Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

06/22/2014

Alternatives to Chemical Dewormers

A wild horse will find the root, bark, herb, dirt, or flower that will keep its body (and intestines) in balance. Because of the confinement of our domestic horses we need to supply them with elements that they can’t get from pasture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine alternatives to dewormers are two formulas: Equine Dewormer One and Equine Dewormer Two. They are non-toxic dried herbs to help with the treatment of conditions arising from worm infestation (small and large ascariasis, bots, strongyles, pinworms). Dewormer One is required when there is a thick coating on the tongue and is beneficial for symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, sudden weight loss, lethargy, difficult urination, and persistent fever or inflammation. Dewormer Two is used for long-term complications such as abdominal bloating with pain, digestive obstructions, bleeding, and severe weight loss. Dewormer One can be safely used on mares that are in foal or nursing. Dewormer Two should not be used during pregnancy.
If a chemical dewormer is used, Equine Dewormer One can be given on the same day or afterwards. It will not interfere with the paralyzing effects of the chemical product, and will keep a proper intestinal balance between alkalinity and acidity.

From the TCM point of view, the territory allows life to be welcome or unwelcome. If the intestines are out of balance certain worms will strive in this type of environment and will multiply much faster.

It is now apparent that chemical dewormers need to be made stronger to deal with the resistance of parasites. Remember that the paralyzers in these products are processed in the blood through the kidneys. In TCM the kidneys are in charge of the spine where the nervous system originates. As a result, your horse may have difficulty to work for two to three days after being given a chemical dewormer. Watch for signs such as soreness in the back, wobbling (not because of a virus but because of an abundance of chemical dewormers), and increasing resistance due to the introduction of a daily dewormer. No horse should be ridden after chemical deworming. But with the TCM herbal dewormer you can enjoy a safe ride with your horse after treatment.

The best time to deworm your horse is during full moon as the parasites are the most active at that time.

Another consideration is the effect of dewormers in our eco systems. The ingredients from the chemical dewormers will end up in our fields, water, and eventually in our food.

Remember to take a break.
Sit on your horse,
close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Enjoy and appreciate it.

Let us ride horses and be happy!

We’re Here to Help You!
Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at
1-800-434-3727!

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Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients.

Summer 2014
© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd

04/17/2014

Spring, Allergies, Reproduction ...

As we observe world events at this time, we remember that we are grateful to be living in our beautiful, peaceful country and have all that we need to live in a very comfortable fashion. The best we can do during times such as these is to continue to care for ourselves and our environment with love, light, and peace.

Meditating with loving thoughts toward the rest of the world is necessary for a positive outcome as our energies (our thoughts) carry our intents and help them to manifest.

Horses may not know what is happening exactly but they will pick up our fears and may react to them in different ways than we do as humans. Horses are definitely in the here and now, and they enable us, the stewards of this beautiful planet, to stay focused with our abilities to care for them. They permit us to stay in our light, to see what is really important, and then free us from the fears projected on us through different media. Fearful vibrations lower our immune systems while positive thoughts strengthen them.

With spring starting, we should watch out for the occurrence of allergies and skin rashes.

A herbal formula recommended for general skin problems is Equine React-free One and for scratches/rain rot more specifically, Equine Dewormer One. Both products can be used internally and topically.

Also, reproduction is always a main topic at this time of the year and preparing your mares for pregnancy is made easier with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formulas. Gynecology in TCM is probably the most efficient form of natural medicine and is administered without all the intricacies and variety of hormonal treatments that are being used in our modern ways. And without side effects.

The best combination of formulas for successful pregnancy is the use of Equine Red and Fertility One, given together for two to four weeks before breeding. If there is a fertility issue that requires some extra care, there are custom formulas that can be recommended accordingly. Of course, the stallion should also be strengthened. Equine Gold and Equine Spry One (also given together) are most efficient for increasing s***m count and motility, to strengthen the Kidneys (in charge of reproduction), and to create the strong desire/libido that is associated with the Liver organ. Equine Spry One helps older stallions for live mounting by reducing possible joint and muscle inflammation and by protecting the stifles which can be easily injured.



Colic or founder in spring due to rich green grass can be dealt with by giving Equine Red.



If your equine friend needs help with shedding its coat, Equine Red and Equine React-free One are very effective.



“Over a long distance, you learn about the strength of your horse; over a long period of time, you get to know what's in a person's heart.”

~Chinese proverb


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Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients.

