Graviola Leaves for Dogs

Parts of the Graviola tree have been used for centuries by the native people of the Amazon Basin. It has been most known in the West for its cancer-fighting properties. As 50 percent of dogs and cats over 10 years old will be diagnosed with cancer this year, herbalists are increasingly turning to this miracle of the Amazon. The bark, leaves, roots, fruit, and seeds have healing properties and are used to treat a variety of illnesses.

  1. Features

    • The Graviola tree grows to about six meters tall in the warmest tropical areas such as the Amazon Basin. It produces large, heart-shaped fruit with a white interior and has waxy, dark green leaves. The fruit is regularly eaten by locals and its leaves are often made into tea. Once crushed, the oil of the leaves can be rubbed onto the skin to make an effective insect repellant. Teas made from Graviola leaves aid in slowing the growth of tumors and eliminating cancerous cells in the body.

    History

    • Westerners began research on the Graviola tree in the 1940s and greatly intensified in the 1970s. Because the Graviola tree is a wild growing plant, it cannot be patented. Only chemically synthesized reproductions can be patented under law and sold for profit. One large pharmaceutical company reportedly spent seven years trying to isolate its cancer-fighting properties and gave up after repeated failure. They buried their findings which were not unearthed until the 1990s when an internally leaked 1976 memo from the National Cancer Institute reported that the healing properties of Graviola would remain unknown to the world until the year 2000.

    Health Benefits

    • Graviola leaves have been used to treat cancer, heart conditions, diabetes, worms, flu, seizures and asthma. Different parts of the tree are used to treat different illnesses. In Peru, the bark and roots are used as a sedative and antispasmodic. In the West Indies, the fruit juice is used for fevers, parasites and diarrhea. In Brazil, the oil of Graviola leaves is used externally for rheumatism and arthritis pain. It is viewed by many herbalists as a good alternative to conventional cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, as it does not destroy healthy cells.

    Use

    • Graviola is available in capsules, teas and concentrated oils. The best method of ingestion depends on your pet and their specific illness. Some tumors are only affected by direct injection of Graviola into the tissues. Arthritis is aided by rubbing the oil directly on the skin. Seek out a holistic veterinarian to determine the right usage for you and your pets.

    Caution

    • Be sure to consult your veterinarian before undertaking any new health routine. Combining conventional cancer treatments with Graviola may be an option, though using additional natural remedies may reduce its effect. Be very careful when starting your dog on Graviola, as too large a dose can induce vomiting.