Nerve Tonic for dogs and cats supports the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and regeneration of damaged nerve tissue*. This nerve healing remedy is an all-natural, alcohol-free herbal tincture that offers support for debilitating nervous system conditions. It is formulated by a certified Master Herbalist using USDA organic herbs and we believe there is no finer formula available to help with situations in which nerve tissue has been damaged through injury or by the immune system as is the case with degenerative nerve conditions like degenerative myelopathy. Our Nerve Tonic can also be a very helpful herbal remedy for conditions associated with aging or nutrient deficiencies like cerebral insufficiency (canine cognitive disorder).
Nerve Tonic contains a neuroregenerative herb called St. John's wort; nerve tonics like skullcap, oatstraw and gotu kola that have a strengthening and tonifying effect on the nervous system; circulatory tonics like ginkgo biloba and cayenne that help bring vital blood flow with oxygen and nutrients to nerve tissue along with ginger root that helps to reduce inflammation caused by tissue damage.
For a more comprehensive approach to support your dog or cat's nervous or neuromuscular systems consider our Nerve and Mobility Wellness Package or our Laryngeal Wellness Package.
Recently, The Pet Health and Nutrition Center has begun using a new technology to extract our glycerite herbal remedies called Ultrasonic Botanical Extraction. To the best of our knowledge, at this time, we are the only pet supplement company using this modern technology to create the herbal remedies our clients use for their dogs and cats.
This modern technology uses ultrasound waves to break apart plant matter to release active, beneficial plant constituents into the solvent (in our case USP organic glycerin). We have used independent, third-party testing to ensure our new herbal remedies will be as effective as our prior method of extraction. The results exceeded our expectations and showed an increase of 10X in the amount of active plant constituents using this modern botanical extraction method.
What you may notice… First, let me make clear that our herbal formulas are the same and have not changed. However, you may notice that they are lighter in color and less viscous (thinner). If you would like more information on this modern method of creating herbal remedies we have provided an article and video on Ultrasonic Botanical Extraction for you to enjoy.
5 Benefits of Nerve Tonic for Dogs and Cats
The herbs found in Nerve Tonic have been selected by a Master Herbalist specializing in medical herbalism for animals. When combined together their ability to promote the repair of damaged nerve tissue, protect healthy nerve tissue, improve circulation and promote a healthy mood can improve the health of a dog or cat suffering with damaged or declining nerve function related to a variety of disorders.
Myelin Sheath is the yellow covering on the nerve cell (neuron)
Neuroprotective Activity
The herb St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been shown in studies to have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. The CNS is very sensitive to oxidative stress, and it is this sensitivity that plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Constituents found in Hypericum, especially the antioxidant flavonoid compounds, have been found to offer protection against aging, neurodegenerative disease and other loss of function related to the destruction of neurons (1).
Promotes Better Mood
Again, the herb St. John’s Wort is of benefit here. This herb has been shown in studies to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression more than a placebo and similar to prescription antidepressants (2).
St. John's Wort's tested and proven effects on mild to moderate depression appear to be related to the constituent hypericin believed to work as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Though, other constituents may also cause this herb to act as a weak serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (3).
Overall, the demonstrated efficacy of this herb in treating depression is likely due to the synergistic effects provided by the components of the whole herb (as we provide in the Nerve Tonic formula), working on the central nervous system (4).
Supports an Animal with Nerve Pain
Nerve Tonic can help your dog or cat with nerve pain such as neuralgia, spinal nerve pain etc... due to the inclusion of herbal nervines that can help to restore and nourish the nervous system. St. John's Wort (5),(6) and other nervine herbs such as oatstraw and skullcap (7) have shown they can be safe, natural alternatives for a dog or cat with neuralgia.
Promotes Circulation
Another fact taken into consideration when formulating Nerve Tonic for your dog or cat, is that circulation is a very important factor for animals with nervous system or neuromuscular conditions.
For circulation in this formula ginkgo leaf, ginger and cayenne are used to very good effect to bring oxygen and nutrients to peripheral nerves and muscles. Ginkgo’s ability to act as a natural vasodilator to increase blood flow to various parts of the body is well known and can help prevent stokes and cardiovascular disease (8),(9),(10).
