26 May 2007
Most horse health symptoms, illness and diseases are caused by an accumulation of toxins that our horses are not able to eliminate. Horses nowadays are suffering from chronic health issues that hardly existed 40 years ago. Most of these illnesses seem to relate to a breakdown of the immune system due to poor nutrition and over vaccinations. Much of this can be avoided and/or helped naturally by cleansing your horse from the inside out, and feeding them a high quality diet. Detoxification allows for rapid healing to take place and elimination of waste allows the body to perform much better.
Constipation, diarrhoea, kidney and liver problems, skin rashes, intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections, respiratory and blood problems are some of the many conditions that can be caused by a bad immune system. Herbs have a lot to offer in the way of preventing and maintaining a fit and healthy state and will help resist a viral attack or aid in the recovery of injuries. All different herbs have a specific role to play in the strengthening and support of the immune system of the horse’s body. In conjunction with a balanced and nutritious diet, freedom to graze, regular exercise (appropriate for that particular horse) and wherever possible a stress free environment can all help towards homeostasis.
It is very important that your horse is able to eliminate ALL wastes from his body so he can live a happy, healthy life. Horse health depends on
* eating high quality nourishing food
* The cells absorbing those foods properly
* eliminating all toxins from the body
If the diet has been less than high quality, it is most likely the organs, cells and body systems are not able to function as efficiently as possible. Over time toxins accumulate in the body and the waste cannot be eliminated properly which leads to many of the various problems and ailments we see in our horses. A few common sources of toxins are: Vaccinations, tap water, stress and over worked, commercial feeds, i.e. fillers, chemical preservatives, drugs, antibiotics, fertilisers and pesticides. As many of us have observed, our horses have a host of health challenges that wild animals do not suffer from. The wild animals are not eating poor quality diets, are not vaccinated, or treated with drugs and conventional medicine, and are unlikely to be carrying an accumulation of toxic waste.
Herbs can gently cleanse the organs and cells of your horse and effectively eliminate the accumulation of toxins, strengthen their immune system and provide the necessities that Mother Nature provides naturally. Our horses will feel empowered in this process of restoring them to optimum health. The body in itself has a wonderful self healing process that rids the body of waste and toxins and using herbs will support this process but we must treat the whole body in this elimination process and make sure that all organs are being helped simultaneously. We will also support the specific areas that may be under more pressure for an example a horse that has been on drugs will certainly need the liver cleansed. For the digestive system I will use a laxative, for the kidneys and urinary system I will use a diuretic, for liver and blood a hepatic and/or alterative, for the lymphatic system an alterative and lymphatic tonic, the skin a diaphoretic and alterative, the respiratory system an expectorant and anti-catarrhal and for the systemic support in general a tonic, alterative, adaptogen and anti-microbial. Any horse that has been on long term drug therapies should be taking detoxifying herbs. This would include the Navicular horse, the Laminitic horse and any horse than is getting through each day by taking pain relieving or anti-inflammatory drugs.
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I am putting together a blend of herbs for a general detoxification and elimination process.
The herbs I like to use for detoxifying my horses which I do mainly as a maintenance detoxification process whether it be the start of a new season, after heavy work periods or if I feel they may look poorly are Dandelion leaf and root, Nettle leaf, Kelp, Yellow Dock, Rosehips, Garlic, Milk Thistle and apple cider vinegar. These are gentle and mild herbs and not overly active as we want a gentle stimulate elimination and not an intense elimination.
The Liver and Blood - The Liver is the main detoxifying organ in the body and will be affected by long term drug use. It is the first organ in the body to filter the blood, so it is very susceptible to damage, but it can also regenerate quickly as well. The liver will remove toxins before they can damage other organs such as the heart and blood vessels. When the liver is not working properly, it can have very bad effects on long term health care.
There are many Hepatic herbs, but the herb of choice would have to be Milk Thistle Seed. The seeds should be ground up into a powdered form, as the seeds themselves are quite hard and almost non digestible to the horse. Most seeds fed in the whole form will more than likely pass through the entire system without being utilized and end up in the manure. You will find this out quickly when you find Milk Thistle growing all over your pasture!!
Milk Thistle works in three ways. It protects the Liver cells, it has antioxidant activity and it will also regenerate damaged liver cells. Milk Thistle seeds are comprised of bioflavonoid silymarin complex and silibinin. The silymarin complex protects the liver with its anti-oxidant properties. It prevents toxins from entering the liver cells and it also helps with regeneration of damaged cells.
