Have you ever wondered what nature has in its medicine chest for moody mares? Often when we look at our mares that present with “mareish” behaviour we don’t immediately relate it to the human symptoms of pre-menstrual tension, but in fact it is very similar.

Just like humans, mares can suffer from hormonal issues which can cause very unpleasantbehaviour. In fact it can be quite dangerous if not well managed. Squealing, biting, kickingand general moodiness on a cyclic basis is a possible sign that your mare is suffering fromhormonal issues.

Again just like people the symptoms can be quite painful and cause your moody mare to bequite upset. PMS affects an estimated 30-50 per cent of women in their childbearing years andwho knows how many of our horses. The symptoms appear approximately two weeks before themenstrual period begins but luckily nature has provided some wonderful herbs designed to helpregulate the hormones and can help reduce a lot of the pain and anxiety associated with thiscondition.

Chaste Tree is an herb that has been well studied and research has found it to be veryeffective in the treatment of hormonal issues. Although it is still unclear what exactlycauses the hormonal issues, fluctuations seem to be what causes the unpleasant symptoms. Itis therefore thought that by regulating the hormones you can help relieve the symptoms.

It has been shown that by taking Chaste tree over a period of months you can help regulatethe hormones in your mare and help ease the nasty cramps and irritable moodiness. Chaste treeis said to imitate estrogens and progesterone because of its phyto-hormonal actions and aGerman study found chaste tree to be more effective than Vitamin B6 for PMS.

Other herbs that can be really useful for aggressive hormonal mares are Chamomile and Vervainwhich are relaxing herbs that will ease away stomach cramps that are making your horseoversensitive to the touch. Chamomile will soothe the nerves and help with generaldiscomfort. All these herbs can be fed in a dried form or you can find them in a moreconcentrated liquid form.

Chamomile is a safe, gentle and effective digestive tonic plus a mild sedative, which easesgriping pains. Traditionally used to calm tension and stress. It is also said to be aneffective painkiller and anti-inflammatory for arthritis, rheumatism and general aches andpains. Chamomile contains potassium for general healing.

Chamomile is one of the most highly researched herbs and probably the first herb to reach forin the case of mild stomach upsets caused by nervousness or hyperactivity. Chamomile servesto ease any nervous spasms in the digestive tract and helps to expel gas and improvedigestion.

Be patient when using herbs to treat your horses. It is not a quick fix but an effective,natural fix. Allow a good few months to see a difference in your mare. Also know that you areutilising the power of Mother Nature when feeding herbs to your horses, without the sideeffects of synthetic medicines. Bring tranquillity to your mare today with wonderful healingherbs. Bring tranquillity to your mare today with wonderful healing herbs.

If you would like to learn more about using herbs for your horses and get your free herbalguide please visit BrookybyHerbs.

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