Maybe it's the way your horse is walking or the way he/she is reacting to you but you know something's wrong. There's nothing you can put your finger on but you know your equine friend isn't feeling right and you want to help. But before calling the veterinarian and preparing to rack up large medical bills, why not investigate the natural healing power of herbal supplements?
Animals have been taking herbal remedies in the wild since the beginning of time; seeking out those herbs and plants that can help cure certain ailments and restore the animal to health. But due to humans domesticating many of these animals they don't have the resources or the ability to seek out these natural cures anymore. So it falls to us, their human owners, to provide what they once would find on a regular stroll through the forest. But where do you start?
First, let's talk about the aromatherapy element of herbal supplements. A good equine aromatherapist will come to your horse and after evaluating his/her condition, allow your horse to inhale certain oils from their hands; taking in the healing scent through the air instead of internally. Some oils used in this way are lavender, tea tree and amica. However, be aware that these oils are not meant to be taken internally and all care must be taken to make sure that your horse doesn't drink any of the oils during treatment. Again, a trained professional can administer these sensory cures with little risk to your equine. As well, certain oils can be rubbed into the horse's coat during a daily massage that can be beneficial to both you and your horse.
Herbal supplements can be used for a variety of ailments including being a sedative, a stimulant, helping to alleviate inflammed joints and muscles and helping to heal open cuts or sores on your horse. Let's take a look at a short list of herbs and what they can provide for you.
Garlic can be used in a variety of ways, with the juice from just one bulb a natural healing aid for cuts and bruises. Lavendar can be used to help relax your horse from a rough workout or a nervous travelling experience, while seaweed can be used as a nutritional supplement to help horses that have been diagnosed with a mineral deficiency. Seaweed should be fed to your horse as a gel and not in its dried form, many dried seaweed supplements have a very high iodine count and could possibly lead to further health concerns.
Rosemary is used as an anti-inflammatory and horses love to nibble on the leaves of this popular herb in both human and equine kitchens. Dandelions can provide help with liver or kidney disorders, with the leaves helping as a diruetic while the root encourages the liver to heal. Aloe vera is a popular herb in human health and fitness, but did you know it's actually related to garlic and can help your horse with inflamed muscles and be used as an anti-bacterial aid?
As with any herbal medication it's best to consult with a medical professional before beginning any drug routine. In the case of your horse, please have a consultation with your veterinarian before allowing an aromatherapist to start administering any herbal remedies to your equine friend.
Another major concern is the legalities of giving your horse herbal supplements if you intend to show or compete in most major events. For example, the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) forbids "any substance or drug that may affect the performance of a horse" at their events. So that mild lavender oil that you're allowing your mount to inhale before that stressful competitive event may lead to disqualification, among other problems. If you intend to compete in major events and be a part of international and national organizations, please research their positions on herbal supplements before beginning any treatments for your horse.
Hundreds of years ago horses were allowed to graze freely and were able to find and eat various herbs in the wild to help deal with certain ailments. Of course, now we have scientific choices that can help cure basic health problems, but many people are considering returning to the natural source for a cure. Herbal supplements can be a viable choice for your horse with a little research and consultations with trained professionals. Within no time you'll have a healthy and happy horse ready to go either in the competition ring or just out for a friendly trot in the nearby fields!
