Holistic medicine is something that alternative medicine practitioners traditionally use as a basis for their treatments. However, it is a common misconception that holistic medicine is just 'alternative' or 'complementary' medicine. It is true that holistic medicine allows for a wider range of treatment approaches to be used together and encourages open-mindedness for these different approaches. Some of these approaches may include the use of complementary and alternative medicine but holistic medicine does not dismiss conventional medicine. It uses conventional medicine as part of the treatment approach. Nutrition, exercise, homeopathy, prayer, acupuncture and meditation are just a few other treatments that may be used together with conventional medicine as part of an holistic approach.

Homeopathy was first devised for humans in the 1790s by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Its key concept can be found in its name: homeopathy comes from the Greek word for like or similar, and that's what homeopaths believe: “like cures like.”

Homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore itself, and improve your overall health.

It is extremely safe to use, even with very small children and pets, has none of the side effects of many traditional medications, is very affordable, is made from natural substances, and is FDA regulated.

Almost any problem that can be treated by conventional western medicine (allopathy) can be treated by homeopathy. Examples of chronic diseases that respond to homeopathy include skin allergies, ear infections, asthma, diabetes,inflammatory bowel disease, epilepsy, thyroid disease and a host of other conditions. Veterinarians who practice classical homeopathy according to academy standards have found that many otherwise chronically ill patients can be restored to health. They have also found that homeopathy can rapidly and gently treat a diverse array of acute conditions from traumatic injuries to infections and poisonings.

Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control, along with advances in clinical research, show the value of herbal medicine in treating and preventing disease.

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used. Researchers found that people in different parts of the world tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.

In the early 19th century, when chemical analysis first became available, scientists began to extract and modify the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds and, over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of drugs. Almost one fourth of pharmaceutical drugs are derived from botanicals.

Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care. In Germany, about 600 to 700 plant based medicines are available and are prescribed by some 70% of German physicians. In the past 20 years in the United States, public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in herbal medicine use.

In many cases, scientists are not sure what specific ingredient in a particular herb works to treat a condition or illness. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and they may work together to produce a beneficial effect. Many factors determine how effective an herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, and soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect it, as will how and when it was harvested and processed.

Organic describes things that are natural or related to nature. In common usage, organic is used to mean “healthful” or “close to nature.” It can also describe foods grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers. In other uses, organic refers to living things or material that comes from living things.

Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment (see References 1). This term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living or practices that help conserve resources like water and energy. Eco-friendly products also prevent contributions to air, water and land pollution. You can engage in eco-friendly habits or practices by being more conscious of how you use resources.

It has become commonplace for humans to include a daily multivitamin as part of their regular diet. There are special formulations for kids, young adults, middle-aged adults, and so on. It stands to reason that just as humans can benefit from supplementing their diet with the vitamins and minerals that are not readily available in their immediate environment, so might our pets benefit from supplements that are formulated specifically for their needs. In fact, many pet owners have already discovered the benefits of supplements, whether through their own research or by a recommendation from their veterinarian.

For the average dog or cat that is in good health and is being fed a complete and balanced commercial diet, there is no need for supplementation. However, if the animal has not been receiving a well-balanced diet, or has particular health needs that require additional intake of certain ingredients, it would be wise to look into supplementing your pet's diet.

A word of caution: if your pet is on a prescription pet food diet, the food may already contain the ingredients you are looking to supplement, or may have ingredients that would not work as efficiently when paired with an adverse supplement. If, on the other hand, your pet does have special health needs or is on a prescription diet, consult with your veterinarian or veterinary dietician before adding anything to your pet's diet -- including even the most benign supplements.

The most commonly used supplementary products for pets include those for strengthening the joints, protecting and conditioning the skin and hair coat, improving digestive health, and for overall well-being.

Supplements that are formulated for joint health typically include the ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin, which have been found to be useful in treating arthritis in both humans and animals. Supplements that are made for healing dry, flaking skin and dry hair coats include ingredients that add essential fatty acids to the body to increase moisture in the skin and hair. Fish oil is a typical ingredient in skin and hair supplements. Vitamins C and E, both well known for their antioxidant properties, can be used to reduce inflammation and may even help to maintain cognitive function in older animals.

And just as people eat foods such as yogurt with live cultures for its ability to keep the microbacterial balance of the intestines at healthy levels, and soluble fiber for aiding in digestion, some of these same ingredients can be used to make probiotic and prebiotic formulas for animals for the same use. Pre- and probiotic supplements are especially good for digestive health, but they also help the immune system to maintain a healthy response, reduce allergy symptoms, and prevent diarrhea. “Pet Med” 

Being a holistic pet supply store we thought it also important to research where and how a product is made, not just what it is made from. We decided not to carry anything made in China or Russia. 

We have researched how and where each product is made and will continue to lean and make needed changes to choose products that are responsibly made. For instance products made in Europe and New Zealand are regulated by the E.U, which have the highest standards in the world. 

We made sure that any product with meat in it is from humanely raised meat that is hormone/antibiotic free. 

Our main goal is to have mindful business practices, where we consider the effect of everything we do.

They work by providing pressure in certain areas of your cat or dog in the same way as to swaddling a baby. Animals with anxiousness and fear fair better to have their body contained. This theory originated from Temple Grandin , an American professor of animal science at Colorado State university, consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, and autism spokesperson. She was one of the first scientists to report that animals are sensitive to visual distractions and designed a hug machine that not only worked for herself, but in calming cattle in handling facilities. These same practices have been shown to aid dogs and cats through covered crates or clothing that gives them the feeling of containment.

They do work but differently than the chemical based ones. Any essential oil base product needs to either be substained release or reapplied often.