MILK THISTLE CUT HERBS from Equus Health
- If you suspect your horse has a liver related problem this herb can aid liver damage
- Famous for its ability to protect and improve liver function
- Speeds up regeneration of the liver cells
Sourced from The magazine Equine Wellness with ta
When you may be re-introducing your horses to pasture, getting ready for competition, supporting your senior horses, helping their digestive systems cope with the switch from dry fodder to spring grass, or protecting them from allergic reactions to biting insects and skin conditions such as seasonal pruritus/sweet itch milk thistle is the one to use.
The liver is very important and sometimes we overlook taking care of it. As horses have been cooped up indoors this herb will increase gastric enzyme production and secretion, helping the digestive system cope with the change from dry forage to fresh grass.
Elderly horses whose livers are not as efficient as they once were, those on long term medication, or those whose livers have been damaged by ingesting poisonous plants such as ragwort. Milk thistle has been shown to accelerate liver cell regeneration by increasing RNA synthesis, and offers protection from blood toxins.
Horses prone to seasonal allergies due to insect bites or respiratory issues. Milk thistle offers an anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory action. Use it as an adjunct to conventional medication or wormers, as these can put additional pressure on the liver and reduce its function.
Milk thistle is one of the most widely researched plants, and its beneficial actions have been proven on numerous occasions. Its principle constituents are flavanolignans, collectively known as silymarin, that interact with liver cell membranes, blocking binding sites and hindering the uptake of toxins. The herb’s antioxidant action will protect the liver from a wide variety of poisons by strengthening cell walls to prevent blood toxins from passing into the cell; stimulating the enzymes that make the toxins less harmful to the body; and blocking damaging free radicals from attacking cells. Milk thistle offers antioxidant, anti-cholesterol, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity.
The Silymarin has also been proven successful in the treatment of mushroom poisoning. Milk thistle will accelerate liver cell regeneration by increasing RNA synthesis, while the antioxidant action has been measured at ten times that of vitamin E.
