Horses & Homeopathy – Part II Welcome back to my two part series on Horses & Homeopathy. In Part I (last month) we learned about what homeopathy is and how it works.
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e discussed the difference between homeopathic medicines and pharmaceutical drugs, where homeopathy stands in the health industry today, and the studies that are available on homeopathy. The many benefits of homeopathy were outlined including effectiveness, safety, minimal to no side-effects, environmental cleanliness, and no animal testing. Now, we are ready to take a more in-depth look at when to use homeopathy, the different forms of homeopathic remedies, potency and dosage, as well as how to select and administer remedies. When to Use Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic remedies can be used for virtually all health conditions, including injuries, inflammation, colic, flus, colds, fevers, skin conditions, respiratory problems, allergies, infections, indigestion, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, and behavioural issues. Homeopathic remedies are safe for all breeds and all ages from the new-born foal to the 35-year-old senior. Homeopathic remedies are suited for both acute and chronic conditions but for those people who are using homeopathy at home and in the barn it is best applied to acute or recently occurring issues since these are more easily resolved without the intervention of other health modalities. Homeopathic medicines can be very fast acting, and improvements are often felt within one to two minutes of administering the correct remedy. Potency Potency refers to the strength of the homeopathic remedy. The most common potencies available are a 6C, 30C, 200C, or 1M. Potencies of 30C or lower are called low-potency remedies or medicines, and potencies of 200C or higher are considered high-potency medicines. The C stands for centesimal or one hundred. Homeopathic remedies are prepared in professional laboratories using a complex process. A 6C dilution is made by mixing one part of the original mother tincture with 99 parts of water or alcohol. Then the next dilution uses one part of this mixture added to another 99 parts of water and so on until the process has been repeated 6 times at a dilution of 99 to 1 each time. For a 30C potency the process would be repeated 30 times and for a 200C the process would be repeated 200 times. However, the key to manufacturing potentized homeopathic remedies is the method of succussion. This means that between every dilution, the mixture is “succussed” or vigorously shaken. The succussion process is how the essence of the remedy is released into the dilution. The conundrum for chemists who investigate homeopathy is that the strength of the remedies increases with the number of dilutions. In other words, the more dilutions that are prepared for one remedy the 8 • JULY 2020
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more dilute the remedy becomes; but the stronger the effect is on the condition of the body. This can be explained by the concept that the homeopathic preparation is not relying on an increase of molecules to generate potency; rather it is building strength through the vibration in the preparation each time that it becomes more dilute. Thus, the vibrational or energetic frequency increases with the number of times a remedy is succussed. Lower potencies cover a wide range of symptoms and can be effectively used in the home and barn. Generally, the lower the potency the more often it can be repeated as needed. As a rule, unless otherwise instructed, discontinue the remedy as soon as symptoms improve. If symptoms reappear, repeat the remedy and use as needed. If the symptoms do not improve after 2-3 doses discontinue the remedy and choose another one that is better indicated for the current symptoms. For more severe or chronic problems, the higher potencies are a better choice. But higher potencies should not be repeated as often. This is because the benefits or effects of even just one high potency homeopathic remedy can last for months or even years. Higher potencies are also able to stimulate healing aggravations, so it is better to use these when working under the guidance of a professional homeopath. Form, Dosage & Administration Homeopathic remedies are available in small white sugar tablets, granules, or pellets, as well as in a liquid form which can be syringed, sprayed, or medicine dropped. Homeopathic medicines can also be used topically in the form of an ointment or liniment. Dosage refers to the quantity of the remedy that is given at any one time. For example, if using a remedy in the form of pellets one dose for a horse is 5-6 pellets. If using a liquid form give ½ tsp mixed with a small amount of clean water and drop or syringe into the mouth. The Riva’s Remedies homeopathic remedies are liquid combination remedies which are in a convenient spray bottle where 5-10 sprays can be gently sprayed directly into the mouth. Pellets and liquids should be administered directly into a clean mouth without food, otherwise the essence of the remedy may be absorbed by the food rather than the mucous membranes. To administer homeopathic remedies, pellets can be put inside the lip or into the mouth or offered on the bottom of a clean pail or dish for them to lick up. This works well when they are licking the bottom of the dish after finishing their feed or their mash. You may also dissolve the pellets in a small amount of water and syringe into the mouth. If inserting the pellets directly into the horse’s mouth wait until the pellets have dissolved or chewed in the mouth, then follow it up with a little treat and they will look forward to their “medicines” every day. For horses that cannot be handled or have not been trained to accept things by mouth you may also add the pellets or liquid spray to 1-2 litres of drinking water and allow them to drink it throughout the day. Homeopathic remedies should be stored away from sunshine, strong electrical fields such as computers, refrigerators, stoves, or other appliances, and strong aromatic substances such as essential oils. It is also
