Can Herbs Help Dogs with Cushing’s Disease? Herbal Support, HMR Lignans and Melatonin
When your dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, it can feel as though everything suddenly revolves around cortisol tests, medication doses and veterinary appointments.
Those things are important, but they are only one part of the picture.
Cushing’s disease places additional demands on many areas of the body—not only the adrenal glands. The liver, immune system, muscles, skin, coat, metabolism, sleep patterns and general vitality can all be affected by prolonged exposure to excess adrenal hormones.
This is where a thoughtful natural-support plan may be helpful.
Herbal medicine, HMR lignans, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, good-quality protein and other targeted supplements can provide support for the systems that are working harder than usual. They may be used alongside conventional treatment or as part of an individually managed plan when medication is not suitable for a particular dog.
This article focuses specifically on those supportive options. It is designed as a companion to our broader guide to Cushing’s disease rather than another explanation of symptoms, testing and diagnosis.
THE WHOLE-DOG APPROACH
Cushing’s support is not only about trying to influence a cortisol result. It is also about helping your dog maintain their strength, skin and coat condition, liver function, immune resilience, sleep quality, comfort and enjoyment of daily life.
What can herbal medicine realistically support?
Herbs cannot be promised to remove a pituitary or adrenal tumour, and they should not be treated as direct replacements for veterinary testing.
What a well-formulated herbal plan may do is support:
- Healthy adrenal gland function
- Communication within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
- The body’s normal response to physical and emotional stress
- Liver function and hormone metabolism
- Normal immune-system function
- Antioxidant protection
- Healthy energy and vitality
- Normal appetite and thirst patterns
- Skin and coat condition
- Circulation and cognitive wellbeing
- Muscle condition and everyday resilience
- Restful sleep and a normal day–night rhythm
This broader approach is particularly valuable because two dogs with Cushing’s disease may have very different needs.
One dog may be struggling mainly with panting, thirst and restlessness. Another may have significant hair loss, fragile skin and recurrent infections. A third may be losing strength through the back legs while remaining bright and hungry.
The best support plan considers the dog in front of us—not only the name of the condition.
Why does Cushing’s disease affect so many parts of the body?
Cortisol is not automatically a “bad” hormone. Dogs need it for normal energy production, metabolism, blood-pressure regulation, immune function and the response to stress.
Problems arise when the body is exposed to too much cortisol for too long.
Over time, this may influence:
- Muscle protein and strength
- Fat distribution
- Blood-glucose regulation
- Liver workload
- Skin thickness and hair growth
- Immune defences
- Wound healing
- Thirst and urination
- Appetite
- Sleep and restlessness
- Mood and normal behaviour
This is why I prefer a whole-body approach. Supporting only one pathway may overlook the other systems that are also under strain.
What is the HPA axis?
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis—usually shortened to the HPA axis—is the communication network connecting the brain and adrenal glands.
You can think of it as the body’s internal stress thermostat.
The hypothalamus in the brain sends a message to the pituitary gland. The pituitary then communicates with the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol and other hormones. Those hormones normally feed information back to the brain so the system knows when enough has been produced.
In many dogs with naturally occurring Cushing’s disease, this feedback system is no longer functioning normally. A pituitary or adrenal growth may continue stimulating hormone production even when the body already has more cortisol than it needs.
Herbal medicine is not used as a simple on–off switch for this process. Instead, herbs are traditionally selected to support healthy endocrine communication, adrenal resilience, liver metabolism and the body’s ability to maintain balance.
HERBALIST’S NOTE
When I formulate for a dog with Cushing’s disease, I am not trying to chase one isolated symptom or laboratory number. I am looking at how the adrenal, pituitary, liver, immune, nervous and metabolic systems are functioning together.
Why I created the Adrenal Kit
I was initially hesitant to include a Cushing’s-focused formula in the Natural Pet Supplements core range because I believed the condition was relatively uncommon.
I soon discovered how many families were looking for another form of support.
Some dogs were doing well on pharmaceutical medication but still needed additional support for their energy, skin, coat, liver or muscle condition. Some could not tolerate medication comfortably. Others were not considered suitable candidates because of their age, health or individual circumstances.
For some families, the ongoing costs of diagnosis, medication and monitoring were also difficult to manage.
I wanted to create an accessible herbal option that supported more than the adrenal glands alone. That is why the Adrenal Kit contains two complementary formulas:
- Adrenal Support, which focuses on the adrenal glands, the HPA axis and the body’s natural stress-response pathways.
- Vital Support, which provides broader immune, liver, metabolic, antioxidant and cellular support.
The kit has since become one of the most popular products in the Natural Pet Supplements range.
How does Adrenal Support help?
Adrenal Support is a carefully formulated blend of adaptogenic, liver-supportive and antioxidant-rich herbs.
It contains:
- Withania
- Holy Basil
- St Mary’s Thistle
- Turmeric
- Sarsaparilla
- Astragalus
- Ginkgo
- Chaste Tree
Each herb contributes something different to the formula.
The following descriptions refer to traditional herbal usage and the broader supportive actions for which these herbs are selected. They do not mean that each individual herb has been clinically proven to treat canine Cushing’s disease.
Withania
Withania, also known as ashwagandha, is one of the best-known adaptogenic herbs.
Adaptogens are traditionally used to help the body respond more effectively to physical and emotional demands. Withania is commonly selected to support:
- Adrenal resilience
- Healthy energy
- A balanced stress response
- Nervous-system wellbeing
- Muscle strength and recovery
- Restful sleep
This makes it particularly valuable for older dogs that appear tired, restless or physically depleted.
Withania is not used to force the adrenal glands to work harder. Its traditional role is to help the body adapt and maintain balance.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil is another important adaptogenic herb.
It has a long history of traditional use for supporting stress resilience, metabolic balance, emotional wellbeing and normal energy.
Dogs with Cushing’s may seem simultaneously tired and restless. They may have reduced stamina but still pant, pace or struggle to settle. Holy Basil is included to provide gentle support for this type of unbalanced stress response.
Chaste Tree
Chaste Tree is traditionally used to support hormonal communication involving the pituitary gland.
This is relevant because most naturally occurring cases of canine Cushing’s begin with excessive stimulation from the pituitary gland.
Chaste Tree is not claimed to remove a pituitary growth. Its role within the formula is to support normal endocrine communication and hormonal balance.
St Mary’s Thistle
St Mary’s Thistle—also called Milk Thistle—is one of the most widely used herbs for liver support.
The liver is responsible for processing hormones, nutrients, medicines and metabolic waste. Dogs with Cushing’s commonly have changes in liver size or liver-enzyme results because the liver is responding to prolonged hormonal stimulation.
St Mary’s Thistle contains a group of compounds collectively known as silymarin. These compounds are valued for their antioxidant and liver-supportive properties.
Within an adrenal formula, St Mary’s Thistle helps support:
- Healthy liver-cell function
- Normal hormone metabolism
- Antioxidant protection
- Healthy digestion and bile production
- Normal nutrient processing
Turmeric
Turmeric provides antioxidant and healthy inflammatory-process support.
It is included because long-term hormonal imbalance can place additional oxidative and metabolic demands on the body.
Turmeric also complements St Mary’s Thistle by supporting healthy liver function and natural antioxidant defences.
Astragalus
Astragalus is traditionally used as a tonic for resilience, vitality and immune-system wellbeing.
Dogs with Cushing’s may be more susceptible to skin, urinary or other infections because prolonged exposure to excess cortisol can alter normal immune responses.
Astragalus is included to support balanced immune function and help maintain whole-body resilience, particularly in older dogs.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is best known for supporting healthy circulation, cognitive function and brain ageing.
Many dogs with Cushing’s are seniors, so it is helpful to consider more than adrenal symptoms alone. Ginkgo provides additional support for mental alertness, circulation and nervous-system wellbeing.
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla has traditionally been used to support elimination, skin health and metabolic wellbeing.
Within the formula, it complements the liver-supportive and antioxidant herbs while providing broader support for normal metabolic and eliminative processes.
WHY A BLEND?
Cushing’s disease affects several connected systems. A carefully designed herbal blend allows us to support the adrenal glands, pituitary communication, liver, immune system, circulation and vitality together rather than relying on one “miracle” herb.
Why is Vital Support included too?
If Adrenal Support is the targeted part of the plan, Vital Support is the whole-body component.
