This week, I discuss one of the plants I use frequently in my equine health programs. 

Licorice root is widely known for its unmistakable sweetness and distinct flavor. In addition to being a popular ingredient in the culinary arts, it has many medicinal properties. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine, and has been the subject of extensive research due to the pharmacological activities of its constituents. 

Licorice Root Contains Glycyrrhizin 

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a plant glycoside fifty times sweeter than sucrose. Despite its sweetness, glycyrrhizin does not affect the glycemic index, making it safe for horses with insulin resistance concerns.

Glycyrrhizin Becomes Glycyrrhizin Acid

After being metabolized by the gastrointestinal tract, glycyrrhizin becomes glycyrrhizin acid, an acidic compound well-known for therapeutic properties related to the adrenal glands. That is particularly significant for horses with metabolic conditions, such as insulin resistance and Cushing's, where the adrenal glands respond to emotional and physical stressors.

Adrenal Glands and Stress 

The adrenal glands are essential for the fight-or-flight response because they produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol during stress. Prolonged cortisol production due to chronic stress may lead to adrenal burnout, something we see in horses experiencing fatigue, depression, pain, and long-term inflammation. It is essential to notice and address adrenal burnout, as it could intensify health issues like compromised immunity and muscle wasting.

The Role of Licorice Root in Adrenal Support

Licorice root is a natural ally for supporting adrenal health. It helps to manage equine stress levels by mitigating adrenal fatigue, reducing inflammation, and alleviating various conditions associated with chronic stress. 

The Role of Glycyrrhizin Acid

The glycyrrhizin acid in licorice root interferes with the breakdown of cortisol by inhibiting its premature inactivation in the liver and kidneys. That unique characteristic allows for more cortisol availability in the body, which is helpful for horses struggling with elevated cortisol levels. 

The Multi-Faceted Benefits of Licorice Root

Licorice root has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a valuable addition to a horse's diet for their overall health and wellness and boosting their immune system. 

Licorice Root is helpful for Insulin-resistant horses

Licorice root contains flavonoids and triterpenoids, which have anti-diabetic properties that enhance insulin receptor sensitivity and glucose utilization, making it a valuable supplement for insulin-resistant horses.

Leaky Gut Issues 

Licorice root can be helpful for horses with leaky gut issues, as it inhibits detrimental bacterial strains and fosters a healthier gut environment.

Managing Ulcers and Boosting Immunity

Licorice root discourages ulcer-causing bacteria and promotes mucus production for intestinal lining protection and repair. It also has immune-boosting capabilities, particularly for combating viruses like influenza and herpes, making it a valuable natural option for supporting a horse's immune system. 

Guidelines for Safe Usage

While incorporating licorice root into your horse's health program can yield various benefits, cautious and purposeful usage is essential. It is advisable to start with a low dosage and monitor the horse to see how it responds. Short-term use is best because licorice root can have a mineral corticoid effect, which could impact sodium retention and potassium levels. 

A Purposeful and Targeted Approach

Maintain a purposeful and targeted approach when incorporating licorice root into your horse’s health program. That will ensure it becomes a supportive component for addressing specific health concerns without compromising the horse's overall well-being. 

This week, I cover an essential aspect of formulating an effective wellness, preventative, or recovery program for your horse. 

Plants are essential for horses because they are super-vegans, but we took away their ability to choose what they eat when we domesticated them. Now, it is up to us to choose their food. However, we sometimes make mistakes about what they need. 

We are all trying to find the best way to feed and care for our horses. So today, I explain the benefits of supplementing your horse’s diet with plants and herbs. 

The Importance of Plants in Horse Health Programs

When considering health programs for horses, plants often take a back seat. For domesticated horses, however, plants should be a priority as they mimic the varied diet horses would have in the wild. Wild horses derive vitality and strength from a diverse plant-based diet, and that is often lacking in domesticated horses. The decline in health for many horses stems from nutritional gaps, which can be challenging to address, especially for horses with no access to pasture. In those cases, incorporating plants into their diet is crucial.

Quick and Affordable Solutions: Medication vs. Plants

Medication provides quick and permanent solutions for horse health issues. While medication has its place, herbs and plants also offer valuable benefits. Unfortunately, many horse owners lack knowledge about herbs and their applications, which leads them to underestimating their potential. Natural options that include herbs provide substantial benefits for many equine health challenges, offering a safer alternative that aligns far more closely with the needs of a horse.

Plant-Based Solutions for Nutrient Deficiencies

A critical aspect of any horse’s health is their nutrition. Domesticating horses has resulted in nutrient deficiencies, one of the leading causes of equine health conditions. 

Live Forage is Crucial 

Many domesticated horses have become so digestively compromised that they cannot even absorb nutritional supplements, making live forage a crucial component for horses unable to access pasture regularly. Plants fill the nutritional void and promote better digestion, absorption, and well-being. That is why it is essential for horse owners to understand the significance of plants when addressing nutrient deficiencies or creating effective health programs.

