Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver and digestion in horses and ponies. The main active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a powerful antioxidant with many health-promoting properties.
Milk thistle is known as 'the liver herb par excellence'. Over the past 10 years, more than 12,000 scientific publications have appeared about milk thistle and its health benefits. Milk thistle helps protect and restore the liver, which is crucial for the overall health of your horse.
A healthy liver in your horse ensures:
• Better detoxification of the body
• Support of the immune system
• Improved digestion and metabolism
Research has shown that milk thistle has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation in your horse's body, contributing to better overall health.
But how does this work exactly? Milk thistle influences various inflammatory processes in the body:
By influencing these processes, milk thistle can contribute to reducing inflammation throughout your horse's body, from the digestive organs to the joints.
Milk thistle is packed with antioxidants.
But what are antioxidants exactly? Simply explained:
Why are antioxidants good for your horse?
Recent research in sport horses has shown that feeding milk thistle seed improves energy metabolism.
Horses given milk thistle had lower cortisol levels (= stress hormone). This can lead to better performance and faster recovery after exertion. In addition, horses given milk thistle had lower levels of NEFAs (free fatty acids) in their blood. This suggests that these horses use their energy more efficiently, which can result in better endurance during intensive training or competitions.
Milk thistle can be added to your horse's diet in various ways:
Yes, you can also give milk thistle fresh or dried to your horse.
In nature, horses sometimes eat milk thistle on their own, suggesting that they can digest the plant well in its natural form. Fresh milk thistle can be added to daily feed, while dried milk thistle can be mixed with hay or other dry food.
The advantage of fresh or dried milk thistle is that it offers the plant in its most natural form. However, it's important to make sure that the plant is not contaminated with pesticides or other harmful substances if you collect it in the wild. When in doubt, it's safer to opt for commercially available milk thistle.
If you're unsure about the right form or dosage, you can always choose a controlled milk thistle supplement like Curafyt's Detox & Drain. Our supplements contain a standardized amount of active ingredients and have a clearly indicated dosage. It's a great way to get the right ingredients into your horse's diet and give you peace of mind. You can find more details about Detox & Drain by clicking the link below.
Regardless of the form in which you give milk thistle, it's important to use the correct dosage. Always consult your veterinarian before starting to give milk thistle to your horse.
Milk thistle is a plant with numerous health benefits for your horse or pony. From liver support to anti-inflammation and improved energy metabolism, this natural herb can be a valuable addition to your horse's diet. If you're considering using milk thistle, consult your veterinarian first for personal advice.
By supporting your horse's health with natural remedies like milk thistle, you can contribute to a long and vital life for your loyal four-legged friend.
