Herbs

Beetroot Powder

Beetroot contains folate, potassium and manganese. It is believed the red pigmentation contains certain anti-cancer agents and beetroot has been used in the treatment of cancer for some years. Beetroot is also hepatoprotective.

In animal tests, it has been used effectively to keep fat from depositing in the liver, due probably to the herb’s concentration of betaine. Indian medicine has long used it as a treatment for coughs and infections.

The root contains about a tenth portion of pure sugar, which is one of the glucoses or fruit sugars, which is very wholesome. Softer than cane sugar, it does not crystallize as well as the latter, and unlike cane sugar, the sugar present in beetroot is already in a more easily assimilated form, thus making the beet a valuable food.

Burdock

Burdock Root is classed as a bitter herb that will stimulate your horses digestive system. Burdock has a mild diaphoretic action which assists in eliminating any build-up of toxins via the skin and disperses excess nervous energy in a hot horse

Calendula

Dried Herb make up as a tea:- Great as an antiseptic wash or ointment, for cuts and wounds of all kinds.  Removes inflammation, prevents scarring and restores nerve function.  Not to be used internally unless on strict professional advice.

Celery Seeds

These are excellent for horses suffering with arthritis or are prone to tying up.

It is also a mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic with warming effects so it is great for horses that have suffered a chill in the kidneys and often feel the cold.

Chamomile

Used as a sedative for reducing nervous tension or excitement. Can be swabable if being tested for. Can increase quantity prior to competition or if horse is extremely nervous.

Chastree Berry

Used to treat mares that exhibit great discomfort and erratic, bitchy behavior when they are in season but have a normal cycle pattern.

Treatment is usually only required for one cycle.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of the healthiest, most nutrient dense foods on earth, and are especially great for horses. Chia seeds can be used as a natural replacement for many supplements because they already contain many of the same nutrients. As a natural product, chia seeds are more palatable for horses and easier to digest.

Below are some of the nutritional properties found in chia:

• Chia seeds are the highest naturally occurring source of Omega-3 fatty acids, with a 3:1 ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s.
• Chia's oil is 63% Omega-3, greater than flaxseed oil (58%), and menhaden fish oil (29%).
• Chia seeds are a rich source of Vitamin B, with a higher niacin content than corn, rice, and even soy.
• Chia seeds are a great source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper

Clivers

Very high in silica, useful lymphatic system stimulant and an antiseptic herb for geldings and stallions for resolving infection in the genito-urinary tract.

Use internally on professional advice as there are many herbs to treat the urinary system.

Comfrey Leaves

Used for healing, which is high in vitamin B12.

Very good for healing injuries to bones, tendons, cartilage, soft tissue, ulcers and wounds.

Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion is an alternative herb, liver tonic and cleanser, improves the metabolism, balances digestion and is also tonic for kidneys, spleen and bladder.

It is high in Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium and is therefore as a natural electrolyte.

It is also high in Choline, Iron, Silica, Sulphur, Vitamins A and D.

Dandelion is used as a liver tonic, in the treatment and prevention of tying – up, detoxification, rehabilitation from illness and as part of a mixture to improve general health and well being.

Dandeloin Root

Horses have been known to seek out Dandelion in their paddocks, especially digging in the soil for its roots. Dandelion is safe to use long-term and at recommended levels during pregnancy. Dandelion and Clivers fed together make a good spring tonic for animals to help cleanse and re-energise their systems after winter.

Devils Claw

Great for it’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties especially in the musculo-skeletal system.

Herbal alternative to “bute”, without the side effects.

It also stimulates healing.

Not for use on pregnant mares or where gut ulceration is present or suspected.

Echinacea

A fighter of bacterial and viral infections.

It is widely used as a disease preventative and immuno-stimulant.

This herb contains copper, cobalt and iron as well as inulin and several fatty acids.

Elecampane

This is a antiseptic respiratory herb for horses.

Elecampane is used in the treatment of all respiratory infections coughing and allergies affecting the lungs.

It is very helpful in healing weak and scarred lungs to remove old infective material and mucus and as part of a mixture to treat bleeders.

Elecampane is soothing due to its high mucilage content, it is the highest plant source of inulin and also contains Allantion

Garlic

A natural form of sulphur.

