As horse people look for a more holistic approach to equine health management, they are beginning to realise the value of traditional herbs. The movement within human health care to look for more natural ways to manage health is following strongly into animal care. Animal carers are realising that chemicals are not the answer to all ailments and as such they are looking for a more natural approach in caring for their best friends. Herbs, Tissue Salts, Flower Essences and Natural Nutrition combine to rebalance the biology of the horse and, used in conjunction with veterinary care, assist in prevention and treatment of ill health.
Specific herbal mixtures ensure you are not paying for herbs not required by your horse, and as the issue is being directly targeted you may get results in a relatively short period of time.
Horses are herbivores, so what better way to care for their health than through the use of herbs.
Herbs have traditionally been used in the management of equine health as part of the pasture in the form of hedge rows, dried herbs added to feed, herbal teas added to both feed and drinking water and tinctures administered in the same way or directly into the mouth.
Why use Herbs for my horse?
"Why should I use natural herbs on my horse?" and the answer to that is simply - If we want to restore balance in our lives, then we need to look to what nature can offer us. The present day farmer has been educated to consider disease as inevitable and the only scientific cure as being in the artificial remedies of the modern veterinary surgeon."
We have forgotten that horses used to protect themselves naturally by foraging on herbs in the wild. By feeding herbs to your horses, you can help bring that balance of nature back.
Since time began, the benefits of natural herbs on our health has been studied, documented and accepted but somehow in the modern age we seem to have lost sight of this. Why not join the ever-growing number of people who are rediscovering the natural power of herbs for both themselves and their animals.
• Horses can easily become stressed and prone to disease just like humans.
• Our pastures are often depleted of nutrients through the overuse of chemicals or the lack of proper management.
• Horses no longer have access to a wide variety of herbs and other plants through normal grazing.
There is much you can do to help improve your horse's diet.
• Herbal supplements help to provide these natural foods for your horse and in turn allow your horse's body to maintain optimum health.
Different Herbs For Different Reasons
Chamomile creates a warm, comforting sense of well being, used to heal and relieve so many kinds of ills and especially popular for it's ability to calm the nerves and soothe cramps, aches and stomach pains.
(Caution: Chamomile can cause the opposite effect if taken in excess and will end up causing the pain or restlessness if overused. So as with most things in life, keep to the recommended doses and if unsure feel free to contact us with your questions).
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common cause of painful stiffness of the joints. It is caused by an inflammation of the joints and usually seen in the older horse due to general wear and tear.
Pain can also be due to the build up of toxins in the joints. Herbs can provide relief by cleansing the toxins from the body as well as by their natural pain killing properties. Devils Claw has proven to be highly effective in German studies for its anti-inflammatory nature and White Willow bark and Meadowsweet are both considered natural aspirin providing general pain relief.
With arthritis it is also important to reduce the acidity in the body. This can be helped with Meadowsweet which is said to neutralise the acid in the stomach. Brookby Herbs' Free Mover blend contains Devil's Claw, White Willow bark, Meadowsweet and Nettles and is effective in providing relief to the older horse.
(Caution: Devil's Claw should not be fed to pregnant mares or horses with gastric ulcers.)
Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever
This is a general, year round allergy to dust, pollens and pollution. Symptoms include sneezing, asthma like wheezing and blocked sinuses.
Recommended herbs are: Eyebright, plantain, boneset. If there is a thick nasal discharge then some useful herbs to try are Echinacea, marshmallow, garlic and thyme. Brookby Herbs' Echinacea Organic Plus is useful to help fight infection.
Asthma
Asthma usually starts with an allergy to pollens and dust and causes shortness of breath and wheezing.
This condition is often a result of the quality of air and effects the horses respiratory system in much the same way as it does humans. It is often the body's immune system overreacting to external irritants such as pollens, dust, spores and even pollutants from cars.
Allergies are treated long term either by reducing contact with the allergens if they are known and by reducing the bodies over-sensitivity. Symptoms can range from wheezy cough, head shaking, difficulty in breathing, lethargy and general distress.
If you know your horse is prone to allergic reactions, it can be helpful to treat with antihistamine type herbs 3 - 4 weeks leading up to the troublesome season, but it needs to be treated well before the start. You will need proper diagnosis from a vet or herbalist for treatment but in the case of mild asthma you can try the following herbs to ease the breathing. Nettles, Echinacea, thyme, crampbark.
Colic
If you suspect your horse has colic you should call a vet immediately. They will be able to administer muscle relaxants that are critical, as colic can be fatal in horses.
Colic can be caused by a number of things such as nervous stress and parasites. If it is an extreme case of worms then you need to consult your vet. In the case of nervous tension then herbs such as Valerian, Chamomile and Vervain can be very helpful in relaxing the nerves and tension in the gut. Brookby Herb's Herbal Calmer may be appropriate for this condition.
Want to feed your horses treats which they love and are good for them too?
APPLES are the number one fruit fed to horses as a treat. Like carrots, they are a good source of Potassium, vitamin C, and Complex Carbohydrates. Not only do they taste good but they contain Flavonoids, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that have antioxidant properties.
BREWER'S YEAST is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. It contains Calcium, Methionine, Chromium, PABA, B Complex, and Potassium to name a few. It also contains all the essential Amino Acids needed for complete Protein utilization. Brewer's Yeast is a valuable addition to any conditioning program.
CARROTS are the number one vegetable fed to horses as a treat. They are a rich source of vitamin A which is important for healthy skin and eyes. Carrots are a good source of Potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates.
FENUGREEK seed is an appetizing herb that can be used for conditioning the body and hooves. Its rich vitamin content makes it an excellent tonic.
CALENDULA aides in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It is useful for liver conditions and so could be helpful with things like arthritis and laminitis.
CHAMOMILE is used to relieve anxiety and restlessness, while aiding digestion. Chamomile is high in B vitamins and is a bit of a cure all.
GARLIC is an amazing herb. It has been used for everything from fighting infections, cough and inflammation to aiding the circulatory system to fly control. And garlic is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
GINSENG is an adaptogen. It can strengthen both physically and mentally the ability to manage stress. Ginseng also improves resistance to infection and is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Iron, and Calcium.
HAWTHORN adds PABA, which aides in the metabolism of protein and 19 important Bioflavonoids which can improve circulation, normalize blood pressure, and cause blood vessel to become stronger and more flexible. It also adds B vitamins, Iron, and potassium.
HOPS are a soothing and relaxing herb, which can help to relieve flatulence. It adds B vitamins.
LEMON BALM is relaxing and helpful for improving the digestive system and relieving flatulence. Lemon Balm has a high mineral content including Iron, Calcium, and Potassium.
NETTLE is loaded with minerals, especially Iron. Nettle is especially helpful for improving the condition of the hair coat.
PARSLEY is a dark, leafy green herb that is high in vitamins A and C, and in iron, magnesium and potassium. It has been used as a tonic and to aid digestion. It is a good "pick me up" food.
PEPPERMINT aids digestion, has a wonderful aroma and taste. It is soothing to the stomach.
ROSEHIPS can strengthen and condition hooves and connective tissues. They are also a good tonic for liver based ailments, are high in vitamin C, and can help build a barrier against infection.
Although Nature provides the wild horse with beneficial herbs at just the right time, domestic horses require our initiative if they are to enjoy the health of their wild ancestors.
