3 Herbs that fight inflammation and pain. Easily added into the horse’s diet: (and your own!)

1. Burdock Root

One of the best things for joint pain is to increase essential fatty acids in the diet. Burdock root has many fatty oils that help to give this herb many anti-inflammatory properties. Burdock root can be mixed in feed as well as made into a tea. Simmer for about 10 minutes and then strain (or not — don’t really have to strain for horses) and add it to your horse’s feed while it is warm. One of the best anti-inflammatory herbs.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is highly effective in reducing inflammation of all kinds. It also helps to relieve pain. The chemical properties in Turmeric (curcumin) are very similar to NSAIDS drugs that are often prescribed for pain. A good alternative to Bute, Banamine and even Cortisone injections. Try Turmeric first.

3. Ginger

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agent used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger extract blocks activation of inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and TNF, as well as suppressing the inflammatory prostaglandin E2 pathway. In a two-and-a-half-year study that investigated the effects of powdered ginger on people who had either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, approximately 75 per cent of the patients experienced pain relief and decreased swelling, and there were no reports of adverse effects. Ginger can be grated fresh right into horse’s feed. Grate about an ounce.