AN
INTRODUCTION TO:BASIC HERBAL TREATMENTS FOR HORSES
| An
Introduction to Equine Herbal Therapy by Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate |
AN
INTRODUCTION TO:With the onslaught of alternative medicines being re-introduced into
our modern medical world, it is important to keep in mind that all herbs are not alike.
Treating such large and sensitive animals such as the horse with herbs can be beneficial
to the pocketbook as well as to the peace of mind. However, there are some herbs that are
acceptable and safe for humans but would cause problems or even death if administered to
horses. It is imperative to know which herbs
are suitable for horses before consideration of this alternative treatment. Below is a
short discussion of some of the more widely accepted herbs for treating common equine
ailments.
Horses left in pastures where herbs grow wild will pick and
choose the ones their bodies instinctively know they need. Listed below alphabetically are
some of the more common herbs that grow readily in meadows and pastures in different parts
of the country. Most of these herbs can successfully be naturalized in the United States
and other countries.
Burdock produces those irritating
little burrs that stick to anything and everything but is an excellent digestive aid as
well as being useful for arthritis
A pretty flowering plant, Calendula, is native to Egypt and the Mediterranean but can be cultivated easily elsewhere. Not only is Calendula oil a wonderful skin healer, it is also know for building the blood and for stress. It is also known as the Pot Marigold.
To help reduce stress and tension in the
horse, Chamomile has proven to have significant anti-stress actions as well as
being anti-inflammatory and an analgesic.
Comfrey is a popular pasture weed and horses with respiratory indications will graze on it for as long as their body requires.
We all know about that annoying weed, the Dandelion, that seems to grow in our lawns no matter what we do. The Dandelion actually has a strong diuretic action and is rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium. Vitamins A, B, C and D are rich in this pesky weed and horses have been reported actually digging their paddock in order to reach the potent properties of the Dandelion root.
Horses that may need an immune boosting herb
will benefit from the Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea. The beautiful purple
flowers attract butterflies as an added attraction to the pasture or meadowland. The
antiviral and anti bacterial properties of this plant benefit animals of all species,
including humans. For horses it can be used as a prophylactic to protect them from
infections such as strangles, cystitis and urethritis. It has also been used as a
post-viral treatment to boost the immune system and help eradicate whatever bacteria or
virus remains in the horse’s body.
Eyebright grows wild in the meadowlands for easy free grazing. This plant is used extensively for conditions of the eye such as inflammation, weeping or stinging
The eye-catching Golden Rod plant, solidago
virgaurea is a common weed in several countries. Digestion of the leaves and flowering
tops is helpful for urinary infections and kidney stones. It also helps digestion.
Horseradish grows wild in Eastern Europe but can be easily cultivated in the United States. This is a powerful aid against internal parasites and can be used as a poultice, as well, for windpuffs.
Mints are known for their digestive
aid properties. There are many varieties of mints that are easily grown and proliferate.
It is used as an additive to many horse feeds because of its relaxant actions on the
digestive tract. The oil is wonderful for diminishing flatulence and colic. Mint can also
be used to help dry up milk in nursing mares.
Mullein is another very common
roadside and pasture weed that compliments the actions of Comfrey in its expectorant and
anti-inflammatory properties.
Nettle brings memories of stinging
pain after coming in contact with the leaves. It grows throughout the world and is a rich
source of Vitamin C, Iron, Sodium, Chlorophyll, Protein and dietary fiber. It is an
excellent remedy for anemia because of its iron and Vit. C properties. Some horses may
react with a “nettle rash” but this rash usually disappears within 24 hours.
Tea Tree Oil, Melaleuca alternifolia,
although not grown wild in pastures, should not be left out of this useful list of herbal
treatments. Tea Tree Oil is available throughout the world and is highly effective for
treating minor cuts, abrasions and external parasites. When a few drops of oil are mixed
with water, the spray makes an effective Fly repellant. Tea Tree Oil is highly effective
for Rain Scald and other bacterial or fungal skin conditions. SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN
INTERNALLY!
There are many other herbs and natural growing flowers and plants which are highly beneficial for almost any equine physical ailment. Again, it must be stressed that there are some botanical plants that are harmful or poisonous to horses. Some of these are:
Devil’s Claw: should not be given to pregnant mares.
Red Clover: a trifoliate, too much Red Clover can be toxic for horses.
Rosemary: should not be given to pregnant mares. Also, contains oil such as thymol and camphor that if found in the blood by the Jockey Club or FEI, is a prohibited substance.
Thyme:
is another volatile oil and is prohibited by Jockey Club and FEI rules.
Should not be given to pregnant mares.
Anyone who keeps horses will benefit from knowing what plants and herbs help to treat what ailments. It must be noted, however, that this information is not to override advice from a Certified Veterinarian but can be safely used to compliment any prescribed treatments.
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Recommended Reading:
“A Modern Horse Herbal”, Hilary Page Self, 1996, 1997, 1998, Kenilworth Press, Great Britain.
New York, NY.