jeudi 5 janvier 2017

Finding Equine Inflammation Management Supplements

By Jessica Wilson


Most horse owners want to ride. An unsound horse becomes a pet rather than a partner in an exciting sport. Keeping your steed free of pain and restoring it to top condition after injury is made easier with the use of equine inflammation management supplements. There are many on the market, so you will need to choose ones that fit your needs most exactly.

Horsemen have practiced pain management for centuries. Today's horse owners use the old ways as well as the results of research into both the causes and the mechanics of muscle and joint pain. We now know that inflammation is a natural response to injury, but it can also be a cause of discomfort. The trick is to allow an inflammatory response to do its restorative work but limit it so pain is reduced.

The inflammatory response, which increases circulation, is key to tissue repair, so merely suppressing it as chemical painkillers may do is not the answer. Herbal supplements can keep the response within limits, so healing can proceed but tenderness and swelling are reduced. Although researchers don't understand all the ways that herbs work, their benefits can be clearly seen.

Old and new ideas combine in herbal treatments. People have used Devil's Claw for generations; this tall weed is known to ease the pain and stiffness of rheumatism. For horses, this herb is sold in powders or pellets and helps keep horses flexible. It helps the horse to start out happily under saddle, instead of having to wince along for a while until everything loosens up.

Other herbs that are generally found in products designed to maintain and restore soundness and free movement are ginger, tumeric, and boswellia. A folk remedy is made from equal parts of these three herbs, to be added to the feed by the tablespoon (1 or 2 a day). Each of these herbs are known to decrease swelling, ease pain, and reduce inflammation. In fact, research shows these herbs to be as effective as many over the counter and even prescription painkillers.

The use of these and other herbs helps with pain, swelling, and loss of flexibility. As human athletes know, small aches and pains take the pleasure out of exercise. Favoring one sore joint or muscle may also put undue stress on others, compounding the problem. Exercise is often the best remedy, as it boost circulation, tones muscles, and strengthens bone. When vitamin and mineral-rich plants (which we call herbs) are added to the diet, it makes free movement possible again.

Supplements used as directed should be part of a comprehensive program of diet, exercise, and other therapies. Horse owners use acupressure, ultra-sound, massage, hot and cold poultices, and infra-red light to treat occasional and chronic disorders. Hyaluronic acid is sometimes injected into a 'dry' joint; this substance is natural and has none of the cartilage-destroying drawbacks of steroids. Chondroitin and glucosamine, natural building blocks of the proteins that make up cartilage, are valuable supplements to prevent and treat arthritis.

Experts recommend finding a good supplement and feeding it for a while. After a year or so, change to another to make sure your horse is getting what it needs. You can also use herbal supplements topically, like curcumin in a leg rub. This herb heats up tendons and joints and helps promote healing. There are many excellent products formulated to keep your horse active and fit.




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