Spring 2014
© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

01/09/2014

Winter Protection

At the time of this newsletter’s production, the Alberta Foothills area is covered with snow and embraced by extreme wind chill conditions. This season of the year and its accompanying weather help us understand that in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) the winter is associated with the element Water. When winter is at its peak, the yin is also at its maximum. The yang starts to get ready for spring. It is the time when animals protect themselves and hibernate. The kidneys of the animals need protection and strength to prevent distress caused by the cold. Because the yin is at its winter solstice (when the earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the sun) there is a need for balance and that is why the yin of the cold from the outside needs to be balanced with the yang of the heat from inside the body. The beauty with the kidneys is that they are both, in equal manner, yin and yang. The body foundation is based on the kidneys. They are in charge of the skeleton, or anything to do with bones and teeth. The horse’s mane is also related to the kidneys. In addition, they control the emotions of fear and insecurity.

Anything to do with the back and the hind legs is to be dealt with through the kidneys. Other organs may be involved if muscles (spleen) or sinews (liver) are affected. Cold can create stagnation, causing a lack of circulation and introducing pain - specifically in the back or in the extremities.

Dampness can slow down metabolism. When there are both dampness and cold in the body, arthritis may manifest. Hence, as our equine friends age, their kidneys will need to
be supported, especially during the winter. If you have a spooky horse, the kidneys may need to be strengthened and the heart/spirit properly nourished, simultaneously.

The recommended formula for older horses, specifically for the ones with osteo arthritis, is Equine Spry Two. Equine athletes will obtain strength from either Equine Gold (good for stallions), Equine WA01 (for mares), and Equine Red for improved blood circulation and Qi (life force). From our experience, many mares start their cycles early in the year – sometimes even in January. In this case, the best Chinese herbal formula that will provide quick results is Equine HAX5.2. This product harmonizes the liver and spleen, and warms up the kidneys.

Rarely do we need to give a cooling formula during the winter, such as Equine Silver, to gain weight and calm down; or Equine WB04 to calm angry horses. If there is a problem with focusing the mind during stressful situations, then the most beneficial and effective formula is Equine WLB2.

Remember to contact us for cost-effective and safe Chinese herbal formulas for your mares and stallions during breeding season. We have programs that are case specific before, during, and after pregnancy. This is where TCM shines!

The movements of creation and transformation of Mother Nature succeed each other; from the beginning of time, all is eternal.

Chinese Taoist Proverb

It was a pleasure working with you and your equine friend this year. We thank you for the opportunity.

We wish you a wonderful & safe holiday season.


The office will be closed Dec. 24-26 and 31, 2013
Jan. 1, 2014

We’re Here to Help You!
Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at 1-800-434-3727!

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Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients


Winter 2013

© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd

09/30/2013

Fall—a Time for Gratitude

It seems like summer barely started in the Prairies and it is already time for fall. The transition between summer and fall, Indian Summer, is related to the element Earth. This is when we express gratitude for the nourishment that comes from the land - the yin energy - the time to harvest. It is the season when the spleen organ is in charge.

While the spleen dominates transportation and transformation of food and water, the liver maintains the free flow of Qi. When the Qi functions normally, the ascending function of the spleen is coordinated with the descending function of the stomach for normal digestion, absorption, and distribution of food. Both stomach and spleen have an external-internal relationship via the meridians. They are both situated in the “middle Jiao”. The stomach controls mainly the reception and digestion of food but the absorption and distribution of the nutritional substance rely on the spleen. Dysfunction of the spleen in transportation and transformation often leads to abdominal distension after eating and also to loose stools. In addition, if your horse is eating food that is not easily digestible, this may cause colic.

Sometimes, horses have colicky symptoms due to anxiety as it is one of the main emotions related to spleen. The spleen distributes the essential substance of water and food up to the heart and the lungs.

If the Qi of the spleen descends instead of ascends there may be diarrhea and prolapse of the re**um. If the Qi of the stomach ascends rather than descends, the food may be regurgitated almost undigested and may come up through the nostrils. Usually, from the western medical point of view, it is almost a case of no return for the horse. In TCM, good health in general is related to healthy appetite, meaning the Qi of the stomach is moving well in a descending fashion, which implies good digestion.

