Herbal or Drugs

[MyStIc139]

I know this has probably been asked before but i just wondered which you prefered herbal healing or man made drugs to be used on your horses?
I'd really like to hear your opinions or views:)

[maverick927]

I would prefare to use herbal method but if I needed something to heal a problem quickly I would use man-made drugs. I would use herbs for example if my pony had a respiratory problem

[Wally]

Don't be fooled by "natural Herbs" ragwort is a natural herb, so is digitalis, from a fox glove. Many "natural" plants have a very strong effect.

Most modern drugs are derived from plants in the first place, then modified into safe drugs. Be careful, and make sure you are giving the horse a correct dose from a recognised practitioner.

[Lgd]

I use both allopathic, herbal and homoeopathic medicines. I am one of the lucky few who has a vet who is also into using alternative medicines and is a qualified homoeopathic vet herself. It can be really useful to use the different approaches together e.g. infected cuts, use antibiotics but also homoeopathic medicines to aid healing and relieve bruising.

[virtuallyhorses]

Good advice Wally. I often a little bemused by the idea that herbal remedies must in some way be gentle, soft and therefore totally safe. Think about it this way - if its so gentle and soft then its probably ineffective so why are you bothering?

I use herbal remedies frequently on myself and my animals but you have to understand that these ARE DRUGS. They are in fact the original drugs and if you are to use them on your own then you need to understand what they do, possible side effects and safe dosages. Just because its herbal doesn't mean you can use more than the recommended dosage.

For instance, I use Goldenseal for some infections but I am well aware that too much can affect (stop) my heart. There are many other herbal treatments that are equally effective (quick) but just like man-made drugs (many of which are simply the distilled form of the original herb anyway) there can be serious side-effects.

:)

[Emma_G_NZ]

I use both..

[Bebe]

I use both. If I'm certain what the problem is and it's nothing that requires the vet I will try to use homeopathic or herbal remedies first, although I always seek advice if I'm unsure on something. If I don't know what the problem is, or know that it is a serious problem, I call the vet and let him deal with it. If he's happy I may use homeopathic or herbal remedies alongside the vets prescription but only if I have the vets agreement.

I use aromatherapy quite a bit but usually that's to alleviate symptoms of an illness that is being treated by the vet (e.g. eucalyptus oil to help clear blocked noses, tea tree to help fight infection, lavender for soothing, etc).

If in doubt I always at least ring my vet to ask for advice.

[MyStIc139]

iv read loads of books on the subject (most of them directed at humans) and I know quite a bit about herbal remiedies and dossages but iv never had to use my knowledge so i may not know the exact dossage and its affect but i know enough that if i need to use it quickly i can :) But im carefull and i know how dangerous herbs can be....


Anyways thank for all the replys and views its great to know that herbalism is still used frequently (and properly:D) on horse and human :)

My all time favourite herb................Pathetic i know but true :rolleyes: