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Herb Blend Recipes for Horses | Listen To Your Horse
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Herb Blend Recipes for Horses

aude-springCarrying on from my earlier post on herbs & medicinal plants that horses will eat, I wanted to give you some recipes for herbal blends I’ve been using with my herd.

These are the herbs I get from Mountain Rose Herbs – all are organic or sustainably wildcrafted – that I’ve been giving to my herd of four horses. Of course, you don’t need to purchase all of these! But I’m going to tell you which ones the horses like, which they love, and which they’ll only eat after a few exposures, or when mixed in a blend – I’ll call these “meh”.

I determined the like-love-meh rating by offering each horse a handful of each single herb, one at a time, to see how they responded. For example, I thought they would love the calendula flowers, but they wouldn’t eat them from my hand, just lipped at them. And then the first 1 or 2 times I put calendula flowers in their blend, they ate everything else and left the flowers. But after that, they all decided they were okay with calendula and they will eat them. But, based on their reaction, I use calendula sparingly in my blends and you’ll see in the list below it gets the ‘meh’ rating.

herb-bags
Herb haul from Mountain Rose Herbs

Echinacea – love
Calendula flowers – meh
Plantain Leaf – like
Peppermint Leaf – meh
Parsley Leaf = meh
Marshmallow Leaf – like
Chamomile Flowers – meh
Lemon Balm – like
Goldenseal Leaf – love
Meadowsweet Herb – love
Marjoram – meh
Nettle – love
Coltsfoot – meh
Yarrow – like
Comfrey Leaf – like
Raspberry Leaf – love
Strawberry Leaf – love
Astragalus Powder* – love
Dulse Flakes – love
Kelp Powder – like

*The astragalus powder I dose separately – at 1 tsp.-1 tbsp. per feed – only when needed, as it is a powerful immune booster than can induce sweating if you give too much.

The dulse I mix in with the kelp powder (or SeaBoost seaweed) and sprinkle 1 tbsp. over their feed. I particularly like the dulse flakes as they have the most varied mineral mix of all the seaweeds.

However, as Pat Rothchild says (in the comments section below), be sure to check your herbs more than once; because a ‘meh’ rating one month could be a ‘love’ rating at another time!

Click here for the full list of herbs that are good/safe for horses and how each of them can help your horse.

Equine herb blend recipes

Of course, you can use the list above and experiment away to see what your horses like and which herbs would be helpful for whatever ails them. But I’m also going to give you some recipes to get you started that work well with all four of my horses.

I mix the herbs in a larger tub, then pour into the smaller tubs.
I mix the herbs in a large tub, then pour into the smaller tubs.

However, do keep in mind that these blends do not allow a horse to self-select what they need – which is really the ideal we should be aiming for. If you only have 1 or 2 horses, you may prefer to let them self-select from individual tubs of herbs each day; time-consuming but worthwhile. Likewise, if you can plant a ‘doctor garden’ and let your horses in there for 30-60 minutes each day – that is the perfect scenario!

Kris Hughes (see the Comments section below) also has a great technique for giving herbs: “I usually offer one to three herbs that I think they might need in a closed fist, to check interest, then let them eat (within reason) all they want the first day. Based on this, I might feed that herb, or herbs, for two or three days, but then I’d be checking the individual herbs again. I rarely put more than 1/2 cup in a feed, though. (These are 1,000lb ponies, not Shetlands) My ponies are the greedy “eat everything” type, so I often need to look at enthusiasm level quite attentively. Maybe count how many handfuls they eat, or something like that.”

My current method – because I don’t have a doctor garden and I also don’t have 2 hours/day to let 4 horses self-select from 17 dried herbs, is to change-up the blends (not give any one continuously). However, if I have a horse with a particular need, I will definitely use Kris’ method to allow them to select which particular herbs you need.

I also give only 1/2 cup per day. I figure – given the size of the horse – this is a very small amount, more along the lines of a homeopathic/subtle dose. If I’m trying to create an effect (eg. wound healing) then I will give 1.5-2 cups of that blend for 2 weeks. And then take a break.

