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Frequently Asked Questions
 

Sore No More® Liniment - Product of the Year Horse Journal 2000 and 2007

Can Sore No More be used under bandages?
Yes! Equilite's Sore No More works great as a leg brace and contains no harsh chemicals that cause skin irritations. Perfect for horses with sensitive skin.

Is Sore No More safe to use with magnets?
Equilite's Sore No More is the ONLY liniment safe to use with magnets because it is an all-natural cooling liniment contrary to all other liniments on the market. Equine Magnetic Therapy has redesigned their magnetic boots to include a special absorbent fabric to give continual reapplications of the Sore No More liniment.

Does Sore No More contain any chemicals or harsh abrasives?
No! Equilite's Sore No More is an all-natural herbal liniment. With an arnica and witch hazel base, this liniment is fabulous to use on horses with sensitive skin.

What is the difference between the regular Sore No More liniment and the Gelotion?
Equilite's Gelotion is based upon the original formula for the Sore No More but in a thicker form. There are absolutely no chemicals added, just all-natural arnica, witch hazel and other herbs. You won't lose a drop!

Help for a barefoot horse?
Use The Sauce, which has iodine in it to toughen up the soles. Also read about Equilite's supplements Ani-Motion, an herbal alternative to Bute, and Four Hoofs to promote hoof growth.

Which product is used for abscesses?
The Sauce can be used topically to help keep infection from the area and make sure the abscess is completely drawn out. It also can be used for any skin fungus issues such as scratches and rain rot.

Wound ointment?
Equilite's Wound Away is a homeopathic Calendula cream for scrapes or cuts and when infection may be a concern. Supports injury to nerves and helps to reduce proud flesh from forming. Contains Calendula, Echinacea, Hypericum and Thiosinaminum in a soothing glycerin and lanolin base.

Animal Health Supplements

How long does one container last?
On average, given the recommended 1 oz. feeding twice per day supplements usually last:
2 lbs - 4-6 weeks
4 lbs. - 8-10 weeks
10lbs - 20-22 weeks

Do I have to give the supplement twice a day?
We recommend twice per day though you can give the supplement once per day (3/4 scoop).

What is the difference between the Relax Blend and the RelaxHer Blend?
Equilite's RelaxHer blend contains all the same ingredients as the regular Relax blend with the addition of two herbs, Wild Lettuce and Black Cohosh. These herbs were specifically added for mare-specific issues.

Can I use Relax and RelaxHer when competing at rated/ recognized shows?
We recommend that you stop using Equilite's Relax products at least 24-48 hours out from a show then while showing using Equilite's Flower Essences, "Mellow Out". Flower Essences are not considered drugs and they will not test. They have no direct impact on the body's biochemistry, as do pharmaceutical and psychoactive drugs. They are non-habit forming, non-toxic remedies with no chance of overdose or side effects. There are no contraindications to any healing modalities or drug protocols. Dressage riders tell us that they get some of their best tests when using Mellow Out, Clear Thinking (focus formula) and Ego Builder (for confidence) together.

Is it safe to use the Relax Products for a long period of time?
We usually suggest to people that they give their animals a break from these products after 6 months or so. You can go off it for 5 days and then start back. Some people prefer to work around their barn schedule. For example; if the barn is closed on Mondays, then they will not use it Sunday night and resume it again on Monday night.

Are there any side effects to be concerned about with the Relax Products?
There have been no reported side effects to date. We do suggest that you follow the usage directions. It can always become problematic should you arbitrarily increase the amount being used. We are conditioned to think that more is better, which is not necessarily the case with supplements. Should you have any questions about the amount you want to use, we suggest you give us a call. We will be more than happy to speak with you about it.

Is the Valerian-Free Relax Blend as effective as the regular Relax Blends?
Valerian Root is a very effective calming herb, however when taken out of Equilite's Relax Blend, we have found the mix to be just as effective. Blue Vervain was selected to replace the Valerian since it works well for calming horses of any gender.

Does the Valerian-Free Relax Blend work as well for mares as the regular RelaxHer Blend?
Yes! Although we cannot guarantee it will work the same for every animal, Equilite's Valerian-Free blend has had significantly favorable results. It includes the herb Blue Vervain, which has been known to help ease moody, agitated mares and settle nervousness.

