Hi all ~ I was asked tonight what to use for hairballs instead of the petroleum jelly. Because petroleum jelly is insoluable in water it can be aspirated into the lungs of a choking or vomiting animal and can cause pneumonia. Good herbal solutions include: Chickweed tincture which is a source of lubrication and light roughage that can help to eliminate hairballs, about 2-4 drops once a week in food or water; A bit of bran or flaxseed provides fiber to help eliminate hairballs, about a quarter of a teaspoon once a week in food; A teaspoon of olive oil once a week mixed up in food; Crab Apple flower essence also dispels hair balls. Crab Apple is a natural cleanser and will help expel anything foreign to the animal. 3 drops once or twice a week in drinking water is a good preventative. BTW if you have a cold or sore throat, 5 drops of this essence in 12 ounces of water once a day will help you recover faster. Warmly ~ Mary L. Conley, ND, Herbalist Conley Farm Organic Herbs Online Classes ~ Private Consultations www.Herbgrow30.com [Posted in FML issue 4481]