Herbal Remedies

If you've spent time in the world of holistic health, you've probably heard of doTERRA—a well-known essential oils company that's especially popular in places like Utah. These products are often marketed as cure-alls for everything from headaches to cancer. Sound familiar? That’s because it's a modern spin on the old “snake oil” pitch. So what does this have to do with aquariums?

Plenty of aquarium herbal remedies and natural fish treatments make similar claims: stress relief, immune support, even treatment for internal infections. Some hobbyists swear by them, while others remain skeptical—and for good reason.

Let’s break down what herbal and plant-based remedies actually do (and don’t do) in aquariums.

Can Herbal Remedies Treat Fish Diseases?

In short: not really. While natural treatments for aquarium fish may sound appealing, they often lack the potency needed to treat real infections—especially internal or systemic ones. When you're dealing with parasites, bacterial infections, or fungal outbreaks, you’re going to need something strong enough to actually harm the pathogen.

And here’s the catch: if a treatment isn’t harmful to your fish, your plants, your shrimp, and your beneficial bacteria, it probably isn’t harmful enough to kill whatever is infecting your fish either. It's a balancing act—medications have to be strong enough to hurt the bad guys without wiping out your entire tank. If a natural remedy doesn’t trigger any warning labels, odds are it’s not potent enough to do much at all.

Do Natural Fish Remedies Have Any Benefits?

That’s not to say herbal remedies are useless. Some plant-based aquarium additives can mildly reduce fish stress, which in turn can improve immune function and help fish recover from minor issues. A less stressed fish is better able to fight off opportunistic infections before they take hold.

Products made with ingredients like garlic, aloe vera, or Indian almond leaves do have some evidence behind them—not necessarily as cures, but as supportive care. They may help fish heal or feel more comfortable during and after treatment with more aggressive medications.

But keep in mind: these should be seen as complementary tools, not primary treatments.

The Bottom Line: Be Skeptical of Snake Oil

Just like with human health fads, if something claims to be a miracle cure for fish without side effects, you should raise an eyebrow. Natural remedies can be helpful for reducing stress and supporting recovery, but they’re not going to wipe out parasites, cure fin rot, or fix a tank crash.

If you want to try herbal or natural supplements, look for ones with clear ingredient labels and use them as part of a broader care plan—not a replacement for proper medication, quarantine procedures, and water quality management.

In fishkeeping, as in life: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.