Is it safe to use the RelaxHer Blend on a pregnant mare?
We advise that you take the pregnant mare off Equilite's RelaxHer blend and switch to one of our Equi Essences, Mellow Out, to help settle the anxious mare. Flower Essences are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy and nursing.

Is it safe to use the RelaxHer Blend on a mare when nursing?
Although we tend to be overly cautious we recommend feeding Equilite's RelaxHer to a nursing mare again when the foal is approximately 3 months old.

Do I use RelaxHer all through the season or just when my mare is in heat?
If your mare is nervous when she is not in heat, then we recommend continued use of Equilite's RelaxHer. Some mares only need it during the spring, or during the winter, and some only when they are in heat. It varies with each animal. After you use it for a few weeks you will be able to determine how you need to use it for your mare. If when you stop she reverts back to the behavior you don't want then put her back on it for another container.

Are herbs safe to use on pregnant mares?
Many herbs are not considered safe during pregnancy. It is best to work with products that are specifically designed for pregnant animals, such as Equilite's Broodmare blend. Broodmare blend is specifically formulated to support and tonify the uterus. Homeopathics and Flower Essences are always a safe option for pregnant animals.

Tell me more about Equilite's Broodmare blend.
Equilite's Broodmare Blend is used based upon the needs of the individual mare. Typically it is started a month or so prior to foaling. Most people will continue using it for a month or so after the mare has foaled. Mares that had problems with foaling and needed some help to tone their uterus might start on Broodmare blend 2-3 months prior to foaling. If a mare throws an unusually large foal and you have concerns that the mare is being depleted of nutrients you might keep her on the Broodmare blend until the foal is weaned.

Do most horses like the taste of the Garli+C?
Equilite's Garli+C is made with cold processed and odor-modified garlic to cope with even the fussiest eaters. Horses that do not like the smell or taste of garlic like our Garli+C!

When to use Garli+C?
Equilite's Garli+C anti-fungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties help support the immune system and upper respiratory tract. It is also a product that is used to support the immune system when there is a systemic infection. Use before shipping long distances, when treating skin fungus, or for upper respiratory conditions. Use throughout the entire year, during the summer to help keep insects away, and for immune and respiratory support.

Supplement for urinary tract infection?
Equilite's Citrus C/Q or the Garli+C Blend.

Which supplements are best for heaves?
Equilite's Equinacea and Citrus C/Q. Citrus C/Q is a blend of Vitamin Cs and Quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, and is commonly used for asthmatic and allergic conditions.

Which supplement is best for allergies?
Both Equilite's Equinacea and Citrus C/Q work well for allergies. If your horse needs immune support against allergies, heaves and hives, and sinus problems we recommend Equililte's Equinacea. It contains Echinacea, Cat's Claw, Osha Root, and Eyebright which all have a long history of use against colds and allergy-type conditions. Garli+C can also be used.

Which herbs are safe to use on pregnant mares for allergy relief?
We recommend Equilite's Citrus C/Q since some herbs in Equinacea can be contraindicated during pregnancy. Citrus C/Q is a blend of Vitamin Cs and Quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, and is commonly used for asthmatic and allergic conditions.

Which products do you recommend for mares?
Tang Kuei is recommended for situations ranging from mares not retaining their foals, to balancing them out with their cycles, to attitude adjustments from crampiness. You should see results as early as 3 days or up to 3 weeks. Recommended dosage (for an average size horse) is 5 tablets in the AM and 5 tablets in the PM. The tablets are very soft so the horses chew them like pelleted feed. You can use Tang Kuei just when your mare is cycling, through the entire spring, or for 6 months. It is not a product that they usually have to live on. We have found that most people will plan on using it for at least 3 months and then evaluate how they want to continue using the product. If your mares gets nervous and edgy we recommend combining it with the RelaxHer blend. The two work well together.

Suggested products for a horse with Navicular or Ringbone?
Equilite's Ani-Motion and Sore No More liniment can help reduce inflammation and pain. Magnetic bell boots are a handy since they help increase circulation.

Products for a horse with arthritis?
Equilite's Ani-Motion helps reduce inflammation and pain. It contains a Devil's Claw/ Yucca blend. Chamomile has been added to the blend to sooth any potential stomach irritation.

What product would I use for ulcers?
We recommend an herbal blend called Ulcerase. It contains Probiotics and herbs that help to ease stomach acid and soothe the stomach lining.