Keep in mind, that just like humans, we don’t want to eat the same herb(s) every day continuously – or you will send the body out of balance the other way.

Soothing Mint Blend

3 cups nettle
1 cup marshmallow
1 cup plantain
1 cup parsley
1/2 cup calendula
1/2 cup peppermint
1/2 cup goldenseal

Immune Boost Blend (herd favorite)

2 cups nettle
2 cups meadowsweet
2 cups echinacea
1 cup goldenseal
1 cup marshmallow
1/2 cup comfrey (optional; but don’t use more than 14 days in a row)
1/2 cup coltsfoot

Wound Healer Blend

2 cups plantain
2 cups comfrey
2 cups marshmallow
1/2 cup calendula flowers
1/2 cup marjoram
1/4 cup peppermint

Calming Colic Blend

2 cups lemon balm
2 cups plantain
1 cup parsley
1 cup peppermint

– If horse won’t eat this (both parsley and peppermint are ‘meh’), drizzle a bit of molasses over the herbs. You can also offer some chamomile separately for the colic-prone horse, if you wish.

I give 1/2 cup of an herbal blend each day, sprinkled on top of their vitamin/mineral pellets. All 4 of my equines love to eat their herbs this way.

You can purchase these same Organic dried herbs that I use.

Herb mixture ideas

Another way to create your own herbal blends, or expand your ideas for what might work well for your horse, is to look at what others are doing.

Wendals Herbs is a UK company with a USA branch, that produces some of the best quality herb blends I’ve ever seen. Before I started buying my herbs in bulk and mixing them myself, I bought Wendals’ products for my horses.

Take a look at which herbs they put into each blend, and the purpose of each, and it may give you some ideas for which herbs you might want to mix together. Of course, these ingredient lists don’t tell you the amount of each herb, but they do follow the standard labeling rule of listing the greatest quantity ingredient first, and descending to smallest amount of ingredient last.

Livermix – natural equine supplement for horses. Contains alfalfa, burdock root, dandelion, meadowsweet, milk thistle, rosehips, seaweed and vervain.

D-Toxmix – natural equine herbal supplement supports natural detoxification. Supports lymphatic system in cleansing body fluids. Ideal for confined horses, may help with swelling due to fluid retention. Contains Alfalfa, burdock root, celery seed, cleavers, dandelion, echinacea, garlic, marigold, mint and oregano.

Laminix – equine hoof supplement. Especially useful in spring and summer. Helps blood flow and improves the comfort of the horse. Contains basil, celery seed, dandelion, garlic, marjoram and rosehips.

Wendals Herbs Respiration – natural respiratory system assistance. Helps naturally support normal, mucus-free lungs. May be beneficial for seasonal respiratory issues. Contains fennel seed, garlic, liquorice, marjoram, nettles and thyme.

Old Timer –  supplement for senior and older horses. Helps with mobility, digestion and all-around well-being. Contains dandelion, fenugreek seed, garlic, marjoram, marshmallow, mint, nettles, seaweed and thyme.

In Foal – natural herbal supplement for mares helps achieve and maintain pregnancies. Use in mares with difficult conception, not carrying full term or prone to absorption. Contains alfalfa, echinacea, garlic, mint, nettles, rosehips and strawberry leaves.

Note: Notice the common ingredients in the Old Timer and In Foal blends. Makes sense eh?

Okay, hopefully you have some good ideas now to get started incorporating herbs into your horses diet. Remember that Dr. Carol Michael PhD says that, ideally, horses should eat 25 different plants per day. So if you don’t have an herbal ‘doctor garden’ for your horses, or a large foraging area with a variety of plants, this is the next best thing!

