Eczema in horses: Natural solutions with black cumin and zeolite

1. Introduction and background: Sweet itch in horses and the role of mosquitoes

Sweet itch is a common skin condition that affects many horses. It is an allergic reaction to the saliva of mosquitoes, particularly the Culicoides species. These mosquitoes are particularly common in warm regions and are often found during the summer months. The condition causes severe itching, skin redness, swelling, hair loss, and open wounds in affected horses.

The mosquito bites trigger an allergic reaction in the horse's immune system, leading to inflammation and skin irritation. Some horse breeds, such as Shetland ponies and Icelandic horses, are more susceptible to sweet itch due to genetic predisposition.

In recent years, the use of black cumin and zeolite has emerged as a potential solution for relieving the symptoms of sweet itch in horses. Black cumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, while zeolite can help detoxify the body and support the immune system.

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the use of black cumin and zeolite pellets and explain how they can help reduce the symptoms of sweet itch and improve your horse's well-being. We'll also offer tips for preventing sweet itch and share stories from horse owners who have successfully used these natural approaches.

Stay tuned to learn more about the benefits and proper use of black seed and zeolite pellets for treating sweet itch in horses!

2. Sweet itch in horses: causes, symptoms and effects

Sweet itch, also known as summer itch or summer dermatitis , is a dermatological condition that affects horses. It is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of certain mosquito species, particularly Culicoides mosquitoes . These mosquitoes are known for their small, stinging bites, which trigger a hypersensitive immune response in some horses.

The causes of sweet itch are varied. Genetic predisposition is thought to play a role, as certain horse breeds are more sensitive to mosquito bites. In addition, environmental factors such as high humidity, warm temperatures, and a high number of mosquitoes in the environment can increase the risk of sweet itch.

The symptoms of sweet itch are usually unmistakable. The most common include severe itching, skin redness, swelling, hair loss , and the appearance of open sores . Horses with sweet itch tend to rub themselves excessively, which can lead to further skin injury. The itching and skin irritation can cause significant discomfort for the horse and even lead to infection if the skin is damaged.

The impact of sweet itch on a horse's well-being can be significant. In addition to the obvious physical discomfort, sweet itch can also lead to stress, irritability, and behavioral changes . The constant distraction caused by itching and restlessness can negatively impact a horse's concentration and performance. Therefore, it is important to take effective measures to alleviate symptoms and improve the horse's quality of life.

In the next section of our blog, we will take a closer look at the potential benefits of black seed and zeolite in treating sweet itch in horses.

Our solution for summer eczema:

Combination of organic black cumin and zeolite - our answer to customer requests

Steinkraft has developed an innovative solution that combines the benefits of organic black cumin and zeolite, creating the ultimate supplement for horses. With Steinkraft Black Cumin Zeolite Powder, you no longer need to feed black cumin and zeolite separately. This unique powder offers the optimal combination of both ingredients in a convenient and effective form.

Organic black cumin (pomace), rich in valuable ingredients such as essential oils and fatty acids, is carefully combined with high-quality zeolite. Zeolite is known for its detoxifying and immune-supporting properties. This innovative blend creates a product that not only promotes the horse's well-being but also provides effective protection against sweet itch and mosquitoes. The Steinkraft Black Cumin and Zeolite feed supplement allows you to easily provide your horse with high-quality, holistic care. Say goodbye to separate feed supplements and discover the power of the combined Steinkraft Zeolite and Black Cumin powder – for a healthy and happy horse.

3. What are other natural methods to treat sweet itch?

In addition to using black cumin and zeolite, there are other natural methods that can help treat sweet itch in horses. Here are some of them:

1. Dietary adjustments : Diet plays an important role in the treatment of sweet itch. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can strengthen the immune system and support skin health. It is recommended to choose feeds low in sugar and carbohydrates, as increased sugar intake can increase the risk of inflammation and allergies. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E can also be helpful. Consult a veterinarian or nutritionist to develop a suitable diet for your horse.

2. Skin Care : Good skin care is crucial for relieving the symptoms of sweet itch. Regularly washing the affected areas with mild, hypoallergenic shampoos or specialized skin care products can help remove dirt and allergens. It's important to dry the skin thoroughly afterward to prevent moisture buildup. Applying soothing and moisturizing lotions or ointments can also help relieve itching. We recommend Zeolite Skin Powder with Organic Lavender.
Easy to use, 100% natural.