Looking for a product for a horse that bleeds.
Equilite's Bleeders Blend was designed to help strengthen the lung tissue and thereby help to reduce the chances of bleeding. And another product that can be used with Bleeders Blend is Yunnan Payaio, a Chinese herbal blend used the day of racing/competition or a few days before.

Products for Race or Eventing horses?
In addition to Equilite's Bleeders Blend, try Equilite's Garli+C for overall immune and general health, and Equilite's Equinacea for any allergy type symptoms. Equilite's GinZing is wonderful to help enhance energy and provide for better conditioning. However it should not be used during the actual competition. We suggest going off the GinZing 3-5 days prior to actual competition.

How much Vitamin C is in Equilite's Garli+C and Citrus C/Q?
The amount of Vitamin C in Garli+C is 500 mg per serving.
The actual amount of Vitamin C that comes from the Calcium Ascorbate (buffered Vitamin C) is 800 mg per ounce in the Citrus C/Q. The Citrus C/Q is also a bioflavonoid blend and is plant based. The plants may be affected by harvest, soil conditions and weather so the amounts of Vitamin C from the bioflavonoid sources will vary. That is the difference between a natural product and a synthetic pharmacuetical product.

Are your products tested at all?
Yes, multiple times. Each raw ingredient arrives at the manufacturing facility with a Certificate of Analysis. The raw materials are then tested upon arrival to see if there has been any contamination during transport. The raw materials are then blended and once again tested for various types of bacteria or pathogens that could have contaminated the product.

Flower Essences

What are flower essences?
Flower essences are liquid plant preparations that differ from herbal blends in that they are made by infusing only the fresh flower blossoms, under very specific conditions. These essences are potentized remedies, similar to homeopathy. Part of the beauty of flower essences is that they are not drugs. They have no direct impact on the body's biochemistry, as do pharmaceutical and psychoactive drugs. They are non-habit forming, non-toxic remedies with no chance of overdose or side effects. There are no contraindications to any healing modalities or drug protocols. They will not create a testing problem for those animals that are competing or racing.

Are there any problems with using flower essences for show horses and drug testing?
Flower Essences are the right choice when testing is involved as they are NOT contraindicated in any protocols and do NOT test.

Are the essences safe to use if my animal is on medication?
The flower essences are not contraindicated with any medications or herbs so they are safe to use with medications.

Can I use more than one essence at the same time?
Yes, you can use up to three essences at one time.

How do I administer the essences and how much do I give?
Flower Essences are most effective when absorbed by the mucus membranes of the mouth instead of the digestive tract. If there is a way to place the drops directly into the animal's mouth without contaminating the dropper, this is the most effective way to administer the essences. It is least effective to put essences directly on dry food because the essences will evaporate too quickly before being absorbed. For cats, you can put some on their paws and let them lick it off. The easiest way to give the essences is to put (4-8 drops for cats and small animals; 8-12 for dogs and medium animals; and 1/3-1/2 eye dropper full for horses and large animals) into the water bowl or bucket or on half of an apple for horses. Or place drops directly into their mouth or put the drops into a dose syringe, add water and squirt into their mouth (3-5 drops for cats and small animals; 6-8 for dogs and medium animals; and up to 1/3 eye dropper full for horses and large animals). Give for 1 week to 10 days daily then as needed, or up to 3 weeks for chronic issues.

How effective are the essences?
Equilite's essences have a success rate of 90-95% and 80-85% for Crib Ease.

Can other animals that do not need behavioral help drink out of the same water bowl?
Yes, the essence will only affect the animal that needs the behavioral change. It will not affect any other animal and is perfectly safe to use with all animals.

How long is the shelf life of the essences?
The shelf life is 5-7 years, given the essences are not contaminated or subjected to extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold. If the essence is not in use for long periods of time you may want to store it in the refrigerator to ensure preservation.

How do I know if my essence is contaminated?
If there is cloudy debris floating in the bottle when you put it up against the light your essence is contaminated. You should discontinue use of this product.

What may be a cause for contamination of the essence bottle?
If the eyedropper should touch the animal's tongue or come in contact with saliva, or other bacteria it may bring bacteria into the master bottle when you go to close the bottle. If you feel that possibly has occurred, please rinse the eye dropper off prior to closing the bottle.

How long does it take for the essences to begin working?
On average about ½ hour to 1 hour. You should administer the essence at least one half hour before desired results.

How long do the essences last?
Up to 6 hours.

