Lately we’ve gotten a few questions about how we are different from other herbal companies out there. While we can’t speak to the methodologies of other companies, or how they create their formulas, we can share our own processes and help walk you through what an herbal formula might look like and why.

As a rule, each of our blends was developed for a specific animal with a specific need, and therefore the herbs they contain are targeted at a specific issue. Rather than throw in every herb that affects the system we are working on, we only use the herbs that target the one result we are after. And, our choice of herbs is based on published clinical research, rather than relying on folklore or tradition.

Our formulas are built in three tiers. The first consists of the chief one or two herbs that are specific to the problem at hand. The next one or two herbs are assisting herbs, which work together with the chief herbs to either increase their effectiveness or to reduce any side effects they might have. The final tier is composed of harmonizing herbs which round out the formula and might be included for taste and palatability, or to address any other issues that are related to the main focus of the formula.

As an example, our Quietude formula was developed for horses that have high anxiety and agitation. These animals typically have type A personalities and have trouble with focus due to overstimulation, excessive fear, and uncontrolled high energy. The chief, top-tier herbs in Quietude are Passion Flower and Eleuthero. In clinical studies, Passion Flower has been shown to be as effective as oxazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. As an added bonus, it also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which we will talk about in a moment.
Eleuthero is an adaptogen (helps the body adapt to stress), and it stimulates the immune system and promotes overall improvements in physical and mental performance. In clinical trials, hormonal stress levels were measured before and after the administration of Eleuthero and it was discovered that it had a normalizing effect on those levels.

Second-tier, assisting herbs in Quietude are Raspberry Leaf, Kava Kava, and Valerian. Rasperry Leaf is a tonic and an anti-spasmodic (reduces spasms). Kava Kava is also a tonic and an anti-spasmodic, as well as an anxiolytic (reduces anxiety). Raspberry Leaf and Kava Kava compliment the Passion Flower and the Eleuthero, increasing their anti-anxiety properties and providing an added layer of benefit with their anti-spasmodic properties (think menstrual cramps). Valerian is another nervine that has been shown in clinical trials to improve insomnia and general anxiety, and is also complimentary to the chief herbs.

The third, harmonizing tier in Quietude addresses a common problem that underlies anxiety: leaky gut syndrome. Many emotional problems in horses are tied to the condition of their digestive system, much the same is it is in humans. Emotional stress causes gut problems, and gut problems cause emotional stress.

The harmonizing herbs in Quietude are Marshmallow Root and Meadowsweet. Marshmallow Root is a demulcent, which forms a soothing film to relieve inflammation and irritation to mucous membranes. Meadowsweet is an antacid, an anti-ulcerogenic (prevents ulcers), and an anti-inflammatory. These two herbs are meant to complete the formula by improving gut condition and preventing ulcers and other digestive distress that will have a negative effect on the animal’s stress levels.

We follow this method of formula development for a couple of reasons. First, having a specific goal for the formula makes it much more effective than it would be if we threw everything at it just to see what sticks. A formula with every herb that supports the nervous system would likely have benefits to anxiety, but it would not be as effective as a formula that is specifically focused on anxiety. Second, herbs have side effects just as pharmeceuticals do, and including too many related but unnecessary herbs in a formula can create unwanted consequences. In our method, identifying and dealing with side effects is a part of the process.

We understand that there is a lot of confusion around the use of herbs in veterinary medicine and it is difficult to know what products do what, what products are effective, and what products are safe for our animals. The confusion is further complicated by FDA rules, which don’t allow herbal companies to make any claims about their products. We can talk about the research on the individual herbs, but we can’t say what we make will treat or cure any condition.

We started out from that same position of confusion, and it’s what led us to seek out the information and the education to try and make sense of the herbal supplement market. We are working to educate and share that knowledge because of the tremendous benefits we see in herbals, and we want to help others make sense of their use.

A quick glance at magazine covers this time of year will reveal a variety of suggestions for detox and immunity boosting strategies, which makes sense if you overindulged in too many holiday treats and beverages. I know that lately I am not feeling nearly as motivated to get up early to go to the gym, and by mid-afternoon I feel like I need a nap. This is also the time of year that you will see your Facebook feed filled with friends complaining of a variety of ailments ranging from sore throats to vomiting and body aches.

