We all want to provide the best environment and feed for our horses. Providing additional herbs for horses can benefit your horse’s health. There are many supplements on the market that have added herbs, but it is just as simple to grow your own.
Horses are well known as foragers, self medicating on available herbs and hedgerows to cure their ills. Growing your own herbs and knowing which herbs are suitable for which conditions will be of benefit to your horse.
Keep reading to find out which herbs are suitable for your horse, and the benefits they can provide for their health.
Can you use herbs for horses
You can absolutely use herbs for horses. Can you use herbs for horses that have specific health problems is often asked by those who are looking at natural alternatives to medication. Many herbs that are used by humans are perfectly safe for equines too, although you should always check before introducing anything new into your horse’s diet.
There are herbs that will help the digestive system, the lymph system, and the respiratory system. Other herbs can help with joints and general health.
What herbs can horses eat
The number and variety of herbs that horses can eat are immense. The list below gives details of 20 herbs and their properties:
Scroll further down to find out which herbs are useful by benefit, i.e. calming, respiratory health, etc.
- Burdock – The root of this plant is used regularly for detoxing and for liver and kidney health. This is one plant I would advise growing in your field as the burrs of the plant itself can be hazardous 1
- Calendula – The flowers of this plant are used for their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxident properties. In addition to using these as a feed supplement they are often used externally on wounds 2
- Chamomile – Used as a calming agent and for a digestive aid 3
- Cleavers – Supportive of the lymphatic system and often used with the complementary herb marigold 4
- Comfrey – Improvements to damaged ligaments and horses with joint and arthritic problems is the reason for feeing this herb 5 Please note that there is conflicting advice on whether comfrey has negative effects on the liver and kidneys 16
- Dandelion – These often grow in the field without any help. Dandelion is well known as a diuretic, and is high in vitamins and beneficial properties. Dandelions should not be fed to horses who have laminitis, EMS, or any other health concerns related to high sugar intake 6
- Echinacea – Used to support the immune system, especially in times of flux 7
- Fennel – For gassy, bloated, or those horses with digestive ailments 8
- Lemon balm – It’s wonderful smell is not the only benefit. Lemon balm is used as a calming herb for horses and may also help those with metabolic issues 9
- Marjoram – High in vitamins A and C, it has positive effects on nervous horses and the digestive system 10
- Marshmallow leaf – An all round useful herb. Not only is it beneficial for those with respiratory concerns, it is also known to improve urinary health, and digestive systems 11
- Milk thistle seeds and leaves – Said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties. It has also been suggested that it is good for the liver, and those with laminitis and EMS 12
- Nettles – These are very palatable to horses, especially when dried. They are packed full with vitamins and minerals and are believed to be beneficial to horses with arthritis, kidney problems, and urinary ailments 13
- Oregano – Another herb that is believed to help the digestive system 14, it has also been said to give relief from flying insects and their bites 14a
- Parsley – Not to be given to pregnant mares. Soothing to the digestive system and reducing gas and bloating. Full of vitamins and minerals 15
- Rosemary – Can be picked and boiled in water for use as a fly spray. If you plant this is the field it is unlikely that your horse will eat it, although adding it dry to feed has been said to improve the condition of the mane and tail. Rosemary should never be given to pregnant mares as it has been shown to bring forward contractions 16
- Sage – Another herb to avoid with pregnant mares. Sage should be used sparingly. However, it is well known for the treatment of coughs and respiratory problems 17
- Spearmint – For both the respiratory and digestive systems. It also disguises the taste of less palatable additions to your horses feed 18
- Thyme – Another herb that is useful for treating respiratory and digestive ailments 19
- Yarrow – In small amounts yarrow can be beneficial. However, too much can be toxic so care should be taken to ensure that your horse does not consume too much 20
The best herbs for horses are those that are specifically chosen for the individual horse after a period of observation and potentially veterinarian advice.
Calming herbs for horses
Herbal remedies for horses have been around for a long time. The most used herbs to relax and calm nervous horses are generally thought to be:
- Chamomile
- Echinacea
- Lemon balm
- Marjoram
What are the best herbs for liver health in horses
Natural herbs for horses are often beneficial and preferable to synthetic medicines. The herbs most often used for liver health include:
- Burdock
- Milk thistle seeds and leaves
- Calendula
Best horse herbs for digestive system
There are quite a few herbs that are beneficial for the horses digestive system. The main ones would be:
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Marigold
- Marshmallow leaf
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Spearmint
- Thyme
Herbs for the lymphatic system
Herbs for the lymphatic system include:
- Cleavers
- Burdock
- Calendula
Herbs for arthritis and joints
Older horses and those with rheumatism, arthritis, and any type of joint issues, will normally benefit from the addition of the following herbs:
- Comfrey
- Nettles
- Tumeric*
- Bonswelia*
* I have added these even as they are useful for helping joints, even though they do not feature in the list above.
Which herbs for respiratory problems?
There are a number of herbs that act on the respiratory system in a beneficial way. The main ones are:
- Spearmint
- Thyme
- Marshmallow leaf
- Sage
Which herbs for urinary ailments
Urinary ailments can be improved when offering your horse the following;
- Marshmallow leaf
- Nettles
- Dandelion may also help, but not for laminitics or those with EMS
Urinary health herbs could also be those that are related to kidney and liver health such as Burdock and Milk Thistle.
Herbs for laminitics and EMS sufferers
More research is necessary, but anecdotal evidence would appear to suggest that lemon balm and milk thistle are useful in the treatment and management of these conditions.
Noting which herbs your horse is eating can give an early warning of any oncoming problems. Catching these problems will not only be beneficial to your horse’s health, but also to your wallet as you will be able to address issues before they become fully fledged concerns.
Where to buy
I hope the following links are useful. The first list is for seeds that you can plant yourself, the second is for ready mixed supplements:
Plants to grow:
Ready mixed herbal and bagged powder supplements for:
- Calming – Equinutritive – No more nerves
- Liver – 100% Pure Stone Ground Milk Thistle
- Digestion – Global Herbs firmup
- Joint aid – Mega Bonswellia
All of the above herbs in the ‘plants to grow’ section are also available in powdered form. This means that should you not wish to grow your own, or purchase a pre-packaged tub, you can mix and match to suit your horse. Each will have individual dosage instructions and may require a higher initial ‘loading’ dose before being able to reduce to a ‘maintenance’ level.
If you are unsure about giving any supplement (not just herbs) to your horse, either consult a registered equine nutritionist, or your local equine veterinarian.
Conclusion
There are plenty of herbs that can be grown yourself or purchased online that are said to be beneficial to your horse. Many companies also provide all encompassing herbal mixes so that you don’t need to gather all the ingredients together yourself.
No matter what your horse is suffering, or you feel that he needs a little extra, there will be a herb that can help. Bear in mind though that not all herbs are good for all horses, and there are some herbs that whilst beneficial in small does, can do significant damage if eaten to excess.
