5 Immune-Boosting Herbs for Horses

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on five herbs that helped horses with anxiety. Today I am continuing the topic of herbs for horses with an article that helps support a horse’s immune system, along with resources to learn more about these herbs and others.

And of course, as a side note, always consult your veterinarian before you make any major changes or add supplements to your horse’s diet.

#1. Echinacea

My personal favorite in the herb world, if there was a plant that could be labeled as the “jack of all trades” for herbs, this would be it. More commonly known as purple coneflower, this biennial can be found in many home gardens and wildflower mixes for its ability to attract pollinators.

Most people don’t know, however, that echinacea’s benefits far surpass its pollinator support. Echinacea has been used to treat varieties of illnesses with its anti-biotic, anti-septic and anti-microbial effects. It supports the immune system by increasing phagocytosis (basically, the cell’s consumption of foreign invaders) and reproduction in white blood cells and T and B cells. Its strengths lie in fighting respiratory illness and urinary infections. It’s also shown results in studies as helping increase the production of red blood cells and oxygen carriers in the blood. When used topically in a salve, it also helps with rashes and skin irritations.

Echinacea is perhaps one of the safest herbs to use on horses, as it grows naturally in so many places and many ranchers consider it to be another range plant for fodder. Caution should be used with horses battling autoimmune diseases, as in some studies horses with autoimmune diseases had adverse reactions.

#2. Marigold

A common inhabitant of plant nurseries, marigolds are also excellent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-protozoal. It’s most often used in treating skin diseases, and is used in many salves for poison ivy rashes. It’s also used to disinfect wounds and in eye washes meant to help with fly irritation. They are high in sulfur and help with inflammation.

While mostly used topically, the flower heads can also be fed dried. Look for the genus calendula, as this is the variety with the most benefits. Marigold works best when fed in conjunction with the herb cleavers.

#3. Thyme

Used in cooking, thyme’s strength comes from the essential oil derived from its leaves. Thyme protects and calms the mucous membranes, enhancing respiratory health and soothing the gut lining. It’s also an astringent, helping horses with respiratory illnesses to expel the mucus from their lungs.

Thyme has shown to help with gas buildup in horse’s intensines, a major cause of colic in horses. It also helps with combating viruses and fungal infections.

A perennial member of the mint family, thyme is very easy to grow, but since it is a member of the mint family it can take over the lawn very quickly. It’s more potent in its essential oil form than it’s herbal form.

#4. Dandelion

A detested weed in many yards, few people know the benefits of dandelion, which is a shame because this herb has so much to offer. High in vitamin A and vitamin C, the humble dandelion is found in almost every yard across the US and is one of the safest herbs you can feed to a horse.

Dandelions support the immune system, gut health, and the liver and kidneys. Their high copper content stimulates zinc production in horses which helps with wound healing and white blood cell reproduction. With high iron and antioxidant properties, dandelion roots and young leaves helps with liver and kidney cleansing. They also stimulate gastrointestinal movement.

However, dandelions are also high in fructans, a starch sugar found in pasture plants. It’s higher than the amount found in even grass, meaning that dandelions should not be fed to horses with metabolic disorders such as Cushing’s disease.

A plant called false dandelion looks similar to dandelion, but has smooth, hairy leaves. This plant causes a neurological condition called stringhalt (an involuntary spasming of the hocks), so make sure you have the real deal before feeding it to your horse.

#5. Rose Hips

The fruit of the wild rose plant, rose hips are a common remedy for the human cold and a major vitamin C boost to both horse and human diets. They are also high in vitamin A which helps with the immune system and promotes good coat health. They also help with collagen synthesis, an important protein found in the joints, tendons, ligaments, and hooves.

The antioxidants help with oxidative stress (basically damage to cells done by free radicals, atoms with unpaired electrons that contribute to cancer and cardiovascular disease) in the joints, helping slow joint degeneration. They’re also high in B vitamins, and the seeds help with parasites and healing the gut lining.

Several studies show that rose hips have also shown promise in helping prevent cancer growth, as it is high in a compound called lycopene. Lycopene helps with healthy cell communication during mitosis (cells with dysfunctional mitosis turn cancerous, thus the importance of healthy communication).

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These herbs also help with the human immune system, and during the cold and flu season, keeping the immune system strong is the best way to keep the viruses away.

As a final note: this article isn’t meant to replace medical advice. Please check in with a professional before you add herbs consistently to your horse’s diet.