We know that we need to remove toxins to avoid feeling sluggish, bloated, and ill, but what do you do for your equine athlete?  Like us, our horses continue to age and are exposed to stress, environmental toxins, and poor diet.

We are all protected from invading pathogens by a complex immune system. I recently read a great description of this system by Ian Tizard, who compared it to a totalitarian state. It actually reminded me of how our blue heeler Allie handles visitors. Most days, she can be compared to a functioning immune system with our property representing a healthy body. She continually patrols the perimeter for invaders. She considers deer, turkey, UPS drivers, and butterflies as pathogens (also known as antigens). After raising an alarm with an ear-piercing bark, she quickly expels them from the system. Allie tolerates the cat, but if she deviates from her usual spot on the porch and runs through the yard, the cat may get run up a tree and kicked out of the system. Allie greets us with excitement as we represent food and love, which is like a healthy immune system that permits free access of nutrition and oxygen. A few years ago, however, we came home to discover firefighters in our yard cleaning up after a wildfire. Allie was barking at them with her hackles up, and my husband asked if she had been bothering them. Their reply, “No. She was laying on the porch and didn’t move until you drove up the driveway.” In this case, I could carry this analogy out a little further to say the smoke and toxins weakened our immune system (Allie) and she let pathogens in without a fight.  

According to Tizard, a healthy immune system includes four components: a method for trapping and processing antigens; a system for reacting to a specific antigen; cells to produce antibodies or to participate in a cell-mediated immune response; and cells to keep a memory of the event to react to the antigen in future encounters.

Certain herbs have historically been used to remove pathogens, to restore the normal function of an affected organ, and to improve overall immunity. These types of herbs can be divided into categories that include: 

 *The Anti’s (antimicrobials, antiseptic, anti-protozoal, anti-fungal). These herbs fight harmful bacteria, fungus and protozoa. Our Antipodian tincture contains many of these types of herbs.

*Alteratives, depuratives, and detoxes. Rather than directly targeting specific pathogens like the first category, these herbs support and restore the function of an affected organ such as the kidneys or liver. These herbs also help to remove toxins and improve overall immunity. Examples include Dandelion, Burdock, Garlic, Thyme, Cleavers, Licorice, Oregon Grape Root, and Echinacea. 

*Adaptogens. These herbs help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. Examples include Licorice, Siberian Ginseng, and Sarsaparilla.

*Immune enhancers, immune stimulants, and immune modulators. These herbs boost the immune system. They can also modify an immune response or stimulate increased activity within the system. Examples include Echinacea, Astragalus, and Pau d’arco.

On a seasonal basis I use X-Ponent, which contains Echinacea, Oregon Grape Root, Astragalus, and Licorice.  I use this blend for approximately 10 days in January, April, July, and October, and when I have had a horse exposed to a lot of stress and travel. In the case of stress, I may use the blend for a longer period of time. Signs that a horse could benefit from a detox and immunity boost may include poor hair coat, lethargy, behavioral changes, frequent illness, and inflammation and pain.

There have also been times when my horse has required antibiotics. Following a course of antibiotic treatment, I use our K2 formula for kidney and immune support to detox and help get their system back in order. This blend contains Dandelion Root, Astragalus Root, Marshmallow Root, Parsley, Ginger Root and Licorice Root.

There are common questions when it comes to winter and horses, such as whether or not to blanket. But what about supplements? Is it necessary to continue with your hoof or joint supplements during the winter months? This month we want to explore winter weather conditions and supplementation with regard to your pasture pals, athletes, and your senior horses.

In the winter months, many horses require extra energy to help them maintain their body temperature and avoid weight loss. According to the National Research Council, horses require 1-2 percent of their body weight in forage each day. In the winter months, horses should receive forage amounting to 1.5-3% of their body weight. If you don’t have a scale to weigh your horse, you can obtain an estimate using a weight tape that can be purchased at a feed store or online. You can also determine your horse’s weight by measuring the horses body length and heart girth in inches and calculate weight using the following equation: heart girth x heart girth x body length, divided by 330. It is beneficial to determine your horse’s weight at the beginning of every season to evaluate necessary feed adjustments. 