It contains:
- Lion’s Mane mushroom
- Reishi mushroom
- Astragalus
- Turmeric
- Maritime Pine Bark
- Japanese Knotweed
- Thuja
- Pau D’Arco
- Burdock
- Ginger
- Cat’s Claw
This formula focuses on normal immune function, antioxidant activity, cellular wellbeing, liver and metabolic health, digestion and general vitality.
Reishi and Lion’s Mane
Reishi is traditionally valued for immune balance, vitality and healthy inflammatory responses.
Lion’s Mane is commonly used to support nervous-system health, cognition and healthy ageing.
Together, these mushrooms provide useful support for senior dogs whose needs extend beyond the adrenal glands.
Maritime Pine Bark and Japanese Knotweed
These herbs contain naturally occurring antioxidant compounds.
Antioxidants help the body manage oxidative stress—the normal cellular wear created during metabolism, ageing and chronic illness.
Their purpose is not to “fight” a tumour. They are included to support normal cellular maintenance and the body’s natural antioxidant defences.
Burdock and Ginger
Burdock has traditionally been used for liver, skin, digestive and eliminative support.
Ginger supports digestion, circulation and comfortable gastrointestinal function. It also helps make the formula more suitable as a broad vitality tonic rather than an adrenal-only product.
Astragalus, Cat’s Claw, Pau D’Arco and Thuja
These herbs are traditionally included in whole-body formulas to support normal immune function, resilience and the body’s response to environmental and physiological challenges.
They help make Vital Support particularly useful for dogs whose immune system, skin or general vitality has been affected by a chronic hormonal condition.
Why do the two formulas work well together?
The Adrenal Kit supports two different levels of wellbeing.
Adrenal Support focuses on:
- Adrenal gland function
- The HPA axis
- The body’s natural stress response
- Healthy hormonal communication
- Energy and emotional balance
- Normal appetite and thirst patterns
- Liver support
Vital Support focuses on:
- Immune-system function
- Liver and metabolic health
- Antioxidant protection
- Normal cellular maintenance
- Digestion and elimination
- Healthy ageing
- Whole-body vitality
This is why I prefer the combined kit for dogs with several Cushing’s-related changes. It provides targeted adrenal support without forgetting the rest of the dog.
Both formulas are glycerine based and naturally bacon flavoured, so they can be mixed directly into food without the strong alcohol taste associated with many traditional tinctures.
What are HMR lignans?
HMR lignans are another natural supplement frequently discussed for dogs with adrenal hormone imbalances.
HMR stands for 7-hydroxymatairesinol, a plant lignan commonly obtained from the Norway spruce. It is a precursor to enterolactone, a compound produced when lignans are metabolised within the body.
Plant lignans are sometimes described as phytoestrogens because they may interact gently with hormone-related pathways. This does not mean that HMR lignans are the same as giving a dog oestrogen.
The proposed role of lignans in adrenal support involves their influence on steroid-hormone pathways and metabolism.
HMR lignans are usually supplied as a concentrated supplement, which allows a more consistent amount to be given than would be obtained from simply adding flaxseed to the diet.
What does the research say?
A 2011 laboratory study investigated the combined effects of lignans and melatonin on canine adrenal tumour cells. The combination affected steroid-hormone secretion within the cells. Clinicians at the University of Tennessee also reported that lignans and melatonin appeared helpful for some dogs with atypical hyperadrenocorticism. You can read the University of Tennessee report here.
This is interesting research, but it is important to understand its limits. It was not a large clinical trial proving that lignans work for every dog with conventional cortisol-driven Cushing’s disease.
The lignan-and-melatonin protocol is most closely associated with atypical hyperadrenocorticism, where a dog has compatible signs but standard cortisol testing does not completely explain the condition and other adrenal steroid hormones may be involved.
The Merck Veterinary Manual discusses these cases and the possible need for expanded adrenal steroid testing.
WHEN HMR LIGNANS MAY BE WORTH DISCUSSING
Ask your veterinarian about HMR lignans if your dog has Cushing’s-like skin, coat, thirst, panting or body-condition changes but their standard cortisol tests have not provided a clear answer—particularly if an expanded adrenal panel suggests altered sex-steroid production.
How can melatonin support dogs with Cushing’s?
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland. Its best-known role is helping regulate the sleep–wake cycle.
Dogs with Cushing’s may become restless at night, pant, pace or wake frequently to drink and urinate. Supporting a healthier day–night rhythm can therefore make a meaningful difference to both the dog and their family.
