HORSES - 2 (Herbs and Conditions)
Using Herbs (Full Blood Cycle = 12 weeks)
Decoction: Use the hard plant material Bark, Roots, Seeds, etc. Pour 750ml of cold water over 30gm of the material cut up in a saucepan, and set aside for 12 hours, and bring to the boil and simmer for about 20 minutes until the water is reduced to 600ml. Strain before using or it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days.
Externally: Herbal Oils, Ointments and Washes.
Extracts and Tinctures: are extracted by Alcohol (usually Vodka or Sherry) that also acts as a preservative, and can be stored in brown bottles away from Sunlight below 30 degrees. Very small doses are effective and easy to administer by syringe over the Tongue mixed with an equal amount of water. Dosage: 4ml twice a day containing a mixture of 5 Herbs and 5 Bach Flower. Medicine: Strain when cool and give as a drench. Tea: Pour 600ml of boiling water into 30gm of herb and Infuse for 15 minutes, and add the dregs of the herb in the Tea as well. Essences: Also small amounts can be put in the feed or water.
Herbs to suite Various Conditions.
Abrasions and Cuts: Calendula - Anti - Septic and Soothing.
Allergic Reactions: See also Dermatitis. Herbs - Horseradish for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections such as Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis combined with Chamomile and Garlic. Euphorbia - Only under professional advice. Asthmatic Allergies: Elecampane and Grindelia to relieve Breathing difficulties. Lungs - Veterinary advice required if normal Breathing pattern is interrupted.
Anaemia: Cause: Blood count too low. The Red Cells absorb and transport Oxygen from the Lungs via the Blood Stream and collect Carbon Dioxide to return to the Lungs to be expelled. Causes: Imbalances, Internal Bleeding and Worms. Treatment: Herbs - Nettles (high in Iron improving Arterial Blood Flow and the activity of the Spleen in removing worn out Red Blood Cells. Can be combined with Rue, which is high in Rutin / Vitamin P and Vitamin K to support the Clotting and anti - Clotting substances in the Blood to balance Venous Pressure with the Arterial Pressure to balance viscosity and flow. (Nettles and Rue is also mixed to treat Cellulitis and Lymphanitis.) Red Clover - raises the Red Blood Cell count quickly, as they are high in Copper needed to absorb the Iron. (Australian soils are high in Iron, but deficient in Copper) If the White Cells are out of balance, the Immune System is under assault by Pathogens and functioning below par. Echinacea: is anti - Bacterial, anti - Viral and has stimulant properties for the Immune System. Hawthorn: Circulation and Heart Tonic to balance the Blood Flow, Heart and Pressure rate. Rosehips: to treat Circulation, especially the bridge between the Arterial and Venous Circulation. (Circulatory Herbs are used to treat disorders of the Feet and Legs.)
Anhydrosis: Unable to sweat normally and pants like a dog, becomes distressed, and coat stands on end, usually due to moving from a Temperate climate to a hot and humid area or over stressed during hot conditions. Treatment: Stimulate the Sudiferous / Sweat Glands in the Skin and the Endocrine System as well, with a combination of herbs, along with Bach Essences to prevent Stress.
Bites, Itchiness and Allergic Reaction on the Skin: Hypericum Oil even when there is an Oedema, and also for larger areas of Skin affected by Hair loss, including rubbed Manes and Tails. Prevent Flies, Mosquitoes, etc by spaying on or sponging, and avoid the Eyes. 1 x part of Hypericum Flowers to 4 x parts of Olive Oil and leave in the Sun in an airtight clear bottle for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally and strain into a brown glass bottle for storage and application. To 500ml Spray Pack of Hypericum Oil add 1/2 water and 1/2 Apple Cider Vinegar, 15 drops of Citronella Oil and 5 drops of Pennyroyal Oil. To make it even more potent and deter Ticks use a strained handful of dried Wormwood to 1 x Litre of water and add 5 drops of Eucalyptus Oil.
Bleeder / Nose Bleed / Epistaxis / Lung Hamorraghe / Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage: As the physical speed increases the Inhalation and Exhalation time drops, due to there being not enough time to take in a full Breath followed by the delicate structure of the Walls of the Air Cells rupturing. (May need scoping to see effusion is actually occurring Internally.) May return even after a spell , especially under fast work and Infection can reoccur in the damaged Tissue.) Specific Herbs - Elecampane, Hawthorn, Rosehips and Yarrow. Bach Flower Essences, Nervine and Demulcent Herbs also useful. Excessive use of Chemical Diuretics may also cause further damage.
