Have you ever dug in and researched what the history is on the uses of certain herbs? What they are used for and who used them? It is interesting to see how one herb can benefit so many things in the body.

Just take a look at the herbs used in our #13 Herbal Wormer for horses. The combination as a whole is (as the description on the website says) for the maintenance of a healthy and naturally worm- and parasite-free system. This combination works by simply maintaining an environment which is not welcoming to parasites and worms; they are opportunistic and need an unclean environment to thrive.

However, when we break down and look at each herb we find out the body benefits way more than just creating a parasite-free system. So, let’s dig in to the blend of herbs in our #13 Herbal Wormer.

Behold the powerful and ever great herb, Garlic! Garlic has been used for thousands of years by the Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians(smart people!). Native Americans used garlic for abdominal cancer. Although, historically the main use of garlic has been to treat colds, coughs, toothaches, earaches, diarrhea, infection, arteriosclerosis, headaches, dandruff, tumors, worms, and hypertension. Garlic is nature’s antibiotic, and is a health-building and disease-preventing herb.

Native Americans introduced Cascara Sagrada to the Spanish explorers when they complained of constipation (and they were thankful for it!). Cascara Sagrada enhances the peristaltic action in the intestines and increases secretions of the stomach and liver. It is used to restore natural bowel movement without griping and restore tone to the bowel.

Clove grows in warm climates and contains one of the most powerful germicidal agents in the herbal kingdom. A few drops of clove oil in water will stop vomiting and clove tea will relieve nausea. Clove increases circulation of the blood and promotes digestion.

Traditionally, Kelp has been used for its rich abundance of iodine to treat thyroid disorders, whether underactive or overactive. It helps promote the growth of healthy tissue, skin, hair, and nails. It is used to rid the body of toxins. It is also able to improve the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and mental alertness. This plant is thought to provide nourishment, enhance the immune system, aid in hormone balance, and restore strength. (What doesn’t kelp do!?)

Sage originated in the Mediterranean, and now grows throughout the globe, but it should not be confused with the brush sage that grows in desert areas. Sage is often used as a cooking spice. It has been used to treat digestive disorders such as ulcers, nausea, and diarrhea. There is evidence of antimicrobial activity as well.

(Hold on to the guard rail, things are about to get slippery.)

Slippery Elm was known by Native Americans and early colonist as a valuable survival food. They used the inner bark as a salve externally for burns and wounds. It was used for colds, coughs, sore throats, wounds, as a poultice to bring boils to a head, and bowel complaints. Many herbalists call it one of the most valuable remedies in herbal practice. It contains as much nutrition as oatmeal. It has been used mainly to treat GI problems, such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, soothing the stomach and colon, indigestion, acidity, and to lubricate the bowels.

Wormwood has been used in Europe since ancient times. Its name was derived from its use to rid the body of parasites (bye-bye-bye parasites!). Wormwood has been used for poor circulation, rheumatism, fevers, colds, and jaundice. Herbalists have also recommended wormwood for indigestion, stomach acidity, and constipation. It can stimulate uterine circulation, act as an insect repellent, expel worms and increase liver function.

Chaparral is a potent healer and cleanser. It has the ability to cleanse deep in the muscle and tissue walls. It works on the urinary tract and lymphatic system as it rebuilds tissue. Studies have found that chaparral works by influencing the body to inhibit unwanted rapid cell growth. It is a strong antioxidant, antitumor agent, painkiller, and antiseptic. It is one of the best herbal antibiotics. Chaparral was traditionally recommended for treating arthritis. Studies have found benefits from the plant’s anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-parasitic and analgesic properties.

In ancient Greece, juniper was used as a diuretic. They contain a volatile oil that has traditionally been used to treat conditions of the urinary tract. Juniper Berries are often used to increase the flow of urine. They are beneficial for ridding the body of uric acid and treating infections.

With a little more knowledge comes a deeper understanding and appreciation happens for herbs and herbal combinations. Just because one of our packages says Herbal Wormer, you are getting so much more than that. Do some of your own research on the ingredients you give your horses and dog (even yourself for that matter!), then you will be empowered to make the best choices for your horses and dogs health. After all, if you aren’t giving them what they need, they aren’t getting it.