Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various ailments in many parts of the
world. Its origin dates back 60,000 years, when humans first began to use plants to heal
themselves. The use of herbs as medicine has a fascinating history, with its roots in many
cultures and practices. It is believed that it first started due to farmers watching their animals
choose to eat the different herbs and plants.
In ancient times, many societies believed that herbal remedies were bestowed upon us by the
gods or spirits. Plants were seen as having divine powers, able to heal a host of ailments from
toothache to help with childbirth. People also believed in the magical power of plants, using
them in rituals to ward off bad luck or illness.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese all had advanced systems for using herbs for
medicinal purposes. The Egyptians employed plants for wound care, digestive troubles and
fertility. The ancient Greeks wrote about various herbs and their therapeutic benefits, collecting
information into what eventually became the basis for the first pharmacopeia. The ancient
Chinese practiced traditional Chinese medicine, using herbal medicine to treat a wide range of
physical and mental ailments.
Herbal medicine has continued to be used up until the present day. In modern times, herbal
medicines are a popular choice because they are often seen as a more natural, less invasive
form of treatment than standard medication. Herbs can be used to treat common conditions
such as colds and headaches, as well as more serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Today, herbal medicine has been integrated into conventional treatments by many medical
practitioners. The use of herbs in combination with other therapies has been shown to be
beneficial in some cases. There is also much research being done to explore the potential of
certain plants to treat certain diseases.
Herbal medicine remains one of humanity’s oldest forms of healthcare. Its long history and
continued use in modern times are a testament to its effectiveness and importance.
Herbal remedies for horses have been around for centuries. For thousands of years, people
have been using herbs and plants to treat the ailments of their equine friends. These remedies,
many of which are still practiced today, have been passed down from generation to generation
with the aim of providing the best care for horses. There have been findings of care instructors
carved into stone believed to date back to ancient greek, of feeding parsley for stamina and
fenugreek for condition,
In the past, herbs were usually combined with other natural ingredients to make medicines.
These concoctions could be used to treat conditions ranging from sore muscles to respiratory
infections. Popular herbs included Saffron, White Willow, Ginseng, Pau d'arco, and St. John's
Wort.
Today, many of the same herbal remedies are still used by horse owners. For instance, St.
John's Wort can reduce inflammation, while Ginseng has long been known to increase alertness
and energy levels. White Willow has also been used for centuries as a pain reliever and is still
recommended to relieve discomfort, such as muscle stiffness.
Herbs are also used to suppress the symptoms of common conditions. For example Echinacea
is used to boost the immune system and chamomile to help soothe and cam
Herbal remedies are growing in popularity to aid the treatment of a range of conditions affecting
horses. However, if the condition is serious, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
In an era where we are all becoming more conscious about where our food and our horses food
comes from, and what chemicals it contains, more and more people are turning to the traditional
use of herbs that have been passed down for generations. The cost of herbs compared to
pharmaceutical drugs also affects owner decisions.
When it comes to equine nutrition, feeding supplements can play a key role in keeping your
horse healthy whilst not having to feed masses of feed which can become expensive for the
owner. Modern-day horse owners have the knowledge and resources to ensure that our equine
family has the healthiest diets possible. The history of equine supplement feeding has evolved
over time.
The way horses are fed hasn’t really changed in the past thousand years. Until the mid 19th
century, horses were primarily fed grass and hay, being readily available and easy to source.
Corn, barley, oats and legumes were common additions to a horse’s diet.
1863 saw the invention of the first commercial feed; this was a game changer for horse nutrition.
These feeds were often high in carbohydrates, grains and animal byproducts which were not
part of their natural diets. This caused horses to suffer from nutrient deficiencies and metabolic
issues like colic and laminitis.
The introduction of modern-day supplements and vitamins came in the later part of the 19th
century, when researchers began discovering the benefits that certain nutrients could have on
horses when fed in higher concentrations. Minerals, vitamins, calcium and even alfalfa began to
be offered as supplements to horses to improve their nutritional levels.
In the early 20th century, the science of equine nutrition began to advance rapidly, and along
with the introduction of the internal combustion engine, horses began to be used less and less
in certain industries. Until the latter part of the 20th century, the industry of equine supplements
was unregulated; there didn’t seem to be a need for additional oversight when it came to the
manufacture of these products.
Throughout the 21st century, there has been a gradual move towards more sophisticated and
regulated equine supplements. Regulations have been introduced by governing bodies within
the equine industry and the amount of research available on the benefits of feed supplements
has grown exponentially.
Today, there are a wide range of supplement options available to horse owners, from vitamins
and minerals to antioxidants and probiotics. All of these can easily be combined with a horse’s
regular diet. It’s important to remember that only a veterinarian or an experienced equine
nutritionist should make decisions on the type and amount of feed supplements that should be
given to a horse.
Thanks to the advancements of modern equine nutrition, feeding supplements to horses is one
of the best ways to ensure that they are receiving the required levels of vitamins and minerals
for a healthy, happy and long life.
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