Is Holy Basil Good for Dogs?

Holy Basil, an herb native to Asia and Malaysia, has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional Hindu system of medicine based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and that uses diet, herbal treatment and yogic breathing. There are three varieties of Holy Basil: Vana, Krishna and Rama. Of these, Rama is most commonly found and used. The leaf of the Holy Basil plant is the only part used for medicinal purposes when treating humans or animals.

  1. Holy Basil As A Treatment For Ringworm In Dogs

    • According to VetInfo.com, Holy Basil is an effective, natural treatment for eradicating ringworm in dogs. Ringworm is one of the most common diseases found in pets, particularly dogs. A skin condition, rignworm is not a worm infection as the name implies; it is a fungal infection caused by an organism that thrives on dead tissues on the skin's surface. The fungus takes a circular path to spread the infection, hence the name "ringworm."

    How To Tell If A Dog Has Ringworm

    • Although ringworm frequently infects the skin on a dog's head and face, it can also affect other body parts, such as the tail.

      Ringworm appears as a small, round lesion on the dog's skin. The affected area, which usually has no hair or fur on it, may have scaly skin in the center of the lesion as well as small pustules. Although ringworm may start as a small area, it can increase in size and become increasingly itchy. Occurring most frequently on the head, ringworm can also infect the tail, feet or legs.

    Applying Holy Basil To Ringworm

    • A homeopathic remedy for ringworm, the juice from the Holy Basil plant is a powerful disinfectant that helps promote healing of the skin and treats the fungal infection in an animal-friendly way. Before applying Holy Basil to ringworm, clip the fur around the ringworm skin lesions. Be careful not cut or scrape the skin, as this could lead to infection. Apply two to five drops of Holy Basil oil to the affected area three times a day. In most cases, the ringworm fungal infection will fade over a few weeks and then disappear.

    Preventing Ringworm Recurrence

    • Wash dog bedding to prevent a recurrence of ringworm.

      Because ringworm can also affect humans and cats, it's important to use latex gloves when applying Holy Basil to your dog so as not to infect yourself or others. Cleaning the dog's environment will also keep the fungus from spreading or recurring. Wash or disinfect areas frequented by your dog and clean pet bedding, blankets, carpeting, rugs or slipcovers on furniture where your pet sits or sleeps.