Bleeding: To stop, apply a mixture of Calendulas and Yarrow Extracts with Rescue Remedy together with Physical pressure.
Blood, Circulation: Alteratives / Herbal Blood Cleansers, remove current Infections, or previous remains of Infections, and Detox the Body of Chemicals and Drugs and also cleanse the Lymphatic System that runs parallel to the Blood Circulation.
Bruising: Arnica if the Skin is not Broken!!, Witch Hazel Oil if the Skin is Broken. Poultices: Use the Green Leaf to draw out Infection from Abscesses, Punctures and Wounds using Castor Oil or Raw Honey and Slippery Elm Bark Powder made into a Paste. N.B: When using Castor Oil make sure there is a hole in the Tissue to draw the Infected material out. (If not use Raw Honey instead.)
Bruising, Inflammation, Shin Soreness, Sprains and Strains: Comfrey: To heal providing there is no Infection. Poultice: Pulp the Leaves with water, spread it on a bandage on the Legs to relieve. Keep dried and minced Comfrey Leaves on hand also and make up and apply a fresh Poultice daily, using an anti - Septic before applying especially if the Skin is broken.
Coat: Dry, dull, pale or scruffy. Cause: inadequate Nutrition, especially Minerals, creating imbalances in the Body Systems.
Coughs / Colds: Causes: Either Bacterial, Viral, Allergy, or (Lung Worms contracted from Donkeys.) 2 to 3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil added to drinking water, or in Molasses water used to dampen down the feed (N.B: No more as it Irritates) (Raw Honey instead of Molasses for anti - Bacterial results.) Herbs: White Horehound alleviates Coughing Symptoms and relieves Irritation and Inflammation. Liquorice to break up Phlegm. Delmulcent Herbs: including Marshmallow to soothe the Throat. Elecampane as an Anti - Septic, Soothing and to remove Mucus and other Wastes in the Lungs. Garlic - Anti - Biotic properties and combine with Echinacea to stimulate the Immune System.
Depressed / Lethargic: Bach Flowers, Gorse, Hornbeam, Oak, Olive, Sweet Chestnut, Wild Rose with Rescue Remedy.
Dermatitis: Symptoms: An inflammatory Skin condition usually caused by external influences such as Hair Dyes, Shampoos, Insect repellent, Coat products and Soap powders. Absorbine Shampoo and Conditioner is O.K. A wash containing Eucalyptus can be used for rugs and saddle cloths with Napisan as a whitener. Lumps, Fluid Filled Swellings and Welts can be caused by a bite, bedding, feed, ingested chemicals or the Onchocerca Worm, or environmental allergies. Chamomile Tea and Rescue Remedy can be given internally regularly and also used externally as a Compress with fresh Aloe Vera Gel for Bites.
Drinking - lack of: Celery Seed Tea 1 x Tablespoon to 500 ml of water and add to the feed until O.K. and access to Rock Salt even while travelling.
Endocrine / Glandular System: Hormones are the messengers that act as the control centre for the Body, which are Gland secretions carried in the Bloodstream to the various Organs and imbalances in any part of the System can produce a wide range of symptoms. Many herbs may assist this System, including Poke Root. Conditions: Hyper Thyroidism: The Gland is over active and reacts badly to Seaweed in the feed. Hypo Thyroidism: The Gland is under active. Both cause a Goitre underneath the base of the Neck where it joins the Jaw and is a movable, hard, round lump (N.B: Do not confuse with a Lymphatic Lump / Swelling.) Blue Flag is specific for Thyroid balance. Cushing's Disease: is a benign tumour of the Pituitary Gland, which controls all of the other Glands. Symptoms: A very long Coat, which does not fall out in the Spring or Summer, along with Lethargy and weight loss despite increased appetite and water consumption.
Eyes - Sore and Inflamed: Same mixture as Sores, but only diluted at 10 x drops to a Teacup and use a fresh swab every time for each Eye and keep out of direct Sunlight.
Frequent Urination: Usually when Nervous and Stressed. Treatment: Herbs - Rosehips Tea to prevent depleting Adrenal energy.
Grass, Sand and Quarter Cracks: Comfrey Oil also for Hoof growth and healing Bumps and Lumps on the Legs and applying to Strained and Sprained Tendons and Ligaments by adding raw Linseed Oil as well, in equal parts to restore Elasticity. Use 4 x parts of Olive Oil to 1 x part of ground Comfrey Root and leave in the Sun in an airtight clear jar for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally and strain into a brown glass bottle for storage and application.
