Can You Still Buy Bell Drops Today?

Bell drops, also known as Dr. Bells or Dr. Daniel’s B.E.L.L. drops, were a popular veterinary colic remedy for horses in the past. Containing extracts of the poisonous plants belladonna and aconite, bell drops have a controversial history. While some horse owners swore by their effectiveness, the unsafe toxicity of the ingredients also caused hesitation. In this article, we’ll look at what bell drops were, their disputed benefits and risks, and whether you can still purchase these old-fashioned colic drops today.

What Were Bell Drops?

Dr, AC Daniel’s B,E,L,L, drops were a liquid antispasmodic medication marketed for horses in the early to mid-1900s, The product contained tinctures derived from two poisonous medicinal plants

• Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also called deadly nightshade
• Aconite (Aconitum napellus), also known as monkshood or wolfsbane

In small doses, compounds in these plants can relieve muscle cramps and spasms. Bell drops were administered orally to horses as a home remedy for mild colic signs or as an antispasmodic before transport to calm anxiety.

Recommended dosing was 5-15 drops per dose, up to 3 times daily. Despite the hazardous nature of the ingredients, bell drops were popular for decades as a kind of folk cure used by farmers and horsemen.

Controversy Over Effectiveness and Safety

Opinions on bell drops have always been mixed Many users firmly believed the drops quickly alleviated early colic episodes and calmed nervous horses However, there was no scientific evidence the products actually worked as claimed. Some thought any benefits were just a placebo effect.

The bigger controversy was over the safety of giving horses extracts of such toxic plants. Belladonna and aconite contain powerful alkaloids that can kill in high enough doses. An incorrect dose could be fatal, especially in miniature horses or foals. Unlike regulated pharmaceuticals, the variable potency and purity of herbals also raised risks.

While proponents felt the dangers were overblown if used carefully, skeptics argued the inherent toxicity and lack of proof of efficacy made bell drops too risky to justify their use. The drops fell out of favor as vets began promoting safer, proven medications.

Are Bell Drops Still Sold Today?

Despite the warnings over their safety, bell drops continued to be produced and marketed for horses for over a century. However, due to increasing restrictions on the use of poisonous botanical ingredients like belladonna and aconite, Dr. Daniel’s B.E.L.L. drops and most other products containing these plants are no longer sold today.

There are a few reasons bell drops have been discontinued:

• Research demonstrated significant toxicity risks from the plant components
• Lack of scientific evidence showing bell drops effectively or consistently treated colic
• Safer pharmaceutical options for colic and calming nerves in horses developed
• Regulations prohibiting hazardous botanical components in animal products

While no longer commercially available, some people may still have old bottles of bell drops purchased decades ago when they were still produced. But veterinarians strongly advise against using any remaining stock, due to the dangers of these unregulated, outdated products.

There are also no approved, legal sources to acquire bell drops today. Any products with the same name found online would be suspect knock-offs, not the original formulation. As regulations tightened on the use of deadly nightshade and monkshood extracts in veterinary medicine, the original Dr. Daniel’s B.E.L.L. drops and most brands of bell drops were gradually pulled from shelves.

Safer Options for Horses Available Today

Though bell drops were once a popular colic and calming remedy, the consensus now is they posed too many risks to horses. Thankfully, there are many safer options veterinarians can prescribe or recommend today for the same purposes:

• For mild colic or digestive discomfort – probiotics, gut health supplements, or proven antispasmodics like Buscopan®

• For anxiousness or tension – sedatives like Acepromazine, or natural calming supplements

• For severe colic – intravenous pharmaceutical muscle relaxants like Buscopan® or scopolamine

Unlike the controversial bell drops, these modern options have known mechanisms of action and standardized potencies, so their effects are predictable and consistent. While bell drops may hold nostalgia for some, asking your vet for an appropriate, legal alternative is far better for your horse’s safety.

The Bottom Line on Bell Drops Today

Dr. Daniel’s B.E.L.L drops were a veterinary medicine used for decades despite unproven benefits and toxicity concerns. Containing the poisonous herbs belladonna and aconite, the risks of improper dosing likely outweighed any advantages. While some may claim bell drops cured their horse’s colic, there’s no scientific evidence they worked as well as safer modern medicines.

Due to the hazards of the unregulated ingredients, bell drops were taken off the market many years ago. They can no longer be legally or safely purchased today. Instead of trying to source these obsolete, dangerous products, always consult your vet to discuss more reliable options for any issues bell drops were once touted to treat. Your horse’s wellbeing is worth using remedies proven effective by research, not just folklore.