From:
shelterferrets@yahoo.com
Date: 2001-06-19 00:03:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Timmy's Tonic
> I hope the tonic
> helps. You are right...it certainly won't hurt.
I hate to throw cold water on this as I *do* believe in natural
remedies. BUT saying "it certainly won't hurt" may be incorrect and
potentially harmful. Please remember that just because it's natural
doesn't mean it's harmless. For instance, that gorgeous foxglove in
your garden could kill a person who eats that "natural" plant as it
forms the basis for digitalis, a potent heart medicine.
Do you know what each of these herbs treat and how they interact with
any meds your ferret is currently taking? The herbs listed for
Timmy's Tonic are: Echinacea angustifolia, Siberian Ginseng, Chinese
red ginseng, black walnut hulls, Licorice root, chicory root,
hibiscus flowers, dandelion root, wood betony, scullcap, burdock
root, Chinese cinnamon, alfalfa herb, elder flowers, red clover
blossoms, Echinacea purpurea, sarsaparilla root, astragalus root,
rose petals & buds, Ho-Shou-Wu root (Polygonum multiflorium), rose
hips, eyebright, orange peel, damiana, fennel seed, cloves, apple
concentrate, and grapefruit seed extract.
And most important, have you asked permission or told your vet that
you are using Timmy's Tonic?
For instance, licorice is a well-known remedy for coughs and chest
complaints, especially bronchitis. Does your ferret have bronchitis?
More important, is your ferret on any heart meds? Licorice is
counterindicated for anyone taking lasix and it could prove fatal.
Are you using Timmy's Tonic daily? The Echinacea is recommended for
use periodically for one or two weeks at a time, rather than
continuously.
Yes, the quantities of each item may be minute but then what good is
the element? Please, before adding *anything* to your ferret's diet,
be sure to ask your vet and do your research!