Herbal Treatment for Gastric Ulcers in a Horse

Just like people, horses sometimes suffer from gastric distress such as ulcers. When one of their horses is diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, many owners immediately rely on drug treatments as the quickest form of relief. But quick though they may be, many anti-ulcer drugs hinder the digestive system. Herbal treatments are another alternative, and there are a number of ways to use herbs to soothe a horse's stomach.

Things You'll Need

  • Chamomile flowers
  • Slippery elm bark powder
  • Aloe vera juice
  • Marshmallow (optional)
  • Licorice root
  • Alcohol
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Instructions

  1. Chamomile Tea

    • 1

      Prevent ulcers before a horse develops them by giving it chamomile on a daily basis. Boil a third of a cup of chamomile flowers to make a tea.

    • 2

      Allow the tea to cool, and mix it with powdered Slippery Elm bark. This mixture helps to soothe the stomach and protect its lining.

    • 3

      Pour the mixture over the horse's morning meal. Repeat the process in the evening.

    Aloe Vera Juice

    • 4

      Mix 2 ounces of aloe vera juice with a teaspoon or two of slippery elm bark or marshmallow.

    • 5

      Add the mixture to the horse's feed two to three times a day.

    • 6

      Use a syringe to dose the horse with the mixture straight, if you prefer. This herbal blend soothes and protects the gastric system while helping to regulate intestinal bacteria.

    Licorice Root

    • 7

      Make a tincture of licorice root by steeping the dried herb in alcohol for a few days, then straining the mixture with a cheesecloth and bottling the liquid extract. Pour in enough alcohol to cover the herb when mixing, adding an inch or two.

    • 8

      Give the horse 10 to 15 milliliters of the tincture of licorice root twice a day.

    • 9

      Repeat this treatment for as long as 10 days. Licorice root is an anti-inflammatory, and thanks to its flavanoid content, it is also an excellent ulcer treatment.