Natural solutions for Equine Pain
Herbal Nutrition
Herbs for parasite control
Equine Herbal Diets
Pet Herbs
Herbal Supplements for the Equine
Natural
Herbal Solutions for Your Horses' Pain
As
an herbalist, people have often asked me, “what can I do for the pain of
arthritis, migraine, injuries, etc?” It is no different with horses. They
suffer from the same pain that we do, and from the same causes: arthritis,
injury, overwork, sprains, strains, wounds and all the rest.
In traditional allopathic medicine, the answer is to suppress the symptoms. For
humans, we take Advil, Oxycondone, Motrin, Aspirin, etc. For horses and other
animals, we reach for Bute, Banamine, etc. While these drugs are a quick answer
in acute situations, they are not an effective solution for the chronic
condition. They do not work at the root of the problem.
If an animal is suffering from long-standing pain, the first thing that should
be looked at if the diet. Is the feed too high in protein for the type of
physical activity or workload the animal is doing? Over use of high protein
overloads the kidneys to the point where they slough off toxins into the
muscles and joints.
Is
the feed high in toxic preservative, or unnecessary or synthesized vitamins,
processed carbohydrates, contaminated fats or oils, pesticides or herbicides?
Many people have found with themselves or their children, as well as their
horse, dogs, or cats, that when they take them off these over-processed and
toxic junk foods, in most cases the health improves, sometimes dramatically. In
an older animal, a horse, for example, that is stiff and sore from arthritis or
overwork, there can be an obvious improvement from dietary change alone.
Making the effort to observe a healthy, whole food diet is worth it. Food that
is additive free and grown in healthy soil accompanied by plenty of exercise,
fresh air, sunlight and pure water will reward your horse with abundant health,
especially if the animal has access to free choice natural herbs and minerals.
This is possible even in a confined space by wither setting up a separate
feeding tub containing a good, natural selection of herbs and minerals or by
adding natural, whole supplements to their feed.
Arthritic pain, the aggravation of other health issues and the compromising of
the immune system can be noticeably lessened an even eradicated by providing
pure, clean water.
Water is not just for the easing of thirst. Water is the earth’s greatest
cleanser and solvent. It washes the body both inside and out. Adequate, clean
water is absolutely essential for the effective functioning of the brain and
nervous system. The synapses of the brain slow or fire erratically with out
enough water in the system.
When the domestic horse, fenced in and unable to fend for itself, has only poor
water and toxin laden foods from which to feed, the organs and glands plus the
hormonal, lymphatic and electromagnetic systems of the body are weakened and
can not do the continuing work of repair. Hence the muscles, joints, ligaments
and sinews do not get what they need to stay in the supreme health they require
in order to withstand the extreme demands made on them.
The filters of the body can only do so much when the onslaught in constant. For
example, the liver is a major filter for the blood, but its work doesn’t stop
there. It also has the job of manufacturing new blood cells. Furthermore, it is
also the seat of emotions. A horse that has been subject to abuse, violence,
chemical overdose or neglect couple with the stress of the high adrenaline
lifestyle of track and other competitive equine sports may exhibit more pain
than a horse that is treated with kindness and consideration. Emotional pain is
often the forerunner of physical pain. Even sprain, strain and broken bones
contribute to toxic levels in the liver.
The abused horse will manifest its pain in many ways: behavioral problems,
nervousness, irritability, as well as physical complaints.
Another
area of concern is the hoof. A horse’s feet are sometimes a source of constant
pain. When the horse has been kept shod all of its life and has not been given
the opportunity to run barefoot as much as possible, discomfort with feet,
legs, shoulders or hips often show up. Much had been written about this subject
and I suggest the reader investigate the correct Strasser Trim method.
There
are a number of things that work to calm and relax your horse, which in turn
can do much to ease pain. Brushing and massage are a good start. There are good
instructions available to make the massage of your horse a corrective measure,
as well as a calming influence.
