Herbs for Horses (Threshold Picture Guide)

Product Information

Marjoram – High in vitamins A and C, it has positive effects on nervous horses and the digestive system 10 The astragalus powder I dose separately – at 1 tbsp. per feed – only when needed, as it is a powerful immune booster than can induce a fever. Comfrey’s healing qualities also extend to repairing damage to lungs and the respiratory system when a horse ‘bleeds’ or ‘bursts’.

Meadowsweet: While aspirin, in small amounts, can be safely used on some horses, using something such as meadowsweet might be a better option. It contains salicylates, the part of aspirin that does the job, but it is in a more natural form. What has worked for my herd is to give them dried herbs sprinkled on their feed, or offered singly. I sometimes buy the Respiration, De-Tox and Stop Itch blends from Wendals– and I don’t necessarily use them for the purpose their name suggests! For example, the Stop Itch is actually an excellent immune booster blend. My horses would also eat these right out of the tub if I let them (yes, I’ve tested this! Except for the Stop Itch blend, which they like the least, but they will still eat grudgingly). So these dried herbs are my solution to currently not having a doctor garden, or naturally growing herbs for my horses to forage for themselves. When I get my own land, I will definitely plant a good mixture of herbs and plants that horses would naturally forage for in this climate. Mountain Rose Herbs also sells a good selection of organic medicinal seeds. 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.The second experience involved an infected fly bite. Horses and flies are nothing new. Neither are infections at the place where the horse is bitten. It can be a rather costly vet bill and in some areas it could be a life or death situation. Again, herbs provided an answer. Old Timer by Wendals Herbs , another source of natural herbs for horses, contains Dandelion, Fenugreek Seed, Garlic, Marshmellow, Mint, Nettles, Oregano, Seaweed, and Thyme. This product is especially good for the older horse. Echinacea: Horses can have Echinacea, but as with humans some cautions need to be observed. It may help improve immune function both for equines and humans. That doesn’t mean it can be a daily use herb. It can be used up to two weeks straight, but then must be stopped for at least one week.

Marshmallow can help with coughs and with some digestive issues. It contains a substance called mucilage and is used much the same for horses as it is for humans. The root is the part used for medicinal purposes.

Spearmint – For both the respiratory and digestive systems. It also disguises the taste of less palatable additions to your horses feed 18