Frequently Asked Questions about Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is based on the utilization of specially prepared, extreme dilutions of natural substances to trigger a healing response in the body. Homeopathic medicines are manufactured and labeled under specifications recognized by the U.S. FDA, and have been safely and effectively used for over 200 years. There are no known side effects, no contraindications, and the remedies are generally considered completely safe for all species of animals. After herbal medicine, homeopathy is the second most widely used health care system in the world. Read more about homeopathy here...

We no longer carry the individual homeopathic remedies. For a full selection of products, we refer you to Washington Homeopathic Products at www.homeopathyworks.com

In acute situations, a dose can be given more frequently. Wait for results: if the symptoms disappear, discontinue the remedy, it has done its job. If the symptoms return, administer another dose. If no effect has been seen after 3-4 doses, a different remedy is needed. Please consult your licensed homeopathic practitioner or holistic veterinarian for advice.

Basic Injuries: Arnica for bruising, trauma and any soft tissue damage. Hypericum for nerve injuries, Calendula to accelerate healing. Ledum Pal for any puncture wounds (including those to the hoof). Aconite for fear, shock and sudden infection.

Minor Cuts & Scrapes: Calendula or Hyper-Cal lotion or ointment externally, Calendula internally, also with Hypericum internally if there is a great deal of pain.

Puncture Wounds (or deep wounds): Hypericum and Ledum internally, both together, 3-4 times per day for 3 days. Given immediately, this is reported to prevent tetanus and promote rapid healing. Externally, use Hypericum ointment or Hyper-Cal lotion. (Don't use Calendula alone externally on puncture or deep wounds, as it may promote rapid surface healing and leave infection trapped inside. Don't use Arnica externally on any open wound.)

Sprains & Strains: Arnica for both, Rhus Tox when pain at rest is relieved by movement, and Ruta Grav for tendon strains.

Bug bites and hives: Apis 30C, with topical Calendula ointment or lotion applied to the spots.

Acute Laminitis: Aconite 200C should be given immediately, every 15 minutes for 4 doses. If there are throbbing arteries with a bounding pulse and sweating, Belladonna 200C can be given at the same time, every 30 minutes for 6 doses. If the laminitis was caused by a toxin (such as overeating grain), Nuv Vom 200C should be given to relieve circulation congestion, every 6 hours for 3 days.

Colic: In all cases call a vet, as there could be further complications. While waiting for the vet to arrive, give Aconite 200C every 15 minutes for 4 doses, to control the shock and fear. For colics caused by overeating or other stomach disturbance (horse will often lie down and look at its flank), give Nux Vomica 30C hourly as needed.

Inflammation of corium following changes of the hoof: Give Arnica 30C, Bellis Per 30C, and Ruta Grav 30C, 1-2 doses per day for 1 week.

Detox: 1 week of Nux Vomica followed by one week of Thuja.

Home usage of homeopathic remedies should be limited to ACUTE conditions, such as strain, sprain, bruise, abscess, etc. CHRONIC conditions need the services of an experienced homeopathic vet -- while you can do no great harm by administering remedies, chronic cases will not find the healing they so desperately need without expert help. Remember, your goal is not to simply treat the symptom, but to actually heal the entire horse. Please consult your licensed homeopathic practitioner or holistic veterinarian for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Homeopathy

We no longer carry the individual homeopathic remedies. For a full selection of products, we refer you to Washington Homeopathic Products at www.homeopathyworks.com

Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc. is an extremely reputable company that has been manufacturing homeopathics since 1873. Visit their website to read more about homeopathy: www.homeopathyworks.com. Read a guide for taking homeopathic remedies at: http://www.homeopathyworks.com/guide.htm Also, more information on a variety of topics is available at http://www.homeopathyworks.com/informed.htm

For more information about homeopathy, contact the National Center for Homeopathy, phone 877-624-0613, or visit their website www.homeopathic.org. For more information about veterinary homeopathy, contact the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, phone 410-569-0795, or visit their website www.altvetmed.com. They can both provide you with a list of practicing homeopathic veterinarians in your area.

Introduction to Homeopathy
By Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA,
Introduction to Classical Homeopathy. Information on how to sign up for an internet course (excellent), find a classical homeopathist near you, general introduction, and listing of the top websites to start learning about this wonderful medical system.
http://www.nccn.net/%7Ewwithin/homeo.htm

©2000-2010 by The Horse's Hoof. All rights reserved. No part of these publications may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher and/or authors. The information contained within these articles is intended for educational purposes only, and not for diagnosing or medicinally prescribing in any way. Readers are cautioned to seek expert advice from a qualified health professional before pursuing any form of treatment on their animals. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.