Arnica: Homeopathic Remedy for Treating Bruising in Horses
Arnica Montana - Leopard's Bane - is a popular and versatile equine anti-inflammatory
remedy which can aid the healing of bruises, bruising, soft tissue injuries,
wounds, bruised soles, muscular
strains and soreness, joint stiffness, lameness pain in the horse. It
can also be useful for the treatment of shock and trauma.
HOMEOPATHIC BUTE FOR HORSES
It has become known as "Homeopathic Bute" - as it is anti-inflammatory.
It is also believed to be anti-bacterial.
Arnica preparations for horses are to be found in ointment, spray, liquid,
liniment, gel, tablet, pillule or pill form.
The treatments can be applied externally or taken internally.
Arnica should not to be applied to open wounds , and, be careful, not
all forms may be given internally to a horse or pony. it is important
to check this carefully when you buy Arnica to treat your horse!
ARNICA AS A PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE FOR HORSES
As
well as treating existing problems Arnica can be used as a preventative
medicine for your horse. Used prior to a strenuous ride or training session
it can help to prevent soreness.
If used after exercise it can help to prevent the horse from stiffening
or tying up. It can also be used as a liniment during massage.
Arnica works on horses by by dispersing trapped fluids from bruised tissue
and stimulating the activity of the white blood cells.
The active ingredients in Arnica are sesquiterpene lactones. These are
known to reduce inflammation and pain. One of these sesquiterpene lactones
is Helenalin.
It is not fully known how sesquiterpene lactones in Arnica exert their
anti-inflammatory effect.
Uses of Arnica
on Horses
- For bruising and soft tissue damage
- Arthritis
- For muscular strains and sprains
- Useful for shock associated with injury or trauma
- Arnica can be used before or after an operation to aid
recovery
- Can be used before and after strenuous exercise to help
prevent stiffness.
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Historical use
of Arnica
- Arnica has been used in folk remedies since the 16th century
- A North American tribe, The Cataulsa, made a tea from
arnica roots to treat back pains.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The German poet and philosopher
, used arnica to treat his angina. He claimed it saved his
life.
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WARNINGS
- The essential oil is very powerful and must be used highly
diluted and should not be used internally
- Repeated external use can produce severe irritation/inflammation
of the skin
- NOT to be used on open wounds or broken skin!!
- Can cause contact dermatitis - handle with care when applying
to your horse
- Arnica does not replace any veterinary treatment.
- Internal use can cause a toxic action upon the heart and
may cause large increases in blood pressure.
- ALWAYS read the manufacturers instructions!
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Treatment and
Dosage for Horses
- Arnica Cream: Apply to bruised areas, but NEVER on open
wounds or broken skin.
- Pills / Pillules / Tablets: After injury, dose as often
as every 15 minutes with 5-10 small pills, either directly
into horse's mouth or dissolved in water until a positive
response is seen. Continue dosing twice daily for up to
7 days, or until bruising or lameness subsides.
- ALWAYS check the manufacturer's instructions.
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About the plant
Arnica ( Leopard's Bane )
Arnica is a herbaceous perennial plant with orange-yellow
daisy like flowers. It is mainly the dried flower heads that
are processed to provide homeopathic remedies.
It is common in many parts of Europe, Canada and North America
and Russia.
Arnica grows on alpine meadows, pastures and light forests
up to the alpine level.
The word Arnica is derived from the Greek word "arnakis",
which means "lamb's coat". This is inreference to
to the soft felt-like sepals covered in soft hairs which surround
the flower |
Historical use
of Arnica
- Arnica has been used in folk remedies since the 16th century
- A North American tribe, The Cataulsa, made a tea from
arnica roots to treat back pains.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The German poet and philosopher
, used arnica to treat his angina. He claimed it saved his
life.
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| Homeopathy
for Horses | Treating
bruised soles with Arnica | Homeopathic
Colic Remedies for Horses | Causes
and treatment of Ringbone |
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Arnica an equine homeopathic remedy for horses - used on as
a anti-inflammatory treatment to aid the healing of bruises, bruising, joint
stiffness and lameness
