for wounds, burns, rashes, abscesses, boils, or insect bites, and internally for the lungs, coughing, vomiting
  
• VALERIAN-- Used as a sedative and pain reliever,
  stronger than most other herbal sedatives. Should be used only with the
  advice of an experienced herbalist.
  
• WITCHHAZEL-- Applied topically in a spray, it
  has astringent and healing properties and relieves itching. Can be used
  in addition to or as an alternative to aloe vera spray when parrots
  have itchy skin. Unlike aloe spray, witch hazel usually is preserved
  with alcohol so it should not be sprayed near the face of a parrot. I
  prefer aloe spray because of the potential of inhalation of the alcohol
  in witch hazel.
  

HERBAL PRODUCTS TO AVOID

BORAGE--Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids CALAMUS--Indian type most toxic CHAPPARAL--Can induce severe liver toxicity COLSTFOOT--Contains carcinogenic alkaloids COMFREY--Contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids EPHEDRA or MA HUANG--Can cause dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure GERMANDER--Can cause liver toxicity LICORICE--Can cause sodium and water retention and potassium depletion MA HUANG--Has caused heart attacks, seizures, psychotic episodes and death in humans LIFE ROOT--Can cause liver toxicity LOBELIA-- Also called Indian tobacco, can lead to vomiting, convulsions, coma and death PENNYROYAL--The oil is highly toxic to the liver and interferes with blood clotting POKEROOT--May be fatal SASSAFRASS--Ineffective and carcinogenic YOHIMBE: I have received several inquiries about the possible use of Yohimbe bark (and other herbs) as aphrodisiacs for non-producing mature parrots set up for breeding. Yohimbine is on the USFDA unsafe herb list of March 1977 and there is no proof of effectiveness in animal or human studies. Furthermore, it is a powerful drug which causes dilation of blood vessel in animals and humans. It can cause weakness, paralysis, gastrointestinal problems and even psychosis in humans. Experimentation using this herb with parrots could cause death, and at best is ineffective for the intended aphrodisiac effect.The absence of government or industry regulation on herbs places a burden of responsibility on the parrot owner who chooses to use herbal remedies. We all need to learn as much as we can from reputable, expert sources about the possible benefits and dangers of any herbal remedy that we may consider using. Medicinal herbs contain powerful, pharmacologically active compounds--in other words, they contain drugs. Like drugs, they should be used with caution. We cannot be tempted to apply the idea that "if a little is good, a lot is better". The advice of an experienced herbalist or holistic healer who is knowledgeable about the scientific literature on herbs is recommended when using any herbal treatment for parrots.