In one of our cases, a horse was bringing most of its food back through its nose, and discharged large amounts of mucus through its nose and mouth. There appeared to be too much dampness in the body. The summer had been very wet here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The horse was successfully treated by detoxifying the liver (to counteract possible ingestion and reaction to a plant or w**d) and by strengthening the Qi of the spleen and of the lungs. Equine Red was the main formula to deal with this problem, and was assisted by Equine WB04 to help clean and unblock the liver. This organ was probably inflamed somewhat and was pushing on the stomach. The spleen was overwhelmed by the dampness and not working properly. Consequently, the lungs were weakened as well by not being nourished adequately (mother/son relationship). By using Equine Red, the spleen was stimulated to dry the extra dampness, reorganize its relationship with the stomach, and the lungs (where the “sea of Qi” is located) were strengthened.

In addition, the middle part of the body (the middle Jiao) was out of harmony. Within a week, there was a substantial improvement with the elimination of mucus and retention of food. The horse returned to a full training program.

The Earth nourishes the mass of all beings. Since Earth contains all sorts of creations, and all beings must live between sky and Earth, they depend on Earth to be born and to be nourished.

May Mother Earth continue to nourish us with all its infinite compassion and abundance. May we continue to respect and be grateful to Mother Earth with all our hearts.

We’re Here to Help You!
Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at
1-800-434-3727!

Feel free to pass on this newsletter.

Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients

Fall 2013
© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

07/16/2013

Summer and the Element Fire

At the start of summer the body must adapt fairly fast to this new season. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the summer is related to the element Fire. The element Wood of the spring nourishes the Fire of the summer.

For a moment, let’s go back to a quick review of how TCM works. Remember, there are five main organs that have a mother/son relationship. The Wood of the liver nourishes the Fire of the heart; the Fire of the heart nourishes the Earth of the spleen, the Earth of the spleen nourishes the Metal of the lungs, and the Metal of the lungs nourishes Water of the kidneys; and so the cycle starts again. We know that spring is related to the liver and that summer, to the heart. The Qi of the lungs helps the heart move the blood. The heart is very Yang in nature as it is related to Fire. So, the spirit that is located in the heart can be very easily “fired up” if it is not controlled properly by the Yin (cooling/nourishing) of the kidneys. Water of kidneys control Fire of heart.

The formation and flourishing of the heart blood rely on the function of the spleen in transforming and transporting the essential substances of food and water.

So, if your horse is easily frightened or doesn’t seem to respond well to regular procedures either during training or veterinary treatments then we can help you. We can supply you with formulas that will strengthen/nourish the organs related to a lack of focus or fright. For example, Equine WLB2 will nourish the blood of the heart and calm the Yang while Equine Silver will work on the overall Yin aspect of the body. If your horse is easily susceptible to or has too much excitement then we will use different formulas.

If your horse is angry then Equine WB03 or WB04 will cool the liver and make sure the Qi and blood move smoothly. Then, the spirit of the heart will cool as liver blood nourishes the pump of the heart.

Use Equine HAX5.2 for mares to regularize both the liver and the spleen so that hormonal imbalance will disappear. Sometimes, just treating the Yin of kidneys may be sufficient to calm the mind of the horse. As one can see there are many ways to treat mind issues as long as we find out the cause of the problem.

Because of its systemic approach, TCM can be very valuable to treat these syndromes. Call us with any questions you may have or to find out how we can assist you with the difficulties you may be having. There are natural and efficient solutions available for you.

Remember, nourish the Yin (food) properly and the Yang (spirit) will calm down. Make sure the hay, grains, and special feed or supplements agree with your horse.

Nature, time, and patience are the three great physicians.
~ Chinese proverb

We’re Here to Help You!
Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at
1-800-434-3727!

Feel free to pass on this newsletter.

Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients

Summer 2013

© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

03/27/2013

Spring Suggestions

Spring is here, and Murphy’s Law is working in full force - as horse owners know. If there is a time when the yang shows up it is definitely during spring. When the yang is strong, there is an abundance of energy. This is the season for reproduction, birth, expansion, playing, and running (when one should walk). It is also the time when injuries are prevalent as it is the beginning of the seasons and riders want to get ready for competition and other outdoor events. Excitement and anticipation are accompanied by barbwire cuts, pothole sprains, overextension without proper warm-up, younger trainers pushing their horses too hard or too fast, regardless of whether the capacity is there or not. In short, lots of life without too much wisdom yet. Anger and depression can also be related to spring, as well as forgiveness.

There are Chinese herbal formulas that can be used as a preventative measure instead of in a reactionary mode. First comes to mind Equine Red to clear the winter dust by helping the lymphatic system to work properly and to tonify the blood. If your young horse is a bit stiff, Equine Spry One will be beneficial to maintain sturdy and straight growth. Plus, Equine Spry One helps the sinews which are under the control of the liver. Liver is related to spring of life/of the seasons. Equine Spry Two works also as an anti-inflammatory.

