Tuesday, March 1, 2011

How to Make Parsley Tea for Dogs and Cats

Parsley is soothing to the kidneys and is used in ailments of the lower urinary tract such as cystitis, it also can be used to help prevent renal (kidney) gravel or stones from forming in dogs and cats. It is a rich source of anti-oxidant nutrients and vitamin C.  It also contains vitamin A from beta-carotene which is beneficial to dogs.


1 Tablespoon of fresh parsley
1 Cup of boiling distilled or purified bottled water


Coarsely chop the parsley into a cup, then pour in the boiling water. Cover the cup and allow it to steep until it reaches room temperature. Strain off the liquid.

Store unused portion in the refrigerator. Parsley tea should be made fresh daily.

Suggested dosage: 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons, more or less, depending on the size of the dog or cat, 3 times daily, used at short intervals (2 weeks on 2 weeks off).

Additionally, one to two tablespoons of fresh, finely minced parsley can also be mixed into the pets food daily.

Veterinary Uses of Parsley:

Parsley is a diuretic herb that helps to relax spasms and reduce inflammation. It cleanses the blood and helps clear toxins from the body, it also aids in stimulating digestion. It can be used for indigestion, colic and anorexia (poor appetite), cystitis and prostate problems. Due to its folic acid content which plays a big roll in blood vessel and heart health, some claim it inhibits tumor-cell growth, especially in the lungs.

"After" giving birth, it is useful in promoting lactation and contracting the uterus (especially when using the roots and seeds).

Externally, the leaves can help to relieve itchy skin, and bruising.

Contraindications: Herbal products containing concentrated forms of parsley 'especially the seeds and oil' should not be used during pregnancy (may cause contractions) or excessively in animals with kidney disease.

The use of citrus fruits, also mango and some vegetables (celery, parsley) that contain limonene are not recommended for feeding to pet 'male' rats. In the male rat, studies using limonene caused tumors and damage to the kidneys, but a specific protein unique to the male rat is thought to play a crucial role in this damage. Kidney damage is not considered a relevant risk for humans or other mammals.

Tip on how to keep parsley fresh longer: When you bring it home from the grocery store, snip off the ends of the stems. Rinse well and stand in a short glass, with enough water to cover the ends. Rinse the parsley and change the water in the glass daily. It's not only pretty on counter it will stay fresh and hold its medicinal properties for up to two weeks.

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