In this post, I’ll focus on two powerful natural remedies to keep you and your horses healthy during the autumn and winter months: Echinacea and Propolis. Look out for the next blog where I’ll share more remedies!
As autumn arrives, so do seasonal flu and viruses that affect both us and our four-legged friends. I had originally planned to write more about herbalism, but I've been busy developing natural tinctures, fly repellents, and hoof care products—which have been quite successful! After a late summer here in the South of Holland, I spent a lot of time perfecting my plant-based, chemical-free formulas for fly repellent spray and wax to keep things as natural as possible for my horses and to develop an effective formulas for trush in the hooves but also to keep healthy hooves.
Now, onto the topic of this month's blog.
Recently, I’ve seen many horses, including mine, experience flu-like symptoms—coughs, low energy, loss of appetite, and mucus discharge. It’s clear these viruses are affecting both horses and humans this season, as I’ve also felt under the weather myself.
So, how can we protect both ourselves and our animals from these seasonal illnesses?
This year, I’ve had great success using tinctures inspired by Nicole Apelian’s “The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies.” What I’ve learned is that many plants work just as well for horses as they do for humans. By using natural remedies on myself first, I can better understand their effects on my horses, always checking to ensure the plants are safe for them.
As autumn progresses, the key is to boost our immune systems—and those of our horses. Horses, due to their more confined lifestyles and less natural movement, can be more susceptible to seasonal viruses, just as we humans are when having a sedentary life, hectic rythym, situational stress and/or high expectations. Maintaining a strong immune system is crucial for both us and our animals as we face the challenges of the colder months ahead.
What I use for myself and the horses are two incredible remedies: Echinacea and Propolis. Let’s explore their properties and see how to use them!
Echinacea: Boosting Immunity for Humans and Horses
Immune System Boost:
Enhances immune response, especially during stress, illness, or recovery.
Prevents respiratory infections in colder months or for competitive horses.
Anti-inflammatory Action:
Reduces inflammation, aiding recovery from injuries or conditions like arthritis.
Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties:
Helps fight infections, particularly in respiratory issues or minor wounds.
Wound and Skin Healing:
Speeds up healing of wounds and skin issues when applied topically.
Overall Health Support:
Provides general vitality support during seasonal changes or intense activity.
Supports Respiratory Function:
Beneficial for horses with coughs, colds, or sinus infections due to immune-boosting properties.
Dosage (these are only indicative doses. The dosage can change depedning on the horse/human situation)
For Horses:
1 full handful of dried plant (mix of leaves, flowers, branches) daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week break or 1 pipet a day for 2 weeks and then a break. In case of illness, 2 pipettes of tincture per day till recovery.
For Humans:
1 pipette a day to boost immunity; 2-3 pipettes in case of flu or weakness. Tablets (Echinacea Forte) are also an option.
Where to Find:
Purchase dried Echinacea online.
30ml tincture available from me for 12 EUR.
Echinacea and Propolis ointment for skin treatment coming soon!
Propolis: Nature’s Shield Against Infection
Antimicrobial Action:
Effective for treating bacterial and fungal infections in wounds or skin conditions.
Supports the respiratory system, preventing mild infections.
Wound Healing:
Accelerates recovery by protecting wounds and promoting tissue regeneration.
Immune System Booster:
Enhances immune function, especially during stress or seasonal transitions.
Digestive Support:
May help with digestive issues such as ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Skin and Hoof Care:
Treats skin infections like rain rot and supports hoof health by preventing infection.
Dosage (these are only indicative doses. The dosage can change depedning on the horse/human situation)
For Humans:
10 drops a day from October to March/April. In case of illness, 0.5ml pipette twice daily.
For Horses:
2 pipettes per day when showing flu symptoms.
Where to Find:
Purchase Propolis tincture online.
30ml tincture available from me for 18 EUR.
Echinacea and Propolis ointment for skin treatment coming soon!
Thank you for reading!
If you're interested in trying my Echinacea or Propolis tinctures, please note that they are available by pre-order only (2 weeks waiting time). Feel free to reach out for more details, and stay tuned for the next blog where I’ll dive into the benefits of Thyme and Garlic, which can work in synergy with Echinacea and Propolis!
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