Which products would I use for a dog with anxiety when left alone and what would calm a dog?
We recommend Equilite's Safe Keeping for anxiety and Mellow Out for calming.

Recommended products for a herd-bound and aggressive horse?
Try Equilite's Flower Essence "Weanling Blend" to release the dependency upon the other horses and "Lighten Up/Tone Down" to deal with any aggressive behavior.


Other

My horse is a finicky eater. Are your products palatable?
Equilite's products contain only herbs, no fillers. We do not add sugars or sweeteners. We rely on the taste of the best quality herbs. If a blend has an unpalatable taste then we will add herbs like Chamomile that have a sweet apple like taste to it. If your horse is a finicky eater, we suggest trying shredded carrots or apples, perhaps even an unsweetened applesauce for flavoring. We recommend staying away from sugar products like molasses.

Which herbal supplement should I be giving a horse that doesn't have any known problems?
It is important to make sure that a horse's intestinal integrity is functioning, so we recommend supporting the body with Probiotics as a basic foundation, since horses are continually being barraged with wormers and medications that can leach the good bacteria from their gut. It is also important to make sure that minerals are an important part of your horse's diet. Today our soils are depleted as a result of air and water pollution, so our horses may not be getting proper nutrients. Most chronic deficiencies and ailments are a result of mineral deficiencies. It is important to make sure that a good portion of their minerals are coming from plant based sources. Most minerals come from rock or synthetic sources that may be more difficult for a horse's body to process, absorb and utilize. Since horses are herbivores their internal structure is created to process and utilize plant-based foods.

What makes your herbal supplements better than others on the market?
Equilite takes great pride in formulating blends that are carefully developed and balanced with the horse's overall health in mind. Since domestication horses have been thrown off balance from their normal routine and diet. When horses are not able to graze on pasture because of traveling, being shown, etc., they are in need of natural plants of various types in their diet. Equilite uses only the best human grade quality ingredients without adding unnecessary fillers. You are paying for the highest quality herbs, and because you are getting a straight blend of herbs you do not have to use as much. Equilite stands behind its products.

What can you tell me about your magnetic products?
Equine Magnetic Therapy's magnets are built and tested by horsemen and tested by veterinarians. Since 1987 the magnets have gone through a year or two of testing with professionals before they are put on the market. The magnets are a concentric circle design, looks like a bulls eye and are bipolar. In studies, this magnet has been found to be the most effective when compared to other magnetic products (The Horse Journal). This magnet is the only magnet that has five true double blind studies, all with positive results. A resent study is the Baylor School of Medicine, in Texas. It was done on post polio patients and arthritis. It was 76% positive. No negative results have ever been found even when the magnet has been left on for days at a time. I know you asked about horses, but when it comes to therapy, horses and humans are the same, (blood, skin, cells). The only difference is the horses skin is more sensitive than humans and will blister easier. The magnets are made of breathable materials, except the bell boots, which fit loosely so that air can get to the foot. The magnets are 500 gauss. We spent many years investigating the dangers of static magnets and the only thing we can find that is backed by true scientific results is that one should never put over 1200 gauss on a body unless done so by a professional technician (MRI, etc.). It is safe to leave the magnets on overnight.

Feed mixture for horses.
Oats (60%), barley (30%), and corn (10%).

Oils to include with feed?
Wheat germ (source of Vitamin E) or flax seed oil.

Dosage for homeopathics?
We are told that 10 tablets three times per day is the starting place. However, we strongly suggest that you consult your practitioner for specifics based upon your animal and the animal's actual needs and history.

Support protocol for Lyme's Disease treatment.
A Chinese herb, Astragalus 10 and homeopathic, Ledum.

All-natural dog and cat food.
Here are our picks - Innova, California Naturals, and Wellness.

Products for dogs with liver problems.
Tasha's Herbs: Detoxifier - for cleansing; Immune System Formula - for additional help; Senior Support - for older dogs; and Milk Thistle Seed.

Holistic Vets in my area?
Contact the American Holistic Vet Medical Association at 410-569-0795 or visit their website at www.holisticvetlist.com.

 

Equilite, Inc., 437 Kulp Road, Pottstown, PA 19465
1-800-942-LITE (5483) / Customer Service: 610-326-6480 / Fax: 610-326-6481 / E-Mail : info@equilite.com
Copyright © Equilite, Inc. 2003-2008