There has been alot of research done on the active constituent in Milk Thistle seed. This is called Silymarin. Silymarin has been proven to help offset damage caused by certain prescription drugs, especially antidepressants and anticonvulsive drugs.
Other herbs that will also help the liver are Dandelion root, Cleavers, Fennel seed, Wormwood, Yellow dock root, Barberry, Celery seed, Hyssop, Goldenseal, and Yarrow.
But again, Milk Thistle seed is the HERB of choice for the liver.
The Kidneys and Urinary System - Our horse’s health may depend alot more than you think on the proper function of his kidneys. Most of us know that the kidneys excrete waste matter such as urea, uric acid, reatinine and ammonia. But the kidneys will also regulate the total concentration of water and electrolytes, and also regulate the concentration of each electrolyte! The kidneys also help to regulate the acid alkaline balance of the plasma and they also secrete an enzyme called renin which regulates sodium and water retention. The kidneys will eliminate substances that are in the blood, whether the substances are a result of metabolic defects, bacterial or ingested chemicals. Let’s just say the kidneys do a lot of regulating and cleansing and shouldn't be taken for granted. To help them work properly and efficiently, some very good diuretic herbs should be taken along with the Milk Thistle seed mentioned above. Herbs such as Dandelion root or leaf, with the root being much stronger. Dandelion is a very powerful diuretic and one of the best sources of natural occurring potassium. It will also help with inflammation and congestion of the liver. Burdock root is another excellent diuretic and blood cleanser as well. It too will also help with the secretion of bile and aid kidney function as well.
The Lymphatic System - This system is essentially a drainage system for the entire body. It drains fluids from tissues and returns it to the blood in the large veins at the back of the neck. The main function of the lymphatic system is to return to the blood stream protein and fluid lost from the capillaries. It is also a defense against disease. The lymphatic system protects the body by phagocytosis. These are cells that line the lymph nodes and digest any harmful or foreign material. The lymphatic system also protects the body by helping to trigger an immune response. Two types of lymphocytes in the nodes increase rapidly in response to contact with foreign substances. Keeping the Lymphatic system up and running is very vital to your horse’s health. Cleavers is considered a lymphatic tonic. It is not only considered a tonic for the lymphatic system, but also an alterative (blood cleansing) and diuretic as well. Other herbs for the Lymphatic system are Yarrow flowers, Dandelion leaf, Blessed Thistle and Milk Thistle. An excellent herbal blend for the lymphatic system should consist of Cleavers, Dandelion leaf, Yarrow and Blessed Thistle.
The Digestive System - Digestion is the process by which feedstuffs are broken down to their simplest forms. The resulting nutrients can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and provide fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for maintenance and/or growth, or they can be stored for future needs. Digestion takes place through a complex process that involves peristaltic muscular contractions, enzymatic action, and fermentation (digestion of fibre by micro-organisms in the large intestine). The digestive process is completed when usable nutrients are assimilated and undigested feed residues and waste products are excreted.
Faeces must be eliminated as toxins can permeate through the walls of the bowel and poison the system with constipation being a problem we need to make sure that the digestive system operates well. Yellow Dock, Licorice, Aloe and Dandelion root are some of the great laxatives for the digestive system.
The Skin - The skin is the horses’ largest organ. The skin plays an important part in the stabilsation of body temperature and continues in the form of mucous membranes which are rich in mucous secreting glands which moisten and protect the delicate area of the nose, mouth, alimentary canal, anal canal and urinogenital organs. These mucous membranes are very well supplied with nerve receptors so are very sensitive to touch and temperature. The skin acts as a barrier, a camouflage and as an excretory organ with some waste products being secreted in sweat. Diaphoretic and alterative (blood purifier) herb actions are very good to help eliminate waste and cleanse the skin and blood of inner and outer infections and problems and heal and repair tissues. These herbs would include dandelion leaf, nettles and cleavers.
The Respiratory System - There are two types of respiration the external (breathing) is where the gases between the environment and the blood takes place within the airways and there is cell, tissue and internal respiration which is the metabolic breakdown of organic compounds, mainly carbohydrates, which occur throughout the cells of the body, resulting in the release of energy. Herbs can greatly benefit the respiration system as they aid in the activity of the mucous membranes and ensure that gas exchange through these membranes occur. They can tone up the circulation of the blood, activate the secretion of lung tissue and augment neurological responses regulating the breath. To cleanse the respiratory system expectorant and anticatarrhal herbs such as mullein, coltsfoot and tonics are good.