For open wounds or cuts, there are many excellent topical products to help healing from the outside. In case of infection, Equine WLH1 is most effective.

Of course, this is the time to deworm your horse as well, so use Equine Dewormer One. It will have no negative side effects on the nervous system and the environment. If your horse is too hyper then Equine Silver can be useful to keep the weight on and help the horse to stay cool and calm as it is a yin formula. If your horse perspires too easily during the hot season, use Equine Silver or ask us about a stronger cooling product. Lots of traveling? Equine WLB2 is good for relaxing and beneficial for the stomach. If your horse has ulcers then use Equine WB06. This herbal formula helps to deal with the symptoms as well as the cause. So, as you can see, lots can be done in prevention instead of reaction only.

May the spring of life prepare you and your four-legged companions for a wonderful summer!

We’re Here to Help You!
Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at 1-800-434-3727!

Feel free to pass on this newsletter.

Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients

Spring 2013

© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

02/14/2013

Unexplained Weight Loss in Horses

It has come to our attention that horse owners and ranchers in Alberta and BC have noticed significant weight loss in their horses and cattle over the past few months. On further investigation, it has been indicated that the cause of this problem is protein and mineral deficient grass and hay due to environmental factors. If you are experiencing weight loss with your horses and/or cattle, you may want to check your hay and have it analyzed or tested for nutrient content and adjust/change feed accordingly. In case your horse needs quicker help with returning to a normal weight, contact us for a consultation to recommend the best formula.

01/11/2013

How to Increase the Success of Your Breeding Program

Before Pregnancy
Equine Fertility One and Equine Red are herbal preparations for mares and are used before pregnancy. They help purify and tone the reproductive system while stimulating optimal endocrine function to assure maximum fertility and healthy pregnancy.

During Pregnancy
Once the mare is in foal, use Equine Fertility Two or Equine TLW5, depending on the situation. These formulas will nourish and harmonize blood and Qi, and strengthen and regulate the kidneys, spleen, and stomach. By taking care of the mare, the fetus will be healthy.

Between one to two months before foaling, you can give the mare one packet/day of Equine Spry Two to relieve pain prior and during delivery, and help the kidneys to support the back.
Other formulas are available for any fertility complications and post-partum issues. For example, Equine TLX6 is a most effective Chinese herbal formula to expel placenta without needing any western medication. If necessary, it can also be used while western medication is administered.

For the Foal
After the foal is born and needs help, for instance, with the straightening of its legs, Equine Spry One should be given to the mare. Through the mare's milk, the foal's tendons and ligaments will be nourished properly. The mare will also greatly benefit from this formula.

Equine Dewormer One can be given directly to the foal as a gentler natural dewormer for the first treatment. If you choose to administer a chemical dewormer for the first time, you can use Equine Dewormer One afterwards to restore intestinal balance.

For the Stallion
Equine Gold and Equine HAX4 can be administered to stallions to assist in increasing healthy semen production and motility. These two products can be given in combination with Equine Spry One or Two for older stallions.

From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view, the kidneys are the organs in charge of reproduction. The libido, the desire, comes from the liver. The nourishment comes from the spleen. This is where TCM herbal formulas for horses are most effective. They are natural and are free from side effects unlike other processed or synthesized products. The success of TCM products is based on empirical knowledge from centuries of research. We thank the TCM practitioners for their wisdom accumulated and recorded for over 2,600 years, and which is still valid today.

The beauty with herbs is that they grow with whatever Mother Earth gives them at this point in time to deal with what is happening now. So, they will always be ‘in fashion’.

We’re Here to Help You!
Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at
1-800-434-3727!

Feel free to pass on this newsletter.

Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients

© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

12/07/2012

Winter and the Water Element

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is associated with the element Water. The virtue of Water is alive and in movement resembles the source of a spring on the “Intelligence of the Earth”. This expression is to designate the heart. It is where the spirit is located.

What controls the Fire of the heart is the Water of kidneys. Kidneys are the organs in charge of reproduction and that is why strong kidneys will increase s***m motility for a stallion. Of course, the kidneys are separated into two. One part is more Yang (functional and warming) and the other is more Yin (and therefore more cooling and nourishing). They are the base on which the body relies to remain standing as the kidneys are also in charge of the bones or skeleton. That is why most of the problems related to the back of a horse are caused by deficient kidneys. Yet, sometimes it is as simple as an issue with the saddle. Because Water/kidneys are related to winter we need to protect these organs during this season of cold as low temperatures will affect the kidneys first.

