Herbal Pharmacy – How can you naturally support the health and condition of your mount?

Horses are large and strong animals, but with a very sensitive organism. They suffer from stress and anxiety related to many factors. They get injured and feel pain, struggle with digestive problems. Every breeder and lover of these beautiful animals looks for ways to support their pet's good physical and mental condition. As always, nature comes to the rescue: herbs and active ingredients contained in plants.

Herbs are the natural food of these exceptional animals. Grazing in meadows, horses have eaten them in plants since the dawn of their existence. They have instinctively chosen what is good for them – for digestion, immunity or other ailments.

Meadow is a natural pharmacy - flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and essential oils contained in plants have documented therapeutic effects[and].

But not all animals have access to pastures rich in valuable nutrients.

Then you can reach for herbs in the form of mixtures, infusions, supplements and even treats.

What herbs are good for horses?

We can say – those that they themselves willingly reach for in the meadow and pasture. These animals most willingly choose dandelion, nettle, chamomile, wild rose, horsetail, but they also willingly reach for tansy, wild rose, sage, thyme and many others[ii] Breeders recommend sowing such plants in a paddock or meadow used by animals. However, if this is not possible, the plants can be given as feed additives, licks or herbal infusions, adapted to the needs of the animal.

Herbs for digestive problems

Digestive problems, colic, flatulence - these are common health problems of mounts. The best in this case are protective infusions of the stomach and intestines based on chamomile, sea buckthorn or nettle. The latter is particularly recommended for application in spring, because it also has strong detoxifying and antidiarrheal properties. This is due to the high content of flavonoids, vitamin K and B vitamins and tannins (the already cited work by M. Kostyra, A. Albera-Łojek, J. Łojek "Herbs in the therapy and prevention of diseases in horses"). Herbal mixtures with milk thistle and peppermint will also work well. Mint leaves contain provitamins A, vitamin C, mineral salts, tannins, phenolic acids, which facilitate digestion, and their antispasmodic effect supports intestinal peristalsis.[iii]

Herbs for immunity

For horses that are weakened, have been ill or simply require immune support, mixtures or infusions will come in handy. with evening primrose, sea buckthorn fruit or tansy. This plant, during its flowering period, contains a large amount of essential oils (read more about the influence of essential oils on horses in our post on horse aromatherapy), as well as tanacetin, flavonoids, phytosterols – which strongly stimulate immunity. A supporting effect is also provided by mixtures with the addition of fenugreek, sea buckthorn fruit, or grape seeds, which are strong antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects.[iv]

Herbs for calming and soothing

Horses, like humans, have a delicate nervous system. They are easily stressed, hyperactive or anxious. They often suffer from discomfort related to pain, effort, injuries. In such cases, a perfect supplement to the diet can be herbs and natural preparations with a calming effect. Here, the clear leader is lavender, which can be administered as a feed additive, as an oil or in a lick. The following also work well: lemon balm and milk thistle.

The richness of lavender is its high content (up to 3%) of essential oil called linalool – a naturally occurring terpene with calming properties; large amounts of phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid) and triterpenes (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid), coumarins, anthocyanins, tannins, phytosterols and flavonoids[v]

Hemp is also an excellent, natural calming agent, especially the cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) it contains.[vi] CBD has a documented calming effect and lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which is why it is successfully used to support the well-being of both humans and animals. But you can read more about the effects of CBD on horses in our next post.

Summary

Herbs are a valuable and natural way to support the health and fitness of your horse, offering benefits to both its physical and mental well-being.

By using the wealth of nature, we can support the well-being of animals and people. In our cosmetics, we draw from this wealth, using valuable phytonutrients contained in hemp, herbs and natural oils. You will find them in our CBD oils, creams and ointments designed especially for people practicing horse riding.

[and] https://wz.izoo.krakow.pl/files/WZ_2018_1_art11.pdf, Małgorzata Kostyra, Anna Albera-Łojek, Jacek Łojek "Herbs in the therapy and prevention of diseases in horses"

[ii] https://firsthorseonthemoon.com/blog-rosliny-padokowe/

[iii]Senderski M. (2009). Herbs – A practical guide to herbs and herbal medicine. Ed. EC Liber, Warsaw.

[iv] https://firsthorseonthemoon.com/ziola-dla-koni/zestaw-ziolowy-dla-koni-na-odpornosc-1kg/

[v] Herbs in the diet and treatment of horses. Joanna Smulska

[vi] https://magwet.pl/34024,co-lekarz-weterynarii-powinien-wiedziec-o-produktach-z-konopi