SUSAN George, the actress best known for her role in Straw Dogs, has launched a range of therapeutic essential oil and homoeopathic remedies for horses.

George and her husband Simon MacCorkindale run a film production company, AMY International, and an Arabian stud farm from their home on the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border.

For the past six years, however, the actress has spent a considerable amount of time in her kitchen, creating formulas, testing and refining the all-natural products that make up The Stable Collection in her Susan George Naturally line.

The nine products are based on herbs, oils and plant extracts including aloe vera, rosemary, arnica and jojoba oil. She has dedicated the venture to her sister, Pamela, who lived with the couple and who died in 1998.

"Pam was an asthmatic and used essential oils regularly," George said. "She was so supportive in my belief in the power of homoeopathy and was my total inspiration for the products I started to design.

"I put together a highly qualified team - pharmacists, essential oil experts, homoeopathic vets, and researchers to further test and produce the range. When I launched it I thought it a fitting tribute to my sister."

George became interested in homoeopathy about 20 years ago when she was treated with alternative medicines for a sulphur allergy when living in Los Angeles. "I had become disillusioned with traditional medicine and its side effects," she said.

"It was the beginning of the Eighties and I was suffering constantly with minor ailments; sore throats and infections. I was tested for allergies, which was a bit of a new wave thought back then. The sulphur allergy was diagnosed and treated with sulphur. Like with like, the cornerstone of all homoeophathy. The problem was solved."

It was not until George and her husband returned to live in Britain a decade ago and she began breeding Irish Setter dogs and Arab horses that she began using homoeopathic remedies on her animals. "I always practised in consultation with vets and the results were phenomenal," she said. "Animals offer the undeniable proof of homoeopathy.

"They can't speak to you and you can't precondition them so you can only judge on their reactions. Horses are particularly sensitive and responsive to essential oils and that's why these treatments are so effective."

The Susan George Naturally salves, shampoos and recover sprays have already received favourable reviews from those who have tried and tested them within the equine world and they have been endorsed by homoeopathic veterinary surgeons.

One product "Revive", which is an "emotional balancer" for horses in times of stress, is a combination of flower remedies, which work for both humans and animals. Another "The Salve" is designed to treat cuts and abrasions.

Three years ago, George, who has continued to appear in films and television dramas, became the honorary president of the Horse of the Year Show, held at Wembley every September. An Arab breeder of note, she is regarded as a vital figure in the show's popularity and success.