Mary Allen
They are said to strengthen the horse’s immune system and alleviate various aches and pains: Medicinal plants such as black cumin or rose hips. So that reaching into the natural pharmacy really helps and does not even cause damage, there are a few things to consider.
Herbal medicine has an ancient tradition. The active ingredients of many modern medicines originally come from the plant world, for example, quinine, a component of some antimalarials, comes from the cinchona tree. In recent years, the reputation of the herb and tuber has increased in modern medicine, and their healing power has now been proven by various scientific studies. Riders also want to do their horses good with plants in the trough. That is obvious. After all, herbs are part of the natural diet of grazing animals. But only very few horses can enjoy extensive herb-rich pastures.
Good herbal meadow hay is also scarce in most regions. Since the horse can no longer instinctively choose which herbs it needs, the human takes over. And above all, it has to rely on empirical values. “Since there are no recent scientific studies on the desired and undesired effects of many medicinal plants in the veterinary and especially in the horse sector, veterinary knowledge is mainly based on traditional knowledge from experience, on clinical studies of human medicine or application observations in animals,” says Fabiola Huelsen, biologist and horse feeding expert.
Findings from human medicine are often simply transferred to horses without taking into account that, among other things, the digestive tract and metabolism work differently in horses than in us. “Against this background, I always advise using herbs or spices with caution and preferably after consulting a feeding expert, naturopath, or a veterinarian experienced in the subject,” recommends Huelsen, who advises horse owners on feeding issues. “Herbs are phytopharmaceuticals and can even lead to problems such as liver or stomach damage if used incorrectly. And in acute cases of illness, of course, they should never replace the veterinarian.”
More Harm Than Good?
Competition riders should also remember that some substances such as devil’s claw, willow bark, valerian, licorice root, and buckhorn can lead to a positive doping test result. The list of permitted substances and their withdrawal periods before the competition can be viewed at the equestrian sports associations.
When used properly, there is nothing wrong with using herbs and spices to prevent diseases or support treatment. Black cumin, fenugreek, rose hips, brewer’s yeast, and coneflower ( echinacea ), for example, are suitable for general strengthening of the immune system. “However, the latter must not be given over a longer time, otherwise its effect will be reversed,” warns Fabiola Huelsen.
Some other herbs and spices are now known to do more harm than good if taken in too high doses or for too long. Devil’s claw, which is often and successfully used for joint problems, upsets the stomach in the long term. Too much rosemary, known for its revitalizing effect, attacks the intestinal flora. And peppermint reduces the effect of homeopathic remedies.
If you give a constant feed supplement, for example in the case of chronic illnesses, you should occasionally take breaks, also so that the body does not get used to the active ingredient. In most cases, however, it makes more sense to administer the herbs as a cure over four to eight weeks.
With a six-week herbal cure, which should start two weeks before the solstice, you can already support the change of coat in spring. It is a widespread misconception that the change of coat only begins when the horses lose their hair in spring or autumn, explains Fabiola Hulsen. Then only the dead fur is shed. The change of coat already begins at the solstice with the hormonal change of the day-night equinox, it is dependent on daylight, temperature, and also the nutritional status of the horse.
If you want to do something to make it easier for the horse to change its coat, you should do so in December/January or in June/July. The daily dose of a handful of linseed or sunflower seeds and brewer’s yeast are good sources of vitamins and trace elements. For horses that have problems molting, you can use ginkgo and hawthorn to boost blood circulation,” says Huelsen.
The horse must be generally well supplied with trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium), vitamins (A + E; B1, 2, 6, 12), but also with proteins/amino acids (cysteine, methionine) and fatty acids. They play a central role in times of shedding.
Small Amounts, Big Effect
The dosage depends on the individual herb, but above all on whether it is fed fresh, dried, as a tea infusion, or as a highly concentrated essence. Dried herbs are very common. “During a cure, you give 30 to 40 grams per day, ideally divided into two portions a day,” advises Huelsen. For a long-term dose, the amount would be reduced to 10 to 15 grams per day. These values are for a horse that weighs around 500 kilograms, so you have to adjust them accordingly if the horse is heavier or lighter.
For targeted treatments, the specialist recommends the administration of individual herbs. If one herb is not enough, you take a herbal mixture in which up to three main herbs with a similar effect but different focal points of action are combined with various supplementary herbs for an extended healing effect or an improved taste.
The mixture should not contain more than five to seven herbs, otherwise, the individual substances often interfere with their effect. “Unfortunately, the herbal mixtures that are offered in the feed trade are not always put together sensibly. Here, too, it is important to take a good look and get advice from an expert,” says Huelsen.
But no matter how carefully herbs are selected and put together: not every herb tastes good to every horse. Sometimes you can outwit your four-legged friend by hiding herbs in the hay cob. However, the feeding expert would not force horses to eat herbs. “If the gift is therapeutically justified, you should try another herb first. Because with most indications not only one herb helps.”