Alternatives to Chemical Use

Transcription

1 By Lisa Ross-Williams Animal Rescue Kit with many common remedies for animals. Available in our on-line store. Because many Americans immediately run to over-the-counter and prescription medications and chemical-based products for themselves, their horses too are bombarded with unnatural and often unneeded chemical treatments. Being informed of the dangers of indiscriminate chemical use including medications, hoof treatments, and insect/parasite control products and knowing the alternatives available, horse owners can make informed decisions regarding their horse s health. Have an open mind, heart & spirit, and strive to learn about the wonderful and successful alternative therapies out there. You don t get a placebo affect from animals and results don t lie. Personally, I have been amazed at the results and find it not only empowering but fascinating as well. There are many alternative modalities available and a few are briefly discussed in this article; homeopathy, essential oils, and flower essences. By understanding how these substances can help with various problems, both physically and emotionally, you will be prepared to deal with many nonemergency situations. As you see results, you will become more and more comfortable using them. Also covered are some of the most common chemical products, the drawbacks and possible replacements. Homeopathy A natural philosophy that follows the principle of "like can cure like" and these natural remedies work by helping the body's defense system help itself. Remedies are derived from natural sources; plant, Page 1

2 animal, and minerals but are in an extremely diluted form. Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy doesn t require an exact diagnosis. An example of like can cure like ; The homeopathic remedy Allium is made from onions, which in its raw form can cause runny eye, nose, and stuffiness not unlike to common cold. But in its diluted form can help relief those symptoms. Although there are different potencies, a 30c is a common one for basic use. Doses are normally 4-5 be be size pills or 10 drops of liquid and given directly in the mouth, in water or on feed. Frequency will depend on the condition, but a remedy should only be given until the body is stimulated to respond. Homeopathy is a valuable tool for the everyday horse owner for acute problems (comes on quickly and self-limiting). However, for chronic or serious problems it's very important to consult a homeopathic professional. A Few Common Remedies Arnica: Trauma, wounds, injuries, muscle soreness, pre and post operations. Aconite: Sudden illness, injury, shock especially if accompanied by a fever. Euphrasia: Great eye remedy. Superficial inflammation and tearing. Nux vomica: Digestive upsets with gas. Thuja: Skin conditions, growths, and post vaccination. Basic remedies are offered in the If Your Horse Could Talk store. Essential Oils Essential Oils are derived from shrubs, flowers, herbs, trees & seeds and act on both an emotional and physical level. These oils contain many different chemicals (naturally occurring) which have a variety of benefits. According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference, 2nd edition, some of these benefits include being antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-viral, which comes in very handy. They are most commonly administered through smell, or applied to the body. Page 2

3 Some of my favorites include: Lavender: Used topically for wounds and calming both physically and mentally. Lemon: Antiseptic properties. Great for cleaning out water tanks & dishes. Patchouli: Great for skin problems and very grounding emotionally. Peppermint: Great for digestive upset and uplifting. Tea Tree: Wounds, hoof thrush and white line disease. There is a very big difference between quality grade essential oils and perfume grade (normally found in health food stores and cheap), which can contain additives. We personally use oils from Young Living ( and Anatolian Treasures ( although there are other quality Essential Oils suppliers. Flower Essences Some of my favorites include: Flower Essences are a vibrational therapy that work on an emotional level and can be used in conjunction with other therapies. They are obtained by placing a flower or plant material in water or brandy and allowing the vibration of that plant to be taken in. Frequency of dosage is very important with a minimum of 4 times a day. 4-5 drops can be administered directly in the mouth, 10 drops rubbed on body or in water trough. Rescue or Trauma remedy: Blend of five essences and used in times of trauma, stress, illness or injury. Holly: For the jealous horse with negative emotions. Clematis: Formerly abused horses who withdraw into their own world. Star of Bethlehem: Abused/neglected horses. Vine: Overly dominant horse. These products are available through or Page 3

4 Chemical Over-Use In today s normal horse world, common practices include using chemical products without thinking about the possible side-effects. Some of the most common chemical products are discussed along with possible alternative therapies to replace them. We also highly suggest if you are going to use one of these chemical products, you visit the manufactures website and read the information provided there. It might surprise you. NSAIDS. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Bute and Benamine Side-affects: Weakened blood vessels, kidney & liver damage, joint degeneration Alternatives: Homeopathy, herbals such as Bute Less, natural liniments, body work. Steroids. Side-affects: Suppresses the immune system and can contribute to laminitis. Alternatives: Address the horse on a holistic level, homeopathy, and nutrition. Antibiotics: Side-affects: Kills off good gut bacteria, contributes to ulcers and colic, antibiotic resistance. Alternatives: Nutrition, homeopathy, essential oils. Chemical Dewormers: Side-affects: False sense of security, over-taxes the liver, kills off good gut bacteria, chemical resistance. Alternatives: Strong immune systems, balanced nutrition, run fecal tests, homeopathy, and herbal blends. Over-Vaccination: Side-affects: Drain system of vitamin C, localized swelling, colic, laminitis, anaphylactic shock, allergies, auto-immune disorders, tumors, and cancer. Alternatives: Assess the risk, efficiency, and risk, use single shots rather than combos, and consider homeopathic nosodes. NEVER vaccinate an unhealthy horse. By being informed of the dangers of indiscriminate chemical use, weighing the necessity of use and Page 4

5 considering natural alternatives, you can make informed decisions regarding your horse s health. This is Being informed of the dangers of indiscriminate chemical use, weighing the necessity of use and considering natural alternatives, you can make informed decisions regarding your horse s health. This is not to say there is never a time for some of the conventional products, but try to only use them when necessary. not to say there is never a time for some of the conventional products, but try to only use them when necessary. Lisa Ross-Williams is a natural horse care consultant, clinician and host of the If Your Horse Could Talk webcast available at She is a seasoned writer and former Senior Editor of Equine Wellness Magazine. Along with her husband, Kenny, they share their small Arizona ranch with their beloved animals. Lisa has dedicated herself to extensive research, as well as an exploration of hands-on experiences which included clinics, seminars and courses covering natural horsemanship, hoof care, dentistry, bodywork, homeopathy, iridology, essential oils and nutrition. Since then, she has earned her degree in Environmental Plant Science and has completed the Basic Homeopathy Veterinary course through the British Institute of Homeopathy. Known to colleagues and friends as one who walks her talk, Lisa has positively influenced thousands of horse owners and grateful horses, sharing her knowledge of natural and holistic horse care. Page 5