Herbal Treatment for Gastric Ulcers in a Horse

Chamomile, meadowsweet and other herbs are often effective treatments for a horse's gastric ulcer.

Just like people, horses sometimes suffer from gastric distress such as ulcers. When one of their horses is diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, many owners immediately rely on drug treatments as the quickest form of relief. But quick though they may be, many anti-ulcer drugs hinder the digestive system. Herbal treatments are another alternative, and there are a number of ways to use herbs to soothe a horse's stomach.

Things You'll Need

• Chamomile flowers
• Slippery elm bark powder
• Aloe vera juice
• Marshmallow (optional)
• Licorice root
• Alcohol

Instructions

Chamomile Tea

1. Prevent ulcers before a horse develops them by giving it chamomile on a daily basis. Boil a third of a cup of chamomile flowers to make a tea.

2. Allow the tea to cool, and mix it with powdered Slippery Elm bark. This mixture helps to soothe the stomach and protect its lining.

3. Pour the mixture over the horse's morning meal. Repeat the process in the evening.

Aloe Vera Juice

1. Mix 2 ounces of aloe vera juice with a teaspoon or two of slippery elm bark or marshmallow.

2. Add the mixture to the horse's feed two to three times a day.

3. Use a syringe to dose the horse with the mixture straight, if you prefer. This herbal blend soothes and protects the gastric system while helping to regulate intestinal bacteria.

Licorice Root

1. Make a tincture of licorice root by steeping the dried herb in alcohol for a few days, then straining the mixture with a cheesecloth and bottling the liquid extract. Pour in enough alcohol to cover the herb when mixing, adding an inch or two.

2. Give the horse 10 to 15 milliliters of the tincture of licorice root twice a day.

3. Repeat this treatment for as long as 10 days. Licorice root is an anti-inflammatory, and thanks to its flavanoid content, it is also an excellent ulcer treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Meadowsweet, an herb that reduces acid and protects the digestive tract, can be helpful in treating equine gastric problems. Mint, valerian and ginger also may be helpful in soothing a horse's stomach.

• You can purchase aloe vera juice in health food stores. Quart sizes are often more concentrated than juices sold by the gallon.

• Stress can be a factor in equine ulcers, just as it can in humans. Positive environments and daily routines may help your horse remain calm and prevent gastric ulcers.

• If your horse has moderate to severe ulcers, consult a veterinarian before trying any herbal treatment.

• The flavanoids that make licorice root a good ulcer treatment actually slow the secretion of gastric juices, so licorice root is not a suitable long-term solution.

References

• Herbal Horsekeeping: Herbs for Horses: Equine Stomach Ulcers
• Holistic Horsekeeping: Natural Ulcer Relief for Horses, by Madalyn Ward, DVM
• Earth Song Ranch: Equine Ulcers & Gastrointestinal Disorders - Prevention, Natural, by Jessica Lynn
• Herbal Information Center: Make Your Own Tinctures, by Mary Satchell

Resources

• My Horse: Equine Herbal Treatments, by Eleanor Kellon, VMD