Is used as an antibiotic for fighting bacteria, colds and coughs. It is also effective against hookworms, tapeworms, pinworms and aids in the deterrence of external parasites and insects.

Ginger Powder

Is highly effective in treating travel sickness, ginger given before floating horses can help settle, and given on arrival can tempt a horse to eat.

The therapeutic benefits of ginger are largely due to its volatile oil and oleoresin content. Ginger is an excellent remedy for many digestive complaints, including nausea, colic, wind and indigestion. Its antiseptic properties also make it beneficial for gastro-intestinal infections.

For the older, arthritic horse, ginger is a useful maintenance herb. It stimulates, circulates and helps blood flow to the surface, so can be an important remedy for chilblains and poor circulation to hands and feet.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow Root Powder probably best know for its ability to assist in the treatment of horses with gut issues or ulcers. Marshmallow root has a high mucilage content which, allows it to form a protective, soothing layer over the ulcerated areas and gastrointestinal tracts.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is a mild yet effective anti-inflammatory herb. It has been used for several centuries to treat body aches and pains, including arthritis and joint pains. In horses, it helps relieve the pains that come with age, especially during the cold winter months..

Nettle

High in iron and vitamin C. Some horses may react with nettle rash – if so discontinue use.

Good to feed if horse is intolerable of lucerne and green feed is needed.

Will produce dappling in the coat of a brown horse.

Parsley Leaf

Parsley also acts as a digestive tonic by easing spasms and minimising flatulence. Parsley is a good supportive supplement for a horse who is recovering after illness

Peppermint Leaves

Have been cultivated commercially for a long time and has been used to flavour everything from laxatives to toothpaste. Medicinally though, it is best known for its ability to aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal distress.

Peppermint owes most of its medicinal value to menthol, which is cooling, anesthetic, antiseptic and soothing to the stomach; it also contains antioxidants and a number of expectorant compounds (which stimulate the coughing up of mucous).

For horses, peppermint’s aroma is useful for tempting fussy eaters and/or helping to mask the smell of less pleasant herbs in their feed. It eases flatulence/bloating, increases the flow of bile from the liver and relaxes both gastrointestinal spasms and tight skeletal muscles. It can therefore be useful for the colic-prone horse or the horse who is nervous and tense when travelling.

Psyllium Husks

Good for moving sand through the gut.

An ideal herb to be fed during dry conditions.

Must be fed alternate days of weeks to achieve best results

Raspberry Leaves

High in folic acid. Good for a mare’s reproductive fitness and health.

Rosehip

Very high in vitamin C and a vast array of other vitamins as well as a high mineral content including Iron, Copper and Cobalt.

Will also help fight infections, boost coat and hoof condition and an excellent form of biotin.

Seaweed Meal

Is a very good way of feeding the majority of minerals necessary for good health economically.

It contains calcium, zinc, sulphur, magnesium, manganese’s, copper, iron, iodine, cobalt, boron, molybdenum and many other trace elements.

There are rare individuals who are seaweed intolerant, due to sensitivity to the iodine content.

Slippery Elm Powder

Is exceedingly high in mucilage and nutrients and is specifically indicated for scouring and the prevention and treatment of gut ulceration.

Externally it is very good to use for poulticing, as it is soft and sticky when water is added and can be used on its own or with other ingredients.

St Marys Thistle Seed

It is particularly applicable for horses who have suffered liver damage from poisons, infections, high worm burdens, reactions to worming drugs, or ongoing/excessive pharmaceutical drug use. SMT can be taken long term, and indeed needs be taken for a prolonged period (at least 4-12 weeks) to be of most benefit.

Tumeric Powder

The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin and it is this specific phytochemical that is known for its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.

Turmeric is probably best known for its use as an anti-inflammatory, it is said to be also helpful for detoxifying the liver and as a antioxidant.

Valarian

Has anti-spasmodic qualities and useful as a mix for stringhalt and tying up. Can also be a laxative and can make horses with loose manure worse.

Known to be swabbed.

Vervain

Used as a sedative for horses that sweat, tremble or shake when nervous.

Also excellent for horses that are impatient, fiddly, fussy and pace around because they need company.