Naturally Hedgerow has been formulated to mimic some of our wonderful herbs we find on grass verges and hedgerows, herbs our horses would love to eat given half the chance. This blend is full of nutritional and medicinal herbs to feed all year round as a general but more importantly natural balancer in order to keep your horse in optimal health.
Comfrey is one of the the most important herbs to grow, as apart from being a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, etc., it is one of the finest healers for the respiratory system, especially for haemorrhage of the lungs. The root has been used as a tonic and vulnerary since ancient times. The leaves are the normal part of the plant to be fed and the chief healing element in comfrey is an allantoin, a cell proliferant which promotes the granulation and formation of epithelial cells. Comfrey is also known as ‘knitbone’ and, being a demulcent herb, is excellent for internal and external healing. Comfrey supports the healing of bone, cartlidge and soft connective tissues. As a demulcent herb, it is also beneficial where ulcers have been identified to coat and sooth the intestinal tract. It is also excellent where bruising is present.
Dandelion Root is exceptionally popular with horses and is a well known plant rich in vitamins A, B, C and D, higher vitamin A content than carrots. The whole plant is of benefit to the digestion system as well as the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, stomach, pancreas, intestines and blood.
Classed as a stomachic herb, the root of the dandelion is bitter in taste and so promotes appetite and the correct functioning of the digestion system as a whole. Dandelion root is also known as a natural electrolyte. Herbs that strengthen the function of the stomach are known as stomachics as they are usually bitter which therefore promotes and improves digestion.
Hawthorn nutritionally supports the heart, nervous system, cholesterol & blood pressure. Hawthorn is an excellent heart tonic and boost to the circulatory system. It is also known for its antispasmodic, diuretic, nerve calming and cholesterol lowering properties. Hawthorn is known to increase the flow of blood through the heart, without increasing the beat or blood pressure and will therefore aid circulation to the limbs and rest of the body.
Milk Thistle Seeds are very valuable in the treatment of any liver disorder. It is also the herb of choice to detoxify the body. Milk thistle contains a flavoniod (Vitamine P) called silymarin that has a direct effect on the liver, therefore protecting the liver from damage caused by viruses and toxins. It may also help to regenerate damaged liver cells.
Milk thistle is also rich in iodine and is often selected by horses with an imbalance within their endocrine system.
Nettles are known as a great Spring tonic and general blood cleanser. Good old nettles, everyone complains about them growing everywhere but are such an important herb. Nettles are the richest source of chlorophyll as well as being rich in minerals such as iron, lime, potassium, sodium, sulphur and protein. They are a great source of vitamin C and therefore useful for supporting the body where anaemia has been diagnosed.
Plantain is known as an alterative herb, cleaning the blood and the eliminative tissues and organs. Alterative herbs gradually alter and correct impurities and toxins within the blood. Therefore plantain is beneficial for the liver, kidneys and skin. Plantain also has a stimulating alterative effect on the circulatory system.
It is one of the best herbs for blood detoxification, especially where blood poisoning or bites and stings are present as plantain reduces the swelling as well as healing the affected area.
Plantain is also beneficial for kidney and bladder complaints as well as for any skin condition.
Plantain is therefore one of the most efficient herbs for fighting infection and can also be used as a poultice to draw out infection.
Whole Rosehips are our most popular product as voted for by the horses! Rosehips are a very useful anti-oxidant, and are often known as a ‘blood tonic’. They are very good at helping to cleanse the body of toxins, and support the kidneys, liver and circulatory systems.
They are also nutritionally important for healthy hooves, bones, skin and coat. Rosehips contain an enzyme which, when digested, binds with the collagen enzyme in our bodies to stimulate production and increase the quality of collagen present.
They are a very rich source of vitamin C, as well as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavins, niacin and vitamin K. These help to support the immune system particularly useful for horses recovering from injury or illness. Vitamin C helps fight off infection and strengthen and restore defences. Rosehips are a mild astringent and can be used for scouring. After a period of illness, rosehips can be combined with other herbs to help the horse recover and return to health.
Rosehips are one of the very best sources of natural Iron and Vitamin C. They also contain a natural biotin for the optimisation of hoof health. Many owners of barefoot horses have seen a marked improvement in their horse hooves when feeding a combination of rosehips and a seaweed supplement.
