Alternative therapies can sometimes be
a complement to--never a replacement for--conventional veterinary
care. Here are two of the more unusual ones.
Flower Essence Therapy
Bach flower essences and similar products are produced in
a similar way to the method used for homeopathic remedies,
says veterinarian and holistic practitioner Dr. Joyce Harman.
(However, flower essences are not homeopathic remedies.)
The essences contain plant extracts diluted beyond the point
where you can detect the original ingredient.
Treatment: You put a few drops of the remedy in your horse's
mouth or in his food, or mist it on his nose.
What they do: Essences of specific plants are said to help
people in various emotional states--wild rose for apathy,
pine for guilt and so on. Some of these states apply more
readily to horses than others. One formula often used for
horses is Rescue Remedy, a blend said to relieve stress.
Evidence: There are no sound clinical studies showing benefits
from flower essence therapy in animals, or in people for
that matter.
Red warning lights: Flower essences are safe--the worst
that they can do is nothing, says Harman--but they are not
designed to treat medical conditions. If your horse is sick
or injured, you need a veterinarian.
Where to find them: You can buy floral essences at health
food stores, through catalogs and online.
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