We're having consistently fine weather and some rain, which means the grass is starting to grow. It's that 'sugar-rich grass' time of the year that rings alarm bells for the owners of horse and ponies prone to laminitis.
Grass in spring is richer in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) than at other times of the year and particularly so first thing in the morning as the NSCs are stored in the grass overnight.
So, even if your horse or pony has never had laminitis, be very aware of the risks involved in laying off a fit horse and make sure the turning away process is combined with a serious reduction in the cereal component of their diet.
What is Laminitis?
Laminitis is both a metabolic and vascular disease that involves the inner sensitive structures of the feet. The blood supply to the feet is disturbed and the sensitive cells in the laminae are deprived of blood and oxygen, leading to cell damage, inflammation and swelling.
The swelling is restricted within the tough hoof wall, intensifying discomfort and pain.
Apart from carbohydrate overload from feed and pasture there are other situations that can result in the development of laminitis, these include, but are not restricted to:
- Cushing’s disease
- Insulin Resistance
- Obesity
- Infection
Now let's focus on herbs that can be used to help support horses and ponies predisposed to laminitis.
These herbs can be used prior to and during the ‘danger period’ and aim to support the blood supply to the extremities, maintain the body’s natural response to inflammation, support the lymphatic system, strengthen blood vessels and maintain liver and kidney function to encourage the removal of blood toxins and inflammatory waste products from the body. It goes without saying that these suggestions should always be used in conjunction with good horse management and veterinary advice.
Herbs for liver and kidney function
Nettle, Cleavers, Dandelion and Meadowsweet are great spring tonics and can be cut and given to horses regularly to help support liver and kidney function, digestion, lymphatic and urinary systems.
Horses and ponies restricted to ‘skinny’ paddocks or confined to stables will look forward to their daily ration of herbs which can also help break the boredom horses experience when on restricted turnout.
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Hilary Self Bsc MNIMH says this is her favourite herb. The whole plant can be used, flowers and flowering tops, leaves and root. The plant contains Methylsalicilate – salicylic acid, gaultherin and a volatile oil which gives the flowers their beautiful fresh scent.
These constituents are responsible for its actions – antacid, antiseptic in joints and the urinary system, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti rheumatic, analgesic and febrifuge (fever-reducing action). Medicinally it is used for gastric ulceration, balancing gut pH, arthritis, fever and urinary infections.
It is interesting to note that this was one of the herbs used in the production of the original Bayer drug aspirin. Aspirin is known to cause stomach bleeding as a side-effect (the salicylates in isolation can cause gastric bleeding), whilst the herb with all its constituent parts in balance is used to help heal gastric bleeding and ulceration.
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
This plant is considered a troublesome weed by most farmers and gardeners, but it is another of Hilary's favourites. It has a diuretic action in the body and is a rich source of Silica. Given the opportunity most horses will happily graze any fresh plants they find, or it can be pulled up and tossed into paddocks or stables for them to chew on.
Cleavers are excellent for supporting the lymphatic and urinary system and will help encourage the removal of waste products and toxins from the cells and support their removal from the body via the kidneys.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion is a great 'cleansing' herb and supports the liver and kidneys assisting them in their roles of breaking down both fat-soluble and water-soluble materials ready for excretion. The leaves are a powerful diuretic, from which comes the old English name of Pee-the-Bed, and are a rich source of Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium. The leaves can be collected at any time of the year.
The roots which help maintain healthy liver function and general digestion can either be collected in early spring when there is the maximum amount of sap in the plant, or more traditionally in late autumn. The roots should be cut lengthways and allowed to dry. All parts of the plant have a ‘bitter’ quality to help stimulate digestive juices and support a normal healthy effective digestive system. Dandelion leaves, flowers and roots are part of our horse’s natural diet and can be grazed at any time of the year.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle is rich in Vitamins C, K, and A and also contains iron, magnesium, zinc, cobalt, selenieum, sodium, managanese as well as being fibre-rich. All these constituents mean Nettle is very well adapted to help support horses and ponies susceptible to laminitis.
Nettle helps support the circulatory system, in particular the circulation to the extremities, at the same time encouraging efficient elimination of toxins. Nettle is also recommended for anaemia because the combination of vitamins, minerals and oligo-elements in this plant encourages the uptake of iron by the body.
Herbs for the circulatory system
Hawthorn (Crataegus species)
One of the most respected herbs for supporting the cardiovascular system, with a long history of use in both traditional European and Chinese herbal medicine.
The berries, leaves, and flowers are all used medicinally, containing flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins that help strengthen the heart muscle and improve coronary circulation. Unlike stimulant herbs, hawthorn works gently and is often described as a “heart tonic,” suitable for long-term use under proper guidance.
Hawthorn is commonly used to support healthy blood pressure, improve circulation, and enhance the heart’s efficiency by increasing oxygen utilisation. It may help regulate heart rhythm and reduce symptoms such as mild palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion, and fatigue associated with poor circulation.
One of hawthorn’s unique qualities is its safety profile when used appropriately; it acts slowly and cumulatively rather than producing immediate effects. However, because it can interact with heart medications such as beta blockers, digoxin, or blood pressure drugs, it should be used with caution and professional supervision in those cases.
Hawthorn is most effective when taken consistently over weeks or months.
Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus)
A small, dark-blue berry closely related to Blueberry, Bilberry and is valued for its powerful antioxidant content. It is especially rich in anthocyanins, compounds that give the fruit its deep color and help protect blood vessels from oxidative damage.
Bilberry is well known for its role in supporting vascular integrity and improving microcirculation. Because of its effects on blood vessel health, bilberry is also used to support eye health and may help reduce eye strain by improving blood flow to retinal tissues.
In addition to its circulatory benefits, bilberry fruit has mild anti-inflammatory and blood sugar–balancing properties. It may help reduce platelet aggregation, which supports healthy blood flow, but this also means it should be used cautiously by individuals taking blood-thinning medications
Our product suggestions
Lam X, a fast-absorbing liquid supplement with natural herbs such as Hawthorn and Prickly Ash bark, which are known for their circulatory benefits.
Together, these ingredients help ensure the circulatory system remains healthy and efficient, supporting overall wellbeing and mobility.
For horses needing additional joint support, Lam X Liquid can be safely used alongside our Releaf, a liquid supplement specially formulated to help maintain and support joint and musculoskeletal health. It is also beneficial for horses that are prone to laminitis, providing natural support where it's most needed.
DeTox, a natural herbal supplement formulated to support healthy liver and kidney function in horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Multi-Flex, our best-selling blend and one of our original formulations, is a carefully selected herbal ingredients: Devil’s Claw root, known for its soothing properties, and Nettle, rich in nutrients. These work together to help maintain healthy connective tissue, ease muscular tension, and support a healthy circulatory system.