And if you have any herbal blends that your horses love, please leave the recipe in the Comments section below…

herbs-aude

Herb Blend Recipes for Horses

33 thoughts on “Herb Blend Recipes for Horses

  • May 14, 2016 at 9:05 am
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    It’s interesting to read the list of what your horses like. Mine like peppermint leaf, and one is crazy for chamomile flowers. They also both love cleavers. Kelp is a flat “NO”. There are quite a few on your list that I haven’t tried. Mine enjoy Hawthorn leaf in the spring, and I have given Elecampane root for respiratory problems, and they loved it, too. Licorice root is another one they are crazy for.

    I do think that the blending of herbs has limited value – especially the feeding of blends long term, or offering blends without first offering the individual ingredients. Horses may eat a blend to get at a herb they need, or avoid a blend because of something they are averse to. Also, if a horse has a chronic problem, it is good to offer them a break from the herbs you are giving to support them, but at that time you may wish to offer them a different herb, or group of herbs, to support the same problem. If you put everything you can think of in your daily blend, you are left with nothing to fall back on. (I’m not saying that you’re doing that, just offering the idea).

    I think we humans have a great need to go into the kitchen and mix things up! Horses would probably rather pick and choose.

    Reply
    • May 14, 2016 at 10:10 am
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      Hi Kris, I agree with everything you’ve written. My way around this – because I don’t have a “doctor garden” where horses can self-select, is to change the blends (not give any one continuously). And I also give only 1/2 cup per day. I figure – given the size of the horse – this is a very small amount, more along the lines of a homeopathic dose. If I’m trying to create an effect (eg. wound healing) then I will give 1.5-2 cups of that blend for 2 weeks. And then take a break. This is all good info though, so I will add it to the post above – thanks!

      Re. the peppermint – that does not surprise me that your horses like peppermint! I had thought mine would love it too and was very surprised that they were not keen on it. I wondered if it’s because they’ve never had mint candies, so don’t associate it with ‘treats’? Who knows. Good to know about the licorice too, I had wondered about that one, but not tried it yet. When yours eat the hawthorn leaf, are they eating it fresh?

      Reply
      • May 14, 2016 at 2:53 pm
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        Apologies in advance, this might be a long-winded reply!

        I don’t have a “doctor garden” either. I live in a very dry, sandy place now, and it is hard to get plants established and I don’t want to establish plants that don’t belong in this ecosystem, either. The ponies and I really “belong” to the British ecosystem (I brought them here when I moved from the UK). These are the plants I understand best, and the ones they are used to foraging for. I have 160 acres, but it is far from “natural” although I am trying to encourage it back in that direction. I am learning all the time about the properties of the plants here. I’m sure the ponies are miles ahead of me in that, but vegetation is sparse and there are a lot of bad invasive non-native plants, too.

        I agree about the almost “homeopathic” dosage of plants. I suspect that just the energetic signature of the plant is all that is needed sometimes.

        I suspect that the liking for peppermint has as much to do with the constitution of the horse as anything. There are two primary reasons that I know of, that horses seek it. One is digestive, the other is as a bronchodilator. So that’s two reasons that wild/feral horses might seek it fairly often. The need for a flight animal to have open airways is pretty obvious, and often cited as the reason horses like mint, plus a rough diet, eating all kinds of stuff will sometimes cause a bit of discomfort. I have seen a handful of peppermint leaf or a few drops of the essential oil cure mild colic in minutes loads of times. However, I have seen lots of horses who aren’t interested in it. Same with chamomile – it’s my gelding who is prone to flaky dry skin and things who loves it so much, and it’s indicated for that kind of sensitivity.

        When I lived in Scotland they ate the Hawthorn leave fresh off the hedges in the spring. Country children often eat them, too! It’s considered useful in helping with circulation, and hence dealing with the higher risk of laminitis on spring grass. We have none here, so I try to give them some for awhile when the spring grass comes, along with cleavers and maybe nettle and linden.

