StarWest Botanicals
Starwest Botanicals: Herbal Purity Backed by Tradition
Why I Recommend Starwest Botanicals
Starwest Botanicals has built a solid reputation in the herbal wellness space by doing what many companies don’t — prioritizing quality, sourcing transparency, and a wide range of bulk botanicals suitable for pet and human use. They’re one of my go-to brands when I want organic, ethically sourced herbs for making teas, tinctures, salves, or food-based remedies.
While they don’t market directly for animal use, many holistic practitioners (myself included) choose their products for custom dog wellness formulations — especially when we want single herbs rather than premade blends.
What Starwest Botanicals Says About Their Products
They offer USDA-certified organic herbs whenever possible — including many wild-harvested options.
Herbs are tested for identity, purity, and potency, and screened for contaminants like heavy metals and pathogens.
Starwest owns and operates their own GMP-certified facility in California, which allows for better quality control.
Their product line includes loose herbs, essential oils, carrier oils, hydrosols, spices, teas, and DIY ingredients.
Their bulk herb line is a favorite among herbalists because it’s:
Fresh (they turn over inventory frequently)
Well-labeled for country of origin and processing method
Affordably priced, especially for larger projects or home apothecaries
When I Reach for Starwest Botanicals
When I want single-herb powders or cut/sifted plants for custom formulas — think calendula, marshmallow root, burdock, or slippery elm.
When making decoctions or infusions for dogs — especially for seasonal detox, digestive support, or skin health.
For DIY topical recipes — salves, sprays, soaks, or balms using oils and dried herbs.
As part of rotational or seasonal herb cycles for long-term wellness support.
I always double-check appropriate use for each herb when working with dogs, and so should you — not all human-use herbs are safe for animals.
My Suggestions for Dog-Friendly Herbs to Consider from Starwest
Marshmallow root — soothing for digestion and mucosal support
Calendula — often used for skin health, infusions, or topical rinses
Burdock root — gently supports detox pathways and lymph flow
Red clover — used in cleansing or cancer-supportive herbal blends
Chamomile — gentle calming support (check for allergy in ragweed-sensitive dogs)
Dandelion root or leaf — supports liver, kidney, and urinary health; leaf is more diuretic, root is better for liver detox
Nettle (stinging nettle leaf) — rich in minerals and chlorophyll; used for seasonal support and as a natural antihistamine
Licorice root — adaptogenic, harmonizing herb often used for gut and adrenal support (use short term and with vet guidance if liver or cardiac conditions exist)
Milk thistle seed — known for liver support; contains silymarin which aids in liver regeneration and toxin elimination
Plantain leaf — soothing to tissues, helpful for skin, gut, or bladder irritation — great for poultices or internal use
Yarrow — traditional wound herb, often used externally for cuts or skin issues; also supports circulation
Ginger root — warming herb that aids digestion and circulation; useful in motion support or for sluggish digestion
Rosehips — high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, supportive for immune health and joint wellness
These herbs can be:
Steeped as teas and added to food or drinking water (once cooled)
Powdered and used as part of food toppers or supplement blends
Infused in oil or used in poultices, rinses, or salves for topical needs
You can use these in teas, food toppers, or externally — depending on your dog’s needs and your comfort level with preparation.
Top 5 Things to Do
Review your dog’s health goals and consider whether herbs may complement their wellness routine.
Explore Starwest Botanicals' website for single herb options — look for organic and "cut/sifted" when possible.
Consider creating simple herbal teas or food toppers — I can help with a plan.
Avoid combining multiple new herbs at once — start with one at a time.
Join me on Facebook to learn more about how to safely rotate and prepare herbs for your dog.