Naturally Ulcer Support is a specific blend to soothe and restore the balance within the digestive system. Rich in demulcent herbs to soften and relieve irritation of the mucous membranes and mucilage herbs to soothe any inflammation present, Naturally Ulcer Support also includes herbs that generally aid digestion and restoration of healthy tissue.
German Chamomile is a gentle relaxant, relaxing nervous tension without side effects. Chamomile offers a range of nutritional support to your horse including digestive support and is therefore often selected by horses that have digestive problems as a result of their anxiety.
Chickweed is a European plant now known as a weed and popular with most animals. It contains mucilage and therefore is excellent for pulmonary complaints as it protects the internal mucous membranes, such as throughout the digestive tract. As a result it is also a brilliant herb for gastro-intestinal ulceration and acidic digestion in particular. It is also beneficial for bleeding of the bowels and lungs.
Comfrey is probably the most important 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.
Gotu Kola has remarkable rejuvenating properties and is an excellent herb for supporting the body during illness or post operation as it is great for rehabilitation of tissues. This is the main reason why it is often selected by horses with gastric ulcers.
Its bitter taste makes it a useful herb for improving digestion.
Liquorice root is an excellent expectorant and demulcent herb for the intestinal tract and stomach. It reduces acid in the stomach and intestinal tract and therefore aids the body back to health when ulcers are present.
Furthermore the anti inflammatory action of liquorice root will help sooth the gut and lung tissue, supporting the mucous membranes of the gut and respiratory system and its expectorant qualities will help the body expel mucous.
Marshmallow root is a mucilage herb and one of the best known remedies for lubrication of the lungs, intestines and kidneys where infection and inflammation is present. It is high in minerals, especially in calcium. Its diuretic and demulcent qualities make marshmallow especially useful for urinary conditions because it has no astringent action and is soothing
Peppermint is frequently selected by horses and is the most pungent of all mints. Many owners believe this interest is due to the association with mint-flavoured sweets, however this is far from the truth. Peppermint has many therapeutic attributes but the main benefit of peppermint is as a digestive aid and as a stimulant.
Stimulant herbs quicken, excite and increase the nervous system activity within the body and therefore stimulate energy within the body. More importantly, however, stimulants such as peppermint increase the pulse rate and flow of blood to all parts of the body, thereby improving circulation to the extremities.
As a stomach aid, peppermint is anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and stimulating, it also aids in alleviating symptoms of colic and is frequently selected by horses with ulcers.
Classed as a carminative herb, peppermint stimulates the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract as well as increasing the tone of the musculature and stimulating peristalsis.
Pysllium Husks are traditionally known as a bowl & stomach herb and can therefore help prevent sand colic and upset tummies. Psyllium aids the normal functioning of the bowel. Made up of 70% fibre, as psyllium passes through the digestive system it absorbs water cleansing and cleaning along the way. Increasing water in the gut, psyllium aids flushing through debris and toxins it soaks up along the way.
Good for horses prone to colic, sand colic and blockages in the digestive system but now also shown to be excellent to sooth stomach ulcers and as an insulin stabiliser so is essential for stressy horses and laminits.
