Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is holistic care?
Holistic care, in its most expansive definition, considers the animal as a whole. When illness is involved, the broad definition of holistic allows us to integrate both conventional and complementary therapies. When developing a holistic approach, we can consider lifestyle changes in addition to supportive therapies, such as herbal medicine. Another way to remember that holistic care is expansive in nature is to think of it as whole-istic.
2. What is the difference between Holistic Medicine and Traditional Veterinary Medicine?
Traditional Medicine, also referred to as Western or Allopathic Medicine, treats the symptomatic ailment. Generally speaking, traditional medicine, as practiced today, is not a holistic approach, and does not treat the underlying constitution of the body, the causative conditions, nor bring about a "cure." For example, the most common treatment for injuries and post-surgical pain in animals, is an NSAID type of anti-inflammatory and pain management. This does not address restorative or regenerative support for the body, in the way that a holistic approach would. For example, our Inflapotion contains herbs which aid in the healing of damaged tissue. Damaged tissues can be muscle, tendon, the intestinal lining, skin, or any other tissue which has inflammation, as with injury or from surgery. Also, in the case of an injury or post-surgical pain, the addition of our HerbAprin will further aid in pain reduction, as well as have a mild sedative effect to help your animal rest and recover. HerbAprin works synergistically with Inflapotion for a holistic approach to healing by addressing the animals need to rest during the healing process. Western medicine works wonders when the body is "broken." Holistic medicine balances the "whole" body during illness. Sometimes we (and our pets) need both.
3. Where and how are your products made?
Our 100% organic herbal remedies are handmade in our facility in the mountains of Northwest Montana in small batches. We gently blend our herbs by hand instead of using mechanical processes that generate heat, which can damage the herbs. This ensures the highest potency for our herbal remedies, enabling us to consistently offer the best for your pet. Keep in mind that because of the organic nature of our products, batch colors and texture may vary to some degree.
4. Do your products have expiration dates?
Yes, our products are labeled with a Lot Number and an Expiration Date. Generally, our powder and capsule remedies have a 2-year shelf life, and our tinctures have a 3-year shelf life.
5. Can you use Glacier Peak Holistics products together?
Absolutely! Most of our products were made to work together, or synergistically. There are some that should be used alone for a short time.
6. How do I give herbal medicine?
Our powdered herbal remedies are generally just added to food with a little warm water. We also offer capsules, which are best for medium-sized dogs and can be hidden in a treat like cheese or something else your dog loves. For the finicky dog, we recommend you try our tinctures, which can be given by mouth or at mealtime. Some pets may benefit from a slow introduction. Starting with 1/4 - 1/2 of the recommended dose and working your way up to the full recommended dose can help prevent die-off symptoms and stomach upset.
7. How long does it take before I see results using Glacier Peak Holistics products?
Results with Inflapotion and Herbaprin are often seen within 48 hours of the initial dose, though it can take up to 2-3 weeks in severe ailments or injuries, or with chronic cases.
8. I used the remedy but have seen little or no change yet, what am I doing wrong?
Chronic or severe conditions may require more time to see results, though most dogs seem to have major improvement in just a few days. An example of a condition requiring more time for improvement would be one of our customers with a torn ACL in both knees. Because of the severity of the injuries, this dog did not demonstrate significant improvement until half way through the third jar of Inflapotion capsules. This is the most extreme that we've seen.
9. I have been using your products for some time now. They seemed to be working very well, but now not so much. Has your product changed?
In traditional herbal medicine, or the "old school" if you will, it is said that a remedy used for six days, should have one day of rest before resuming the daily dosage. In the same way, a product used for six weeks should have one week of rest, and a product used for six months should have one month of rest. While this "pulsing" of the dosages is not necessarily set in stone, there is research to indicate that the intestine will have better absorption of the remedies when they are pulsed. We recommend that you give your animal a rest period, and then resume the dosage on a pulsed schedule, such as six days on and one day off.
10. What product would be best for a dog with hip dysplasia?
Depending on the severity of the case, Inflapotion works great. If your dog has some days that are worse than others, we recommend you use both Inflapotion and Herbaprin together.
11. How do I know how much to give my pet and what size to order?
The dosages for remedies from Glacier Peak Holistics are based on the weight of the animal, and are found on the product label and on the specific product page on our website. Please note in come cases, a range of dosage amount might be given for a certain weight. For example, if your dog weighs 45 lbs, the dosage might range from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. Every dog is a little different, and like us, may tolerate things differently. If you are unsure how much to give or how often to give it, please contact one of our professional representatives at info@glacierpeakholistics.com and they will be happy to assist you.
12. Your website is great, however will there be more products and natural health related information for animals added in the future?
We are continually researching and developing products that are needed by our customers and their animals. Results we gather from the Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan are always revealing areas where we can improve the quality of life for many animals.
13. Can I use Inflapotion or Herbaprin for my horse?
Absolutely. Both products are effective in treating pain and inflammation in horses, and dosed at a rate of two tablespoons twice per day for acute conditions. For long term or daily use, this can be decreased to one tablespoon once or twice per day.
14. Do you have a natural, non-toxic dewormer for horses?
Yes. Glacier Peak Holistics Daily Defense is a natural and non-toxic dewormer for horses AND dogs. It is a daily nutritional supplement which is also high in minerals and antioxidant herbs. Daily Defense creates an environment in the GI tract that is inhospitable to parasites. Daily Defense does not remove blood-borne parasites.
15. Do you have a product that could help prevent illness from stress or exposure to illnesses?
Yes. Glacier Peak Holistics Peak Immune is made for both dogs and horses. This remedy supports robust immune function and is to be used during seasonal changes, or during stressful events, such as showing, traveling, or heavy workouts. Please follow the label instructions for using this remedy, or see full information on the Peak Immune page.
16. Do you have a natural and non-toxic product that will treat rain rot on my horse?
Yes. For scratches, cracked heels, rain rot, and other fungal conditions, including girth itch, we recommend Inflapotion. In severe cases, we find the synergistic combination of Glacier Peak Gold and Inflapotion to be a complete holistic remedy. We also offer Mountain Salve, which provides soothing relief for these conditions.
17. Do you have a natural wound care product?
Yes. Mountain Salve is designed to treat external fungal conditions, hot spots, cuts and abrasions. Please note, this product is for external use only. We also make our own Colloidal Silver spray for use as an antiseptic, to be followed by the Mountain Salve. Mountain Salve may also be effective in the prevention of proud flesh in horses.
18. The Life Stress Scan shows my dog is sensitive to corn, but there is corn in some of your tinctures. Can you explain this?
Yes. We use distilled corn alcohol as an emulsion for some of our tinctures. By the time the corn is heated and distilled, it no longer has the same properties as the whole grain.
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Need to talk? You can reach us by phone at (406) 270-7417. Our lines are open from 10am to 3pm MT, Monday through Friday.