One of the good things about homeopathics is that they are very compact, light and portable. A homeopathic first aid kit is a must when you are travelling, camping or live remotely. It also comes in very handy in the stable or the kennel.

The homeopathic first aid kit contains homeopathic remedies that can assist in a crisis or first aid situation when  you are waiting for medical assistance or unable to immediately access it. The remedies are additional to, and enhance ,the rest of a normal first aid kit. They are not a substitute for proper medical care – please still see a qualified health practitioner as soon as possible.

Click the icon below to purchase a homeopathic first aid kit in Australia:

It contains:

Apis

Arnica

Arsenicum

Belladonna

Chamomilla

Euphrasia

Gelsemium

Ledum

Nux Vomica

Rhus Tox

You can also restock your homeopathic first aid kit with the same company by typing the name of the remedy into their search box.

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Laminitis is serious. You need to address it now. Thankfully if you treat it immediately, the devastating effects can be drastically reduced or even cured.

As a horse lover I know you want your horse to be happy, pain free and performing at their ultimate capacity.

When you have the right resources and are armed with the correct knowledge you can stop the problem from spiralling out of control and give your horse the much needed pain relief he deserves.

Founder is a complex issue, and I would like to recommend this e-book to you, written by my colleague Zoe Dodds, a long time horse owner who is also a qualified natural therapist specialising in horses.

Zoe’s book ‘Laminitis and Founder Exposed’ will teach you everything you need to know about Laminitis, specifically what it is and how to treat it in a natural, gentle way WITHOUT toxic chemicals, drugs or expensive procedures.

Prevention is always said to be better than cure and this book has information about both. It will show you everything you need to help your horse make a smooth recovery should your horse experience Laminitis. But it will also give you everything you need to know to prevent onset, so your horse does not need to experience the agony and pain of Founder.

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There are several good herbs for horses that have suffered a sprain or strain to their legs.

This often happens after heavier than normal work, or as a result of being on rough ground.

Firstly, hose down your horse’s legs with cold water to take out the inflammation.

If there is just a little fluid in the legs, apply bandages soaked in my 1stAde Solution. This is a combination of natural floral waters and flower essences. Leave the bandages on for 30 minutes, then remove. Do this once to twice daily for 3 – 7 days, or until the swelling and inflammation have gone down and the legs are no longer tender or stiff.

If your horse is stabled, you can apply dry stable bandages, for leg support, after the treatment above.

Give Inflameze – a combination of herbs and flower essences – internally.

If there is obvious bruising, also follow the regime for bruises.

If symptoms are severe or persistant, seek professional veterinary or naturopathic advice.

It is important to do all that you can to resolve sprains and strains with herbal management as soon as possible after they occur as, if left unattended, they can become the site of osteo-arthritis problems in the future.

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Greasy Heel is also known as Mud Fever and tends to occur on boggy ground or after extended periods of rain when the pasture becomes muddy and your horse has constantly wet feet.

Scabs appear around the heel and pasterns. Avoid pulling these off as it causes a lot of pain.

Instead:

• Wash down with a good natural horse shampoo, rinse well and gently pat dry
• Apply FungReleaf Cream
• Cover with plastic wrap and then bandage
• Leave 24 hours
• Remove bandage
• Wash away any scabs that come away easily
• Repeat this process daily until all the scabs are off.
• Then wash daily, pat dry gently and apply Fungraleaf, leaving unbandaged, until all the hair has grown back in.

CAUTION: Watch closely as Greasy Heel can progress into cellulitis, which is very serious, and requires urgent veterinary treatment.

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Herbs have safely been used to treat illnesses in horses for thousands of years, just as they have been used by humans.

In fact horses, like most animals are wonderful herbalists. They instinctively seek out a wide variety of plants as they graze, and use these plants to self medicate.

Horses are sensitive to some herbs, so never assume that a herb is safe for a horse just because you can use it yourself or on another animal. Dosage is also very important.

It takes years to train a herbalist about the safe use of herbs. A large amount of time also includes what is called “the fine print”. Which herbs should never be used. Which herbs need to be used with caution, especially in regards to dosage.

When it comes to herbal treatment of animals, what is safe in a human can kill a horse.  A herb that can safely be used by dogs can kill a cat.

More harm is done by herbs out of ignorance from untrained lay people than by all the herbalists in the world combined.

The aim of the information in Herbs 4 Horses is to provide  information on some common herbs that can help your horse with minor ailments.

For more serious complaints, consult a herbalist trained in herbal treatment of horses.

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Bruises respond well to topical applications of herbs, but for bid or deep bruises, internal herbs are also recommended.

Soak a cotton pad with Witchazel Lotion or 1stAde solution and apply as a compress to the affected area for between 15 and 60 minutes, depending upon the severity of the bruise. Repeat one to two times daily until all soreness, swelling and discolouration is completely gone.

You can also apply take homeopathic Arnica:

After the compress, apply Herbal Healer to the bruise several times daily.

Like all herbal medicines, the sooner you start the remedy, the faster and better the result. If it was not possible to apply these healing herbs immediately after the injury, start as soon as possible – better late than never. I

If you have a very old bruise that still feels hard and / or a little tender even months or years later, apply one of these herbs at least once a day until the area feels normal once again; this may take many months but it is important that it be done.

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Weekends, in the middle of the night, whilst overseas or out camping are all times when medical help is not as readily available as you might like. This is when a well stocked first aid kit comes in handy, and there are many safe, simple and economical natural remedies that can be of assistance until more help is at hand.

Insect stings respond very well to an application of Nettles ointment. I have used Nettles successfully with wasps, fleas, mozzies, ants, leeches, ticks and march flies. And of course, close encounters with Nettles herself. Apart from the fact that it works quickly, the best thing about this remedy is that the sting does not continue to come up itchy again in the following days and weeks.You can also make up Nettles Tea and apply it as a lotion compress. Nettles tea is available to buy by clicking the icon immediately below.

If applied immediately Nettles as an ointment or lotion / compress will soothe the bite within ten minutes (and that will usually be the last you think of it). If its still itchy after ten minutes, repeat the application at ten minute intervals until you have relief. Three times is nearly always enough.

Be aware that Nettles ointment will only relieve the itch from ticks. It is VITAL that the tick is removed fully by the head and any other symptoms watched for and immediately treated because tick bites can quickly prove fatal.

Chickweed is another good remedy for itching this time for the itching of eczema and psoriasis. You can also take it as a tea for eczema or psoriasis. Chickweed is a herb that you can both put on the outside while you are taking it on the inside. Chickweed ointment is very soothing if the skin is really dry.

My Soothing Itch Balm is absolutely wonderful for people, horses and dogs – click below for more information and to buy.

• Soothing Itch Balm for people
• Soothing Itch Balm for horses
  
• Soothing Itch Balm for dogs

(But do not use Soothing Itch Balm on cats – they are very sensitive and the essential oils in this formula are way too strong for cats to use it safely).

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