Aromatherapy and herbs for horses?

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PingPongPony

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I have been reading about aromatherapy and different herbs, what they're for etc. Has anyone tried aromatherapy for horses? What do you think of it, does it work or not?? My mare has COPD and snot always coming out of her nose, i just wondered wether aromatherapy might work to help clean the lungs?
But i cannot decide wether its a load of bull, with the 'horses choose the essential oil that will cure them' or does it actualy work?
What do you think? :)
 
You could try eucalyptus oil on hay, put hay in nosebag or use a muzzle with liner, shake on 10 drops of oil, pour boiling water on and let horse inhale, I usually strap it on once the boiling water has drained through and it's steaming.
Friend used Animoils for sarcoids with success.
 
I've seen one of these people working and was suprised by what happened.

A horse I am sure had ulcers picked the herbs associated with stomach disorders over everything else.

I'm a believer in the horse having a better idea what it needs than anyone else.

Worth trying I feel.
 
Would it not cause any harm if she ate the hay with the oil on it though? I was thinking of having a little holder made to put a small dish with the oils and boiling water underneath the haynet, have it screwed to the wall and covered in some material so that she doesn't burn herself? That way it wouldn't actualy be on the hay so she wouldn't eat it?
I thought its worth a try too, as if it works well it doesn't cost a lot and i'll be happier that she's breathing easier :)
I have lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus oils anyway so i might try that :)
 
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PingPongPony said:
Would it not cause any harm if she ate the hay with the oil on it though? I was thinking of having a little holder made to put a small dish with the oils and boiling water underneath the haynet, have it screwed to the wall and covered in some material so that she doesn't burn herself? That way it wouldn't actualy be on the hay so she wouldn't eat it?
I thought its worth a try too, as if it works well it doesn't cost a lot and i'll be happier that she's breathing easier :)
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This sounds fraught with danger if you ask me.

I presume your soaking her hay.

I think they are supposed to eat the oils and herbs, least thats what happened when I saw one done.
 
Thats what i'm not sure about, the herbs i know they're supposed to eat but the oils? Hmmm, i need to google that :)
its hard to describe what i mean but it'd not be dangerous :)
 
PingPongPony said:
I have been reading about aromatherapy and different herbs, what they're for etc. Has anyone tried aromatherapy for horses? What do you think of it, does it work or not?? My mare has COPD and snot always coming out of her nose, i just wondered wether aromatherapy might work to help clean the lungs?
But i cannot decide wether its a load of bull, with the 'horses choose the essential oil that will cure them' or does it actualy work?
What do you think? :)
Click to expand...

Regarding aromatherapy - look into zoopharmacognosy, which is the animal side of aromatherapy. The key thing is to allow the horse to sniff what they want and self medicate.
http://www.ingraham.co.uk/courses.asp

Herbs are a different matter. This is a good book
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Horse-Herbal-Hilary-Page/dp/1872119816

You can look at this site
http://www.equinatural.co.uk/epages/BT3755.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3755/Categories/Respiration

And look into feeding Spirulina
http://www.pet-health-advisor.com/naturalhorsespirulina.html

I buy my herbs from here
http://www.cotsherb.co.uk/
 
anniearab said:
You could try eucalyptus oil on hay, put hay in nosebag or use a muzzle with liner, shake on 10 drops of oil, pour boiling water on and let horse inhale, I usually strap it on once the boiling water has drained through and it's steaming.
Friend used Animoils for sarcoids with success.
Click to expand...

Please don't do this, the horse should be allowed to inhale as much as they like, and then walk away when they've had enough - ie self selection.

I'm sure in one of Caroline Ingraham's book she uses as similar tale as a cautionary measure..

By the way her books are excellent.
 
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