HEALTH & THERAPY
KEEPING HORSES HEALTHY Naturally by Heather Giles, PR & Marketing Manager of Hilton Herbs
P
lants have been used for food and medication by humans for themselves and
their animals for centuries, and the refinement of their use into the conventional medicines that we know today is relatively recent. Many commonly used drugs have evolved from plant- derived compounds however the pharmaceutical industry, keen to promote the use of its products, is less keen to acknowledge their humble origins! There is widespread scepticism
regarding herbal medicine amongst the medical community with proof of effectiveness deemed to be anecdotal rather than evidence-based using a scientific method. Many medical professionals consider herbalism to be at best a waste of money and at worst downright dangerous but, as with most things in life, there is a happy mediumwhich needs to be adhered to. In recent years there has been
a dramatic increase in the use of herbal supplements for horses as their owners become more conscious of some of the side-effects of conventional medication. Often these same horse owners are making efforts to improve their own diet and health and see no reason why the benefits of these lifestyle changes should not be extended to their animals as well. However there are some
considerations to take into account before using an herbal product to ‘treat’ a particular problem. Any horse owner should always consult a vet if they believe their animal is
unwell, as only the vet is qualified to make a diagnosis and propose treatment. There may be instances where conventional medication is the only way to maintain an animal’s quality of life, however on these occasions it may still be possible for herbal products to be used to support allopathic treatment. Herbal supplements are generally
available in either dry (powder or tablet) or liquid (tincture) form and are designed to be added to normal feed or in the case of tinctures syringed into the mouth. It generally takes from several days to a few weeks (in the case of ‘dry’ supplements) for the herbs to be absorbed by the animal’s system, however all horses are individuals and some will respond more quickly than others. Most herbal supplements can be used with conventional medication however advice should always be sought from the product manufacturer and your vet. Some of the commonest problems
with horses can be treated very effectively using herbal remedies. Digestive issues are common with domestic horses and can be caused by diet, environment, stress or parasites. Herbs such as Slippery Elm can be combined with Marshmallow and Valerian to help maintain a healthy and efficient digestive system and plants such as Cleaver, Liquorice and Milk Thistle can be used to support normal liver and kidney function for horses on conventional medication. Mobility is another major issue
with many horses, particularly as they age. Herbs commonly used to
maintain optimum mobility would be Devils Claw and Meadowsweet for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They are often combined with herbs such as and Bilberry to ensure effective blood circulation. (sometimes called Curcuma) is the current “wonder herb” credited with the ability to
heal everything! It does have antioxidant, anti-mircrobial and anti-viral properties, but ideally should be combined with black pepper as the piperine in the pepper greatly increased the bio-availability of the curcumin. Stress and anxiety, whether due
to environment, past history or breed, can be helped using herbs such as Valerian, Vervain and Chamomile. Immune function can be optimised using herbs such as Echinacea and Gotu Kola and these herbs are particularly useful for animals whose immune function is compromised by long-term medication
or chronic illness. So there are many instances
where herbal medicine can be used very effectively to optimise horse health, however not all supplements are born equal. Source supplements for your horse from a reputable specialist manufacturer who can provide palatable quality tried-and-tested products, ideally formulated by a qualified Medical Herbalist. Follow recommended dosage carefully and if in any doubt contact the supplier’s Helpline, or if you have concerns about your horse’s health contact your vet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Having worked for leading supplement manufacturer, Hilton Herbs, for 18 years Heather has an extensive knowledge of the equine supplements industry, with particular regard to herbal feed supplements for horses and companion animals. Her current role with the company involves all aspects of marketing their range of top-quality herbal supplements in the UK and worldwide. She also has responsibility for the e-commerce websites and the various social media accounts. Heather believes that educating potential customers is as important as advertising to them when it comes to promoting the Hilton Herbs products. Heather is an active horse rider competing in endurance rides at Advanced level with her pure-bred Arab Raphael.
12
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2018
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