Calming liquid drops for your pet made from 4 natural ingredients

I think this is a very useful product for cats and dogs. It’s a liquid made from four natural ingredients which you can drop into your cat or dog’s food and which is claimed to help them feel calm and relaxed. I’ve not tested it. I will leave that to you. If you do test it please return with your review! My research confirms the claims for the product. It looks good. It gets a 4 star review and costs about £13 (UK). I don’t know if it is available in the US.

Note: this product is in an incredibly competitive market. There are many products that calm pets. Does this suggest that there is problem with pets at home? Too many anxious pets? Or pet owners who believe their pets are anxious? If they are correct is there a hidden problem here?

Ingredients for this calming product for pets
Ingredients for this calming product for pets. All 4 ingredients are shown! Image: DALLE.

What I like about it is that the ingredients are natural. I am very much against chemicals. As you can see the ingredients are:

  • Valerian which reduces stress and anxiety, it is claimed;
  • St John’s wort which has anti-inflammatory properties it is claimed;
  • Ashwagandha. I have never heard of this but it is claimed to soothe nervousness and tension;
  • Magnesium for long lasting calming effects.

Below is some detailed information about the ingredients.

Does valerian reduce stress in pets?

Valerian root, derived from the plant Valeriana officinalis, has been used for centuries to address stress-related conditions in humans. Studies have shown positive effects in people dealing with mild anxiety and insomnia. But what about our furry companions?

In pets, valerian is believed to produce a calming effect by increasing the levels of a compound called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This mode of action is similar to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which can reduce anxiety and induce sedation. However, the evidence regarding its effectiveness in pets is somewhat limited.

Here’s what we know:

  1. Dogs:
    • Canine behavioral problems are common, with stress often identified as an underlying cause. While there is little research on the efficacy of valerian for stress-related disease in dogs, some vets use it alongside other treatments. However, none of the studies have examined physiological parameters such as heart rate, breathing rate, or hormone concentrations. Instead, behavioral signs of stress were observed, including lip licking, sighing, panting, trembling, recurrent yawning, circling, and hyperactivity.
    • If you’re considering using valerian for your dog, consulting your veterinary surgeon or a qualified behaviorist is advisable.
  2. Cats:
    • Cats respond differently to valerian. When introduced to a valerian plant, approximately 50% of cats exhibit euphoric behavior, similar to their reaction to catnip. They become excited, playful, and engage in behaviors like rolling in the leaves, sniffing, chewing, and rubbing their cheeks and chin on them. The chemical compound actinidine in valerian is believed to act as an attractant, similar to a feline pheromone.
    • Vets who practice traditional medicine may use valerian for stress-related over-grooming, fearful behavior, or feline interstitial cystitis.
    • However, there is little research on the efficacy of valerian specifically for stress-related issues in cats.

The bottom line: While valerian is widely used, there is insufficient evidence to definitively conclude its effectiveness against stress in pets. Further research would be helpful in informing decisions about using this herbal medicine. Always consult with a professional before starting any treatment for your furry friend.

Does St John’s wort have anti-inflammatory properties?

St. John’s wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is a small flowering plant with a wide range of health benefits. Let’s delve into its potential anti-inflammatory properties:

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
    • St. John’s wort has been associated with anti-inflammatory actions due to its impact on specific genes involved in inflammation.
    • It inhibits pro-inflammatory genes like cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS), which play critical roles in chronic inflammatory conditions.
    • These properties make it useful for easing discomfort related to conditions such as arthritis, gout, joint discomfort, and muscle aches.
  2. Other Health Benefits:
    • Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, St. John’s wort offers a range of benefits:
      • Anti-depressant Qualities: Widely used to relieve symptoms of depression, it contains a combination of antidepressant chemicals that affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
      • Relieves Anxiety: Helps regulate hormonal balance, aiding with sleeplessness, irritability, and chronic fatigue. Reducing stress hormones can improve overall health and cognitive function.
      • Skin Care: Applied topically, it may relieve minor wound symptoms and skin irritation.

Does Ashwagandha soothe nervousness and tension?

Ashwagandha, derived from the plant Withania somnifera, has gained attention for its potential to alleviate stress and anxiety. Let’s explore how it may benefit you:

  1. Stress and Anxiety Reduction:
    • Studies have shown that ashwagandha extracts might help reduce stress and anxiety. People who took ashwagandha for 6 to 8 weeks reported feeling less stressed and anxious, along with reduced fatigue and sleeplessness. Additionally, ashwagandha has been found to lower stress hormone levels.
    • Mechanism: Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, which play a crucial role in stress responses. By modulating cortisol, it can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Its adaptogenic properties also help the body maintain balance, further reducing anxiety.
  2. Improved Sleep:
    • While ashwagandha doesn’t directly induce sleepiness, it has been beneficial for people with anxiety. It helps improve sleep quality by calming an overactive mind, making it a good choice for those struggling with racing thoughts at bedtime.
  3. Dosage and Forms:
    • Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including pills, powder, capsules, and elixirs. Most clinical trials have used concentrated liquid preparations of the root.
    • Look for products standardized to a specific percentage of withanolides (typically between 0.3% and 1.5%). The recommended daily dose should not exceed 1,000 mg and ideally contain at least 6 mg of withanolides.
    • Safety studies suggest this dose is safe for at least three months, but more research is needed.
  4. Consult Your Healthcare Team:
    • Before starting any supplement, especially if you’re not a fan of medication, consult your healthcare team. They can ensure there are no interactions with other medications or underlying conditions.

Does magnesium have a calming effect?

Magnesium, an essential mineral, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. When it comes to calming effects, magnesium may indeed have a positive impact. Let’s explore how:

  1. Neurotransmitter Regulation:
    • Magnesium helps maintain the activity of stimulating neurotransmitters like glutamate.
    • It also binds to calming receptors in the brain, promoting increased activity of GABA (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter).
    • This interaction contributes to relaxed feelings and a more peaceful mental state.
  2. Stress Response System:
    • Magnesium may help manage your stress response system and cortisol levels.
    • Low levels of magnesium can increase stress, while high levels of physical or mental stress can lower magnesium.
  3. Research Findings:
    • Studies have shown that magnesium can have anti-anxiety effects.
    • Dosages used in these studies typically range from 75 to 360 mg per day.
    • While further research is needed, there is evidence to suggest that magnesium may help fight anxiety.
  4. Types of Magnesium:
    • Different types of magnesium are available, each with specific properties:
      • Magnesium glycinate: Often used to reduce muscle pain.
      • Magnesium oxide: Commonly used for migraines and constipation.
      • Magnesium citrate: Easily absorbed and also used for constipation.
      • Magnesium chloride: Easily absorbed by the body.
      • Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): Generally less easily absorbed but may be absorbed through the skin.
      • Magnesium lactate: Used as a food additive.
  5. Best Time to Take Magnesium:
    • Taking a magnesium supplement approximately 30 minutes before bedtime may help with sleep, thanks to its calming effects.

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