Melatonin is also used alongside lignans in some veterinary protocols for atypical adrenal hormone imbalances.
It may be considered to support:
- A normal sleep–wake rhythm
- Night-time settling
- Relaxation
- Normal seasonal coat cycles
- Selected atypical adrenal hormone patterns
Melatonin is not simply a sedative, and giving more does not necessarily produce a better result. The appropriate product and amount depend on the dog’s size, health and complete treatment plan.
Human gummies and flavoured products must be checked carefully because some contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs. Choose a plain, pet-appropriate product and discuss its use with your veterinarian.
Can herbs, HMR lignans and melatonin be used together?
They may form different parts of the same support plan because they do not all serve the same purpose.
| Support option | Main area of support |
|---|---|
| Adrenal Support | HPA-axis, adrenal, stress-response and hormonal-balance support |
| Vital Support | Immune, liver, metabolic, antioxidant and cellular support |
| HMR lignans | Support for selected steroid-hormone pathways, particularly in atypical cases |
| Melatonin | Sleep–wake rhythm and selected atypical adrenal protocols |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Skin, coat, joints, muscles and healthy inflammatory processes |
| Digestible protein | Maintenance of muscle mass and strength |
| Liver Support | Additional targeted support for normal liver function and metabolism |
Not every dog needs every supplement.
For many dogs, the Adrenal Kit provides a broad daily foundation. HMR lignans or melatonin may then be considered when there is a specific reason to include them.
Adding numerous products at once can also make it difficult to tell what is helping. A simple, consistent plan is usually easier to assess.
Are omega-3 fatty acids helpful?
Omega-3 fatty acids—particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil—can provide valuable nutritional support for dogs with Cushing’s disease.
They may support:
- Healthy skin and coat
- Normal inflammatory processes
- Joint comfort
- Muscle recovery
- Cardiovascular health
- Normal triglyceride balance
- Cognitive wellbeing in older dogs
Choose a plain, good-quality fish-oil product that clearly states its EPA and DHA content. The total amount of “fish oil” on the front of the bottle does not necessarily tell you how much active omega-3 it contains.
Cod-liver oil is not the same as standard fish oil and may supply excessive vitamins A and D when given incorrectly.
Why is protein important for a dog with Cushing’s?
Muscle weakness—particularly through the back legs—is one of the most frustrating changes associated with Cushing’s disease.
Prolonged exposure to excess cortisol can encourage the breakdown of muscle protein. A dog may develop thinner legs, reduced stamina and difficulty standing even while gaining fat around the abdomen.
A complete diet containing good-quality, digestible protein helps provide the amino acids needed to maintain and rebuild muscle.
Suitable protein sources may include:
- Lean beef
- Chicken or turkey
- Eggs
- Fish
- Kangaroo
- Balanced commercial foods containing good-quality animal protein
- A properly formulated cooked or raw diet
The ideal diet depends on the dog. Some dogs also have high blood fats, pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease or digestive sensitivities, so an extremely high-protein or high-fat plan will not suit every case.
MUSCLE-SUPPORT TIP
Nutrition and movement work together. Protein provides the building blocks, while several short periods of comfortable activity give the body a reason to maintain the muscle.
What type of exercise is best?
Long walks and strenuous swimming may be too exhausting for a dog that has already lost muscle through the back legs.
Gentle consistency is usually more useful than occasional intense exercise.
Depending on your dog’s ability, try:
- Several short walks rather than one long walk
- Slow lead walking
- Gentle inclines
- Controlled sit-to-stand exercises
- Walking over different safe surfaces
- Food searches that encourage comfortable movement
- Non-slip mats through the home
- Ramps or steps beside furniture and cars
Stop before your dog becomes exhausted. The aim is to preserve movement and confidence without placing unnecessary strain on weakened muscles.
Muscle tone is often one of the slowest areas to improve, so patience is important.
Does the liver need additional support?
The liver is central to the processing of hormones, medicines, nutrients and metabolic waste.
Many dogs with Cushing’s have elevated liver enzymes or an enlarged liver. These changes do not always mean that the liver is failing, but they do show that the organ is responding to additional hormonal and metabolic demands.
The Adrenal Kit already contains several liver-supportive herbs, including St Mary’s Thistle, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla, Burdock and Ginger.
