Horses

Internally, the herbs Burdock, Yellow Dock, Cleavers, Vervain & Chamomile were used to rebalance the systems of the body through their combined actions.

Yellow Dock has alterative & hepatic actions which aids the cleansing of the blood and supports liver function by increasing the flow of bile. It also aids evacuation of the bowels. Cleavers has diuretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory & astringent actions which cleanse the blood, supports kidney function, aiding the recovery of inflamed tissues.

Vervain is a nervine which aids the reduction of stress in the body caused by the constant itching.

The owner was also advised to include Sulpha, Garlic, Rosehips & Kelp to the diet. Within two weeks there was a marked difference in the horse and within a month the symptoms had disappeared altogether.

Possible causes of this condition included checking the paddock and hay for undesirable weeds, change in diet, changes of paddock, availability of clean water; types of cleaning agents used (Shampoo etc); fly attack & stress related behaviour patterns etc.

From the above example you can see how the holistic approach works and how important it is to call in a qualified practitioner. It is not advisable to use these herbs without professional advice since the quantities used are finely balanced and can cause further problems if given in high doses.

The most common problem in horses is caused by wounds such as deep cuts usually around moving joints where they can’t be sutured which make it worrying for owners who envisage terrible scaring as a result. However, a combination of herbal medicines can heal the worst of wounds leaving very little scaring if any at all.

Horses respond extremely well to herbal medicine and it is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.