        My approach to feeding herbs is based on years of study, and also a lot of intuition. I’m heavily influenced by Caroline Ingraham’s theories on zoopharmacognosy, since I studied with her. She works mainly with essential oils, but the theory and practice is completely transferable to whole herbs. I usually offer one to three herbs that I think they might need in a closed fist, to check interest, then let them eat (within reason) all they want the first day. Based on this, I might feed that herb, or herbs, for two or three days, but then I’d be checking the individual herbs again. I rarely put more than 1/2 cup in a feed, though. (These are 1,000lb ponies, not Shetlands) My ponies are the greedy “eat everything” type, so I often need to look at enthusiasm level quite attentively. Maybe count how many handfuls they eat, or something like that.

        Reply
        • May 16, 2016 at 10:12 am
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          Very cool. I like the ‘offering in a closed fist’ idea – checks the energetic, not just the tastebuds! And you’ve given us a good guideline here for herb dosing for a particular problem. I think I would have been better off using your method for comfrey ingestion when my colt was healing a foot injury – that feels better to me than feeding such a powerful herb in a blend. The blend worked fine (healed well and no contraindications), but I’m always open to better ways. Well, I know for next time! I’m going to add your method to the post – thanks!

          Reply
        • May 3, 2017 at 7:14 pm
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          Should I give my 24 yr old some peppermint he has COPD but he don’t cough but his nasal sounds can be heard

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          • May 4, 2017 at 8:15 am
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            Peppermint leaf herb is inexpensive, and your horse will tell you whether he likes it. I would suggest that you feed peppermint straight. Not in the feed or mixed with other herbs.

            I usually feed it out of my hand, in handfulls. Most horses are crazy for it for a few days, then interest tapers off.

            The nasal sounds might also be caused by an allergy of some kind – pollen, dust, etc.

            Reply
        • November 12, 2017 at 10:37 am
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          Hi Kris! I would love to get in touch with you about your work with Caroline Ingraham. I looked at her site and videos, and I am fascinated with what she offers. Is there a way we can get in touch? Not sure you’ll see this…. ? Maybe Jini can send her my email address? Thank you!

          Reply
  • May 16, 2016 at 1:31 am
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    I’ve been doing herbs with critters for more than 60 years and owned an herb shop for a few of them. Some things that I’ve noticed: horses require about 1/10 the volume of whole herbs or essential oils that humans a dogs do regardless of whether you’re treating a chronic or acute issue. This is not adjusted for weight. I don’t know why. Cats can’t cope with aromatic herbs because they lack a liver enzyme that’s necessary to metabolize them. You’ll cause liver degeneration if you use them on cats. Always provide egress to cats when working with aromatics. It’s important to give a break from herbal treatments. Three weeks on, one week off is the standard. Herbs work differently than pharmaceuticals. We’ve evolved together. Our bodies are acutely receptive to them. We rarely need to keep taking them. I have some that I use every spring, for instance. What your horses,dogs and cats will most benefit from is contingent on several variables: their diet, if your horses graze, the soils, the kind of plants that comprise their forage, the weather, the water quality, how full of glyphosate it is…, the physical, mental and emotional condition of the critter…

    So, it’s not surprising that people note a range of responses on the part of their critters to various simples or blends. You will also notice that herbs who received a meh response in one season may rate strong likes in another.

    Most horses and dogs love cannabis. It’s particularly great for any kind of pain or anxiety. I’ve never fed it to a critter though. I smoke near them. If they want some, they come and breathe it. One or two hits is plenty. I don’t feed it because it can take up to two hours to take effect and once it’s in there, the animal has a long wait until it clears. If you misjudge the dose, it can be bad. Stick with topical or smoke sharing at liberty on this one.

    Chamomile can be life-threatening to horses. It’s highly allergenic to equids. It can also be highly therapeutic. Just be really careful with it. A horse can do great with it one day and manifeat a huge sensitivity the next. Proceed with caution.

    Herbs are wondrous healers. They demand profound respect. To the extent to which we are willing to kneel before them to become their acolytes, they will share their wisdom. They will greet human hubris harshly.

    Mountain Rose Herbs ROCKS! Their herbs and oils are consistently superb and ethically sourced. When I had the shop, we got 90% of the raw materials from them. They are true earth lovers and their goods reflect that.

