Arnica
a 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.
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. It is not to be applied to open wounds, and,
be careful, not all forms may be given internally.
 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 exert their anti-inflammatory
effect. |
