>If you don't believe in herbs then stop taking 33% of your western >medicines (especially digoxin for heart problems.) Mark I heartily agree with your post. You don't even have to go as far as digitalis to find herbal medicine in our daily lives, just look at aspirin. I was extremely fortunate to have a vet in Houston who used many alternative forms of medicine for himself and his wife, and he was always working with Texas A&M for new therapies. He gave my German Shepard a wonderful supplement to help his arthritis and it worked wonders. He gave me some great knowledge in this area. I am glad such a passionate animal lover is studying towards recognized degrees in this area. Unfortunately, people like you and Mary are in the minority in the online ferret world. I see people here regarded as experts who have no degree nor formal training in the knowledge they pass on, yet hold themselves out as experts. Experience is a great teacher, but there is nothing that can replace the knowledge learned from someone who is formally trained and has experience in the area of interest. But the one thing I know is that if people look with a critical eye as to what is being "preached" they will often see these "experts" changing their tunes in a short time, or showing knowledge that is outdated. I have several herbals and a wonderful but older book by Dr. Pitcairn. Some of my knowledge is sadly out of date due to other things taking precidence. I am so glad to have true experts to look towards and to have their voice to take into consideration in my own life, including my much beloved animals. And I pass on what a very wonderful horse person told me a long time ago, don't take anything as hard truth until you hear it from three independent sources. And if anyone has had horses, they know how much crap is out there to treat them with. Lol. I am also a bit envious of your path. I hope that you are graced as you walk upon it. Blessings, Maggie [Posted in FML issue 4163]