Ginger root is well known for its ability to increase circulation to the extremities. This is of great benefit to dogs and cats with neurological difficulties as this will circulate ginger's antioxidant activity to help increase cognitive function and reduce inflammation in related blood vessels (11),(12).
Lastly, cayenne is another circulatory tonic that helps to bring nutrients to peripheral nerves and muscles. It does this by acting as a vasodilator to allow blood to flow more easily through your pet's system by relaxing the tiny muscles found in blood vessel walls (13).
Provides You with the Highest Quality Herbal Supplement to Support a Dog and Cat's Neuromuscular System
✓ Organic Herbs
Our formula contains certified USDA organic herbs. Research shows organic herbs have higher amounts of important nutrients as opposed to conventionally raised plants. Organic farming methods are also better for the environment and of course do not have the levels of residual pesticides that conventionally grown herbs can have.
We also do not use wild crafted herbs in our formulas as this practice can damage wild populations of herbs and you do not necessarily know where the herbs are coming from or how they've been grown. Instead, we prefer to be on the safe side and only obtain herbs from USDA certified organic farms.
✓ Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients are going to be gentler on your animal's body when compared to synthetic chemical ingredients or medications. The proper natural constituents are able to provide the body with what it needs to heal and get better. This is in direct contrast to synthetic ingredients or medications that can be especially hard on the liver and kidneys.
Medications are also designed to have a symptom suppressing action in line with the principles of allopathic medicine which is to create a diagnoses and then use drugs to suppress symptoms. Using this course of action can never result in true healing and is not really meant to.
✓ Alcohol-Free Tincture with ORGANIC Vegetable Glycerin for Animals
Our blend is formulated by a special process using low heat and organic vegetable glycerin. Tinctures are concentrated forms of a plant's constituents that are readily absorbed and utilized by your pet's body. Because your pet may not like the taste of alcohol, we use vegetable glycerin which gives our tinctures a sweet taste your animals will like.
Vegetable glycerin is a carbohydrate but is metabolized differently than sugar and does not raise blood sugar levels. It is also an efficient menstruum which extracts valuable constituents from plants and makes them readily available to the body. In addition, we take the extra time and effort to use a low heat process that extracts many more constituents than just soaking in glycerin alone as is done by most other herbal companies.
And, of course, the use of organic vegetable glycerin ensures your pet avoids genetically modified ingredients and herbicides in their natural medicine.
✓ Uses only Human Grade Ingredients
Our products are manufactured using human grade ingredients. In the pet industry this is far from the rule as many companies use pet quality ingredients, those considered "not fit for human consumption".
✓ Uses Fresh, High Quality Ingredients
We purchase our ingredients from some of the most highly regarded companies in their respective fields so you and your animals are ensured the finest quality supplements. In addition, we purchase in small quantities to make sure the products we provide to you are fresh and bursting with important nutrients. This is in direct contrast to many other products on the market that can spend a year or longer sitting in non-climate controlled warehouses before they even get to you.
How Can Our Nerve Tonic Help Your Dog or Cat with Nerve Injury or Disease?
This herbal formula provides a highly researched blend of herbs that work synergistically together to help reduce nerve pain, protect nerves from oxidative damage and promote the regrowth of damaged nerves. However, the primary herb we will focus on is St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Studies have shown that this herb contains neuroprotective agents that can protect brain and nervous system health. Research studies show that this herb can inhibit nerve injury (14), prevent inflammatory and oxidative damage to the brain (15), and provide beneficial activity in neurodegenerative disorders (16).
Studies have indicated that the active constituents hypericin and hyperforin are responsible for the beneficial action of this herb, however the single constituent responsible for the activity remains unknown. That is why the "whole extract" should be used as is found in our Nerve Tonic formula.
How Can Our Nerve Tonic Benefit Your Aging Dog or Cat?
As mentioned previously, all the herbs in this formula work together synergistically, and this can benefit your aging animal tremendously. However, the herb we will focus on for this discussion is cayenne (Capsicum annuum). Cayenne pepper is a spice with which we are all familiar. Among its abundant constituents is the active constituent capsaicin, that is believed to provide much of its beneficial activity. This herb is a very useful circulatory stimulant. An aging animal can greatly benefit from increased circulation because it helps to deliver blood, with oxygen and nutrients, throughout the body.
