Abstract:

The potential effect of herbs to treat lung, skin and gastrointestinal pathologies in horses is discussed. For lung pathologies effects of food supplementation with garlic, aniseed, fennel, licorice, thyme and hyssop have been found. A preparation of yellow gentian, garden sorrel, cowslip, verbena and common elder rendered recurrent airway obstruction affected horses less sensitive to histamine. For skin conditions flax seed and heartsease have a positive effect when fed on a regular basis. Aloe vera, along with chrysanthemum, relieves symptoms of dermatitis. Chamomile is one of the oldest known herbs with its anti-inflammatory properties. To manage gastrointestinal disturbances flax seed again is an important resource to support the symbiota. Fenugreek seed is also able to affect the microbiota stabilizing the immune system and Silybum marianum can also influence the gut to become healthy.