Medicinal Properties of Plants in Horse Health

Beyond their nutritional value, plants also carry a number of medicinal properties. Various plant compounds, like flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins, work synergistically to promote and restore equine health. The potential of plants for supporting detoxification, reducing inflammation, strengthening the musculoskeletal system, fighting infections, and discouraging parasites is substantial. Plants also play a crucial role in balancing hormones and promoting healthy digestion. By recognizing and harnessing the medicinal properties of plants, you can contribute significantly to your horse's overall health and vitality.

Plant-Based Solutions vs. Pharmaceuticals

Distinguishing between plant-based solutions and pharmaceutical drugs is essential for understanding how they impact a horse’s health. Medicinal plants provide a holistic approach for addressing underlying causes such as toxicity, stress, and nutrient deficiencies. In contrast, pharmaceutical drugs primarily target symptoms, offering quick relief without necessarily resolving the root issues. The holistic nature of plants for natural nutrition and minimal side effects contrasts with the isolated, potent compounds found in pharmaceuticals. Striking a balance and learning about the nuanced differences is vital for making informed decisions in horse healthcare.

Incorporating Herbs and Plants

Incorporating herbs and plants into a horse's health program offers a threefold advantage: Firstly, it reintroduces the food variety lost through domestication, mirroring a more natural diet. Secondly, leveraging the diverse medicinal properties of plants helps with healing and recovery from a broad spectrum of health problems. Lastly, the unlikeliness of any side effects makes plants a safe and effective option. 

By recognizing the importance of plants in addressing horse health, we can embrace a holistic approach that aligns far more closely with a horse's natural requirements for optimal well-being.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

This week, I will be covering the fall flare-up.

Horses tend to face their most significant health struggles in spring and fall. It happens in spring because the grass sugars increase as the grasses transition from hay, heightening the risk of flare-ups for horses with metabolic conditions like laminitis. Yet, fall could trigger even more issues- especially in horses with pre-existing imbalances or health problems.

Fall Hormonal Shifts and Their Impact on Metabolic Conditions

As we transition into the fall, I have noticed a surge in health issues, particularly in horses diagnosed with PPID or Cushing's disease. The fall season brings about a natural rise in ACTH levels, exacerbating those conditions in horses already grappling with hormonal imbalances. That surge in ACTH also leads to elevated cortisol levels, which, if prolonged, can pose various health risks, from muscle wasting to laminitis. That highlights the need for proactive management strategies, and makes it essential for anyone owning horses predisposed to metabolic conditions to understand those hormonal shifts.

Laminitis Challenges in the Fall

Preventive measures are essential for mitigating the risk of laminitic flare-ups during the seasonal transition. Horses that have enjoyed a seemingly healthy summer outdoors sometimes experience acute episodes of laminitis as the fall sets in. The trim plays a crucial role in preventing that, as an unhealthy trim could compound the impact of hormonal triggers.

Dietary Changes in the Transition from Grass to Hay

Fall can bring significant dietary challenges, particularly for horses transitioning from grass to hay. Without proper management, an abrupt shift from grass to hay could impact the digestive system and trigger other health issues. A gradual transition- especially for horses prone to metabolic conditions, will ensure a much smoother adjustment. That is why horse owners who want to prevent laminitic episodes must know about the higher sugar concentrations in the fall grass.

Supplementation and Maintaining a Low-sugar Diet

Supplementing essential fatty acids and maintaining a low-sugar diet will go a long way in contributing to the overall nutritional support of a horse during its dietary transition in the fall.

Environmental Allergies and Respiratory Conditions

In the fall, there is a rise in environmental particulates, like pollen, which may exacerbate equine respiratory conditions, especially in horses with pre-existing issues like COPD. Switching to round bales or using hay nets could also contribute to dust inhalation and further impact any existing respiratory health issues. Strategies like adjusting feeding setups and using netting to minimize dust exposure, are essential for horses susceptible to respiratory allergies.

Temperature Fluctuations and Circulatory Impact

Drastic temperature fluctuations are common in the fall and could challenge a horse's ability to regulate its body temperature. Older horses or those with existing metabolic challenges may struggle with those temperature fluctuations, potentially leading to compromised circulation. That, in turn, could contribute to winter laminitis. Proactive measures, including proper hoof care and trimming, help to maintain healthy circulation and prevent temperature-related complications.

Strategies for Prevention and Well-being

A holistic approach is essential for navigating the challenges of fall flare-ups. Prioritizing digestive system support through gradual dietary transitions, probiotic supplementation, and essential fatty acids are needed for a horse's overall well-being. Managing their stressors, maintaining the three Fs (forage, freedom, and friendship), and promptly addressing any signs of distress will help to reduce their stress. Taking a proactive approach to hoof care, focusing on the trim, and addressing laminitic tendencies will also ensure that your horse is better equipped to handle all the potential triggers associated with seasonal changes.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally