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Natural Aids and Alternatives
We are all familiar with the powerful and near perfect system we have been provided with. New information and discovery daily, advances in communication and technology are thundering past us. We are provided with much more understanding than any generation before us.
These methods tend to work gently and slowly. They have to be implemented early and used for longer periods often.
This page will be updated often. Like many prescription medications there can be side effects to some methods and herbs. If a piece of information looks promising for your situation then research further to know what complications there may be. A reptile's systems are as prone as our own to difficulties, to complicated organ failures or to having a minor belly ache and everything in between. Know when it is time to move forward and the necessity of finding outside help ~ a vet is as important as your doctor for your own health.
Melissa Kaplan's words on the subject: http://www.anapsid.org/mvpa.html
ALOE
Aloe is known for its soothing and healing qualities. Look at the ingredients in all the reptile skin products and it will be found. Take the remaining ingredients out and aloe can stand on it's own. Gel forms can be found at department stores and drug businesses. The pain relief in aloe is amazing! If you doubt me put some on a wasp sting. It will also put a heavy coat around the injured area that will dry in place helping to protect a raw injury.
Aloe is also ingestable. There need be no worries about it harming the reptile even if it chooses to lick at the area and it is a powerful detoxifying agent in the system.
Aloe is also ingestable. There need be no worries about it harming the reptile even if it chooses to lick at the area and it is a powerful detoxifying agent in the system.
ALFALFA
The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. It alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver, and it contains an anti-fungal agent. It is an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic and an excellent source of chlorophyll and vitamins. Treating with alfalfa leaves is perfectly safe, but alfalfa seeds contain a slightly toxic amino acid unless used in sprouted form. I keep a shaker of chopped organic alfalfa leaves and toss a little on top of offered foods for herbivores.
http://www.probioskin.com/skin-care/articles/Alfalfa.html
http://www.probioskin.com/skin-care/articles/Alfalfa.html
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Cider Vinegar has antibacterial properties. It also is a natural antiseptic. Mix a solution of vinegar and water and apply with a cotton ball two to three times daily to wounds. Apple cider vinegar fights infection and the bacteria that cause infection. It is also known to help strengthen the immune system and adis in clearing up sinus infections.
Apple cider vinegar aids in the process of breaking down and absorption of food. The acidic composition of vinegar discourages the growth of bacteria, fungus and viruses in the intestinal tract and restores the ph balance, therefore preventing many digestive disorders.
For the older reptile Apple Cider Vinegar can help relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Soak the affected joints in a solution of apple cider and water or apply a cloth soaked in the mixture to the area. Internal consumption of ACV can also be beneficial to arthritis sufferers. A component of ACV called malic acid can break up the uric acid depositis in joints that cause arthritis pain.
ACV increases metabolism and improves the metabolic process causing the body to use more energy and store less fat. Could be of use to those that are a little on the heavy side. Reptiles that carry extra weight tend to suffer from liver problems.
Apple cider vinegar aids in the process of breaking down and absorption of food. The acidic composition of vinegar discourages the growth of bacteria, fungus and viruses in the intestinal tract and restores the ph balance, therefore preventing many digestive disorders.
For the older reptile Apple Cider Vinegar can help relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Soak the affected joints in a solution of apple cider and water or apply a cloth soaked in the mixture to the area. Internal consumption of ACV can also be beneficial to arthritis sufferers. A component of ACV called malic acid can break up the uric acid depositis in joints that cause arthritis pain.
ACV increases metabolism and improves the metabolic process causing the body to use more energy and store less fat. Could be of use to those that are a little on the heavy side. Reptiles that carry extra weight tend to suffer from liver problems.
CAYENNE
Is an overall digestive aid containing liberal amounts of Vitamins A, C, B-complex, calcium, phosphorous and iron. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps arthritic conditions.
Cayenne is also great for clearing out clogged sinus passages due to minor respiratory problems. Use sparingly, sprinkled over food sources.
Cayenne is also great for clearing out clogged sinus passages due to minor respiratory problems. Use sparingly, sprinkled over food sources.
CELERY SEED
Celery seed For: Gout Extract of celery seed has the ability to calm inflammation and neutralize the harmful effects of uric acid that often causes pain and inflammation in gout and arthritis 36
CHAMOMILE
SEE FULL ARTICLE
Chamomile ~ one of the Miracles
Chamomile ~ one of the Miracles
CHERRIES
One of the greatest success stories of using a natural food to clear up health problems is that of using cherries to cure gout! Gout is a form of arthritis and occurs when crystals of uric acid form in the fluid surrounding a joint. The sharp, painful crystals form when blood levels of uric acid become too high and crystallize in the joints. Gout is associated with the kidney's inability to remove nitrogen waste products from the bloodstream. As a result, uric acid accumulates and begins to abnormally collect in different sites within the body.
Visceral gout affects the internal organs and is very difficult to diagnose. The first course of action is to correct the diet, thereby eliminating the cause. Meanwhile, try this simple but effective remedy Cherries, fresh, frozen, or even canned, should eliminate the gout problem quickly. If you cannot find cherries, all health food stores sell small bottles of black cherry juice concentrate which can be added to the drinking water.
**This news is coming from the Avian world where Cherries are having an amazing affect and should be looked at for those with omnivores that are refusing veggies and fruit. The high protein levels in worms/crickets are one of the causes of gout. Also, the diet recommended for a lizard with gout is to change out your feeders to earthworms. Now it makes sense to me...that if we include earthworms in our regular feeding schedule thoughout their lives we would avoid the problem altogether.
COD LIVER OIL: EXCERPT FROM TEGU CARE SHEET
"Cod liver oil contains more vitamin A and more vitamin D per unit weight than any other common food. One hundred grams of regular cod liver oil provides 100,000 IU of vitamin A, almost three times more than beef liver, the next richest source; and 10,000 IU vitamin D, almost four times more than lard, the next richest source. Of course, cod liver oil is only consumed used in small amounts, but even a tablespoon (about 15 grams) provides well over the recommended daily allowance for both nutrients in humans. Cod liver oil is a natural source of vitamin D3.
In addition, cod liver oil contains 7 percent each of the elongated omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA is the precursor of important prostaglandin, localized tissue hormones that help the body deal with inflammation; and DHA is extremely important for the development and function of the brain and nervous system. So it's no surprise that in numerous studies cod liver oil has proven to be a powerhouse in fighting disease. "
DANDELION
Dandelion leaves are full of Vitamin A, B1 and C plus blood purifying substances. Parrots love the taste of this bitter green plant which is a wonderful tonic for them. If you have older reptiles in your care, be sure to include dandelion leaves in their diet as it is one of the most effective supplements for the prevention of arthritic conditions.
GARLIC
Currently being studied by the National Cancer Institute for its anti-tumor properties, garlic has been shown to contain eighteen anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial substances. It is a mild natural antibiotic. It also stimulates the immune system and kills parasites. It can help to eliminate lead, zinc, and other toxins from body tissues. Use extremely sparingly. One or two or three LITTLE pieces of minced garlic is more than enough for a bearded dragon.
GSE (GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT)
There appears to be a lot of controversy surrounding GSE and it's uses. I have been using it for a minimum of 4 years. It is very popular in the Avain world. GREAT BACTERIAL KILLER, antifungal and much, much more. Controversy stems from Those brands that are chemically enhanced vs. organic.
On this I suggest using Grapefruit Seed Extract in a google search and do your homework. Some swear by it, some at it. I am satisfied that it is worth keeping around. I use it in my running water areas to kill bacteria, couple of drops a week along with a few drops of vinegar depending upon the amount of water.
On this I suggest using Grapefruit Seed Extract in a google search and do your homework. Some swear by it, some at it. I am satisfied that it is worth keeping around. I use it in my running water areas to kill bacteria, couple of drops a week along with a few drops of vinegar depending upon the amount of water.
POT MARIGOLD
Calendula officinalis is used for the treatment of skin disorders and pain, and as a bactericide, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The petals and pollen contain triterpenoidesters (an anti-inflammatory) and the carotenoidsflavoxanthin and auroxanthin (antioxidants, and the source of the yellow-orange coloration). The leaves and stems contain other carotenoids, mostly lutein (80%) and zeaxanthin (5%), and beta-carotene. Plant extracts are also widely used by cosmetics, presumably due to presence of compounds such as saponins, resins and essential oils.[4]
SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a dried sea algae. Spirulina is a wonder in the bird world, improving feather condition, colours, health, imunity systems and more. Spirulina is very concentrated and should only be 1/100th of the daily intake. A little goes a long way. Used with a wide variety of animals, racehorses to cattle, to pet birds, dogs, cats. Fish keepers have been using it as a colour enhancer for many years.
WHITE VINEGAR
SEE ARTICLE
White Vinegar
White Vinegar
ELECTROLYTES!!!!!
I cannot, cannot, cannot stress enough how important it is to have this in the cupboard. This is the ultimate in your arsenal of weapons against illness, for lizards of all ages. Electrolytes reduce feelings of stress and increase appetites. I have found many times that a dose or two of electrolytes at the first signs of illness will have them back on their feet in no time and they will have beaten the problem with no other involvement necessary. SEE FULL ARTICLE
WATER CONDITIONER
We know there are too many additives in our tap water and that distilled is recommended or spring water. I have never used distilled/spring/bottled. It makes sense to me that if the water conditioner sold for fish takes effect immediately and is safe enough for a guppy? why are we not using it.
I also use fish waste remover in the running water areas.
NATURAL SPIDER CONTROL RECIPES
"Thankyou bamboozoo!!!!
I just wanted to thank you for all you help and advice when my leopard gecko hadn't eaten in two months!!! I finally had to hold him tightly because he was trying to get loose and somewhat forced fed him a mixture of four baby crickets and two wax worms with a little electrolyte liquid and that night he did his first poo in two whole months!!!! and he has been eating every since and has done about 5 more poo's in the past week!!! yahoo!!! I can't believe that he went a full two months without eating one single thing and going poo not once either!!"
BambooZoo: I've been using the saline and vinegar on LF and Godzilla yesterday and today. Happy to say I watched Little Foot blink with both lids on both eyes today! The vinegar is helping too, little foots teeth are more visible. There used to be pretty bad scabbing infront of the teeth where she was missing tissue but now the scabs are coming off and her teeth are showing and I'm not seeing any bleeding so I assume the scabs are coming off on their own. I can only assume it's the venegar. In godzilla the vinegar & water has removed a little bit of scabbing that was on his jaw (nothing severe) and I rubbed it on his spikes and it's removed the skin stuck on a few of his spikes!
So... ONCE AGAIN... you rock! haha
our lizard looks great I think I.m going to start drinking white vinegar and camomile tea see if I feel better.
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forums/lizards/765290-bearded-dragon-really-need-help.html
I just wanted to thank you for all you help and advice when my leopard gecko hadn't eaten in two months!!! I finally had to hold him tightly because he was trying to get loose and somewhat forced fed him a mixture of four baby crickets and two wax worms with a little electrolyte liquid and that night he did his first poo in two whole months!!!! and he has been eating every since and has done about 5 more poo's in the past week!!! yahoo!!! I can't believe that he went a full two months without eating one single thing and going poo not once either!!"
BambooZoo: I've been using the saline and vinegar on LF and Godzilla yesterday and today. Happy to say I watched Little Foot blink with both lids on both eyes today! The vinegar is helping too, little foots teeth are more visible. There used to be pretty bad scabbing infront of the teeth where she was missing tissue but now the scabs are coming off and her teeth are showing and I'm not seeing any bleeding so I assume the scabs are coming off on their own. I can only assume it's the venegar. In godzilla the vinegar & water has removed a little bit of scabbing that was on his jaw (nothing severe) and I rubbed it on his spikes and it's removed the skin stuck on a few of his spikes!
So... ONCE AGAIN... you rock! haha
our lizard looks great I think I.m going to start drinking white vinegar and camomile tea see if I feel better.
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forums/lizards/765290-bearded-dragon-really-need-help.html