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The herbs I will use for my general detoxification:
Dandelion ~ Taraxacum officinalis
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This common weed will come into flower in Spring. The dandelion is a storehouse of minerals especially iron, copper and potash. Copper being especially important as an activator of zinc in the body. Zinc being necessary for wound healing, fertility and white blood cell production. Dandelion also contains more vitamin A & C than most other vegetables and fruit.
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Traditionally in Spring, the young leaves have been used to stimulate and cleanse the digestive system, the blood and the kidneys. The high iron content of both leaves and root helps to combat anaemia. The root is used as a liver remedy especially useful in relieving bilious disorders.
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Encourage the dandelion to flourish in your pastures; it is non-poisonous and entirely beneficial. A few leaves shredded into a mash feed can only improve your horse’s health.
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The whole dandelion plant (flower, root and leaf) is a tonic food for humans and animals. The leaves contain chlorophyll and a sap that is anti-viral. Instinctively, your horse knows this will help him get over his viral infection. I would not advise feeding dandelion leaves or flowers ad lib, as they have properties that stimulate the production of bile. Bile being necessary to digest food and fats. However, bile production in excess would result in loose faeces, liver and intestinal discomfort. 50 grams of fresh leaves daily for a 500kg horse would be an ideal amount (10 grams per 100kgs weight).
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Stinging Nettle ~ Urtica dioica
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A plant so common that it is found on nearly every piece of waste ground. Despite their sting (easily relieved with the juice of a dock leaf crushed in the hand, or a drop or two of pure Lavender essential oil) they are one of our most valuable mineral herbs. Nettles accumulate large quantities of nitrogen, calcium, silica, iron, phosphates and vitamins B, C & K. Nettles are primarily diuretic and blood cleansing eliminating uric acid from the body. This explains their reputation in reducing painful inflammation as seen in oseto-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in humans. The presence of vitamin K gives nettles anti-haemorrhagic qualities.
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Nettles compared weight for weight with spinach is far richer in iron.
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The sting in the leaves is due to histamine that can be easily destroyed with drying. Keep the dried nettles in an airtight tin and add to your horse’s mash feed.
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Nettles cleanse the blood and can be used as a mineral rich tonic.
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Apple ~ Pyrus malus
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Apples and their concentrated product, apple cider vinegar provides valuable minerals and acids essential to health.
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Apples are a veritable storehouse of valuable minerals, acids and enzymes. Apples contain all the great builders of the various tissues in the body;
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Calcium - builder of bone, cardiac stimulant
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Iron - oxygen carrier, builds red blood cells
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Potassium - brain and nerve cells. Maintains water balance in tissues, removing excess.
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Magnesium - muscle builder, enhances calcium uptake.
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Sodium - ensures water is retained in the tissues, preventing dehydration.
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Traces of silicia, copper, sulphur, phosphorous and fluorine.
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All apples contain malic and gallic acids
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Malic acid carries its own life giving oxygen about one third of its atoms are made up of oxygen. This oxygen is readily absorbed in the tissues.
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Gallic acid is astringent and cleansing to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract acting as an antiseptic tonic.
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These acids along with the natural apple sugars not only help to digest the apple but also help digest other foods and also neutralises stomach acid and deranged digestion.
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Furthermore, these acids have the ability to act as de-solvents breaking down calcium deposits on joints, and in the kidney and bladder.
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Pectin found in apples and other fruit of the Rosaceae family such as Hawthorn, Quince, Pear and Rose reduces cholesterol deposits in the arteries and assists in healthy bowel elimination.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
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All the medicinal virtues of apples are preserved in the concentrated apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar given regularly to your horse has the following benefits:
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Cleanses the digestive tract and balances the acid/alkaline ratio.
Maintains the correct water balance in the tissues preventing oedema and de-hydration.
Eases joint and muscle pain.
Helps to dissolve calcium deposits in kidneys and bladder, and around joints.
Oxygenates tissues.
Used topically reduces swelling and disinfects skin wounds. Can relieve mild itching.
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Kelp/Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
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Kelp is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iodine for strengthening the hair. Kelp is ideal as an all round conditioner as it contains the minerals essential for our animals’ good health. It also contains sulphur, which acts as a purifier and tonic for the whole body. Kelp should be introduced slowly into your horses feed due to its strong flavour.
Kelp brings with it the nutritional properties of the sea from which it is harvested. For this reason it is high in valuable minerals but also prone to marine pollution, so care should be taken in sourcing it. Kelp is highly nutritious, making it a valuable dietary supplement. It is emollient and usable as a poultice. It is rich specifically in potassium and iodine. It is of particular use in goitrous conditions or in areas of the country known to be short in iodine.