General Recommendations:

Forage can include long stem hay, chopped hay or forage-based cubes. If you need to supplement with concentrate rations to increase caloric intake, do so slowly at an increase of ½ pound per day. Horses should also have access to salt and unlimited ice-free water.  One indication that your horse is not receiving adequate feed/water intake is the presence of dry and sparse feces, as well as increased wood chewing and weight loss. If your horse is blanketed, be sure to remove it daily and palpate the neck/rib areas to determine body condition 

Supplements:

If you decide to give your horse a winter vacation from the arena or the trails and think you don’t need to give any supplements, you may want to consider that decision carefully. Some horses require more or different supplements during the winter that are not necessary during the summer.

Digestive Aids or Gastric Ulcer Supplements – Horses that are confined to stalls during prolonged cold spells may experience psychological stress that can increase the risk of gastric ulcers. Horses out on pasture with free access to forage may not have this problem in the summer. If your horse is stalled or penned with limited access to forage, consider supplements that provide stomach buffers, as well those that provide calming actions, such as GasterGuard and Quiettude.

Hoof Supplements – Depending on the weather, hoof quality can be adversely impacted during the winter. Mud, hard ground conditions, and limited movement can affect circulation as well as contribute to cracked and damaged hooves. If you discover your horse’s hooves in this condition it might be advisable to use a product such as Foundation4. Additionally, some hoof supplements work from the cornet band down and require 3-6 months to see results. Therefore, taking the winter off from these supplements could result in a delay when your warm weather riding opportunities emerge.

Respiratory Supplements – Horses that are competing in indoor arenas or that are stalled in barns during the winter may benefit from respiratory supplements. Indoor facilities can contain allergens as well as ammonia that can be damaging to the respiratory system. 

Immune Boosting Supplements – Horses that are stressed, whether from the cold or from being stalled, can experience decreased immunity. Feeding a supplement such as X-Ponent, DailyM, or GenM can counteract this process and keep your horse healthier during these times. Our own horses, that are not seniors, receive our Daily M supplement during the winter. This blend contains herbs such as Flax and Astragalus that are high in Omega-3’s and antioxidants for boosting immunity. 

Joint Supplements – Winter months are particularly difficult for many of our older horses that suffer from osteoarthritis. I know for myself, when the mercury drops I am quickly reminded of my past injuries and my aging joints. In addition, many of our horses move less due to the snow and icy ground conditions. Limited movement can cause additional stiffness in your older horse. At this point, there is no silver bullet for reversing arthritis, but it can be managed by controlling inflammation and its corresponding pain.

Although there are several joint supplements on the market, it is important to research the ingredients. According to an article written by Stacey Oke, DVM in The Horse, research-proven ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, avocado-soybean unsaponifiables, green tea extracts, and omega fatty acids, as well as curcumin, turmeric and polyphenolic plant extracts. 

Supplementing with a fat source that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax, will help boost your horse’s immunity and have an anti-inflammatory effect. In contrast, omega-6 fatty acids that are often found in grains tend to be pro-inflammatory. 

Amy Gill, PhD equine nutritionist suggests using caution when feeding glucosamine to horses who are insulin resistant or have Cushing’s disease because glucosamine contains glucose. However, some veterinarians argue that the amount is insignificant in comparison to the horse’s total caloric intake and the benefits outweigh the risk. 

We feed our Gen M Blend to our older horse with arthritis. It contains Ashwaganda, Boswellia, Turmeric, Flax Seed, Hawthorn and Celery Seed. These herbs contain anti-inflammatory, immune boosting and circulatory boosting properties. A 2003 study published in the journal of Phytomedicine “found that all 30 people with OA knee pain who received boswellia reported a decrease in knee pain. They also reported an increase in knee flexion and how far they could walk.” 

To continue to support your older horse’s management of arthritis, it may be helpful to keep them moving during the winter months, even if it just means walking or riding them around the pasture a few times on a consistent basis. However, they will require a longer warm-up period than they do in the summer.