Greasy Heel / Mud Fever / Fungal Conditions: Wash with Absorbine shampoo, and rinse thoroughly, and dry gently, and apply Thuja Oil mixed with Sorbolene Cream to remove the Scabs. Usually due to not enough copper in the diet, especially dark coloured horses. I x Teaspoon of Dolomite, to 1 Tablespoon of Dolomite as an antidote in the feed daily for a day or two. Add Seaweed Meal, (which is best to use) on a permanent basis, Also include Rosehips in their feed. Use Calendula Ointment to reduce scarring and re - grow the Hair.
Immune System: Concentrated Chemical feeds, Drugs and manufactured Vitamins weaken.
Joint Ill / Septic Arthritis: Mainly occurs in Foals, but also occurs in Adult horses after a deep wound. Symptoms: Joints are Painful and Swollen and severely lame, depressed, off their feed with a high Temperature. Treatment: Burdock; a powerful Blood cleanser, reducing heat, pain and swelling. Guaiacum specific for Rheumatoid Factor, redness and heat and friction in the Joints, and also provides lubrication. Tansy: specific for the Rheumatoid Factor. Herbs to suite Osteo - Arthritis also used as the Bone is usually compromised due to Infection of the Joint Capsule. Rosehips as a Tonic on a routine basis. Nettles brings out the dappling in a horse's coat, but excess can cause nettle rash.
Joints: Stiffness. Cleanse the Blood with Burdock, Guaiacum, Horsetail, Nettles, Rue and Tansy and Detox the Liver with Agrimony, Dandelion or St. Mary's Thistle.
Lice: Treatment: Clean all rugs etc with Apple Cider Vinegar and Sulphur and apply Sulphur Powder along the Mane, the top of the Back, the top of the Tail and the Legs and repeat after 10 days.
Lymphanitis: Symptoms: Swelling around the curve of the Jaw line going upwards to the base of the Ear, being a complication of a Chronic Infection. Cause: Inflammation and infections of the Lymphatic Vessels. Exercise stimulates the Lymphatic Flow around the Body to remove excess fluid created by Infection and Inflammation. If the horse is in pain and the swelling surrounds a Limb it does not want to move or put weight on it, and it gets worse. Lymph Herbs - Bladderwrack, Cleavers, Fenugreek and Violet Leaves for a Blood Cycle of 12 weeks. Infection: Echinacea and Garlic. Anti - Inflammatory and Analgesic - Devil's Claw.
Mange: Cause A microscopic parasite mite. Symptoms: Itchy inflamed Skin lesions, usually on the Head and Neck or Legs with scratching and fluid loss and is easily transferred to equipment. Treatment: Wormwood Tea or mix Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic and Lemons and apply externally.
Mares: with discomfort, who still have regular Cycles can be further balanced by Chaste Tree Berry, which is also used for Women for PMT, as it does not contain Hormones. Irregular Cycles: Hormones require balancing to normalise. Herbs - Pokeroot for the Endocrine System. Sarsaparilla as it contains Oestrogen, Testosterone and Progesterone. (Short course use.) Old or Difficult Mares. Treatment: Herb - Raspberry Leaf (Highest Vegetable source of Folic Acid),several months before joining may increase Conception and strengthen the Endometrium and Uterus. (Medium term use.) N.B: Avoid feeding hay containing Red Clover or Fenugreek to Mares with Hormonal imbalance, as it contains high levels of Oestrogen. N.B: Pastures with a high concentration of Clover can also create Hormonal imbalance and effect Fertility. Pregnant: N.B: Do not feed Aloes, Devil's Claw, Parsley, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Thyme or Wormwood. Also delete Garlic when they bag up, a it may get in the milk and upset the Digestive System of the foal, but can be reintroduced when the foal is older then 4 weeks. Fertility: Vitamin E and Zinc found in Egg Yokes, Oats, Sunflower Seeds and Wheat Germ. (Zinc also in Seaweed.) Genetics: Mares are more important due to Maternal Environmental influence and the Genes involved, from one special part of the Cell coming solely from the mother. Mitochondrion: A self - contained Organelle part of the Cell responsible for converting stored energy into physical activity with the aid of Oxygen, whose DNA comes solely from the mother, with no recombination of genes from both parents.
Pastures: Chemical farming effects Mineral balance and uptake, due to increased Acidity. Many Australian soils have Calcium, Iodine, Magnesium, Sulphur deficiencies and therefore many processed feeds are deficient in Nutrients. An excess of one Nutrient will lock up others, making them unavailable to be taken up, and therefore natural supplements must be added. Apple Cider Vinegar, high Grade Dolomite, Garlic, Linseed, Rock Salt, Seaweed and herbs (Nature's alchemists) are required to ensure normal balance in the diet.
Pneumonia: Garlic specific if Streptococcus Infection involved.
Respiratory System: Elecampane - to remove waste from the Lungs. Upper Respiratory Infection: Abnormal discharge of Pus / or Mucus from both Nostrils associated with a Cough . Herbs - Garlic, Rosehips together with other Respiratory herbs. Discharge from only one Nostril could mean Sinusitis, which can be fatal unless treated effectively and if there is a foul smell with the discharge, usually A yellow colour, which may be associated with a Lymphatic swelling around the Jaw line, difficulty in Breathing or noisy, with Facial swelling and pain. (N.B: Could also be a serious Dental problem.) Treatment: Garlic, Horseradish and Rosehips combined with other Respiratory herbs to treat Immune and Lymphatic Systems. N.B: Clean water of discharge material and change water frequently. Clean Nostrils with Lemon Juice and water, using clean cotton wool swabs every time. Add a 1 x Tablespoon of Oil of Eucalyptus in a small bucket of hot water and allow to inhale to soothe and relieve. Respiratory Remedy - 6 x whole Lemons cut into quarters, 6 x Tablespoons of freshly chopped Garlic, one knob of freshly grated Ginger, 1 x Teaspoon of dried fresh Thyme Leaves, a pinch of Cayenne Pepper and add to 3 Litres of water and bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Humans - drink one small teacup full warm to hot with a teaspoon of Raw Honey added x 6 times a day. HORSES - 2 Cups added to each feed, plus syringe 100 ml of the liquid, cooled, directly into the Mouth twice a day. Keep warm free of Stress, and out of the Wind.
Ringworm (Highly Contagious)and disinfect the rugs and gear and isolate the Horse and wash your Hands thoroughly with soap at all times. Cause: Insufficient Copper in the diet makes horses susceptible. Usually found on the Head, Girth and Saddle area. Not Itchy, but the Hair falls out with the Skin underneath scaly. Treatment: Isolate the horse and disinfect all gear with a mixture of 10 drops of each of concentrated Thyme Oil and Pine Oil to 5 litres of water. Treat twice daily with Thuja Ointment or mix Garlic, Lemons and add Apple Cider Vinegar after it is cooled and strained.
Roaring: Cause - Partial Paralysis of the Larynx / Voice Box affecting ability to Breathe.
Sarcoids: Cause: Viral - become large and multiples. Treatment: Early treat with Thuja Ointment and stimulate the Immune System and Lymphatic System with applicable herbs internally to suite to begin anti - Biotic and anti - Tumour action. Also can be removed surgically or with a Laser, but will often return.
Sheath Conditions: Equal parts of Calendula and Hypericum Extracts, with Bach Flower Crab Apple diluted at 10ml for each 1 x Litre of water.
Skin Conditions: The same as for Sores, but use 30 drops per Teacup instead.
Sores: Calendula and Golden Seal Extracts, with Bach Flower Crab Apple and Rescue Remedy diluted with 20 drops to a Teacup. Washes: Dilute herbal Extracts in water.
Stress: Causes: long distance travel, hot weather, bad ventilation, lack of water (Use Molasses in water to disguise the taste and encourage - 1 Tablespoon to 5 Litres of water), bad traveller, weakened Immune System. Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, and Rosehips. Treatment: Herbal mixtures - Chamomile x 2 Tablespoons and Rosehip Teas x 1 tablespoon, as a Tea in 500 mil of boiling water simmered for 15 minutes before travelling, and after, with 4 drops of Rescue Remedy to 60 mil of the cooled Tea and syringe over the Tongue and add the balance dregs and all in the diet. Respiratory infection - Treat for a full 12 week Blood Cycle and keep treating with herbs to suite if not fully cured. Bad Traveller - give Rescue Remedy before and repeat a few times if necessary during the trip.
Sunburn: Protect especially the white areas of Skin daily with Zinc Cream but do not get any in the Eyes or Nostrils.
Thick Wind: Pollard or Post - Viral Syndrome or Nerves. Treatment - as for Bleeders.
