Homeopathy is a system of healing that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700’s.
Horse homeopathy was developed considerably later but, of course, based on the same principles
The principle behind equine homoeopathy is that of treating like symptoms with like remedy. Hahnemann believed that substances that cause the symptoms of a disease ina healthy person, can also cure the problem ina sick person.
The remedy if given undiluted in full strength would bring about those symptoms of ill health in a healthy animal/human.
Homoeopathic remedies are heavily diluted many times in various strengths, only traces of the original mother tincture are left in the final dilution. These medicines are often called “vibrational medicines” for this reason.
In this process, the selected substance is repeatedly diluted until the final product is chemically indistinguishable from the diluent. Often not even a single molecule of the original substance can be expected to remain in the product.Between each dilution homeopaths may hit and/or shake the product, claiming this makes the diluent remember the original substance after its removal.
British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons – www.bahvs.com
Does Horse Homeopathy Work?
Homeopathy can be a contentious subject for both the human and horse community. There are those that swear by its efficacy and others who dismiss it.
One of the problems for the pure scientific community is that, from our research, there are few descriptions of how it actually works.
However, the fact that we can’t explain it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
Nick Thompson is a veterinary consultancy based in Bath, North Somerset, offering homeopathy, acupuncture and nutritional advice for horses.
Nick presents a very interesting article on the British Homeopathic Association website on how homeopathy saved Jazz, a very sick horse.
We should also note the popularity of Bach remedies, which is a specific area of homeopathy.
Given the popularity and longevity of Rescue Remedy, it seems unrealistic that there is no benefit from homeopathic medicine.
Recommended Reading
The Treatment of Horses by Homeopathy~By George Macleod MRCVS, DVSM,VetFFHom
Homeopathy for Horses ~ By Tim Couzens MRCVS, VetFFHom
Equine Homeopathy Sites
Graham Goodrich MRCVS, veterinary surgeon uses acupuncture and homeopathy in his treatments. Graham takes referrals from other vets in the South East and is based at Morrisons Veterinary Clinic. www.morrisonsveterinaryclinic.co.uk
Chris Day MRCVS, an holistic vet practising alternative therapies including acupuncture and homeopathy, based in Oxfordshire. www.alternativevet.org