This can benefit animals with degenerative nerve conditions by delivering nutrients to the brain and extremities, with digestive disorders by promoting the secretion of digestive juices, with constipation by promoting intestinal peristalsis, and in animals with general debility by increasing body heat and overall vitality. By helping to clean and dilate blood vessels, cayenne can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure (17) and prevent blood clots helping to improve cardiovascular health.
References
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Puotinen, CJ. (2000). The encyclopedia of natural pet care (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Keats Publishing.
Tilford, G. L., & Wulff, M. L. (2009). Herbs for pets: The natural way to enhance your pet’s life. (2nd ed.). Irvine, CA: BowTie Press.
Messonnier, S. (2001). Natural health bible for dogs & cats: You’re a-z guide to over 200 conditions, herbs, vitamins and supplements. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
Kidd, R. (2000). Dr. Kidd’s guide to herbal dog care. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing
Active Ingredients per ml
A proprietary blend of USDA ORGANIC extracts (1:5)...250mg
St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Ginkgo leaf (Ginkgo biloba), Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale), Oatstraw (Avena sativa), Skullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Cayenne (Capsicum anuum).
Inactive Ingredients: ORGANIC vegetable Glycerin USP, Distilled water
About the Organic Herbs in this Formula
St. John's wort herb - Contains constituents such as phytosterols and flavonoids that help speed healing of damaged nerve tissue. Highly recommended in cases of nerve damage that occurs with burns, neuralgia, trauma and degenerative conditions.
Ginkgo leaf - Is a blood vessel and circulatory tonic that helps to increase blood flow throughout the body that will help supply important nutrients and oxygen to nerve tissue.
Ginger root - An anti-inflammatory herb that can help reduce inflammation that produces free radicals and a cycle of continued damage to nerve tissue.
Oatstraw - Among the best of the nervous system tonics with mucilaginous properties that make it useful for damage to the myelin sheath.
Skullcap herb - Another nervous system tonic that works well with oatstraw to support and strengthen nerve tissue.
Gotu kola herb - A wonderful nervous system tonic that helps to nourish the brain.
Cayenne - A circulatory tonic that helps improve blood flow that provides important nutrients and oxygen to the extremities.
Provide 1 ml per 25 lbs 2 - 3 times per day.
Shake well before use.
Please note: 8 oz bottles do not come with a dropper. If you wish to have a dropper included with your order please request one using the "Note" box in your shopping cart. These droppers will not replace the cap and fit on top of 8 oz bottles.
Important: We suggest mixing our liquid herbal remedies into a small amount of treat food (yogurt, apple sauce, banana, canned food…) or, next best, into their meals rather than directly into your pet’s mouth that may unintentionally cause your pet to inhale the remedy. It is recommended to provide herbal remedies such as this 10 -15 minutes prior to the main meal when convenient for better absorption.
Contraindications: Because St. John's Wort can affect the detoxifying enzyme system in the liver it could speed the removal of certain drugs. Because of this, we suggest that you give our Nerve Tonic and medications 1 1/2 to 2 hours apart. This herbal remedy is also contraindicated with certain antidepressant drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), anti-epilepsy/seizure drugs or supplements that increase serotonin like SAM-e. Gabapentin may also increase serotonin in the body, however we have many dogs that use Gabapentin and our Nerve Tonic without any issues.
Since this is not a medication, dosages do not have to be exact. If using a measuring spoon do your best to get as close to the suggested dosage below as you can for your animal’s weight. A little more or less will not hurt your dog or cat.