3. Insect protection : Since sweet itch is caused by mosquito bites, effective insect protection is crucial. Use insect repellents specifically formulated for horses to repel mosquitoes. Tight-mesh fly sheets can also help prevent mosquitoes from entering. Ensure you regularly clear stalls and pastures of standing water and use other mosquito-repelling measures to reduce the mosquito population. And start using zeolite bedding in the stable as well .
The high-quality feed lime with zeolite and organic herbs reduces flies and mosquitoes even in the stable.

4. Homeopathic or herbal preparations : There are various homeopathic or herbal preparations that can help relieve itching and inflammation. These include aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, or calendula ointment. However, it's important to only use such products after consulting a veterinarian or naturopathic practitioner to ensure they are suitable for your horse and will not cause any unwanted side effects.

5. Stress management : Stress can worsen the symptoms of sweet itch. A stress-free environment and good care can help reduce stress in your horse. Regular exercise, grazing, social interaction with other horses, and a calm atmosphere in the stable can help improve your horse's well-being.

"My horses spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, so I feed them zeolite black cumin powder. Since then, their sweet itch has disappeared, and they're much less prone to flies and horseflies. Great product." *****
Roland Münster

"Dodo was given the black cumin zeolite pellets, and we noticed a positive effect on his coat. That is, his coat is shinier and less dull."

What is black cumin and how does it work for horses?

Black cumin, also known as Nigella sativa, is a plant native to various parts of the world, particularly the Middle East. Black cumin seeds have been used for many centuries in both cooking and traditional medicine. They are rich in essential oils, proteins, fatty acids, and various other bioactive compounds.

Black seed oil is widely used as a nutritional supplement for horses, particularly in the treatment of sweet itch. It has a variety of potential health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-allergic properties.

The anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin can help reduce the inflammatory response in the skin associated with sweet itch. It can soothe itching, reduce skin redness and swelling, and help reduce chafing and skin damage.

In addition, black seed oil can also have an immunomodulatory effect by supporting and strengthening the horse's immune system. This can help reduce the immune system's overreaction to mosquito bites and thus alleviate the allergic reactions that cause sweet itch.

It's important to note that while black seed can be helpful for many horses, reactions and results may vary from individual to individual. Therefore, it's advisable to begin using black seed oil in consultation with a veterinarian or naturopathic practitioner and observe your horse's reactions.

Black cumin keeps mosquitoes away

A notable feature of black seed is its ability to emit a scent that repels mosquitoes. While the oil has a pleasant and spicy smell to humans, mosquitoes don't seem to like this scent at all. It's as if the black seed creates a natural barrier that repels these pesky insects. This fragrant shield can be used by horses to protect themselves from the annoying mosquito bites that cause sweet itch. It's amazing to watch the horses emit a subtle hint of this unique aroma, creating an aura of defense around them. This natural defense against mosquitoes makes black seed oil a promising solution for horse owners who want to protect their beloved four-legged friends from the agonizing itching and symptoms of sweet itch.

Please note that experiences with the smell of black seed oil and its effect on mosquitoes can vary from horse to horse. It's possible that the smell may be perceived slightly differently from horse to horse. It's recommended to observe your horse's reactions. Steinkraft also offers smaller sample packs. Order now and try this wonderful product.

Order a 4kg bucket now, it will last you about 2 months.

Experience reports with black cumin zeolite powder for summer eczema

Lisa M.:

"I struggled with my mare's sweet itch for years.

The symptoms were truly excruciating for her—constant chafing, itching, and inflamed skin. I tried everything, but nothing seemed to really help until I came across the black seed and zeolite pellets. I was skeptical, but I wanted to leave nothing untried. So I started giving my mare a daily dose of black seed and zeolite. Within a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement. Her itching subsided, her skin became soothed, and the inflammation healed. Since then, I've continued the treatment, and my mare's sweet itch is significantly under control. I'm so grateful for these natural solutions that offer her so much relief."

Tim B.:

"My gelding struggled with sweet itch every year and I was really desperate.

Conventional treatment methods only brought limited success, and I didn't want to constantly give my horse strong medication. I decided to try a natural approach and came across Steinkraft and the black cumin zeolite powder. I started adding it to my horse's feed daily and sprinkling zeolite powder on the affected skin areas. I was amazed at the results! My horse's sweet itch became less intense, and the itching symptoms were significantly reduced. It was a relief to see my horse finally find peace and enjoy the summer months again. I highly recommend this mixture for treating sweet itch in horses."

Tanja E.:

"After 10 years the first summer CEILING-FREE

It's every horse owner's goal to do something good for their beloved horses during the mosquito-ridden summer months. I'm one of the proud owners of a Friesian mare, who is known to have serious problems with sweet itch. They only come blanketed during the summer, and that's a real nuisance and anything but relaxing. Last year, at the beginning of May, I started a treatment with Steinkraft's black cumin zeolite pellets, and I can honestly say that for the first time in 10 years, my horse has gone without a summer blanket. It's not that there are no bites at all, but they were within limits and there were no open sores. It was manageable, and the horse was happy to be a horse over the summer. This year, we started using black cumin zeolite pellets with all our horses at the end of April. For my Friesian mare, I combined them with Steinkraft's zeolite skin powder , which I applied to the crest of her mane and the tip of her tail. It has a soothing effect, both internally and externally. I also highly recommend using zeolite bedding, as it keeps black flies, flies, and anything else that flies and crawls at bay in the stable. It's a good all-round package for a happy horse throughout the summer."

Definitely better coat health.

"Dodo has been given the black cumin zeolite pellets, and we've noticed a positive effect on his coat. His coat is shinier and less dull. The pellets have also helped him tremendously through his coat change, especially now from winter to summer. And he doesn't shed as much anymore. Therefore, not as much hair is breaking off his tail. And he's grown a bit more mane."

Effects of pesticides in black seed oil

When choosing black cumin products for our horses, organic quality is of utmost importance. Pesticides and chemical residues in conventionally grown black cumin can trigger allergic reactions and disrupt the delicate balance of the horse's body. At Steinkraft, we place great importance on using organic black cumin pomace. Organic farming ensures that the black cumin is produced without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals. This guarantees pure and unadulterated quality, which is crucial for the health of our horses. With Steinkraft Black Cumin Zeolite Pellets, you can rest assured that you are giving your horse a product of the highest quality, free from pesticide residues and optimally utilizing the natural benefits of black cumin. Choose organic quality and ensure your horse benefits from the best ingredients – for healthy, allergen-free care.

Naturopaths repeatedly tell me about medicinal herbs and so-called superfoods that then trigger allergies in horses. They want to do something good, but the opposite is the case. The pesticides disrupt the harmony of the horse's body, and perhaps it's actually a positive reaction from the animal, saying: "That's not so good for me. You can see I'm allergic to it."

How do you dose Steinkraft black cumin zeolite powder?

The dosage of Steinkraft Black Cumin Zeolite Powder depends on the horse's weight. It is usually mixed into the horse's regular feed daily as a supplement. Some horses need to be given it gently, while others simply eat it with pleasure.

Our tip: we have small sample containers (100g) - here you can try them out and see if they suit your taste.

How long does it take to see results when using Steinkraft Black Seed Zeolite Powder?

Results may vary, as each horse is unique. Some horses respond very quickly to the powder and show improvement in symptoms after just a few weeks. For other horses, it may take a little longer for the positive effects to become visible. It is recommended to administer the powder continuously over a longer period of time to achieve optimal results and also to build up a depot in the body.

Can Steinkraft black cumin zeolite powder be safely given together with mineral feed?

In general, Steinkraft Black Cumin Zeolite Pellets are well-tolerated and can usually be given without any problems alongside mineral feed. However, it is recommended to consider the total dosage of the supplements and consult a veterinarian if necessary. Every horse has individual needs, so it is important to consider specific requirements and possible interactions with other supplements.

Since when has black cumin been used for horses?

The use of black seed oil for horses has a long history, dating back centuries. Black seed oil was already used in traditional medicine in ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East to treat various health problems.

There is no precise information about who discovered black seed oil specifically for horses, as the use of black seed oil in veterinary medicine is based on experience and tradition. Over time, horse owners and grooms have recognized the positive effects of black seed oil on the health and well-being of their horses and used it as a natural supplement to support the immune system, maintain skin health, and treat various ailments.