Is Pain Beneficial?

As horse owners, we take our animals care very seriously and we want them to be comfortable and healthy. Whether they are kicking and playing in the pasture or competing in the arena, there are times when a horse will move in a manner that results in injury, inflammation, and pain. There are also chronic cases of pain that horses can experience, such as arthritis. 

Pain, redness, heat, and swelling are all part of the natural inflammatory process. When the body is injured, it produces chemicals that result in pain, tissue destruction, healing, and finally repair. Pain is the body’s way of saying “rest to repair.” When pain is diminished or absent, the horse may move more than it should, or appear to be ready for competition when in reality it isn’t, which can cause further if not permanent damage.  None of us care to see our horses suffer, so we all tend to err on the side of pain management.

NSAIDs

In recent history, the most common pain management strategy for horses includes the use of conventional pharmaceuticals such as phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine), which are both NSAIDs. Phenylbutazone is used frequently as it is inexpensive and effective at reducing inflammation.

When tissue is damaged it releases prostaglandins, produced by Cox-2 enzymes, which result in inflammation, pain and fever. Healthy tissues also release prostaglandins, produced by Cox-1 enzymes, which regulate blood flow to the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and produce mucus for the stomach lining.  NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, but unfortunately they block both Cox-1 and Cox-2 types. Pain and inflammation is subdued, but so is circulation and mucus production in the kidneys and stomach. Toxicity occurs when these beneficial prostaglandins are continually blocked, which can result in kidney damage and gastric ulcers. Phenylbutazone can be more toxic than other NSAIDs because most of the drug remains in the bloodstream, and higher doses can also be toxic to the liver.

Used as directed, phenylbutazone can be a safe product for most horses. However, those that are most at risk for sensitivity include foals, performance horses that travel, ponies, older horses, horses with kidney and liver disorders, and individuals prone to tying up. Dehydrated horses are also at higher risk as the drug will be more concentrated.

Is there an alternative to NSAIDs for Pain Management?

Given the complications associated with many pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, a growing number of people are returning to herbs for pain management. Herbs such as White Willow Bark and Devil’s Claw have been used for hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of years with few side effects. 

The first recorded use of White Willow Bark was more than 3500 years ago. It has been used through the ages by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Indians as an analgesic (pain reliever) and an antipyretic (fever reducer). Various controlled studies comparing White Willow Bark to NSAIDs and aspirin indicate comparable efficacy with fewer side effects. 

Although herbs are generally thought to be safer than NSAIDs, their mode of action should also be considered when using them. For example, White Willow Bark works by inhibiting Cox 1 and Cox 2 enzymes, much like NSAIDs. And while Devil’s Claw is a Cox 2 inhibitor, it can also produce gastric acid and be irritating to the stomach. These side effects are a good example of why herbal blends are usually a better option than administering a single herb, and more specifically they are why we developed our Anolull blend.

In our Anolull blend, we combine White Willow Bark and Devil’s Claw with other herbs that have properties that protect the stomach, liver, and kidneys. For example, it contains Chamomile, which is an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, an anti-spasmodic, and an anti-ulcerogenic. It also contains ginger, which is a stomachic as well as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The formula is rounded out with Ashwagandha, which is used as a tonic.

About Anolull

Anolull comes in a powder and is easy to administer, either by mixing with feed or by mixing with water and given with a dosing syringe. The herbs it contains have been proven effective with published research, and have been shown to be less harmful than pharmaceutical NSAIDs. As an added bonus, it also contains herbs with protective qualities to strengthen and support the overall inflammatory process. It is an essential component of our own veterinary supplies.

When it comes to deciding how frequently one should use herbal supplements, we recommend a pulsing, or a rotational regimen. Many believe that the constant daily use of herbs can reduce their effectiveness in the body. Also, our end goal in using herbs is to restore the body to its natural state. In our natural state, we don’t usually eat the same foods or participate in the same exercise regimen each and every day.

Consider what happens when you develop a training schedule for yourself at the gym. With consistency, you usually notice changes in your strength as well as the overall tone of your body. However, if you repeat the same program on a daily basis for months on end, you might notice that your body will plateau. This can happen with eating the same food every day as well. Another way to look at this concept is by thinking about what would happen if you continually train on the barrel pattern every day. Before too long, your smoking weekend runs will likely start to fall apart. Your training routine as well as your wellness routine benefit from a period of rest and rotation.

With horses experiencing chronic conditions, we provide herbal supplements six days a week with one day of just pasture or forage. Every couple of months we will even give them a one-week break from supplements. Of course, this depends on the horse. My older horse Pepsi shows signs of stiffness with a week off, so he maintains a continual six-day herbal supplement regimen. 

Our protocol stems from the teachings of traditional cultures. They used diet as a way to maintain and restore optimal health and return the body to its natural state. For example, X-Ponent is typically used four times each year with a period of rest in between. Traditional cultural practices such as Ayurveda recommended a systemic cleansing with herbs four times each year to promote and maintain optimal health. Their philosophy is that seasons are associated with different organs and systems in the body. If I don’t personally engage in a cleansing and immune restoration program in the spring, I know that I typically end up with a cold. Restorative cleansing revitalizes our systems and boosts immunity to keep our bodies functioning in an optimal state of health.

I get a lot of questions about how herbs actually work in the body. A lot of us are interested in a holistic approach towards the care of our animals, but what that actually looks like sometimes remains a question. Hopefully this will shed a little light at least on the herbal aspect.

There is a lot of information on the internet regarding herbs and their relationship to pharmaceuticals. Many people correctly point out that a number of pharmaceuticals are derivatives of the compounds found in various herbs. White Willow Bark is a great example of this relationship. For many centuries, people have chewed on willow bark to reduce fever and inflammation. This practice dates back to the time of Hippocrates (400BC). Willow bark contains salicin, which was used in the 1800s to develop aspirin.

However, there is a difference between the derivative compound and the original plant. The derivative (the pharmaceutical) was developed to target a specific condition or symptom, whereas the whole plant (the herb) targets the entire system. In other words, to use a plant analogy, the pharmaceutical targets a branch or a leaf, or another individual component of the plant, whereas the herb gets to the root of the problem.

Let’s say you have a headache and are trying to decide whether you should use white willow bark or aspirin. It is possible that both will ease your headache. White willow may be slower to relieve your pain than the aspirin, but its effects may last longer. However, the white willow contains other compounds that will be working throughout your entire body. The polyphenols and flavonoids have antioxidant, fever-reducing, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties which are not found in aspirin.

If you decided to take the aspirin or the white willow bark and your headache went away, you might think you are cured since the symptoms disappeared. This is very much in line with the approach used in western medicine and western herbalism. However, a day or two later, you might experience another headache and wonder why you need to reach for another couple of aspirin.

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine look beyond the symptoms of disease and try to alleviate the underlying imbalance that caused it. Thus, a headache could be caused by liver congestion, stomach upset, tension, or weakness in the body. If your headache was associated with osteoarthritis in the neck or lower back, willow bark may be your top choice. However, dandelion can ease a headache caused by liver congestion whereas valerian would be used for a headache caused by tension. This explains why sometimes an herb doesn’t seem to be working even though it is often used for a particular symptom. If an herb is not working, it is not a correct match for the underlying cause of the condition or its energetics. Traditional cultures treat the person, whereas symptomatic treatment, be it pharmaceuticals or herbs, treats the disease. Traditional cultures also support the holistic concept of using herbs, diet, and exercise to strengthen the body and prevent disease.

As an example, in the Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) case that I’ve talked about before (see our blog – How We Got Started), the standard treatment is the administration of the drug Lasix prior to exercise. Lasix is a diuretic, and it works to decrease pulmonary arterial pressure and therefore reduce the instance of capillary breakage. In contrast, the herbs in our blend Taretto (plantain, yarrow, elecampane, dandelion, Shepard’s purse, and mullein) function as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, stomachic, antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and expectorant. The herbs work in combination to target the root of the problem, as well as reduce inflammation in the respiratory, pulmonary, and digestive systems to promote the body’s natural healing processes. Instead of applying a temporary effect to the symptom, the herbal strategy is to strengthen the affected systems and restore natural balance to the body.