| Pet Weight | Dropper Dosage | Teaspoon Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 5 lbs | 2 - 3 drops | not applicable |
| 6 - 10 lbs | 1/4 ml | not applicable |
| 11 - 15 lbs | 1/2 ml | not applicable |
| 16 - 20 lbs | 3/4 ml | not applicable |
| 21 - 25 lbs | 1 ml | 1/4 tsp |
| 26 - 31 lbs | 1 1/4 ml | 1/4 to 1/2 tsp |
| 32 - 37 lbs | 1 1/2 ml |
1/4 to 1/2 tsp |
| 38 - 43 lbs | 1 3/4 ml | 1/4 to 1/2 tsp |
| 44 - 50 lbs | 2 ml | 1/2 tsp |
| 51 - 56 lbs | 2 1/4 ml | 1/2 to 3/4 tsp |
| 57 - 62 lbs | 2 1/2 ml |
1/2 to 3/4 tsp |
| 63 - 68 lbs | 2 3/4 ml | 1/2 to 3/4 tsp |
| 69 - 75 lbs | 3 ml | 3/4 tsp |
| 76 - 87 lbs | 3 1/2 ml | 3/4 to 1 tsp |
| 88 - 100 lbs | 4 ml | 1 tsp |
| > 100 lbs | 4 ml | 1 tsp |
For serious acute conditions - It is recommended to provide three dosages per day. When your animal is doing better you may try reducing dosages to twice daily and see how they do with that schedule.
For chronic conditions - You may provide two to three times daily. If your animal does not respond to two dosages they will need three until they show improvement and then you may reduce to two dosages daily and see how they do.
Long-term use: After the first two - four weeks when your animal's condition stabilizes or improves begin to use on a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off as long as your animal's condition allows this schedule without deterioration.
Storage: If to be used over a period of a few weeks store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Refrigerate for longer term storage.
Important: If animal's condition worsens or does not improve or any unusual symptoms occur discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.
We recommend you purchase enough for at least 2 - 4 weeks to get an idea if this remedy will work for your animal. Use the chart below as a guide.
Approximate Daily Servings per Container
| Container Size | 10 lbs | 25 lbs | 35 lbs | 50 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 oz (2 or 3 servings per day) |
60 or 40 | 30 or 20 | 22 or 15 | 15 or 10 |
| 4 oz (2 or 3 servings per day) |
120 or 80 | 60 or 40 | 45 or 30 | 30 or 20 |
| 8 oz (2 or 3 servings per day) | 240 or 160 | 120 or 80 | 90 or 60 | 60 or 40 |
Does this herbal formula have any contraindications?
Because St. John's Wort can affect the detoxifying enzyme system in the liver it could speed the removal of certain drugs. Because of this, we suggest that you give our Nerve Tonic and medications 1 1/2 to 2 hours apart. This herbal remedy is also contraindicated with certain antidepressant drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), anti-epilepsy/seizure drugs or supplements that increase serotonin like SAM-e. Gabapentin may also increase serotonin in the body, however we have many dogs that use Gabapentin and our Nerve Tonic without any issues.
Is this herbal extract safe for my dog or cat?
All of our herbal formulas have been developed by a certified Master Herbalist with years of educational training and over 20 years of experience creating herbal extracts for dogs and cats. The safe use of herbs and plant extracts has a long history dating back thousands of years, while modern pharmaceutical drugs - mass-produced, chemically synthesized medications - have only experienced widespread acceptance since the mid 1900’s.
Does this herbal formula actually work?
We wouldn’t be in business for the last two decades with thousands of positive reviews if our herbal formulas didn’t work for dogs and cats. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that results can vary as all animals are individuals with different diets, lifestyles and nutritional needs. If your pet is fed a processed kibble pet food, receives excessive booster vaccines every year, flea and tick pesticide treatments every month, is currently using, or has used, a variety of prescription medications, experiencing the benefits of an herbal remedy may require a little more effort.
What is the correct dosage?
The general serving size of our herbal extracts for dogs and cats is one ml (using the provided graduated dropper) per 25 lbs of animal weight at a frequency of 2-3 times daily. Detailed information with a servings chart can be found under the Instructions tab on this product page.
Can this herbal extract be used alongside prescription medications?
Generally, the answer to this question is “yes” with some caveats. First, see if there are any contraindications listed in the FAQs question above. Next, we suggest that herbal formulas are given at least two hours away from medications to avoid the potential for interactions. Lastly, since herbs can have a similar effect on the body as a medication prescribed by your veterinarian, your vet should monitor your dog or cat to see if the dosage of any medication needs to be adjusted lower. Don’t adjust the dosages of a medication your pet is using without your vet’s supervision.