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A safe administration of kelp depends on a number of factors, including the source and type of seaweed, the level iodine in the diet and the form in which it is fed. Kelp attracts heavy metals thus it is important the seaweed comes from clean waters. A large majority of the seaweed used in Australian stock feeds is harvested from clean waters off Tasmania, and as such the heavy metal content is low. The level of iodine in kelp products vary significantly, and as such your source should state on the bottle or in their literature the level of iodine present in their product.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
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Milk Thistle helps to support and protect the liver. It is used by horses as a means of flushing the system after the winter months. It is highly regarded as a liver cleansing tonic and is particularly beneficial to animals that have experienced liver damage. Milk Thistle has been used in herbal medicine for a couple of thousand years. Substantial research has confirmed the traditional knowledge that Milk Thistle seeds have a remarkable protective and restorative effect on the liver – that amazingly complex organ whose metabolic processes largely bear the burden of the body’s detoxification work.
Much of the therapeutic benefit of Milk Thistle seeds is attributed to a group of potent antioxidant bioflavonoids, known together as silymarin, which are able to guard and stabilise cell membranes, preventing the invasion of toxins, as well as enhance the regeneration of liver cells already damaged by detoxification processes.
Milk Thistle can assist both the healthy or sick liver in its constant encounters with environmental toxins. It is particularly applicable for horses who have suffered liver damage from poisons, infections, high worm burdens, reactions to worming drugs, or ongoing/excessive pharmaceutical drug use. Milk Thistle can be taken long term, and indeed needs be taken for a prolonged period (at least 4-12 weeks) to be of most benefit. For horses, Milk Thistle seeds can be fed whole or they can be ground up to aid in their digestion. For better effect ground up is more suitable.
ACTIONS include: liver tonic – protective and stimulant; cholagogue (promoting bile flow); increasing breast milk production; antidepressant.
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Rosehip (Rosa canina)
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Rosehips are an astringent, traditionally used for their high Vitamin C and flavanoid content. The flavanoids dilate and strengthen the capillaries, improving blood supply. The high Vitamin C content helps strengthen the body’s resistance to infection. Their gentle astringent action makes them ideal for animals prone to scouring. Horses can be seen to select rosehips happily when given the opportunity. Combines well with Clivers and kelp as a general coat conditioner.
Rosehips (Rosa canina) The hips (fruit) of the dog rose are a source of readily assimilated forms of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including – vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3 and K, bioflavonoids (including rutin), carotenoids, tannins, calcium, magnesium, silica, phosphorous and copper. As well as being considered a dietary supplement, rosehips are often fed to horses recuperating from illness or injury as they help to restore the immune system and aid tissue repair. Feeding them as part of the daily diet is beneficial for preventing illness. The vitamin C in rosehips acts as a natural antihistamine, which can assist the allergy-prone horse. Bioflavonoids, as well as having potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, enhance vitamin C’s ability to strengthen blood vessel walls, and this effect contributes to rosehips’ reputation for encouraging healthy hoof growth. Rosehips can also help alleviate gastric inflammation and diarrhoea. Actions include: Dietary supplement, astringent (having a contracting and toning effect on mucous membranes and tissues), aperient (mildly laxative – promoting natural bowel function), anti-diarrhoeal.
Dose: 1-2 tablespoons per day, depending on horse size and level of work. Large, hard working horses, and horses facing, or recuperating from, illness could require a higher dose.
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Yellow dock (Rumex Crispus)
Yellow Dock is a powerful blood purifier and astringent. It is used in treating all diseases of the blood and skin. It is very high in iron, making it useful for treating anemia. It nourishes the spleen and liver, detoxifies the liver, and cleanses and enriches the blood. Yellow dock has a powerful cleansing effect in the body. Yellow dock provokes a bowel movement within a few hours of taking it, while also reducing any excess activity of the gut, and soothing any irritation of the gut lining, making Yellow Dock a gentle bowel cleanser for long term treatment of sluggish bowels. Yellow dock can also be used for bowel infections and to heal peptic ulcers. Yellow dock soothes irritation in the respiratory tract. Its bitter glycosides stimulate the liver, enhancing bile production, making it a good remedy for a sluggish liver, a weak digestion, distension and wind. Yellow dock's root has diuretic properties, increasing urine production and elimination of toxins via the urinary system. Yellow dock's root can be used for gout, cystitis, water retention, urinary stones and gravel.
