Spring has been a bit slow this year due to the driest April on record, but now followed by the wettest May several plants are in abundance and they are really great for our equines.
1. Hawthorn
The leaves, flowers and berries are beneficial to blood pressure, blood flow and heart rate. A good tonic for the heart and circulatory system. It contains several flavonoids which dilate the peripheral blood vessels which improves blood supply to affected areas. Horses particularly like to nibble the flowers and sprouting leaf tops.
2. Cow Parsley
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. It can be used for coughs and asthma, and also digestive complaints.
Caution – Cow parsley looks very similar to the poisonous Hemlock. Cow parsley has grooved hairy stems which are green or purple. Hemlock as smooth stems with purple blotches.
3. Dandelion
This often called weed is a diuretic, mild laxative, tonic, anti-rheumatic and hepatic. Good for liver or kidney disorders, is a good blood cleanser and high in vitamins, A, B. C and D and potassium.
4. Cleavers
A diuretic, astringent, aperient, alterative and tonic. It is particularly good for the lymphatic system and urinary infections. It is also rich in silica and good for strengthening coat and hair.