Author: BILL VANDERGRIFT (Courtesy of Alltech Inc.)
HERBS FOR HORSES
The use of plant-based products in a horse’s diet is increasing rapidly. There are several reasons for this, and they relate largely to changes in the profile of horse owners. First, there are more owners with fewer than five horses than there were 15–20 years ago. Participation in equestrian events has also increased, leading people to invest more in their horses. For these reasons, owners are willing to pay more for products they believe will help their horses compete successfully. Second, the number of health-related problems reported by horse owners has also increased significantly over the past 15–20 years. As horses are pushed to compete at ever higher levels, the number of horses suffering from skeletal, muscular, and respiratory dysfunction has increased. Unfortunately, traditional veterinary medicine has not made major breakthroughs in treating these horses—so partly out of desperation and partly due to renewed respect and interest in alternative therapies, the use of herbal products, homeopathy, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and even aromatherapy has grown dramatically.
BACKGROUND
Herbs have been used in human and animal medicine for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese left extensive records describing how various plants were used to treat different diseases. Today, Native Americans and Indigenous peoples around the world still use herbs and plant preparations in traditional medicine. Health food stores—and even grocery stores—now have their own shelf space dedicated to herbal products. Still, many traditional nutritionists, veterinarians, and physicians remain skeptical about the use of herbal preparations in the diets of animals and humans. However, they may not realize that they themselves likely use herbal products daily without noticing. Common spices and foods such as garlic, thyme, horseradish, raspberry, and mustard can be considered herbs. They have become so widely accepted as normal components of the diet that their herbal properties have been forgotten. In fact, if you have ever eaten prunes or rhubarb for their laxative effects, you have used herbal medicine. An herb is simply any plant valued for its medicinal, aromatic, or flavor properties. Most herbs used for horses and humans are valued for their medicinal properties. However, the herbal components that contribute to medicinal value are difficult to regulate or standardize. In addition, many herbal products contain more than one herb—and we find that individual horses and individual people sometimes respond differently to a particular herbal preparation. The active ingredients in some herbs have been identified, and they form the basis of many modern medicines (for example, aspirin derived from willow or meadowsweet, and ephedrine derived from the Chinese herb Ma Huang). However, the active compounds in many herbal preparations that have proven effective over time are still not fully understood.
BASIC HERBAL COMPONENTS
Most herbs provide their beneficial effects due to one or more of the following components:
Alkaloids. Alkaloids are common in many plants and form the basis of many modern drugs such as morphine, atropine, and codeine.
Bitters. Bitter compounds are used primarily as digestive aids because they tend to stimulate gastric secretion. Some are also known for their calming or antimicrobial properties.
Flavonoids and bioflavonoids. Herbs containing flavonoid-like components are used mainly for diuretic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory purposes. For this reason, they are particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of colic in horses.
Glycosides. Some herbs contain very potent glycosides. For example, foxglove contains digoxin, a component of digitalis—a powerful heart medication—which in large doses can cause death by inducing cardiac spasms.
Mucilage. The mucilaginous substances found in various herbs are known for their ability to form gel-like materials in the digestive tract. They are favored for their ability to soothe intestinal tissue and provide mild laxative effects.
Saponins. Various herbs contain steroid-like saponins used as “blood tonics” and known to promote wound healing (for example, licorice root contains a cortisone-like saponin).
Tannins. Herbal tannins function primarily as astringents. Although research has identified very specific ingredients in some herbs that produce particular medicinal effects, most herbs exert their effects not only through a primary chemical component but also through secondary components that are not as easy to identify. Herbalists believe that to achieve the greatest effect, herbs should be given whole so they provide an effective dose of both primary and secondary compounds. In addition, when individual horses or people experience an adverse reaction to an herbal preparation, the reaction is often caused by secondary compounds. The presence of secondary compounds that enhance the effectiveness of primary herbal components is based on logic and on common practice—using multiple herbs to achieve a single purpose.
PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGES
Herbs are generally given to horses in one of four ways:
1. A dried herb is mixed into the regular feed
2. Herbal tea is given in drinking water or by syringe; it can also be mixed into feed
3. A poultice is prepared and the herbal mixture is applied externally to the affected area
4. A gel, paste, or vaporizer is prepared and the herb is administered aromatically
The concentration of main components in most herbal products is not very well standardized. To avoid overdosing secondary compounds, the daily dose is often similar regardless of whether one herb or several herbs are being given. Recommended daily doses for horses and ponies are generally 20–30 g per horse per day.
COMMONLY USED HERBS FOR HORSES
Most herbal preparations used for horses are designed for specific applications. Common uses include supporting digestion, normalizing hormonal fluctuations in mares and stallions, regulating temperament and mood, bone and joint therapy, respiratory well-being, muscle therapy and post-performance recovery, and promoting general well-being through antimicrobial activity and immune system stimulation. The remainder of this section discusses individual herbs commonly used in equine diets. For simplicity, they are listed alphabetically under functional headings. Note that some herbs appear under more than one functional heading.
HERBS THAT SUPPORT DIGESTION
Aloe vera. Juices from the aloe vera plant contain anthraquinone derivatives that convert to emodin in the intestine. In small doses (10 mg), aloe vera acts as a digestive bitter; in moderate doses (100 mg) it acts as a laxative; and in larger doses (1,000 mg) aloe vera acts as a purgative/cleanser. Effectiveness does not diminish with continuous use.
Anise. The dried seeds are commonly used to stimulate appetite and digestive secretions. Therefore, anise is used for poor appetite and digestive disorders such as colic.
Burdock. Burdock root contains digestive bitters and stimulates liver function. It is especially useful for horses with poor feed utilization and/or reduced appetite.
Celery seed. Celery seed has a warming quality and acts as a digestive bitter. It is useful for horses that are “run down” due to transport, heavy performance, or exposure to cold.
Fenugreek. Fenugreek contains steroidal saponins that may help horses recover, stimulate appetite, and reduce complications associated with gastric ulcers.
Goldenrod. The leaves and flowering tops of goldenrod have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and can be used for horses with irritable bowel.
Lemon balm. Lemon balm has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and may benefit horses with chronic mild colic.
Licorice. Licorice has been used as a digestive aid for over 3,000 years. Its active compound is glycyrrhizin. Licorice reduces gastric acid secretion and is recommended for horses with gastric ulcers.
Calendula (Marigold). Calendula is rich in sulfur and is valued for its ability to heal gastric ulcers.
Meadowsweet. Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid and is known as “herbal aspirin.” It has astringent properties and has proven particularly useful in treating ulcers caused by medications such as phenylbutazone.
Mints. Mint (including peppermint) contains flavonoids that relax the digestive tract. Mint is commonly used to support equine digestion, and horses often find its smell and taste especially appealing.
HERBS THAT SUPPORT HORMONAL BALANCE
Anise. Anise has estrogenic activity and can be used to normalize estrus in mares.
Chaste tree berry (Vitex). Chaste tree has been used for nearly 2,000 years to help menopausal women and women suffering from PMS. It is considered an aphrodisiac, which is why it received the nickname “chaste tree.” Mares with performance problems during heat have benefited from chaste tree berry.
Licorice. Licorice has estrogenic activity and has been used to increase fertility in mares.
Parsley. Parsley stimulates milk production in mares. Because it also stimulates uterine contractions, it should not be fed to pregnant mares.
Raspberry. Raspberry helps with uterine contractions during foaling, assists in expelling the placenta, and reduces foaling-related bleeding.
Sage. Sage has been used to reduce milk production in mares. It is also a relatively strong uterine stimulant and should therefore not be fed to pregnant mares.
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
Clover. Clover has been used for decades for its calming and soothing effects; it has also been used as a tonic for horses in poor condition due to illness.
Chamomile. Chamomile is used as a calming herb for horses that are overexcited due to nervousness or stress.
