Blackberry leaves for horses

The common blackberry (Rubus Fruticosus) is a European native plant that is mainly found along forest edges. The common blackberry is part of the rose family and is packed with vitamins, fibers and minerals.

Almost the entire plant of the blackberry can be used, but the most well-known parts are the fruits and the leaves. Both of these have a positive effect on the body. The fruit can be eaten directly or processed into jam. The leaf is mainly used to make tea and is often dried for that purpose. However, the leaf can also be used as a compress and processed into, for example, a tincture. Horses enjoy eating blackberry leaves.

Rubus Fruticosus

Plants

Detoxifying

Supportive in wound healing
Used in humans for cancer

In blackberry leaves, the phytonutrient Cyanidin-3-glucoside is present. Research from 'The Journal of Biological Chemistry' has shown that this nutrient is an additional tool to fight cancer. It is even called a natural chemotherapy treatment. In addition to Cyanidin-3-glucoside, blackberry leaves contain other interesting phytonutrients, such as Ellagic Acid and Anthocyanin.

Ellagic Acid has cancer-fighting effects. It promotes apoptosis, which is the sudden death of cancer cells.

Anthocyanin is a nutrient that is excellent for combating diabetes or Insulin Resistance (IR). This substance regulates blood sugar levels and ensures that they remain balanced after consuming sugar.

When to Use Blackberries (Leaves) for Horses

Blackberries (leaves) can be used at various times for horses.

Due to their astringent properties, they are good for treating diarrhea and gastric wall inflammations. They are also excellent for inflammations of the gums, in the mouth and throat, and for minor bleedings. For minor bleeding (both on the gums and on the outside of the body), it is best to use a compress.

Since blackberry leaves have diuretic properties, they can also be used for horses with arthritis, joint pain, and stiffness in the joints. Blackberry leaves support arthritis, stiffness, and crystal formation, and help the kidneys remove uric acid that can arise from training, for example.

Finally, blackberry leaves can also be used as a detox treatment. A detox treatment is a mild detoxification treatment lasting a maximum of 7-10 days. A treatment of blackberry leaves during these 7 days has a purifying effect, just like nettle. Want to see if a detox treatment is right for your horse? Do this only in consultation with and under the supervision of a nutrition advisor to avoid common mistakes and keep your horse fit.

How to Use

The easiest application is to feed fresh leaves to your horse. You can pick the leaves yourself, but you can also let your horse pick them by, for example, planting a blackberry plant or bush next to the pasture or paddock. Most horses eat what they need. By offering different plants, bushes, and/or fruits, horses can more easily and quickly find the necessary nutrients they need. This way, you keep your horse healthy!

When not to use?

Preferably, do not use blackberry leaves from plants located along busy roads. These can be polluted and cause iron buildup in the body. Therefore, always choose blackberry bushes that are in a clean environment. Also, pick at least half a meter above the ground to prevent traces of urine from dogs and animals.

Some blackberries may develop an infection (botrytis cinerea) in the second half of September. This affects the fruits, making them no longer tasty and containing toxic substances.

Always keep an eye on the plant's health.

Do not feed blackberries constantly (like other herbs), as they may have the opposite effect.

Sources
https://mens-en-gezondheid.infonu.nl/gezonde-voeding/99649-de-geneeskracht-van-bramen.html
http://www.jbc.org/content/281/25/17359.abstract