    Reply
    • May 16, 2016 at 10:03 am
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      WOW!! So much good stuff here Pat! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and wisdom with us. I think I will remove the chamomile from that colic blend and people can single-feed that one. LOVE it when we can share and learn from each other!

      Reply
    • May 16, 2016 at 7:06 pm
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      Hi Pat!
      You offer a lot of good and interesting information in your comment. However, your mention of chamomile as a potential allergen is a new idea for me. So my first question would be are we talking about “Roman” or “German” chamomile? And can you offer any citations for this, or is it based on your own experience, or…? I’m always interested to hear about new things.

      Kris

      Reply
      • May 22, 2016 at 10:53 am
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        My former herb store partner, who did our critter oriented whole herb blends, told me. She too has a lifetime of working with herbs to care for her horses and dogs. Her favorite reference book was COMPLETE HOLISTIC CARE and HEALING for HORSES by Mary L. Bennan, DVM with Norma Eckroate. Don’t know if it’s referred to in that book, but it’s a great one to have on hand. I loaned my copy and didn’t get it back. Need to get a new copy!

        Roman chamomile is what horses and many dogs and humans often develop sensitivities to. Haven’t seen those kinds of reactivity to blue chamomile, but notice that most love it initially, then don’t. My guess is that chamomile is super powerful. When it’s done with its work, it needs to be discontinued.

        Reply
  • June 3, 2016 at 11:54 am
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    Thank you all so much especially you Pat. I happened about your site at exactly the right moment. I just purchased bulk herbs from Mountain Rose. I wanted to purchase Wendal’s Herbs Special Respiration but it is completely out of stock and companies are unaware of its next ship date. Solution to my dilemma? I purchased the Wendal’s Herbs Respiration and bought the remaining herbs that were included in their “Special Respiration”. I do have a concern though and it is about coltsfoot? Is it safe? How much should I include? I purchased the 2.2 lb. bucket and was thinking of just adding in the remaining herbs to equal another 2.2 lbs. Do you have any suggestions? I have a 18 year old Arab that has developed what seems to be seasonal allergies/rao/copd etc….there are so many names. Can you assist me?

    Reply
    • July 7, 2016 at 1:42 pm
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      Hi Betsy, I just realized that Pat didn’t answer you – maybe she hasn’t seen your question, or is away… Anyway, did some quick research for you and the only issue I see is that the FLOWERS can contain small amounts of alkaloids (can cause liver damage or cancer in large amounts). Leaves and stems are fine.

      If you’re still unsure how much to use, then feed it singly! Let your horse self-select – that is always the best way. Put just coltsfoot into a tub and offer it to your horse.

      Reply
    • July 7, 2016 at 5:48 pm
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      Hi Betsy, Pat just sent in this email:

      “Sorry that I didn’t get back to you on this. I sent an email to my former business partner about your question. She was the whole herb expert. I specialized in essential oil remedies. She hasn’t gotten back to me.

      Jini, your advice is right on. Horses are good self medicators. Just be sure to not mix the herb you’re offering with enticements, like sweet grains or anything else you know your horse is hot for. And, remember that your horse will lose interest in the herb once the need for it has passed. The need may return, so it’s a good idea to mindful about noting the conditions under which it arose so you can be prepared when/if I that situation repeats itself.”

      Let us know how it goes Betsy! Just post again here on the blog, so everyone can see it 🙂

      Reply
  • January 16, 2017 at 12:15 pm
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    Hello all,
    I am new at this and reading all of the herb blends and ideas for a garden for our horses is making me excited for Spring! I am concerned because I am new, if there is ANY herb that a horse can not have? Is there any herb that a horse will love but a dog can not have? Lastly, with the tire herb garden , I would love to do but am worried deer will get into them. Is there an idea of how to keep deer off the herbs that won’t offend the horses. Thank you for all your knowledge!!!