Among
the First Nations Peoples, the use of a Sage smudge is of great benefit. With an
eye to the fire prevention, build a small fire of hay or star in a fire proof
container, such as an old pot or aluminum plate. When it is burning well, drop
a small handful of sage in the middle. If you only have dry sage, place a large
handful on top of the flames. You want to snuff the flames but allow enough
burn to create heavy smoke. Pass or blow this smoke around and under the horse,
allowing it to breathe in the vapors as well. This has a remarkable calming and
healing effect.
There are many other plants that can be used as an effective smudge and also as
an effect aid to relieve insect irritation. Motherwort,
juniper leaves, cedar leaves are
only a few that can be mentioned. Research the uses of whatever herbs, bushes
and trees grow in your area.
With the competitive horse, a chunk of fresh ginger about the size of the first joint of
your thumb, chopped small and added to their food daily, has shown to be
extremely beneficial. This work to assist the immune system but studies in
human have shown the long term effect of daily use also eradicates most
arthritic pain.
One
of our most widely used formulas contains garlic, rose hips and oregano. Oregano
contains some very strong anti-oxidant chemicals. Oxidation is part of the inflammatory
process, the sloughing off of dead, inflamed tissue into the system along with
associated pain.
Oregano has many other beneficial properties as well: immune booster, volatile
oils that are effective3 against insect irritation, fungus, airborne bacteria
and the beautification of the hair and coat. Oregano combined with high quality
garlic, become a dramatic combination.
Garlic…let me count the ways it benefits the health! Some trainers and
owners won’t feed it to the horses because they do not want the garlic odor on
the horse’s breath or they do not want the odor in their barn. Besides a
noticeable reduction in the fly population, we see an improved function of the
immune system and cardiovascular health, excess mucus reduction and better
circulation and healthier blood. The reduction of pain and arthritis symptoms
must be strongly noted. Garlic, we believe, is essential in the life of the
heavily competing equine athlete. Even pleasure horses, particularly older
horses, live longer, healthier lives, and are more pain free when garlic is a
part of their daily ration.
St John’s Wort is another
effective herb that is commonly known today for its use in assisting the relief
of depression and behavior problems. Anciently, this herb was widely used both
topically and internal for arthritic symptoms and pain. As an external poultice
for sore and inflamed joints, mixed with garlic, turmeric, cod liver oil or
olive oil, it can be excellent for the relief of the pain and swelling of
arthritis. It is even effective for bruising from injury.
Devil’s
Claw root, also known as Nature’s Bute, is another well known and effective
aid in the relief of pain from arthritis, bruises and strains. It is an
excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic, especially when combined in
proper amounts with Myrrh and Yucca. Devil’s Claw Root is used to effectively
bother internally and topically.
Older horses respond well when Tumeric is added to the daily diet. Anything
that works to aid in building and maintaining a healthy immune system will also
work to lessen the pain of arthritis and help in the healing of injuries. Some
of these herbs are Schizandra
berries, Astragalus, Sioberian Ginseng and Eucommia dark. White Willow bark is excellent
for pain, Rue for tendon problems, Comfrey, in safe and compatible amounts in
short term use, is very good for broken and bruised bones.
The homeopathics; Arnica, Rhus
Tox, Bellis Perrennis, Silicea, etc., are all very useful for pain and
aiding in the healing of broken bones, torn muscles and other athletic
injuries.
Many of our formulas, which are designed to nurture the nervous system, also
assist in alleviating arthritic pain. The reverse is also true; formulas
designed to alleviate pain and arthritis may also calm the nervous horse due to
the properties which encourage the body to product dopamine, the chemical that
the brain releases to cause to feel good. Herbs have been used as long as we
have existed. They are compatible to the workings of the living body, whether
animal or human. They work to build the body up, rather than the dubious effect
of symptom suppression that may rather work to break the body down. It had been
our experience that the timely and generous use of certain herbs can not only
alleviate pain, but often correct the underlying cause. We recommend you study this
issue.
We are here for you, not only as a source of proven herbal combinations that
work to support the good health of your horse, but also as caring consultants
in your journey toward greater understanding and better health, both for you
and those magnificent animals, the competitive horses, that are in your care.
God bless you in all your endeavors.
This article is informational only and in no way replaces professional
veterinary advice or treatment. Always consult with you veterinarian and equine
herbalist before using herbal formulas.