Thyme is an effective herb for the treatment of infectious coughs.
When considering home remedies for a cough, it is very important to first identify the cause of the cough. Ask your veterinarian to make a diagnosis. A cough is a natural reflex reaction to any irritation, inflammation or blockage in the airway. Although there are many different types of coughs, the two most common are caused by allergy and infection. The cough is often accompanied by influenza or a bronchial infection. s coughing has the very important function of keeping the bronchial tubes open and clear, when treating the cough you should aim at making it more effective rather than suppressing it.
Research has shown that the mechanics of the horse’s respiratory system limit how fast a galloping horse can breathe, and no training in the world can change this respiration rate. biomechanical link between stride and breathing means that a horse can only take one breath per stride. The faster the horse moves, the less oxygen it takes in per breath as it does not have enough time to take a full breath. This is what causes “bleeders”; the small capillaries in the lungs rupture with extreme exercise. T his is why it’s very important to allow enough rest after a respiratory infection; a minimum of six weeks is essential. will prevent serious damage to lungs and heart. Never work an ill horse. – Kim Dyson (082 888 6511). |fw
Make your own cough syrup
Six whole lemons, cut into quarters
Six tablespoons of freshly chopped garlic
One knob of freshly grated ginger
One teaspoon dried or fresh thyme leaves
One pinch of cayenne pepper
Two drops eucalyptus oil
Mix all the ingredients with 3ℓ water, bring to the boil then simmer for 30 minutes. As soon as any respiratory symptoms appear, give two coffee mugs with each feed. Syringe 100ml cooled liquid directly into the mouth twice daily.
Various treatments for coughs
Homoeopathic: Bryonia – for a spasmodic, dry cough that gets worse with movement.
Aconite or nux vomica – for a cough that is worse in the morning and in fresh air.
Drosera – for a deep, harsh cough.
Herbs: Coltsfoot – for an irritating spasmodic cough.
Echinacea – for infectious coughs.
Thyme – for tight dry coughs linked with respiratory infections.
Garlic is an excellent antibiotic.
Elecampane and Grindelia – if you suspect that the cause is allergies.
Tissue salts: Ferrum phos. in the early stages of a cough.
Mag. phos. for paroxysms of coughing.
Kali. sulph. where there are large amounts of yellowish discharge.
Silica for a chronic cough.
Essential oils: Use eucalyptus, cardamom, jasmine, peppermint and lavender as an inhalation. Place five drops of each into a small bucket of boiling water and hold it in front of the horse’s face so the steam can be inhaled. This should bring a little relief.
