Homeopathic Horse Remedies
Today’s equestrian circles are abuzz with talk of homeopathic horse remedies. In fact, there seems to be a great deal of controversy which is fairly well split between believers and non-believers in the use of homeopathic remedies not only in horses, but in other animals and in humans. This is partly due to the fact that many people misunderstand exactly what homeopathic remedies are. This is unfortunate, because in many documented cases, these forms of remedies and healing methods have helped innumerable horses…and humans.
Homeopathic remedies in horses focus on treating the individual equine as a whole with gentle and natural methodology. Homeopathic remedies are different from pharmaceutical remedies in that homeopathy seeks to treat the cause of the ailment, where pharmacology typically only treats the symptoms. Homeopathic remedies for horses are also different than herbs, vitamins, or drugs of any type. Homeopathy addresses emotional, mental, and physical problems and ailments in horses. Exactly how it works is still somewhat unknown, but the basic principles of homeopathy were first discovered by Samuel Hahnemann.
In the recent past, malaria was a far larger problem worldwide than it is today. During Hahnemann’s time, quinine was being used to treat malaria with great success. However, Hahnemann disagreed with scientists of the time as to why this treatment worked. In order to prove his theories, Hahnemann began taking regular doses of quinine, and eventually developed malarial symptoms. When he stopped taking quinine, the symptoms went away. Essentially, Hahnemann’s theory on homeopathic medicine is very similar to the way modern inoculations against disease work. Take, for example, the common flu shot. A minute amount of the flu-causing virus is injected into a healthy person, and the body quickly learns how the virus works and develops antibodies to defeat it and prevent it. Hahnemann applied similar theories to homeopathy.
Essentially, homeopathy works on the theory that a substance taken in large amounts will produce certain symptoms, and therefore that same substance taken in minute amounts will prevent or cure similar symptoms that existed prior to the intercession of the homeopathic remedy. These remedies consist of natural plant, animal, and mineral ingredients, and are highly diluted. When introduced to the body of a horse, they stimulate a healing response in the same way an inoculation would. Unlike traditional medicines, homeopathic remedies are so minute in amount that there are almost never any side effects or complications. The treatments do not mask pre-existing symptoms, and they do not interfere with traditional medicines.
Nevertheless, homeopathic remedies for horses can often be a trial-and error process of finding which particular substance cures or improves your equine’s specific ailments. These remedies come in pills or drops, and must be administered directly to your horse orally, or by absorbing the remedy into feed or water. Homeopathic remedies for horses should not be touched by hand, as the oils in your skin may alter their properties. These remedies can also come in sugar-cube form, which can be diluted in water and absorbed by the mucous membranes in your horse’s mouth. There are three levels of treatment:
1.) First Aid- cures or improves wounds, kicks, bites, abrasions, etc.
2.) Acute Homeopathy- coughs, abscesses, joint problems, tenderness.
3.) Constitutional Homeopathy- long term illnesses or problems. If this form of therapy is required, it must be administered by a veterinarian or homeopathic professional.
Some of the agents that may be found in homeopathic remedies for horses are as follows:
- Arnica- heals wounds, tendons, soft tissue injuries
- Aconite- treats Laminitis (Founder) and gastric ulcers
- Arsenicum- colic and indigestion
- Thuja- skin conditions
Other agents that may be applied to homeopathic remedies for horses include Belladonna, Sulphur, Apis, Calendula, Chamomilla, Colchicum, Hyper cal, Hypericum, Pulsitilla, and Silicea. Some of these substances in pure form can be deadly to mammals, so never try to make your own homeopathic medicines. As always, consult with your veterinarian and ensure that a thorough examination is completed. While homeopathic remedies for your horse might work, they might also accomplish nothing, and leaving any condition in a horse untreated can prove debilitating or fatal. Seek out the advice of a holistic veterinarian, as these vets are typically experts in homeopathic remedies for horses. If a professional discusses your horse’s condition and determines that homeopathic remedies might work, then there are a number of ways to find these treatments. Chances are that your holistic vet will have them on hand; if not, they can be ordered easily on the internet. On a final note, homeopathic remedies for horses are drastically cheaper than traditional therapies or remedies…just remember that cost is no excuse for lack of professional care.
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