Lemon balm. Lemon balm has calming effects and is often used together with chamomile to soothe nervous horses.
Poppy. More specifically, corn poppy is used as a calming herb for nervous horses. Opium poppy differs from corn poppy and is not recommended for equine diets due to narcotic-like components that may appear in blood tests under competition rules.
Valerian. Valerian is commonly used in sweets and soft drinks. Valerian has a calming effect in horses; it is particularly popular among sport horses because it calms nervous horses without impairing performance. It is also widely used to relieve fatigue caused by nervousness. Valerian may be prohibited in competitions because it can affect performance.
Vervain. Vervain is commonly used to keep horses calm during recovery.
BONE AND JOINT ISSUES
Buckwheat. Buckwheat is a relatively strong vasodilator and may help in the treatment of arthritis by helping repair capillaries.
Cleavers. Cleavers is mildly diuretic and is commonly used to treat swollen legs and joints.
Comfrey. Comfrey contains allantoin, which stimulates cell production. It has been used for decades to heal bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. Comfrey is also anti-inflammatory and is used for arthritis.
Devil’s claw. Devil’s claw has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects similar to cortisone and phenylbutazone, without observed side effects such as gastric irritation or ulcers. It is often used to help recovery from degenerative bone disease and developmental orthopedic disease. Note that although devil’s claw may not cause ulcers, it should not be used if a horse has a confirmed or suspected gastric ulcer.
Nettle. Nettle is a mildly strong cardiovascular stimulant and is therefore recommended for laminitis or arthritis.
Kelp. Seaweed/kelp is a rich source of trace minerals that help form cartilage and connective tissue. It is therefore commonly recommended for growing and performance horses as well as pregnant mares.
PERFORMANCE RECOVERY THERAPY (MUSCLE RECOVERY)
Buckwheat. Buckwheat’s vasodilating properties help support muscle function and recovery after training.
Celery seed. Celery seed helps relieve joint stiffness and has a warming effect, making it useful for horses that are slightly sore after hard work.
Cleavers. Cleavers is excellent for maintaining lymphatic function, especially when combined with calendula. It is widely used for horses with muscle tightness and to support lymph circulation.
Chamomile. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and vasodilating properties and is quite effective for treating muscle soreness during and after exercise.
Dandelion. Dandelion is a diuretic and a rich source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B. Using dandelion helps “cleanse” the blood after exercise and provides needed potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels during training.
Calendula. Calendula is historically known as a blood “tonic” and also has anti-inflammatory properties. When used with cleavers, it can help prevent muscle tightness during exercise.
Nettle. Nettle is rich in sodium and has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. It is excellent for horses competing in very demanding or strength-based activities.
Kelp. Kelp’s trace mineral profile helps boost antioxidant activity during and after heavy work. It also provides minerals needed for coenzyme functions in protein and energy metabolism.
Vervain. Vervain has antispasmodic properties and helps stabilize the nervous system after illness or intense training.
RESPIRATORY SUPPORT
Anise. Anise has cough-soothing properties and is recommended for horses with chronic cough.
Garlic. Garlic is one of the most popular herbs used in equine diets. It has cough-soothing and antibiotic-like properties, making it useful both preventively and for horses suffering from respiratory irritation.
Goldenrod/Echinacea blend. Goldenrod combined with echinacea is an excellent anti-inflammatory and astringent blend, making it useful for horses with breathing difficulties.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). Marshmallow contains cough-soothing, airway-relaxing, and mucus-breaking properties, making it a valuable ingredient in herbal blends designed for horses with cough and respiratory congestion.
ANTIMICROBIALS AND IMMUNE STIMULANTS
Echinacea. Echinacea is quickly becoming one of the most popular herbs used for horses and is among the most effective immunostimulants available. It has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, and wound-healing properties. Echinacea has proven highly effective for preventing infections in show and competition horses that are constantly exposed to viruses and bacteria.
Garlic. Garlic has antibacterial properties and can help treat and prevent skin problems caused by insect bites and fungal agents.