Yellow dock makes an excellent remedy for skin problems such as weeping eczema, psoriasis, nettle rash, boils and abscesses. Yellow dock has the effect of mobilising congested blood and lymph and pulling toxins out of the tissues, as well as ensuring their elimination and can be used wherever there is congestion, heat and inflammation. Yellow dock makes an excellent addition to prescriptions for arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and chronic lymphatic congestion. Yellow dock's roots contain iron and provide an excellent remedy for anemia. This, with its tonic effect on the liver, has given Yellow Dock a wide reputation as a revitalizing remedy, for general debility, mental lethargy, headaches, convalescence, low spirits and irritability.
The cooling and healing actions of Yellow Dock make it an excellent external remedy for all kinds of inflammatory skin conditions.
It is the anthraquinones which are responsible for the laxative effect for which yellow dock is mainly used. They work by stimulating the colon to expel waste and toxins. In small amounts anything which has a laxative effect may be cleansing for the body, but large amounts would have a purgative effect, causing excessive peristalsis, resulting in griping pains. However, at the right dosage the plant gives a gentle action well suited to relieve moderate constipation. Yellow dock also acts to aid the digestive processes. Combined with other herbs, yellow dock is well suited to assist the liver in the cleansing of toxins from the skin, and is used in complaints such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. In the musculoskeletal system, where there is often a build-up of toxins resulting from constipation, yellow dock is again cleansing.
Garlic is one of the few herbs that are universally recognised and used. It has been used as a medicine and tonic food for thousands of years by many different cultures/people including – ancient Egyptians and Romans; Chinese medicine; Ayurvedic medicine; and the Cherokee and Choco peoples. During the Great Plague of London garlic was the primary remedy for protection and cure, fetching more in price than gold. During WWII it was known as Russian Penicillin and was used to prevent septic poisoning and gangrene. It is the most widely known and used herb in the horse world.
Garlic is a stimulant for the immune system – it is the closest thing to an herbal wonder drug for treating infections. This is because garlic is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Garlic is rich in sulphur which is essential for healthy skin and hair, and garlic also contains bioflavonoid compounds such as quercetin which retard inflammatory reactions. Quercetin stabilises mast cells (which contain histamine) and inactivates many inflammatory enzymes, which makes garlic a useful anti-allergy tool. Garlic also works to improve circulation. It contains a number of anti-coagulant compounds and has a blood-thinning effect as well as being vasodilatory.
Garlic can be used to prevent and treat respiratory infections. Anyone who has had garlic breath has experienced this herb’s aromatic compounds being excreted through their lungs which is why garlic’s active ingredients can be so effective for respiratory complaints. There is evidence that in the digestive tract garlic acts selectively against pathogens (disease causing micro-organisms) whilst sparing beneficial flora. Further, garlic reduces the incidence of cancer, especially in the gastrointestinal tract – allicin (a volatile oil constituent of garlic) interferes with the generation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the gut.
Garlic is reputed to minimise intestinal worms (although it must not be relied upon as the sole means of worm control). Some insect repelling properties have been attributed to the feeding of garlic; however it seems this may be dependent on feeding garlic in its fresh, raw form.
ACTIONS include: anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parastic, anti-histamine (anti-allergy), anti-coagulant, expectorant (encouraging passage of mucus up the bronchials), vasodilatory. Beware the tendency to think that “a little is good, a lot will be better” – garlic in excess can irritate the gut and/or cause Heinz-body anaemia*. Keep to recommended dosages. Do not use garlic if a horse has been scouring chronically, and use caution if you are feeding garlic to nursing mares as it may flavour/taint the milk and upset the foal’s digestive system.
*Heinz-body anaemia occurs when a constituent of garlic (and other members of the Allium plant family, including onions) is present in sufficient quantity to deplete red blood cells of a chemical which protects them from oxidative damage. When this occurs, the haemoglobin in the cells oxidises and forms a “bubble” - known as a Heinz body - on the outside of the red blood cell. The spleen then removes these deformed cells from the bloodstream. If this process of damage and subsequent removal occurs consistently, the horse gradually becomes anaemic.
Detoxifying herbs will gently, safely, and effectively cleanse the body from the inside out and strengthen the immune system. These health challenges can improve (and often disappear) once your horses’ body is rid of drugs, animal by products, pollutants and any accumulation of poisons, making it much easier for them to absorb and assimilate the nutrients in their food. They will support the horses own elimination process and can allow you to target areas where the horse may have a particular weakness.
Do not try and mix this up yourself as particular different measures of each herb are needed to make the right balance and to be safe for your horse.
Sharon Osmond
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