Sneezes, Wheezes and Dribbles
By Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate
Springtime is notorius for allergies and horses. Pollen in the air; last years hay ... changes in the weather. Any one of these can cause sneezing and wheezing in the horse. What can we do about it without pumping all sorts of chemicals into our horses' bodies? Let's take a look.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR THE ALLERGIC HORSE
First of all, any animal can be helped by boosting the immune system. The immune system is what helps us all to fight off those bad little buggies that make us sick, including allergies. If our bodies are trying to fend off histamines, its naturally going to wear down the immune system. Ultimately, we want to have the immune system, regardless of the age of the horse, to be as strong as possible. This is the best prevention for illness and allergies the horse has.
Good Immune boosters and activators are:
- Astragalus
- Echinacea
- Siberian Ginseng
- Garlic
- Calendula
- *Nettle
- *Burdock
- *Clivers
- *Oats
* -- these are good for the body as a whole rather than just one "system."
Secondly, because the liver is the organ of the body that filters all the toxins that the body takes in, the liver needs to be strong. The older horse has a harder fight because the liver is deteriorating by the age of 15. It has had enough of life's pollutants and irritants for a lifetime. So, the older horse is particularly at risk for pesky infections and allergies. If one were to look into what the horse might forage on in the wild to keep healthy, one might find the following wild plants and herbs:
- Dandelion Root
- Nettles
- Clivers
- Milk Thistle Seed
- Chamomille
- Blessed Thistle
- Golden Rod Flowers
Finding a safe antihistimine is easy when working with herbs. There are a number of good histamine inhibitors as well as ones that work double duty with soothing mucous membrane and helping to discharge mucous. The natural herbs helpful for allergies include the following herbs:
- Buckwheat
- Marshmallow Root
- Comfrey leaf
- Mullein Leaf
- Chickweed
- Nettle
- Fenugreek Seed
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Aniseed
- Garlic
- Boneset
- Eyebright (a wonderful wash for the eyes)
Of course, any treatments should be given according to veterinary recommendation and consult with your own vet is recommended.
Information on Bulk Herbs for Horses can be found at:
Just click on "BULK HERBS" ...
Happy Spring!
About the Author:
My name is Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate. I am a steward of horses and lover of all animals. I am also a writer and a graphic designer.
For over 38 years I've ridden and worked with horses. From training wild mustangs during my teenaged summer vacations to presently teaching good horsemanship, care and management to equine lovers of all ages, my life has been blessed. I remember as a young, young child grabbing ahold of any suitable fallen branch of a tree, galloping wildly and freely over the hills and dales of my own backyard. As I grew older I'd catch a 'live' ride when ever and where ever I could. My very own first horse didn't come to me until I was 38 years old. At that time our older daughter belonged to a 4-H Equestrian club sharing the love I feel for these wonderous animals. We'd ride day after day, exploring New England forests or simply practicing our bareback riding in the ring at the stable. We not only bonded with our horses but with each other during this time. The days were filled with joy.
Gwenyth may be contacted by email at caballus@charter.net.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