Some dogs may benefit from more concentrated support using Liver Support, which provides standardised St Mary’s Thistle to support healthy liver function, metabolism and antioxidant activity.
Additional Liver Support may be worth discussing when a dog:
- Has persistent liver-enzyme changes
- Is receiving long-term medication
- Has an enlarged liver
- Needs more targeted metabolic support
- Has been specifically advised to receive liver support
More is not automatically better. Because the Adrenal Kit already includes liver herbs, consider your dog’s complete routine before adding another formula.
What changes might you notice first?
Every dog responds differently.
Some owners first notice that their dog:
- Pants less frequently
- Settles more easily
- Sleeps more comfortably
- Drinks or urinates less excessively
- Appears brighter
- Has more interest in normal activities
- Seems less frantic around food
Changes in the coat, skin, abdominal shape and muscle tone generally take longer.
Hair grows in cycles, and weakened muscles cannot rebuild overnight. These areas may require several months of consistent support, nutrition and suitable movement.
Herbal medicine is usually best assessed over approximately eight to twelve weeks unless your dog’s practitioner has recommended otherwise.
PROGRESS TIP
Take a photograph of your dog from the side and from above before beginning a new support plan. Repeat the photographs every four weeks. Gradual changes in coat, belly shape and muscle condition are often easier to recognise in photographs than from day to day.
How should I monitor my dog’s progress?
A simple weekly record can be extremely useful.
Track:
- Approximate water intake
- Number of night-time toilet trips
- Indoor accidents
- Appetite and food-seeking behaviour
- Panting
- Night-time restlessness
- Energy
- Walking ability
- Ease of standing
- Back-leg strength
- Skin and coat condition
- Any new infections
- Body weight and waist shape
Veterinary monitoring remains important, especially when a dog is taking trilostane or another prescription medicine. Current AAHA guidance emphasises that laboratory results, veterinary examinations and the owner’s observations of clinical signs all contribute to assessing control.
Do not alter your dog’s Vetoryl dose simply because a supplement has been introduced or because they appear better. Medication changes should be based on your veterinarian’s assessment.
Can the Adrenal Kit be used with Vetoryl?
The Adrenal Kit may be used alongside Vetoryl under veterinary supervision.
The herbal formulas and trilostane provide different types of support. Trilostane directly inhibits an enzyme needed for steroid production, while the herbal formulas provide broader support for adrenal balance, liver and metabolic function, immunity, antioxidants and vitality.
Regular veterinary monitoring helps ensure that your dog’s complete plan remains appropriate.
The kit should not be used with blood-thinning medication, during diarrhoea or immediately before anaesthesia. Use additional care in diabetic dogs, and always follow the current product directions.
If a dog taking Vetoryl suddenly stops eating or develops vomiting, diarrhoea, marked lethargy, weakness or collapse, contact the treating veterinarian promptly.
A simple natural-support routine for a dog with Cushing’s
A practical daily routine may include:
- Give the Adrenal Kit consistently according to the product directions.
- Discuss HMR lignans and melatonin if your dog has an atypical adrenal hormone pattern, coat changes or significant night-time restlessness.
- Feed a complete diet containing good-quality, digestible protein.
- Consider a quality EPA- and DHA-containing omega-3 supplement.
- Provide several short periods of comfortable movement each day.
- Use non-slip flooring and supportive bedding for dogs with weak back legs.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
- Track thirst, appetite, panting, sleep, energy, mobility and skin changes.
- Continue regular veterinary monitoring, particularly when prescription medication is being used.
- Give skin, coat and muscle changes time to improve.
Can natural support make a meaningful difference?
It can—but the outcome will not be identical for every dog.
Some dogs show noticeable changes in thirst, panting, restlessness or energy. Others experience more gradual improvements in coat quality, body condition or general wellbeing. A small number may show very little change.
Age, tumour type, disease severity, diet, muscle loss, immune health, medication and other medical conditions all influence the response.
The aim is not perfection. It is to help each dog feel as comfortable, strong and engaged as possible.
A dog with Cushing’s disease may still enjoy food, walks, sunshine, family time and many happy years. Supporting the adrenal glands is part of that journey, but supporting the whole dog is just as important.
Herbal medicine gives us a way to consider those connected needs—adrenal balance, liver function, immunity, antioxidants, sleep, skin, muscle and vitality—within one thoughtful plan.
Individual results may vary.
