Vulnerary herbs as a group aid in healing wounds and reducing inflammation. Within this group, vulnerary herbs that work on the skin have been termed emollients. Those that contain mucilaginous substances are considered demulcents when used internally for their healing effects on mucus membranes like the stomach and intestine lining. It is important to note that some herbs work well externally, some internally, and others work well in both areas. The list of vulnerary herbs is long, therefore, a basic recognition of their properties helps in understanding ways to use them. This is important because herbs within this group differ in the substances they contain and the way they work. It is also valuable to know when certain herbs in this category should not be used.
Herbs in this group often contain substances like tannins that help to bind together tissue proteins which aids in wound closure and tightening. These herbs also facilitate reducing bleeding and decreasing inflammation. This combination of properties contributes to improved wound and tissue healing. Examples of tannin containing herbs commonly used for skin injuries include aloe (Aloe vera), calendula (Calendula officinalis), and plantain (Plantago major L.).
Other vulnerary herbs like marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) and slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) contain high concentrations of mucilage substances. These mucilage substances form a coating on the damaged tissue that aids healing and facilitates reducing the inflammation.
Still other vulnerary herbs contain substances like allantoin. These herbs include comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and aloe. Allantoin helps to stimulate cell growth and division which increases the rate of healing.
Another interesting herbal action that can be beneficial for protecting injured or damaged tissue is the effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on the stomach mucosal lining. Licorice has the ability to beneficially interfere with a promoter of inflammation in the stomach resulting in increased mucus production and improved blood flow to the stomach lining. These effects help protect and heal the stomach lining.
Some vulnerary herbs have astringent properties. Astringents like tannic acid cause proteins to precipitate which forms a temporary film of clotted protein over the damaged mucosal surface. This can protect the area from further damage and can beneficial effects on sensory nerve endings. Examples of astringent herbs include nettle (Urtica dioica), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.). Astringent herbs are generally not used for more than two weeks at a time.
It is important to note that like all herbs, vulnerary herbs contain numerous active substances that have a range of effects. For example, marshmallow root has an important mucilage property that coats but it also contains tannins that can contribute to tissue protein binding that aids protection of the injured surface and facilitates healing. In addition, marshmallow root has been shown to improve blood flow to the stomach lining also promoting improved healing.
Another important point to recognize is that herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm have effects beyond the stomach and intestine. They have benefits for reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the mucus membranes (lining) of the respiratory and urinary systems. Individuals with bladder inflammation (cystitis) and coughs can benefit from these demulcent herbs.
The amazing array of healing properties that herbs have depends on the presence of a variety of substances in the herbs. Each herb has its own combination of substances which means that understanding the use of the herb requires recognition of the functions of its important substances. This herbal understanding should then be paired with understanding of features of each disease process. For example, comfrey has an amazing ability to speed healing. This can be helpful for healing wounds. However, rapid healing of the surface can be problematic if it is used to treat an infected wound because it can heal the surface leaving infection underneath. Another consideration is that comfrey use internally is controversial due to its potential for liver toxicity.
Combinations of herbs are often the best approach when attempting to use the important properties of each herb to manage a health problem. An example of this approach is the combination of marshmallow root a demulcent with mullein (Verbscum thapsus L.) a stimulating expectorant, ginger (Zingiber officinale) a mucolytic expectorant, and lobelia (Lobelia inflata L. an antispasmodic for certain respiratory problems.
If you have general questions about pet companion’s health contact your veterinarian. For questions about herbs for your pet, contact a veterinary herbalist.
Ron Carsten, DVM, PhD, CVA, CCRT was one of the first veterinarians in Colorado to use the integrative approach, has lectured widely to veterinarians, and has been a pioneer in the therapeutic use of food concentrates to manage clinical problems. He is also the founder of Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). In addition to his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. He practices integrative veterinary medicine in Glenwood Springs. Dr. Carsten is the 2022 Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award recipient.