    Reply
    • January 16, 2017 at 10:10 pm
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      Wow! Lots of questions! There are herbs that horses shouldn’t have, and it is arguable whether or not most horses would eat them, providing that they have access to enough green forage. (Hungry horses will eat all kinds of toxic stuff.) Also, I have seen lists of “weeds poisonous to horses” which have included medicinal herbs that horses might eat in the wild, but not in great enough quantities to do themselves harm, or which a herbalist might prescribe.) I’m not very knowledgeable about herbs for dogs, but I’m guessing that there will be some herbs toxic to dogs that are not toxic to horses, due to the carnivore/herbivore thing. However, it’s unlikely that dogs are going to eat enough of common herbs to do themselves any harm. Since you are new to this, I suggest that you keep it simple, with just a few herbs like dandelion, cleavers and nettles. These three are very beneficial, and you can easily check on whether they are toxic to dogs, but I doubt it, or that dogs will be interested. I don’t think there is a way to keep deer from eating them, if they have access to your pastures.

      Reply
        • January 18, 2017 at 7:08 pm
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          I just want to come back to this and try to clarify what I wrote above. Words like “toxic” and “poison” can be very misleading, as can words like “medicinal” or “natural”.

          Almost anything is toxic if you eat enough of it, but some things are so low in toxins that you probably couldn’t eat enough of it (even if you were a horse) to reach the point of getting sick/dead. This is where people can easily get in a panic when their horse eats one acorn, or something. That’s why it’s a great idea to start your journey with herbs with some of the “tonic” herbs I’ve mentioned above. Their value is more in the way of micronutrients and gentle balacing of the body’s systems, rather than highly active alkaloid or aromatic compounds. It is generally harder to do harm with things like this, and yet they can be both nutritionally enriching and give herbivores a great deal of “comfort” – for want of a better word. Imagine if you had been on a bland diet for a long time, and then you were suddenly told you could have three or four of your favourite “healthy” foods! It would give you such a sense of wellbeing.

          Reply
          • January 18, 2017 at 7:38 pm
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            I love this perspective Kris – beyond the health of our horses and into ENRICHMENT, pleasure, comfort and stimulation. Right on!

            Reply
  • January 19, 2017 at 4:59 am
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    Thank you again for the clarification! I really want to have a garden where they can be set out for an hour and take what they need. That is where I want to have 2-3 herbs in each tire as well as plant some others around the ranch. If I can start out with 6 tires, 3 herbs each would be great! I went off our list of herbs your horses like and will go from there. Thanks again for all the great info!

    Reply
  • March 19, 2017 at 7:10 pm
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    Hi I have fed herbs for years to my horses. Mostly premade mixes. I would love to do my own custom mixes any help would be appreciated. I’m interested in doing a mix for sweet itch and one for Cushings. 2 different horses. The sweet itch one is a mare that has trouble every summer rubbing her tail raw. I fist thought it was ticks causing the reaction. Now I don’t think so. She is dewormed regular. Has gotten worse over the last years. I have tried everything I can think of topically. I think I might have better luck internally. I gave her some herbs last year. By August it is at its worst. Any help would be appreciated. I haven’t even seen another horse with her symptoms and look even searching on the Internet. She is a bay dutch Warmblood x tb. Thanks

    Reply
    • March 20, 2017 at 5:26 pm
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      You know Kristi – I would actually try diluted wild oregano oil:

      https://www.listentoyourhorse.com/equine-wild-oregano-insect-repellent-healing-spray/

      Fungal infection can be very tenacious, as can some bacterial skin infections. If it’s too moist, then just mix the wild oregano oil 50/50 with zinc oxide powder. And regular worming can makes things worse as it destroys the gut flora, then you have to build it back up with high dose probiotics. So I would also explore that aspect:

      https://www.listentoyourhorse.com/worming-horses-naturally-is-it-possible/

      And then as you said, use the herbs for internal support. You could also just get some single bulk herbs and offer them one-by-one (free choice) to your horses and let them select what they need and how much. That is the best approach for sure.