Today, black seed oil is used by many horse owners and veterinarians as a natural alternative to support the health and specific needs of horses.

At Steinkraft, we use organic black cumin pomace to produce our HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Black Cumin Powder. The pomace still contains all the valuable black cumin ingredients, but it no longer contains any oil that could go rancid. We think that's great!

Do you also think that Steinkraft black cumin zeolite powder can help your horse with sweet itch or even prevent it?

Order now >>>

"Camelot has been taking Steinkraft's black cumin zeolite powder for three months, and his sweet itch has significantly improved. It's not completely gone, but it's much, much less. He'll always get this black cumin zeolite powder from now on. At least during the warmer months. Definitely." *****
B. Wasenhof

💚 What studies say about black cumin and zeolite – simply explained and for better understanding

🟢 1. Black cumin helps with skin problems – even in cats with allergic skin

In a small study involving 10 cats suffering from severe itching and skin inflammation, a herbal cream containing black cumin and turmeric was applied twice daily. After just three weeks, all skin problems were significantly improved— itching and sores disappeared almost completely .
📚 Source: Ural K. et al. (2019), DOI: 10.9775/kvfd.2018.21260

🟢 2. Thymoquinone – the active ingredient in black cumin – calms allergic reactions

In a mouse study, the main active ingredient in black cumin, thymoquinone , was tested on atopic dermatitis (comparable to sweet itch). The skin became calmer, swelling subsided, and allergic messengers in the blood decreased.
👉 The effect was similar to that of a strong medication – but in a natural way.
📚 Source: Aslam H. et al. (2018), DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.07.013

🟢 3. Black seed oil protects against mosquitoes – in an animal study as effective as cortisone

In a study on rats with allergic sneezing (comparable to mosquito sensitivity), black seed oil worked almost as well as a cortisone nasal spray – only natural.
👉 The signs of inflammation decreased significantly and over 85% of the animals no longer had an allergic reaction .
📚 Source: Gül R. et al. (2022), DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2022.09.003

🟩 4. Zeolite for horses – more silicon, stronger bones

Zeolite was tested as a silicon source in several studies on young horses. Result:
– The silicon level in the blood increased significantly.
– Bone density has been improved , which is especially helpful for young or training horses.
👉 Horses with zeolite in their feed were less likely to be injured during training.
📚 Sources:
Frey et al. (1992), DOI: 10.1016/S0737-0806(06)81335-3
Nielsen et al. (1993), DOI: 10.1016/S0737-0806(06)81526-1

🟩 5. Zeolite gently detoxifies – in cows, pigs and dogs

Zeolite (especially clinoptilolite ) is used in animal husbandry to relieve stress on animals' bodies. Studies show:
– Zeolite can bind mold toxins in the feed so that they do not enter the body.
– In cows, for example, the toxin aflatoxin in milk fell by over 50% .
– Less diarrhea and improved blood values ​​were observed in pigs and dogs.
📚 Sources:
Katsoulos et al. (2016), DOI: 10.1186/s40781-016-0106-4
Šperanda et al. (2006), DOI: 10.2298/AVB0603121S

🟩 6. Zeolite strengthens the immune system – without any additives

Studies on piglets showed more white blood cells and a stronger immune system when clinoptilolite was used. The animals were more resistant to germs and thrived better.
📚 Source: Valpotić et al. (2016), DOI: 10.17221/175/2015-VETMED

🟩 7. Zeolite also heals the skin – even burns

In a veterinary practice, clinoptilolite powder was sprinkled on injuries and burns in dogs .
👉 The wounds healed faster, remained clean and the skin regenerated completely , even in cases of severe injuries.
📚 Source: Bedrica et al. (2003), Veterinary Case Documentation

💬 Conclusion for your horse care

Studies clearly show:
✅ Black cumin has an anti-allergic effect, soothes the skin and keeps mosquitoes away – thanks to its delicate scent that only insects can detect.
✅ Zeolite detoxifies the body, strengthens bones and the immune system and can support the skin from within.

If you start early (preferably in spring), you will build up a reserve of natural protection – for a carefree summer.