Feeding Herbs to Horses

I have always been fascinated by the idea of feeding herbs to horses.  Of course many compound feeds have a variety of herbs included in them but I have never fed them to my boys directly!  Although I am not sure that I would use herbs instead of calling the vet for an illness some herbs are supposed to improve general health, well-being and sometimes behavioiur!  

I have decided to try to find out more about herbs and their uses with horses and if appropriate try them out.  So I thought that I would share this with you probably over a few weeks as I find out about, find or grow and feed them!

What are herbs?
Herbs are a plant or part of a plant which is used for its medicinal, savoury or aromatic qualities.  The parts which can be used are the leaves, roots, fruit, flowers, bark, stems or seeds.  They have been used for hundreds of years and of course used to be the only treatment for ailments in animals and humans.  However, many of the medicines and drugs we still use today contain natural plants.

Of course when in the wild horses were able to graze freely and access different plants and herbs if they needed them.  Horses could find Comfrey, Red Clover and sometimes Wild Garlic.  Now this is more difficult, although I do wonder what my horses would do if I planted some herbs in their field!  Usually now we feed dried herbs and there are so many to choose from that it is a bit confusing.  


Dried Herbs
As with anything never forget that each horse is an individual and so the effect that a herb will have may vary.  This will also affect the quantities you will feed, some horses will need much more than the recommended amount, some less.  You should also bear in mind that herb quality will vary depending on the climate, harvest and preparation of the herbs.  

Herb Actions
This is the effect that the herb has -name and explanation!  The terms below are sometimes used to explain what a herb does, although, many companies will simplify this too.

Acrid
Hot to taste.  Can cause heat and irritation if applied to the skin.

Alterative
Restore correct function of the body towards good health and well being.  Sometimes called 'blood cleansers'.

Analgesic
These are herbs that reduce pain.

Andoyne
Reduces pain and irritation.

Antacid
Neutralize gut acidity.

Anthelmintic
These cause the destruction and expulsion of worms from the digestive system.

Antibacterial (Antibiotic)
Destroy or stop the growth of bacterial infections.

Antibiotic
Used to destroy bacteria and other disease causing organisms.  Help to withstand infection or infestation.

Anticatarrhal
Help in the removal of excess catarrh.

Antidepressant
Aleviates depression.

Antifungal
Kill or reduce fungal infections.

Antigalactagogue
Prevent or reduce the secretion of milk.

Antihistamine
Reduces the body's release of histamine.

Antihypothyroid
Stimulate thyroid function.

Anti-inflammatory
Help reduce inflammation.  Some herbs are for external use only.

Antilithic
Help prevent the formation of stones in the urinary system.  Can help to expel them from the body.

Antimicrobial
Help the body to destroy micro-organisms.

Antipyretic
An agent that reduces fever.

Antirheumatic
Helps prevent or relieve rheumatism.

Antiseptic
Combats and neutralises bacteria and prevents infection.

Antispasmodic
Prevents or eases cramps in the body.

Antiviral
Prevents or reduces viral infection.

Aperient
Mild laxatives.

Aphrodisiac
Stimulate sexual desire and improve function.

Appetizer
Stimulate and promote appetite.

Aromatic
Herbs release a strong usually pleasant odour and can help stimulate the digestive system.

Astringent
These contain tannins which help to bind and connect tissue and reduce discharge and secretions.

Bitter
These cause the taste buds to stimulate the digestive system.

Cardiac Tonic
Have a beneficial effect on the heart.

Calmative
Help to gently calm nerves.

Carminative
These are rich in volatile oils that help relieve flatulence and settle the digestive system.

Cholagogue
These stimulate the release and secretion of bile into the intestine which can have a laxative effect on the 
digestive system.

Demulcent
These contain mucilage that helps to soothe and protect internal tissue that has become inflammed.

Diaphoretic
These promote sweating and can help reduce fever.

Diuretic
Increase the secretion of urine.

Emmenagogue
These normalise and can act as a tonic to the female reproductive system. 

Emollient
For applying to the skin to soothe or protect it.

Expectorant
Has the action of promoting the removal of excess amounts of mucus from the respiratory system.

Febrifuge
Antipyretic - helps the body to reduce fevers.

Galactogogue
These help to stimulate and increase the flow of mares milk.

Haemostatic
To arrest bleeding and promote blood clotting.

Hepatic
Strengthen the liver and increase the flow of bile.

Hypnotic
These induce sleep.

Immuno-stimulant
Enhance the body's immune system.

Laxative
Promotes evacuation of the bowels.

Mucilage
These contain gelatinous constituents that can be demulcent and emmolient (see above).

Nervine
These calm the nerves.

Paturient
Stimulates uterine contractions to induce and assist foaling.

Pectoral
These help to strengthen and heal the respiratory system.

Relaxant
Relaxes nerves and muscles, relieves tension.

Restorative
Helps restore health and strength.

Rubefacient
When applied to the skin these herbs cause a gentle local irritation.  This stimulates the dilation of capillaries and so increases circulation to the skin.  Blood is drawn from deeper parts of the body into the skin and thus often internal pains are often relieved.

Sedative
Calm the nervous system, reduce stress and nervousness and induce sleep.

Spasmolytic
These reduce spasms of the intestines and bronchials.

Stimulants
These enliven the physiological function of the body.

Stomachic
These help to strengthen the stomach function.

Tonic
These herbs strengthen and invigorate a specific organ system or the whole body.

Vermifuge
Expel or repel intestinal worms.

Vulnary
Applied externally these aid the body in healing of wounds.


This is a long list, but it has given me some ideas of what to try first .....

......... my plan is to try to use fresh herbs and start with those that naturally grow in the hedgerows or fields of England.

Look out for tomorrows vlog .....    Horse Life and Love
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Until next time!

Jo