Are their potential side effects?
While this herbal extract is very well tolerated by the majority of dogs and cats, a very small percentage of users may experience mild stomach upset or nausea if they are sensitive to an ingredient in the formula just like they may with any new food. These effects are rare and typically stop shortly after you discontinue use. If your pet has a history of being more sensitive, we recommend starting with 1/4 of the suggested serving size to see how your pet reacts before using the full suggested serving. If your dog or cat does display symptoms of nausea, don’t panic, just discontinue the herbal extract and allow time for your pet’s stomach to settle.
Is the vegetable glycerin used for your herbal formulas organic?
Yes, our glycerin is certified USP organic and is derived from organic sunflower oil or organic flax seed oil. It is not palm-derived (environmentally damaging) or soy-derived unlike most glycerin used by others in the pet market.
Are the herbs used in your herbal formulas organic?
Yes, all of the herbs used in our formulas are certified USDA organic. There is a significant additional expense in using USDA organic herbs compared with conventional herbs. However, we feel this is important to get the highest quality herbs from organic farms and suppliers we trust without the potential for contamination with pesticides and herbicides. As far as I am aware, we are the only pet supplement company that uses 100% USP organic glycerin and USDA organic herbs in their herbal formulas for dogs and cats.
How do I store this herbal formula?
Our herbal extracts can be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat on the kitchen countertop or in a cabinet. Refrigeration can be used if the extract is going to be stored for a longer period of time because it can extend the shelf life, but it is not necessary.
Does the herbal extract have an expiration date?
The "Best by" date can be found on the bottom of the bottle using a label. If the label falls off feel free to contact us and we will know from your order date what the “Best by” date is.
How long does it usually take to see results?
Generally, you should start noticing some sort of results within a few days. Continue providing the herbal extract to your dog or cat for at least one month to get a good idea as to whether this particular herbal formula is working for your pet. The answer to this question will be influenced by two considerations. The first is the vitality and lifestyle of the dog or cat. Some animals have a stronger vitality and therefor a better response to herbal extracts. Some dogs and cats also have better diets and less exposure to toxins and chemicals from over-vaccination or medications.
Another consideration is whether you have selected the correct herbal formula for your dog or cat. If you don’t see improvement in a month’s time please contact us at support@thephnc.com so we can discuss what you are trying to accomplish and make sure you have the correct herbal extract or other supplement.
Lastly, let me mention that herbal extracts are not pharmaceutical drugs that have a dramatic affect on the body. What we are trying to accomplish with our herbal formulas and other supplements is to provide nutritional support for weak organs/systems and this can take a little time to accomplish in some cases. Also, as I alluded to earlier, diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the health of your dog or cat. If you continue to feed a poor-quality, processed diet, provide repetitive booster vaccinations or use chemical flea/tick products, these will work against what we are trying to accomplish and make it more difficult to improve the health of your companion. This is because all of the aforementioned place additional stress on the liver, kidneys and immune system instead of allowing the body to focus its energy on restoring balance.
What if my pet is not responding as hoped?
If your dog or cat is not responding to the herbal formula as hoped, then you may increase the herbal extract serving size by 50% and monitor the results. You can also increase the frequency up to three times daily. Reduce back to the lowest effective serving size and frequency as your pet’s condition improves. Feel free to contact us at support@thephnc.com so we can offer you more advice. Our goal is for you to succeed and we will help you to the best of our abilities.
What if I have a large dog and/or on a budget?
We understand that providing a large animal with herbal remedies and natural supplements can be a financial burden. We would suggest to provide what is within your budget and see how that works. For example, if you have a 100 lb dog that would require 5 mls of an herbal extract two to three times daily, figure what is within your budget and try that. It may only be 1 ml or 2 mls two times per day. However, in our experience this is preferable to avoiding the herbal formula entirely.
What if my vet is not receptive to a more holistic approach using herbal extracts or natural supplements?
Unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence. Try telling your vet that you respect their knowledge and experience but would like to incorporate a more natural approach into your pet's care. If this doesn’t work, and your vet is still unreceptive, then finding a veterinarian that shares your holistic philosophy may be appropriate. Some resources that may help in your search include: American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) or the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA).