What are the benefits of liquid nettle for your horse?

We humans often see nettle as a weed that causes itching if touched incorrectly. But horses see nettle as normal food. Some horses eat them fresh, but most horses prefer them dried and without the "sting".

Nettles are extremely healthy for horses, rich in minerals, and have an alkaline effect. But most importantly, they purify the blood!

And it is this blood-purifying property that makes nettle a nice herb for horses. Ideal for horses with conditions such as sweet itch or for horses with laminitis. But actually beneficial for all horses, as they love it!

You can pick nettles for your horse, let them dry, and then feed them. Just keep in mind that you need to feed considerable amounts and pick them from a clean place to avoid contamination. The quality of picked nettle can vary greatly, especially when the nettle grows near a busy road, for example. If you are looking for high, consistent quality nettle with high active ingredients, opt for a liquid nettle tincture. This has a stronger property than fresh/dried nettle and can be used very effectively as a mild cleansing treatment. Give liquid nettle in a treatment of 2 weeks and repeat every quarter. Nettle can be seen as an interim cleansing. It can be added to feed or a separate water bucket. And what's very nice to see is that horses indicate very well when they have had enough when offering it in a separate water bucket. You will see that the horses leave the bucket after ten to fourteen days.

What are the benefits of a detox for your horse?

A detox often consists of several herbs, usually milk thistle and a few other supporting herbs such as turmeric, boldo and artichoke. Such a supplement is meant to help the liver and kidneys process waste products. It is more powerful than nettle and helps to eliminate waste products from the whole body. Additionally, it supports the liver and kidneys. A detox should never solely have a draining function, it should also support the liver and kidneys in processing these waste products. Because you want the released waste products to be processed properly.

A horse that is sensitive to mites or summer eczema actually needs a detox twice a year. A clean body is less attractive to insects and supporting supplements are better absorbed. A detox treatment should ideally be given preventively a maximum of 2 times per year, but can also be used for cleansing after medication/deworming.

A detox can be seen as the deep cleaning of the body.

But which one should I choose for my horse?

For horses and ponies in good condition, you can choose both. Especially after a deworming treatment, medication, or vaccination, a detox is recommended. It is also advisable for horses with summer eczema and horses sensitive to mites. And as a healthy extra, you can give liquid nettle four times a year over the feed or in a separate water bucket.

If your horse has health problems, it is better to choose liquid nettle. There are situations where a detox is NOT suitable or even dangerous, for example, when a horse is prone to laminitis or is overweight. If in doubt, always contact us and explain the situation. We are happy to help and can give you good advice based on the situation!

When not to detox

For horses that are overweight or prone to laminitis (or have had it), hoof abscesses, and/or conditions such as tying up, a detox is not recommended. Unless prescribed by a vet or therapist. A detox releases waste products and in horses with conditions, the amount of waste products released at once can trigger a relapse. This means that these horses can become laminitic or have a relapse of tying up. We always advise against a detox for these horses and opt for a milder approach, such as nettle (or lymphatic drainage). A detox should only be applied if the horse is in good condition and has no health conditions. This way, it has the energy and strength to process and eliminate the waste products properly.

When to choose liquid nettle

In any case, liquid nettle is suitable for all horses and ponies, including those with conditions such as:

• Laminitis

• Pollen allergies

• Summer eczema

• Insulin Resistance

• Hoof abscesses

• Tying Up

• Or other conditions that are a big strain on the body

Nettle is recommended as a healthy extra and mild cleansing treatment for all horses four times a year, especially for horses sensitive to sugar.