Information About Equine Herbal Therapy

Equine herbal therapy is a form of homeotherapy in which herbs are used in disease treatment and prevention. These herbs are to be taken internally. It is important to read up on the use of herbs and speak to a veterinarian before treating your horse with herbs. Some herbs can be damaging to a horse if taken at too high doses. Horses in the wild know which herbs can help or hurt them and this is a natural way to treat horses.

  1. Indigenous Herbs

    • Indigenous herbs are preferable over exotic herbs as these are the plants that evolved alongside the horse. Many herbs in existence locally can be used for treatment instead of sending out for African, Indian or Chinese herbs. Be aware of the herbs that grow where your horses graze. It is important to identify those that are harmful to the horse and those that are beneficial.

    Seaweed and Kelp

    • Several herbs provide additional nutrients though they do not treat any specific problem. Nettles and seaweed contain many nutrients, and are frequently used in feed supplements. However, if the horse eats too much seaweed, then it can get iodine toxicity. Seaweed has anti-bacterial properties used to treat antirheumatic; helpful with iodine deficiency; and used to calm nervousness, stimulate the thyroid, as an anti-inflammatory, and to improve the condition of the coat and skin.

    Comfrey

    • Comfrey, also known as Symphytum, is frequently used to treat bone injuries. In fact, Symphytum is known as "knit bone." Mashing up comfrey, mixing it with linseed oil and applying it directly to the bone injury will greatly speed up the healing process. Using comfrey with other herbs that help with blood circulation and healing can completely treat the bone injury without other treatment.

    Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

    • Arnica is used to treat inflammation and pain in soft tissue injuries. Arnica is found in mountain daisy, leopards bane and wolbane. Sprains, muscle soreness and bruises can all benefit from arnica; and it can also be used to prevent muscle stiffness and swelling, and stop bruising. Calendula is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally to help with blood circulation. When taken internally, it can help with digestive inflammation and ulcers.