How to make Kakawate bath solution to treat dog's scabies

IS your dog itchy and scratching all the time? Lots of people recommend Kakawate as nature's remedy for dog's common skin problems.

Also known as Madre Cacao or Madre de Cacao, the Kakawate is scientifically considered as the second most important multi-purpose legume tree with wide healing properties. However, a big local pharmaceutical company believe it's a rodenticide that could lead to long-term depression in dogs.

As a medicinal plant, the Kakawate is known in the Philippines as a topical solution to cure scabies in human.

Traditionally, the juice extract of the kakawate leaves, roots or bark are used to wash and treat scabies and fungal infections. For dogs with skin irritations, the Kakawate's anti-mange characteristics can help heal scabies and eliminate bad odor and itching. It is said that Kakawate solution can also promote smoother and softer coat on dogs.

Members of the Philippine Pug Lovers said this is how to prepare the solution:

• Boil kakawate leaves (a good cluster enough to fill a casserole in half or a little less) and stems in two liters of water for five minutes
  
  
• Add tap water until the mixture is lukewarm
  
  
• Bathe your dog as usual
  
  
• You may bathe your dog using the Kakawate mixture or
  
  
• Use the Kakawate mixture as your dog's last rinse
  
  
• Don't rinse off the Kakawate solution off your dog's coat
  
  
• Use regularly to achieve optimal results

The Bureau of Agricultural Research said that aside from its anti-bacterial properties, the Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) is also an effective mosquito repellant. Farmers grind the Kakawate leaves and apply them where mosquitoes alight. The Kakawate is not edible. It is actually quite poisonous and, for this reason, it is often used as rat bait. 

*Text and photo by MetroPets

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