Radish. Radish seeds contain raphanin, which has antibacterial activity against a relatively broad range of bacteria. It is used primarily as a general preventive against infection.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING HERBS IN EQUINE FEEDING
Although herbal preparations have been used in equine feeding for centuries and their effectiveness has been demonstrated over time through repeatable results, the active compounds in many herbs are still poorly defined. It should be remembered that unlike modern pharmaceuticals, herbal preparations often achieve their effects due to several compounds present, not a single concentrated and purified chemical. As a result, individual horses can sometimes have completely opposite reactions to an herbal preparation than expected. Therefore, caution should always be used when introducing a herb or herbal blend for the first time. Competition morning is not the right time to try a new herb on your horse. As mentioned above, some herbs can have very strong effects in horses and should be used carefully. Often, horses will voluntarily reduce feed intake or refuse to eat more of a particular herb. This is an instinctive response based on the body’s ability to “signal” that it no longer needs the compounds in that herb and/or that enough has already been consumed. Because large doses of some herbs can cause unwanted side effects, it is generally unwise to force such a horse to consume additional amounts.
As the use of herbs in equine feeding has increased, authorities in several countries have declared the use of some herbs to be “doping.” For example, rosemary is considered a stimulant and is prohibited under Jockey Club and Fédération Equestre Internationale rules.
Although valerian was still legal at the time this document was written, regulatory actions have been considered in the United States due to its performance-enhancing properties. Because attitudes and regulations regarding herbal use are constantly changing, the horse owner and trainer should consider themselves ultimately responsible for the use of different herbal products.
Because many herbs may have hormonal properties and/or effects on uterine or mammary tissue, caution is required before feeding herbs to pregnant or lactating mares. If there is uncertainty, consult professionals.
CHINESE HERBAL VETERINARY MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine has used herbal preparations for horses for over 1,000 years. Its herbal applications are more advanced and broader than Western herbal medicine. A recently published review by Xie et al. (1997) described 19 different herbal formulas for treating chronic diarrhea in horses. The reason for 19 different formulas is that traditional Chinese medicine is based on restoring the body’s energy flow systems. The body has 12 energy flow systems, each associated with different bodily functions. This tradition also classifies diseases according to “patterns,” which are simply a classification system. The goal of Chinese herbal veterinary medicine is to match a specific herbal formula or energy flow system to a given “pattern.” Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine divides chronic diarrhea into three different forms (blood, spleen, and kidneys) and six pathogenic factors (cold, heat, dampness, dryness, summer heat, and wind). In traditional Chinese medicine, “blood,” “spleen,” and “kidneys” are used differently than in Western medicine. They refer to energy flow systems within the body that can be influenced by various herbal therapies. Once a physical examination determines what is affecting the horse, the traditional Chinese approach can then connect a specific herbal remedy to the most prominent pathogenic factor identified through examination and observation. Results achieved with Chinese herbal therapies especially when combined with acupuncture often surpass Western medicine. Chronic diarrhea in horses is among the most difficult conditions to treat in Western medicine; however, when properly applied, the traditional Chinese veterinary approach appears to succeed in 90% of cases or more. Unfortunately, Chinese herbs are not readily available in the United States, and information on their proper use is limited.
References
Allison, K.A. 1995. Guide to Herbs For Horses. J.A. Allen & Co., London, UK.
Keys, J.D. 1976. Chinese Herbs. Charles E. Tuttle Co., Tokyo, Japan.
Morgan, J. 1994. Herbs for Horses. Kenilworth Press, Birmingham, UK.
Self, H.P. 1996. A Modern Horse Herbal. Kenilworth Press, Birmingham, UK.
Xie, H., L. Huan, A.M. Merritt and E.A. Ott. 1997.
Equine chronic diarrhea: a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine review. J. Eq. Vet. Sci. 17:667–674.
Author: BILL VANDERGRIFT
EquiVision, Inc., Perry, Georgia, USA
ORIGINAL TEXT:
Equine Applications for Herbal Products
