Spring De-Tox with Nettles and Dandelion

The Health Benefits of Dandelion & Nettles in Horse Diet

The Dandelion ~ Taraxacum officinalis

This common weed will come into flower in Spring, bringing forth flowers from April to November. The dandelion is a storehouse of minerals especially iron, copper and potash. Copper being especially important as an activator of zinc in the body. Zinc being necessary for wound healing, fertility and white blood cell production. Dandelion also contains more vitamin A & C than most other vegetables and fruit.

Traditionally in Spring, the young leaves have been used in salads to stimulate and cleanse the digestive system, the blood and the kidneys. The leaves have a proven reputation in relieving fluid retention whether due to heart oedema or an excess of sodium and therefore can help to relieve high blood pressure. The high iron content of both leaves and root helps to combat anaemia. The root is used as a liver remedy especially useful in relieving bilious disorders.

Encourage the dandelion to flourish in your pastures; it is non-poisonous and entirely beneficial. A few leaves shredded into a mash feed can only improve your horse’s health.

One of the ingredients used in the De-tox tonic remedy available from the Equine Herbalist

A plant so common that it is found on nearly every piece of waste ground. Despite their sting (easily relieved with the juice of a plantain leaf crushed in the hand, or a drop or two of pure Lavender essential oil) they are one of our most valuable mineral herbs. Nettles accumulate large quantities of nitrogen, calcium, silica, iron, phosphates and vitamins B, C & K. Nettles are primarily diuretic and blood cleansing eliminating uric acid from the body. This explains their reputation in reducing painful inflammation as seen in oseto-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in humans. The presence of vitamin K gives nettles anti-haemorrhagic qualities. Nettle root contains sitosterols useful in controlling benign prostrate hyperplasia.

Nettles compared weight for weight with spinach are far richer in iron. The cottager’s ‘nettle soup’ being an excellent source of minerals and vitamins, in early Spring. An excellent alternative to liver as a source of iron for vegetarians and toxin conscious meat eaters.

The sting in the leaves is due to histamine that can be easily destroyed with drying. Nettles can be cut, spread out on a baking tray and dried in the oven at 70 0 C for an hour or so. Keep the dried nettles in an airtight tin and add to your horse’s mash feed.

Nettles are included in the De-Tox remedy from The Equine Herbalist to cleanse the blood and as a mineral rich tonic.

De-tox: Our Spring tonic to stimulate the liver, cleanse the kidneys and relieve fluid retention. Mineral and vitamin rich.

Contains: Dandelion root, Nettle leaf, Kelp, Burdock, Rosehips, Holy Thistle extracted in cider vinegar.

£22.75 for a litre in self-dispensing bottle.

Copyright © 2007 Equine Natural Health. All rights reserved.