Herbs are not meant to fully replace pharmaceuticals, there can a place for both in the care of our animals. Both have different functions and can work in harmony to create a desired outcome. For example, if your horse colics, an herbal blend might buy you some time getting to the vet but should not replace veterinary treatment. Pharmaceuticals target specific conditions, symptoms, or illnesses in the body and can be critical to the treatment of disease and injury. Herbs strengthen and support the natural systems in the body to help the body’s own healing process to occur, supporting the effect of pharmaceuticals. However, some herbs should not be combined with pharmaceuticals. For example, if you are taking blood thinners, you would not want to take an herb that thins the blood. In other cases, some herbs can reduce the effects of pharmaceuticals. If you have questions regarding drug/herb interactions be sure to contact an experienced herbalist or veterinarian.

You can learn more about specific herbs and their historic uses on our website here.

We strongly recommend that you work with your veterinarian when pursuing any heath care strategy. Your vet can guide you on the use of pharmaceuticals, herbals, and other holistic measures.

Have you ever been told to trust your gut? Our instinct is often correct when something just doesn’t feel quite right.

Today, consider not only trusting your gut but also look to the guts when it comes to maintaining a healthy horse. The digestive system can impact the obvious such as weight gain and energy, but can also be associated with behavior and joint function.

You might be asking yourself, “What does the digestive system have to do with healthy joints?” To explain the relationship, we must start by discussing Leaky Gut Syndrome. The gastrointestinal system is quite complex, containing many smaller systems that are interdependent. Think of the relationships in the gastrointestinal system like those in your car. If the fuel system is not functioning, it will impact other systems and you could find yourself stranded on the highway with an inoperable vehicle.

Besides digestion, the gastrointestinal system is also tasked with removing ingested and metabolic toxins. In a healthy digestive system, a barrier consisting of a layer of mucous and a large population of healthy bacteria prevents toxins and large protein molecules from entering the rest of the body through the blood stream. Additionally, gut-lining cells bind to toxins and release chemicals that destroy and remove unhealthy substances.

Antibiotics, which decrease healthy bacteria, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as Bantamine and phenylbutazone, which prevent the secretion of mucous, break down the barrier and cause it to be permeable. Antacids as well as acid blocking drugs can also disrupt the normal pH in the intestinal tract and upset the balance between healthy and toxic microbes.

Diet also plays an important role in contributing to Leaky Gut Syndrome. Much like the owner who eats an excessive amount of treats, such as cookies and candy, feeding molasses and processed feeds to horses also results in excess yeast. Yeasts thrive in an environment of simple sugars and therefore lessen the population of beneficial microbes.

When the digestive system is impaired, or the mucosal lining is compromised, conditions such as colic, joint inflammation, auto-immune disorders, allergies, and behavior problems may be noticeable to the horse owner. It is now believed that allergies result when large protein molecules escape from the gut into the lymphatic and circulatory system. When this occurs, the immune system responds by forming antibodies to fight against the large protein molecules which often results in food sensitivities and auto-immune conditions, as well as allergic responses such as hives and heaves. When the antigens/antibodies interact with tissue, the horse can experience joint stiffness and soreness. All of the toxins create added stress to the liver as it attempts to process the contaminated blood. When these systems break down, conditions such as colic, hoof problems, irritability, soft tissue injuries, and joint soreness may result.

If you discover that your horse has developed joint inflammation or sudden changes in behavior, don’t forget to consider the role of the digestive system in your plan to return your horse to its healthy state. Feeding good quality hay, avoiding excess sweet feeds and extruded feeds lacking roughage, as well as plenty of exercise and stress reduction will contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system.

When the digestive system has been compromised, it is helpful to re-establish the healthy bacteria in the digestive system with probiotics. Since antibiotics may be required for an infection, it is important to provide probiotics for 30-60 days following the treatment to return the gastrointestinal system to its optimal balance. Supplements that heal and regenerate the mucosal lining, provide a healthy anti-inflammatory response as well as support the liver are also beneficial.

Tag: GasterGuard, EZ Mover, Anolull, Foundation4, NaviKare.