Herbal Remedies for a Horse With Colic

Colic refers to abdominal pain, and there are many types and causes. A horse can get colic easily because they have a highly sensitive digestive system. In the death of many horses; colic is a major cause, according to the Oregon State University. There are some herbal remedies to try for horses with colic.

Aromatherapy

• Massage aromatherapy oils on the horses' belly to help give relief. According to www.pet-health-advisor.com, use basil, chamomile, juniper, orange, geranium, fennel and marjoram massage oils. Hold each bottle of oil next to the horse's nose to see which ones he responds to. Combine two to four drops of each oil with coconut or aloe oil and massage it onto the abdominal area. The oil will enter the skin and go into the bloodstream. This will cause the body to release serotonin, which has a calming effect. Alternately, hold the bottle of oil up to the horse's nose and let the horse smell it for a few minutes. This will create the same effect as massaging the oil directly onto the skin.

Castor Oil Pack

• Make a castor oil pack to put on your horses' stomach to help relieve colic. Rub a liberal amount of castor oil onto the stomach, in the general location of the intestines. Put some more castor oil on a piece of flannel and put it over the same spot. Place a heating pad over the piece of flannel. The heating pad should not be directly on the horse's skin, so make sure the piece of flannel is large enough to keep the heating pad from touching the skin. Keep the heating pad in place for 30 minutes, and then take it off for three hours. Repeat this numerous times until the horse seems better.

Herbs

• Many herbs can help in the relief of colic in your horse; try dandelion, burdock, fenugreek, garlic and peppermint. Dandelion is a source of potassium and helps with digestive conditions. Grow these herbs and feed the leaves to your horse daily.

  Burdock should be used in a powder form; mix it in the horse's food or water and it will stimulate digestion.

  Garlic can help increase appetite and promote healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. There are many garlic granules and powders made for horses available at health-food stores.

  Use a cup of the dried herb fenugreek to help with digestion and nutrition problems in your horse.

  Peppermint or spearmint can be used to relax muscles in the digestive tract. The horse should eat fresh mint leaves, which can be grown right at home.