Natural remedies - how you & your horse can benefit!
Obviously natural remedies have been used for centuries to aid healing and over the last decade or so, their popularity has been growing. I don’t use natural remedies for everything, but I have to admit to being a big fan, having had success over the years with various natural health care treatments, including homeopathy and herbal remedies. A friend once told me to graze a horse where wild plants grow and watch what they eat, as horses in the wild will eat what their body requires. For example, dandelions have diuretic properties; garlic is good for circulation and breathing. I have done this and it is interesting, although obviously, these days our horses are domesticated and get their nutrition dictated by us in the form of the type of grass, hay and cereals they eat, not to mention mineral licks and supplements. Nonetheless, there are many books explaining the beneficial properties of herbs and oils, some of which I use regularly, having found them very beneficial. Below is a list of some of the common natural remedies that I use and what I use them for. It must be noted however, that you should always check with your vet before treating your horse in any way. Most of the treatments that I use are available from your local chemist, but if you can't find them or haven't got time to go to the shops, visit Amphora Essential oils. ARNICA is a fantastic way of reducing bruising. I have used this as a lotion (to be rubbed in) and as tablets, and found it very useful for minor knocks and bumps. Both versions that I use are prepared as homeopathic treatments by a local vet. ALMOND OIL is fantastic for removing dry, scurfy skin and moisturising the skin. I use this a lot with my horse (and dog) who tends to get dry skin (similar to the symptoms of sweet itch), especially on her dock which causes her to rub her tail. With one application of almond oil, she no longer rubs! COMFREY is also known as ‘knit bone’ due to its properties to heal damaged bone. It is also fantastic at reducing bruising and helping to heal soft tissue sprains and strains. I use comfrey oil by rubbing it into the skin of the affected area (usually the legs) and have found it very beneficial in reducing swelling. TEA TREE OIL is well known for its antiseptic properties and a must to have on the yard. ALOE VERA is just a wonder plant! It can help with skin conditions, digestive problems, sore, stiff muscles and even help the immune system. Aloe Vera can be purchased in many forms, but I have used the gel to aid healing of split skin. In the right form, it is very gentle and can be used on very sensitive skin. OLBAS OIL is well known as a treatment to aid breathing and clear sinuses. For this very reason, when my horse had a dry cough (even though I soaked her hay and the vet says she’s fine), I sprayed olbas oil around the stable and put a few drops on her stable rug. This makes a huge difference to her and her dry cough has all but gone. For further information on natural remedies, have a look at these great books or visit Amphora Essential oils for a wide variety of oils, lotions and creams, with information on how and when to use them. back to Horse Health
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