Ethnoveterinary medicines used for ruminants in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract Background The use of medicinal plants is an option for livestock farmers who are not allowed to use allopathic drugs under certified organic programs or cannot afford to use allopathic drugs for minor health problems of livestock. Methods In 2003 we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 participants obtained using a purposive sample. Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop. Results There are 128 plants used for ruminant health and diets, representing several plant families. The following plants are used for abscesses:Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium Echinacea purpurea,Symphytum officinale,Bovista pila,Bovista plumbea,Achillea millefoliumandUsnea longissima.Curcuma longaL.,Salix scoulerianaandSalix lucidaare used for caprine arthritis and caprine arthritis encephalitis.Euphrasia officinalisandMatricaria chamomillaare used for eye problems. Wounds and injuries are treated withBovistaspp.,Usnea longissima,Calendula officinalis,Arnicasp.,Malvasp.,Prunella vulgaris,Echinaceapurpurea,Berberis aquifolium/Mahonia aquifolium,Achillea millefolium,Capsella bursa-pastoris,Hypericum perforatum,Lavandula officinalis,Symphytum officinaleandCurcuma longa. Syzygium aromaticumandPseudotsuga menziesiiare used for coccidiosis. The following plants are used for diarrhea and scours:Plantago major,Calendula officinalis,Urtica dioica,Symphytum officinale,Pinus ponderosa,Potentilla pacifica,Althaea officinalis,Anethum graveolens,Salix albaandUlmus fulva. Mastitis is treated withAchillea millefolium,Arctiumlappa,Salix alba,Teucrium scorodoniaandGalium aparine.Anethum graveolensandRubussp., are given for increased milk production.Taraxacum officinale,Zea mays, andSymphytum officinaleare used for udder edema. Ketosis is treated withGaultheria shallon,Vacciniumsp., andSymphytum officinale.Hedera helixandAlchemilla vulgarisare fed for retained placenta. Conclusion Some of the plants showing high levels of validity wereHedera helixfor retained placenta andEuphrasia officinalisfor eye problems. Plants with high validity for wounds and injuries includedHypericum perforatum,Malva parvifloraandPrunella vulgaris. Treatments with high validity against endoparasites included those withJuniperus communisandPinus ponderosa. Anxiety and pain are well treated withMelissa officinalisandNepeta caesarea.