Aloe vera, known as the miracle plant, is not only for human health. It may also be used to treat animals. Aloe vera gel is specifically beneficial for horses. This natural healer has been used medicinally for thousands of years due to its supply of vitamins, minerals and essential enzymes.
Aloe vera contains over 75 ingredients, including Vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, the forerunner of Vitamin A. Aloe vera, which reaches maturity after four years, also contains minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium and iron. All of these elements make aloe vera a valuable asset to horse health.
Aloe vera also provides the body with 20 of 22 amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Seven of these are essential amino acids that the body needs and may only receive through food intake. Beyond these benefits, aloe vera has enzymes to aid digestion, anti-microbial saponins that fight bacteria and viruses and anthraquinones, which act as powerful painkillers. The presence of salicylic acid, an aspirin-like compound, also gives aloe vera the anti-inflammatory results it is famous for.
These medicinal properties translate to horse health in a range of areas. Veterinary professionals say that, just as with humans, aloe vera is used as a skin treatment for equines, treating common issues like wounds, sunburn and ringworm. Aloe vera may also heal rashes, allergies and abscesses and even help internal problems like equine influenza, gastric ulcers and lack of appetite.
Jockeys, equestrians and horse trainers have been using the natural remedy with significant results. They feed aloe vera to their horses to heal minor injuries and improve their energy levels.
“Many racehorse trainers use aloe vera on their horses, significantly reducing lost training time through minor skin injuries and skin conditions such as greasy heal and even report help with bleeders,” said Equestrianmag.com. “Athletes report that regular intake of aloe vera reduces competitive stress and post-event fatigue, increasing stamina and performance.”
References:
www.equestrianmag.com
www.aloeveraforhorses.com