Ticks: Keep the Blood unpalatable and keep on a natural diet. Externally: Wormwood Tea - apply to the Belly, Face and Legs, but keep away from Eyes. Apply Aloe Vera Gel and Calendula Tea to the bites to soothe and disinfect.
Travel Sickness: Weakens the Immune System by creating Stress. Symptoms: Increased Temperature, Dehydration, Lethargy, Limb Stiffness, Off feed, Respiratory Distress leading onto Death, Founder, Liver impairment, Pneumonia,
Tumours: Grey horses especially are extremely sensitive to Melanomas, both Malignant and Benign. Treatment: Comfrey, Garlic, Red Clover, Rosehips and Violet. Also use anti- Septic, Immune Stimulant and Lymphatic cleansing herbs under professional advice.
Urinary System: Bladder, Kidneys, Urethras (Kidney Tubes to the Bladder) Urethra (Bladder to Exterior.) Maintains water and Electrolyte balance in the Body with the water transporting Nutrients and Wastes, P.H. control and dissipates heat. The Kidneys filter the Waste products of Metabolising, especially Urea. Clean fresh water required to maintain healthy Kidneys and Bladder function as horses require 10% of their Body weight daily in hot weather (450 kg = 45 Litres,) to their liking and of a high standard to prevent Urinary Tract Infections. (Horses should Urinate 4 to 6 times a day.) Dehydration: Over 2 minutes of performance requires a horse to get rid of heat from their Muscles, especially in hot humid conditions. (N.B: To get water and Electrolytes into a horse quickly, give tepid Molasses (High in Calcium and Magnesium, B Group Vitamins) water to drink. Synthetic Electrolytes used excessively, overload the Kidneys and the Urinary System, while giving more Electrolytes is not the answer to balance Hydration, but the Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium) can be fed and supplemented naturally. Calcium and Magnesium: High grade Dolomite. Sodium: as natural Rock Salt. (A Tablespoon of Rock Salt can be dissolved in 10 Litres of Molasses water.) Potassium: Apple Cider Vinegar. (40 ml can be added to the same volume of Molasses water or if too strong 1 x Tablespoon to 5 Litres or double to increase palability.) Dandelion (a natural Electrolyte) is high in Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. (Syringe Dandelion Extract directly into the horse's Mouth mixed with an equal amount of water of 2 to 10 ml. Normal: Colour should be pale straw, with clarity and consistency the same as water. Abnormal: Dark or Bright Yellow may indicate insufficient water intake and / or High Acidity. Milky or Chalky may indicate Alkalinity, but is not such a problem. (Highly Mineralised bore water may produce this as a normal Urine colour.) Offensive Odour similar to strong Ammonia may also indicate insufficient water intake /and / or High Acidity also if thick and syrupy, with some Mares also producing this when in Season. Foul Smell from the Sheath with too much Smegma could be an Urinary Tract Infection. Straining or Dribbling or none at all, or many short Urinations are signs of Cystitis / Inflammation of the Bladder) or Urinary Calculi / Stones. Inflammation / Tenderness / Swelling may be detected at the top of the horse's back just below the last 3 Ribs and to the left slightly further back. Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis: Herbs - Cornsilk for Mares, Cleavers for Geldings and Stallions. Uva Ursi useful for both, and all have soothing effects due to their high Mucilage. Couch Grass if the flow is not strong and consistent. Parsley is a Tonic herb for Kidney function. Celery and Juniper are combined to remove Acidity, acting as a mild Diuretic encouraging drinking and balancing Hydration. N.B: Epsom Salts will damage the cover of the Kidneys if used regularly. Stones / Calculi: Use Apple Cider Vinegar in the diet to prevent a build up.
Viruses: are not effected by anti - Biotic Drugs, while Herpes occur under Stress. Ross River creates Joint Swellings, Lameness and Malaise. Treatment: Herbal Nutrition taken over a full Blood Cycle of 12 weeks, using Garlic, Echinacea and Red Clover especially when the Joints are effected.
Warts: Viral - occurs in young horses around the Muzzle and usually disappears quickly within months. Other Warts appear regularly on the Body and cause no problem unless they become damaged and bleed. Thuja Ointment can be used externally applied several times to retain contact with them over a period of a few months, or Homeopathic Thuja can be used internally.
Wounds: To disinfect use 20% Calendula Extract in water daily, or a Tea made from dried Calendula Flowers, strained and cooled before use.