Licorice root for allergies?

[Sweet Tango]

My kitty’s numbers have been starting to go down over the last few days and I’m very happy, but I’ve also noticed that he’s been itching and gnawing at his skin like crazy as well, and it’s gotten out of control. His previous allergies are what got him here to begin with (steroid injection that shouldn’t have been given) so I’m staying clear from steroids or heavy medications. The allergies could be food related, but I have heard that licorice root is extremely helpful for allergies and safe for diabetic cats. Is anyone familiar with this? Thanks!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

I'm a big believer in alternate medicine and have heard licorice root is good for humans to relieve stress. I eat buckets of licorice myself, drove my dentist nuts.
I know this is stating the obvious but before you give it to a cat do your homework. Kobiashi was a neurotic mess when we adopted him and had licked his front legs and backside bare (abandoned cat in an abandoned house) so I feel your pain. This might calm Lewis down, something's always bothering him making him nasty and it's nothing physical so I'm very interested in the stress aspect.

 

[Si am cat mom]

My kitty’s numbers have been starting to go down over the last few days and I’m very happy, but I’ve also noticed that he’s been itching and gnawing at his skin like crazy as well, and it’s gotten out of control. His previous allergies are what got him here to begin with (steroid injection that shouldn’t have been given) so I’m staying clear from steroids or heavy medications. The allergies could be food related, but I have heard that licorice root is extremely helpful for allergies and safe for diabetic cats. Is anyone familiar with this? Thanks!

I have heard of using licorice root for allergies and GI upset, but be cautious in cats with electrolyte issues or possible hypertension. it can also cause cardiac arrhythmias with repetitive use. I would definitely check and make sure that the root you get is just that. I'm not sure all the herb is safe for consumption or that they don't add other herbs to it. I ordered Valerian once for a dog and noticed that they had added other herbs like Chamomile and Lavandin - which both have different varieties and it didn't say which they were. I have also read in a few veterinary medical journals/articles that cats can exhibit allergy like symptoms when attempting to regulate their Diabetes. Similar to how neuropathy is a sign of how diabetes can affect the nerves, itching and stress grooming were also described in some pets with diabetes and other organ disorders ( liver, adrenal) We've been on insulin for just under a month and I noticed that mostly in the evenings and/or when my guy has any large changes to his BG- he seems itchier and will over groom his front limbs. I thought at first it was an issue with my injections- like he was trying to get to his shoulder area until I looked it up. I put him back on his allergy meds. He gets a 1/4 of a 4mgs tab twice a day. I guess it might be due to foods as well as he was not a big poultry eater before and now gets a large portion with most of his meals, but who knows....cats are weird.

www.chagrinfallspetclinic.com
Chlorpheniramine

 

[Sweet Tango]

Hi Si am, I know that you responded to this thread back on Tuesday, but I just saw it now. Which allergy meds to give to you cat?

 

[Si am cat mom]

Hi Si am, I know that you responded to this thread back on Tuesday, but I just saw it now. Which allergy meds to give to you cat?

sorry, I thought the product image would show up in the post -Chlorpheniramine.
I was giving him Zyrtec for his rhinitis for awhile but phased it out.