About Herbs & Supplements

Herbal remedies generally consist of dried herbs that are either powdered or cut and sifted, or tinctures, which are in liquid form. Herbs have been used for centuries as medicines and health aids and, in fact, many common drugs are made from herbal extracts.

However, we use herbs as the complete plant rather than isolating and breaking down the chemical compounds and then synthesizing them, as is done with conventional drugs. The chemical process of synthesis is what produces undesirable side-effects, as the plant has lost all its synergistic properties.

An unhealthy body requires the natural combination of elements in the plant or herb (just as nature has provided it), not just a single chemical within it.

Herbs provide nutrition, specific chemical actions, support of various body systems and, when used appropriately, are safe and effective.

What is the Best Way to Feed Herbs & Supplements?

Nutritional supplements and herbs can be fed as a top dressing in feed. If you only feed grass and/or hay, feed the supplements in a small amount of wheat bran and water (bran mash) or in soaked beet pulp. Both of these make excellent vehicles for supplements.

To increase palatability for those supplements that are stronger tasting, add unsweetened apple sauce, grated or cut carrot, small pieces of apple or any other of their favourite fruits and vegetables. If you must add something sweeter, use one or two teaspoons of pure maple syrup.

Some horses distrust a new supplement or herb when it is first introduced. These horses prefer a slow start so they can “check it out” to ensure it’s not a poison.

Start with one or two teaspoons, one remedy at a time, and gradually increase the dosage. This works well for the finicky horse as well.


Herbal tinctures can be added to the feed but work very well when syringed or administered with a medicine dropper.

In most cases it is not a problem to feed vitamins, minerals and/or herbs together.

Nutrients are very safe for all horses, as are most herbs. When you are dealing with pregnant mares or horses that are on medication, it is best to first consult with a medical herbalist or equine health practitioner. If you are unsure which supplements to begin with please contact us.

For more information please Contact Us or call our toll-free Horse Health Line at 1.800.405.6643.

See our complete line of Natural Equine Health Products.