Cold can create stagnation, therefore a lack of circulation and the start of pain will ensue specifically in the back or in the extremities. Dampness can slow down metabolism. When there are both dampness and cold in the body, arthritis may develop. The older a mammal becomes, for example our beautiful equine friend, the more we need to support the kidneys. Also, the emotion of fear is under the control of the kidneys. That is why a spooky horse that negatively reacts to noise needs to have its kidneys strengthened as they are the opening of the ears.

If your horse has problems with the joints as it ages Equine Spry Two is probably the best herbal formula to use because it warms up the body, deals with bone osteophytes, and helps to get rid of deeper bony pain. Equine Red for circulation is always recommended and can be combined with Equine Spry Two.

Equine Gold can also be given to geldings and studs to support stamina and vitality. For mares, the formula Equine WLH1 (to build up new blood) and Equine WA01 (Kidneys Yang deficiency) will be of benefit. All these formulas are safe yet it is always recommended that you check with us first.

Remember that damage can be done to your horse when there are too many excessive activities during the winter. This is the time to relax and nurture to get ready for next spring.

It was a pleasure working with you and your equine friend this year. We wish you a wonderful & safe holiday season.

We’re Here to Help You!

Benefit from a barn call or telephone consultation by Julie Parsonage, Equine Osteopath, EDO, and Horse Sense Herbs Consultant. Call us at 1-800-434-3727!

Feel free to pass on this newsletter.

Our products are made in Canada from imported ingredients

Winter 2012

© Horse Sense Herbs Ltd.

10/01/2012

Getting Ready for Fall

Indian summer has started and is proudly displaying all its beauty. Horses are entering their spleen cycle (also implying the pancreas). Anxiety is a big emotion for the spleen at this time of the year. The spleen is a very yin organ as it is associated with the element Earth, which is our nurturing hostess. Horses eat a bit more to prepare for winter and pick up the changes from Mother Nature. The weather patterns seem to be somewhat different in recent years. From the TCM point of view, weather cycles go in increments of 300 years. Maybe this is normal or maybe not.

What Chinese herbal formulas will help your horse feel more balanced to deal with this season and prevent possible colic symptoms? Equine Red will unblock stuck emotions and help deal with digestion. The element Earth is related to the spleen. Earth envelops all other elements such as Wood, Fire, Metal, and Water. Unlike humans, horses don’t seem to reminisce; they are more in the present. Sometimes, they may remember a stressful situation and will re-enact in competition. This is where Equine WLB2 will be of benefit as it is the formula to help focus in the moment. It also nourishes the blood of the heart (where the spirit is located). If the heart is well then the spleen and digestion will work properly. The spleen is also in charge of muscles and small blood vessels, as well as the lymphatic system. The spleen and its energy/movement need to be well taken care of by reducing stress and providing proper feed. The big advantage of using herbal remedies is that the spleen understands their molecular structures, and uses them properly and faster than with processed supplements, and without side effects.

Equine Red, Equine WLB2, and Equine WLH1 (to help in case of blood infection) are some of our most important Chinese herbal formulas to deal with symptoms of the spleen/earth. Equine WLH3 might be needed to address lack of appetite. If there is diarrhea, Equine Dewormer One and/or Equine WCM3 should, in most cases, deal with these situations related to too much dampness. For ulcers of the stomach (as the spleen is paired with this organ), Equine WB06 will really work fast without any help from other products – pharmaceutical or otherwise.

Thank you Mother Earth
for nourishing all beings unconditionally
Thank you spleen for directing the proper
ingredients to the right parts of the body

08/10/2012

RASTA (Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals) in DeWinton, Alberta (.A.S.T.A. Rescued Animal Sanctuary), is over capacity and looking for foster or permanent homes for the following bonded groups:

• 3 goats
• 2 llamas and 1 goat (1 llama has only 3 legs)
• 4 cows (can be split into pairs if need be)
• 2 miniature donkeys & 4 horses (horses can be split into pairs if needed but one pair needs to stay with the 2 mini donkeys)
• 6 ducks
• 3 geese
• 6 roosters

All animals are strictly pets and are not to be used for meat, breeding or otherwise working purposes. Horses are not rideable.

The website (www.rastarescue.org) is the best resource to view the animals and get more information, otherwise phoning the sanctuary at 403-938-7661 is the most effective way to contact. Note: the sanctuary will be closed to the public from Aug 12-26.

Rescue And Sanctuary for Threatened Animals