Strange but True: The weirdest Herbal Remedies Used in Animal Care

In herbal remedies, chamomile is recognized for its calming effects and peppermint for aiding digestion. However, some historical and even contemporary animal herbal treatments are so peculiar they seem plucked from a witch’s spellbook. Below are some of animal care's strangest, most unexpected, and surprisingly effective herbal remedies.

1. Onion Juice for Hoof Rot

Now, we all know onions are a big NO for dogs, but in the horse world, onion juice has been used for centuries as a treatment for hoof rot and abscesses. The strong antibacterial properties supposedly help clear out infection. Imagine your horse standing there with its hoof dipped in onion juice… smelling like a bad burger topping. 

Verdict? Some swear by it, but modern antiseptics are probably a better (and less smelly) option.

2. Tobacco for Worms

Before commercial dewormers, people used dried tobacco leaves to “naturally” rid horses and dogs of parasites. The nicotine was believed to paralyze and expel worms. The downside? Nicotine is actually toxic to animals in high doses, so while some worms may have met their doom, a few unfortunate animals did as well.

Verdict? Hard pass. Dewormers exist for a reason.

 

3. Cow Dung Poultices for Wounds

Yes, you read that right. In old-school veterinary medicine, fresh cow manure was sometimes packed onto wounds and abscesses to “draw out infection” and reduce swelling. The logic? Fermented plant material in the cow’s gut had beneficial bacteria. The reality? You’re literally smearing poop on an open wound. 

Verdict? Nope. Just nope. Use actual wound cleansers.

 

4. Blueberries for Eye Infections

Long before antibiotic eye drops, healers would use blueberry or bilberry tea to wash out infected eyes in horses and dogs. Bilberries are loaded with antioxidants and help improve circulation, so some people still use them for equine moon blindness or eye inflammation today.

Verdict? Surprisingly solid. Just… maybe don’t replace your vet’s advice with a blueberry smoothie.

 

5. Spiders for Warts

People used to rub live spiders onto warts and skin growths on horses. The idea was that the spider’s venom would help shrink the wart. If that wasn’t weird enough, some old texts say the spider had to be kept in a bag around the horse’s neck until the wart disappeared.

Verdict? WHY?! Just use thuja or apple cider vinegar. No need for spider trauma.

 

6. Beer for Colic

Before we had modern colic treatments, some horse owners swore by giving their colicky horse a pint of beer (usually dark ale like a nice Guiness). The idea was that the yeast and carbonation helped break up gas and relax the gut. And let’s be real, the horse probably enjoyed it.

Verdict? Not the worst idea for mild gas colic, but stick to vet-approved remedies—your horse doesn’t need a drinking problem.

 

7. Pig Fat for Hoof Growth

A bizarre but historically common practice was rubbing pig fat (lard) onto horse hooves to encourage growth and prevent cracks. Some horsemen even fed small amounts of bacon grease to encourage a shinier coat. Bacon for beauty? Sure.

Verdict? Kind of makes sense, but modern hoof oils and balanced nutrition are better choices.

 

8. Bear Grease for Joint Pain

Way back when, people used to rub bear fat or bear grease onto stiff joints in both horses and dogs. They believed it had warming and anti-inflammatory properties. Sounds cool, but also… WHERE WERE THEY GETTING ALL THIS BEAR FAT?!

Verdict? Effective? Maybe. Ethical? Not really. Just use arnica or devil’s claw.

 

9. Rotten Wood for Worms

Some herbalists used to feed animals rotting wood to help kill parasites. The fungi and tannins in decomposing wood were thought to have natural anthelmintic (worm-killing) properties. They were giving their animals moldy sticks as medicine.

Verdict? It sounds sketchy, but some medicinal mushrooms like chaga and reishi have actual anti-parasitic benefits. Maybe they weren’t entirely wrong?

 

Final Thoughts

Herbal medicine has come a LONG way from the days of spider-rubbing and poop-poultices. While some of these weird remedies had real science behind them, others were just desperate guesses that make us grateful for modern vet care.

Want to use herbs that actually work (and don’t involve live spiders or cow poop)? Check out our herbal blends for horses and dogs—formulated with real knowledge, not medieval guesswork!

Shop Now at www.spacecoyoteconnections.com for expertly crafted herbal formulas to support gut health, hoof strength, joint mobility, and more—without the weirdness!