Natural remedy for horses

What does ginkgo do to horses?

As in humans - and also in other animals such as dogs – Ginkgo is used in horses for the following purposes:

• for heart problems, especially in older horses
• for laminitis and other hoof problems
• generally in circulatory disorders
• to increase concentration at work

The ingredients of ginkgo leaf According to various studies, have a blood circulation-promoting effect, so that the natural product is often used by veterinarians and animal alternative practitioners in addition to Therapy against laminitis - which is also just a circulatory disorder of the hoof corium - and heart problems recommended becomes.

Are there any studies on Ginkgo biloba in horses?

There are now numerous studies on the effect of ginkgo on humans and on the effect on horses there is a scientific publication by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna from 2014. In this study, with the help of thermographic studies, the researchers were able to determine that the administration of ginkgo leaves actually improves blood circulation in the horse's hoof.

Otherwise, veterinarians and practitioners often report that laminitis is primarily caused by a combination of ginkgo and special minerals for the hoof - which should help to develop healthy horn - helps. However, this effect has not yet been scientifically proven by studies.

How is ginkgo biloba used in horses?

Ginkgo biloba comes either as a sliced Sheet without further additives or as a ready-to-use remedy in liquid or solid form - usually as an extract, pellets or powder. You can easily give your horse Ginkgo when it is fed - many horses like to eat the dried leaves.

It is always used internally, with a dosage of around 30 grams of leaves per 600 kilograms of body weight. For finished preparations, follow the manufacturer's specifications to avoid accidental overdosing or underdosing.

Is too much ginkgo bad for horses?

Even healthy things can be harmful in excess - this was already demonstrated by the Swiss doctor Paracelsus in the 16th century. century astutely recognized. This wisdom also applies to ginkgo, especially since the leaves of the tree contain toxic alicyclic acids, such as ginkgolic acid. These can not only cause discomfort in the horse, including symptoms of poisoning and even allergies.

Therefore, the recommendation is usually not to feed ginkgo leaves permanently. In most cases, these should be administered for a maximum of two weeks at a time, and then take a break. In addition, finished preparations should be preferred to the natural leaves, since extracts and the like often contain fewer of the harmful ingredients.