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Horse ointment owes its name to a preparation that was similar in composition and action to the preparation used to treat animals, especially horses overloaded with hard work. The treatment brought good results, so people began to use the drug as well. Find out what ingredients are in horse ointment, what are the indications for its use and what types of horse ointment are available on the market.
What is horse ointment?
Horse ointment is a medical device with a traditional recipe. The product can be used both in the daily care of, for example, hair, as well as in the treatment of muscle aches and strains. The chemical composition of the cosmetic includes herbal extracts and essential oils. There are two versions of horse ointment on the market – warming and cooling. It is worth mentioning that each of them has a specific purpose and should not be used interchangeably.
The preparation can be used, among others in the first stage of migraine. It is helpful in the treatment of leg aches resulting from fatigue, e.g. after an intense walk or after exercise. The use of horse ointment prevents soreness and is also helpful for people living under chronic stress. A small amount of the ointment can also be added to the bath, which will relax the muscles.
Warming horse ointment – properties and application
Warming horse ointment has a positive effect on blood circulation, thanks to the fact that it widens the walls of blood vessels. This makes it helpful in relieving muscle, spine and joint pains. What’s more, it can also be used in the treatment of degenerative diseases, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, neuralgia and arthritis. It also warms up cold hands and feet, regenerates the epidermis from abrasions and frostbites.
The warming horse ointment includes ingredients such as:
- Chamomile – has properties that relax smooth muscles, accelerates wound healing and has antibacterial properties. The use of common chamomile stimulates the metabolism and helps in the treatment of cramps, gastroenteritis. The high effectiveness of the drug is due, among others, to with a high content of bisabolol and chamazulene.
- Yarrow – has an effect, among others antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and carminative. The plant has found wide application in natural medicine and is helpful in the treatment of flatulence, nausea and chronic constipation. Yarrow contains many substances beneficial to health, e.g. tannins, flavonoids, organic acids, mineral salts, choline, vitamins A, C and K.
- Mountain arnica – the plant has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also appreciated for its beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, thanks to the fact that it prevents the formation of venous clots. Arnica, present in the warming horse ointment, helps soothe pain caused by hematomas, post-traumatic edema, bruises, blows, ulcers and burns.
- Camphor – has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Thanks to them, it has found wide application in the field of cosmetology – they are used to produce creams for foot care. The ingredient also inhibits excessive sweating, disinfects wounds, removes callous epidermis and reduces pain in muscles and joints. Camphor also treats head lice, corns and helps cleanse acne-prone skin.
- Valerian (valerian) – the herb has, among others relaxant properties, so they can be used to treat stomach ailments. Valerian root contains many medicinal substances, e.g. valeric acid, essential oils, valerates, alkaloids and terpenes. Although valerian root is known primarily for its sedative properties, it has also found application in the treatment of other ailments, such as muscle spasms.
Cooling horse ointment – properties and application
Cooling horse ointment, as the name suggests, has a cooling effect and speeds up the treatment of local swelling and ailments of joints and muscles. After applying the gel to the sore spot, a feeling of relief appears. Cooling horse ointment soothes discomfort caused by excessive muscle tension in the limbs, e.g. after exercise. It also accelerates the regeneration process of the entire tired body and can be used during massage.
The biochemical composition of horse ointment includes the following components:
- horse chestnut – almost every part of it has healing properties. Horse chestnut extract contains, among others coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, sterols, sugars and minerals. Thanks to it, cooling horse ointment can soothe inflammation and strengthen the walls of the veins. In addition, horse chestnut has an anticoagulant effect, strengthens blood vessels, reduces hematomas and supports the regeneration process of frostbitten skin.
- Mint – is one of the oldest medicinal herbs. The peppermint leaves contain essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, organic acids, iron, copper, magnesium, sodium and zinc. The plant has a choleretic effect, so it can be used to treat indigestion and digestive problems. Mint also has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
- Japanese ginkgo – the biochemical composition of the plant includes many terpenes, glycosides, flavonols and acids, e.g. ascorbic and shikimic. Thanks to the vasodilating properties, it is a necessary addition of cosmetics such as cooling horse ointment. The plant protects the nervous tissue and prevents the degeneration of the myon sheaths. Ginkgo helps in the treatment of vertigo, migraines and injuries to the brain and spinal cord.
- Eucalyptus – both its leaves and bark contain tannins. Eucalyptus preparations have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus benefits the scalp and is often used to treat dandruff. In addition, it soothes irritations and supports the treatment of skin lesions.
- Aloe – contains as many as 75 active substances, including vitamins, enzymes, sugars, minerals, anthraquinones, plant steroids and hormones. What’s more, it contains most of the amino acids necessary for the body to function properly. Aloe stimulates the production of bile and bile juice. The use of ointments containing it is sometimes advisable in the treatment of allergies, eczema, psoriasis and acne lesions.
- Spruce – in natural medicine, the plant was used to treat respiratory infections and is still used today. Preparations containing spruce are helpful in combating bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis. In addition, they also work well in the treatment of colds, because they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the bronchi.
How to use horse ointment?
The balm should be applied to the painful area about 3 times a day. The ointment should remain on the skin until absorbed, so rubbing it in is inadvisable. The product is highly efficient, so one package should be enough for a long time. In order for the horse ointment not to lose its medicinal properties, it should be stored at room temperature and not frozen.
Horse ointment for colds
Horse ointment can also be used to treat viral infections. In this case, it is worth choosing a cooling horse ointment, which is helpful in treating a stuffy, blocked nose and runny nose. What’s more, it will also help reduce the fever. The essential oils contained in the ointment have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, therefore the ointment can be considered an effective medicine for colds. However, the preparation should not be administered to children under 12 years of age.
Horse ointment and hair growth
Horse ointments contain substances similar to popular lotions and gels that accelerate hair growth. The original purpose of the product is not related to hair care, but nevertheless you can find many positive opinions about this application of the cosmetic. The ingredients in the ointment stimulate hair growth and inhibit hair loss. Regular use of horse ointment nourishes the scalp and makes the strands healthier and stronger.
How to use horse ointment as a hair lotion?
Before using the preparation for the first time, it is worth making an allergic test, i.e. rub a small part of the skin with the ointment and wait 2 days to make sure that there is no allergic reaction. Before applying horse ointment to the scalp, it should be diluted – 1 teaspoon of ointment in 4 teaspoons of water. The mixture should be thoroughly massaged into the scalp twice a week, left for about 2 or 30 minutes and then washed off with shampoo.
The allergy test can be performed even several times to make sure that any of the ingredients does not cause a strong allergic reaction. The first – at the bend of the knee and elbow; the other – behind the ear; the third – on a small part of the scalp. For example, itching or redness may be undesirable reactions. However, if they do not appear within 24 or 48 hours, the test may be considered successful.
According to people who use horse ointment as a hair lotion, the first effects can be noticed after 2 weeks from the first application – some women had their hair grew by up to 3,5 cm. The advantage of using horse ointment in this way is also that the hair is less greasy. However, horse ointment should not be used for more than two weeks.
Horse ointment – contraindications
Horse ointment should not be used by people who are allergic or hypersensitive even to one of its ingredients. To find out if you are allergic to it, it is worth doing the above-mentioned allergy test – this also applies to the use of the ointment in the traditional way. Horse ointment should not be applied to a large area of the body (maximum 30 percent). It is best to apply a thin layer of the preparation to the painful spot. It should not be applied to the skin around the nose or mouth.
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