We are proud to offer our exclusive Equine inspired Herb Gardens

Why plant an herb garden for you and your equine companions?

Cut and dried herbs can be very expensive to buy sometimes, plus sometimes you need them quickly. Growing a mostly perennial herb garden ensures you always have the plants when you need them and can harvest as much as you need. Herbs can be dried and stored for later use also. Many of our herbs have multiple uses for both you and your horse. Plus several aid in repelling several bug species- big plus! We offer two options (see below) and are always up for a custom project. 

Herb garden kit info 

25 plants to fill a 3x6’ space -useful for 1-3 horses                          

-calendula

-mint

-rosemary

-basil

-scented geranium

-vanilla grass

-chamomile

-echinacea

-Tulsi

-yarrow

Barn barrel kit info 

20 plants helpful with insect repellent kit                                              

-basil

-catmint

scented geranium

-marigold

-monarda

-Rosemary

-sage

-lemon thyme

Uses for all the herbs we offer 

basil-acts primarily on the nervous and digestive systems, easing stomach cramps, flatulence, colic and indigestion. It is also thought to kill intestinal worms. It has a mildly sedative action, being useful for nervous irritability and anxiety, and has an antibacterial action. The juice from the fresh leaves of basil act as an insect repellent when applied externally and can also bring relief to insect bites and stings.

calendula- Entire flower heads can be used in preparations for healing cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and irritated skin. Calendula has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is my first choice for the topical treatment of wounds.

catmint-Some recent studies have shown that catnip is more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes and houseflies. Mix some fresh leaves with water and place in a spray bottle to keep those pests away from your horse. Planting around the paddock can be an effective fly repellent.

chamomile-Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, relaxant, analgesic (pain relieving), anti-fungal, anti-allergy, tissue-healing and antibacterial properties. The German Commission E has approved chamomile for external use in supporting skin care and inflammation, with several clinical trials supporting its efficacy. Chamomile is used for burns, ulcers, wounds, skin sensitivity and for enhancing coat appearance. Its anti-inflammatory action can be attributed to the natural chemicals alpha bisbolol and chamazulene contained within the flower; they have the ability to inhibit arachidonic acid metabolism. Chamomile’s ability to relieve pain may be due to a prostaglandin-inhibiting action.

echinacea-The leaves and flowers are used herbally, and this herb has a delightful aroma, which is also a good gauge of freshness. A number of constituents in the plant stimulate the immune system to counter bacterial and viral infections. One of these constituents inhibits the ability of viruses to enter and take over cells while another constituent has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Very useful in treating viral infections present -Colds, flu, respiratory and skin conditions all benefit from echinacea.

lemon thyme -has garnered a reputation for being effective in treating respiratory ailments – breaking up congestion, and easing coughing and bronchial spasm. One of thyme’s constituents, thymol, is potently antiseptic and anti-fungal, and reputedly assists in deterring intestinal worms. Thyme’s carminative and antispasmodic properties can be utilized to settle digestive complaints, including some colics, and when used topically will stimulate circulation in the area to which it is applied, as well as easing muscle spasms and working against infection. Also, it is effective in bug repellent.

monarda-helpful in deterring flies and mosquitos

marigold- helpful in deterring flies

mint-useful for tempting fussy eaters and/or helping to mask the smell of less pleasant herbs in their feed. It eases flatulence/bloating, increases the flow of bile from the liver and relaxes both gastrointestinal spasms and tight skeletal muscles. It can therefore be useful for the colic-prone horse or the horse who is nervous and tense when traveling.

Mint can be used to help dry off milk in nursing mares.

rosemary-Very diverse plant- The many minerals contained in these tiny leaves make it a nutritionally complex plant that can calm the digestive system, protect liver cells from disease and alleviate rheumatism pain. Also, useful for repelling flies. Essential oil from rosemary leaves is often used in horse shampoos and skin products to cleanse the skin and hair and repel insects. A homemade fly repellant for horses is made with rosemary leaves,

sage -Sage leaves have an affinity with the mouth and throat and an infusion with some honey added can be syringed into the mouth of a horse suffering from mouth ulcers/infections.

Sage can also be used, along with other appropriate herbs, as a stimulating tonic for rehabilitating sick or injured horses, restoring digestive and circulatory function. It contains antioxidant, anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory compounds. Sage acts to reduce excessive perspiration and salivation, and its estrogenic activity sees it applied to irregular menstruation and menopausal troubles such as hot flashes. Sage can reduce/stop milk production in nursing mares.

scented geranium - My favorite herb- It is effective in deterring all sorts of bugs, Cleans scrapes and wounds, and to a spray bottle for a body spray or fly spray. A herbal tea prepared from fresh or dried rose

scented geranium can relieve tension, nervousness and fatigue. It can even help with depression and anxiety. Some of the various health benefits of rose scented geraniums such as its anti-anxiety properties, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral effect, and antioxidant effect. Bonus- it smells amazing...use it for some great skin and coat sprays.

But there are a few other benefits as well- including its anti-inflammatory effects that were revealed by a study in mice, which revealed that it reduced swelling in mice paws and ears.

tulsi-My second favorite herb-Tulsi has a long history of use benefiting humans and a variety of animals including cows, horses, dogs, cats, and monkeys.

• Tulsi is an adaptogen that supports multiple body systems, helping to bring the body back into balance. The goal of any supplement program should be restoration of the balance.

• Tulsi’s aromatic qualities can encourage horses who are picky eaters.

• Tulsi’s aromatic qualities can provide an uplifting sensation and feeling in humans.

• Tulsi’s ability to reduce cortisol, support the GI tract, and respiratory system, provide immune support make it one of the best anti-stress herbs in the plant kingdom.

yarrow -Yarrow is considered a wound healing herb because in addition to its styptic action (stopping external blood flow by constricting blood vessels) yarrow counters tissue swelling and inflammation and helps to resolve bruising. It has also demonstrated some antibacterial action. When treating open wounds yarrow is often used in conjunction with other antiseptic herbs such as calendula or hypericum, or with raw honey (also antiseptic).

Yarrow’s prowess as an external application for injuries is by no means its only talent. Like other herbs classed as bitters, yarrow’s use as a digestive tonic and appetite improver is related to its ability to both promote gastrointestinal secretions and ease spasms in the smooth muscle of the GI tract; and it is this antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle that has also been utilized to treat menstrual discomfort – soothing uterine contractions (cramps) during menstruation.

vanilla grass-An indigenous American Sacred Herb- On the Great Plains, the Siksika (Blackfoot) and their relatives have many uses for sweetgrass, which they call sipatsimo. They use it as a ceremonial incense during daily prayers, burn it at major tribal events such as the Sundance, and use the smoke to purify tribal dancers. Siksika also used sweetgrass leaves to treat saddle sores on their horses, packed braided sweetgrass leaves into saddles, and fed their horses sweetgrass to give them stamina. Medicinally they also inhaled sweetgrass smoke and drank and infusion of the plant for coughs, colds and sore throats. The water in which the stems had been soaked was used as an eyewash.

Sweetgrass was regularly used to make a hair tonic and wash, not only bu the Siksika, but also by the Nlaka'pamux (Thompson) of British Columbia, who call sweetgrass xásxast (literally 'good, good').