      Reply
    • March 20, 2017 at 8:38 pm
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      True sweet itch is caused by an allergy to one species or another of the Culicoides midge. I don’t know of too many people who have had real luck controlling it with just herbs. There are various things which can be given internally which can help, including brewers yeast, micronized flax seed, a paste made from turmeric/black pepper/a suitable oil. Different things or combinations help many horses, but not all. A really effective fly repellent will also help. I have one I make myself which is pretty good, but it can depend on your climate and what bugs you are battling. Perhaps the single most effective thing is a sweet itch rug/blanket. Not just a plain old fly sheet, but a special fine mesh sheet with much greater coverage, like the ones made by Boett (there are plenty of other brands).

      Here are a couple of resources that might help you https://www.facebook.com/groups/210003972362738/?ref=br_tf

      and http://turmericlife.com.au/turmeric-for-horses/

      Reply
      • March 21, 2017 at 12:56 pm
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        Great advice Kris! So if it’s an allergy, the best focus would be on bolstering the immune system and as you suggested, providing a physical barrier against the midges.

        And if you’re not sure, then you ask your horse, get a feel for the first thing to try, and then test things to see what works.

        Reply
  • June 26, 2017 at 3:48 pm
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    My horse has COPD, and has lost some weight. She gets a shot about every two weeks to help with her breathing, but she has recently started coughing frequently. I’ve read that coltsfoot is helpful in this situation, and was just wanting some extra feedback on it, or other herbs that are most popular for this, what others have tried.

    Reply
  • July 7, 2017 at 4:23 pm
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    Do you grow and dehydrate your own herbs to make the mix’s or do you buy herbs from the store to make the mix’s and do you know which herbs would be best to strengthen hooves, help mane and tail growth, brighten darks or bays or colors of horses.

    Reply
  • September 25, 2017 at 8:01 pm
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    I am dealing with heaves in a 17 yr old quarter horse. looking for herbal help rather than relying on steroids. This has been going on for over one year. I have tried mullein, pao d’arco, coltsfoot, and many more all mixed together. I’m not at home as I write this and don’t have the list. I have not seen much improvement and am not sure how long before I see results or if I am giving enough. I gave one cup of the mixed herb combo and 1/2 cup of the pao d’arco bark. I did the combo til it ran out and then seperately did the pao. I am going crazy with this. my horse coughs sporadically but breathes hard all the time. is barberry effective? was going to try horehound, licorice, elecampane (that was in the mix I made), and peppermint. What else can you suggest and how long before he gets relief? I am going to look for the Complete Holistic Care & Healing for Horses book too. Thank you in advance

    Reply
    • October 1, 2017 at 9:32 pm
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      Hmmm… I don’t know if Kris has any ideas but this is out of my league for sure. Can you find a holistic vet in your area to consult with? Or even a phone consult – maybe with the author of the book…

      Reply
    • August 12, 2023 at 1:22 pm
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      I had great success with N-acetylcysteine 1T twice a day and 1 T perilla seeds twice a day. You have to steam or soak hay and avoid stalling though as baseline or nothing works other than steroids that cause muscle wasting

      Reply
  • July 1, 2018 at 11:50 am
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    Will they eat this dry or do you add it to a prepared feed? If so, do you mix your own feed?

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    • July 1, 2018 at 6:58 pm
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      If I’m making a blend, I usually just put some on top of their feed – to make it more yummy. But they will eat it straight too. And if you can offer single herbs on their own, then they can self-medicate as desired, to the amount their body wants.

      Reply
  • February 14, 2019 at 9:39 am
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    Hi There

    My horse has been a bundle of nerves in the middle of the night a few times this past week. Not sure what is setting him off. Would Lemon Balm be a good herb to give him? How much would be best to give him? Thanks

    Reply
    • February 17, 2019 at 12:15 am
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      You can try it. A homeopathic may also work well. Perhaps there is also a predator in the area – even if it’s half a mile away, horses can sense that. You can just offer it free choice and let your horse eat however much he likes.

      Reply

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