Herb Glossary

 

Shop Dog Herbs   Shop Horse Herbs

Burdock Root

Burdock root herb vitamin supplement for healthy dogs and horsesFound in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Healthy Coat, Immune Support, Lamina, Liver Support, Senior

Has a long list of health benefits such as detoxifying the body, healing the liver, preventing chronic disease, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, healing respiratory infections, improving hair health and soothing stomach disorders. This herb should be avoided by those living with diabetes.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 


Chamomile

Chamomile Flowers

Found in: Harmonious VF, Lamina, Healthy Coat, Senior, Anti-Inflammatory Herb Mix, TumEaze®, Mellow Girl

Because of its extraordinarily gentle effectiveness, chamomile is the first herb of choice for many home remedies. The seemingly endless list of uses for chamomile can all be traced to its soothing effects on the nervous system and digestive system, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

 

Cleavers

Cleavers herb for natural dog and horse health vitamin nutrition

Found in: Cleavers & Marigold, Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Healthy Coat, Immune Support, Lamina, Liver Support, Respiratory Support

Herbalists have long regarded cleavers as a valuable lymphatic tonic and diuretic. The lymph system is the body's mechanism to wash tissues of toxins, passing them back into the bloodstream to be cleansed by the liver and kidneys. This cleansing actions makes cleavers useful in treating conditions like psoriasis and arthritis, which benefit from purifying the blood. Cleavers is a reliable diuretic used to clean gravel and urinary stones and to treat urinary infections. In cats, these actions make cleavers a safe long-term aid in the treatment of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and the herb may also be useful for chronic low-grade kidney inflammation. Studies showed that cleavers extract lowered blood pressure without slowing heart rate or having any health-threatening side effects. Cleavers is a coffee relative and the roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. The young leaves can be eaten like spinach.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Shop Dog Herbs   Shop Horse Herbs

 

Dandelion

Dandelion herb for natural dog and horse health vitamin supplement

Found in: Daily Health, Daily Plus Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Healthy Coat, Liver Support

For acne and skin care: like burdock, dandelion root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria. It also stimulates digestion and supports the liver - the major organ that helps rid the body of toxins and excess hormones, including the androgens that trigger acne breakouts. As a specific herb for the liver, it also benefits the female reproductive system by helping to regulate and normalize hormone production.

Dandelion root contains bitter principles that have a tonic effect on the liver and digestive system. It is gentle laxative and a natural diuretic that is rich in natural potassium, which enriches the body's supply. This detoxifying, diuretic action also earns dandelion a place in many herbal weight loss formulations. In recent studies, Taraxacum officinalis was shown to have a positive effect on weight management. Dandelion root also contains sugars and starches easily assimilated by diabetics, and can be incorporated into a diet meant to help control blood sugar levels. 

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Devil's Claw Root

Found in: Flex Joint Support, Anti-inflammatory herb mix

A plant native to the Kalahari desert in southern Africa. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic properties and was perhaps the first herbal remedy to be considered for joint and muscle pain and inflammation, slowing or preventing deterioration in symptoms. Clinical studies have shown devil's claw extracts to be effective in relieving arthritic pain in the knee, hip, and back, Osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and back pain. 

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Goldenrod

Goldenrod herb for holistic animal health

Found in: Vitex

Also known as woundwort and Aaron’s rod, goldenrod has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and astringent actions. Goldenrod is used to treat kidney and urinary infections and stones. It can also be used to help with respiratory catarrh and arthritis and has shown in vivo anti-tumor effects in mice.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Shop Dog Herbs   Shop Horse Herbs

Kelp (Seaweed)

Kelp seaweed for dog and horse natural health herbsFound in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Healthy Coat, Skin & Paws (Seaweed & Rosehips)

Kelp is composed of 60 elements, 16 amino acids and 12 vitamins. Providing an antioxidant effect, it attracts heavy metals and removes them from the body. It has been shown to improve thyroid stimulation and also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Feeding kelp is a very economical way to provide for most of the nutrients for horses. There is a perceived danger that iodine toxicities could occur when a horse is fed too much seaweed – but, if fed with care, kelp (seaweed) can provide unique benefits to a horse’s health. If fed correctly the level of iodine is way below toxic levels.

The full range of nutrients of kelp are also beneficial for dogs. Kelp has an advantage over other green feeds as it does not have cellulose encircling the cell wall - cellulose can be difficult for a dog to digest. Of particular advantage to dogs is the effect of coat color enhancement, and also very helpful for dogs with skin allergies and alopecia. It may take several weeks, but improvement in skin dryness and itchiness have been recorded. As it helps to improve metabolism, the energy level is increased and resistance to disease and assisting immune functions are other benefits.

Commonly used in herbal medicine to stimulate the thyroid function, it can also be effective in weight loss as part of a low calorie diet. The consumption of seaweeds has also been associated with lower cancer rates.

Kelp is anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, protective against radiation, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, antibiotic, immuno-stimulant, anti-viral and soothing to intestinal mucosa.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Licorice Root

Licorice root herbs for natural holistic dog and horse healthFound in: Daily Health + Liver Support, Liver & Kidney Support, Respiratory Herb Mix, TumEaze, Eat Well

This herbal medicine it has an impressive list of well documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders.

Licorice promotes the healing of ulcers, it can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative. It can soothe irritation, inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels.

Licorice Root also has immune system boosting qualities, and eases pain through an aspirin-like action. It also acts on the adrenal glands, which improves one’s resistance to physical and emotional stress and increases energy levels.
Licorice’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties help calm liver inflammation and keep a healthy function of the heart. Licorice also eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen mucus and making coughs more ‘productive’ and soothes soreness in the throat.

Finally, phytoestrogens in licorice root make it useful to ease PMS symptoms as well.

Use in moderation.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Linden (Lime)

 

Found in: Harmonious VF, Mellow Girl

Gentle, soothing, heart opening herb with relaxing, cooling properties for nerves, muscles and emotions. Flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. 

  • Relaxing nervine – helps to calm tension and irritability in the nervous system
  • Anxiolytic – eases anxiety
  • Antispasmodic – eases muscle cramping
  • Hypotensive – assists in lowering blood pressure
  • Vasodilator – helps to dilate blood vessels
  • Demulcent – rich in mucilage which helps to soothe and protect tissues
  • Diaphoretic – helps to promote perspiration
  • Anti-inflammatory – eases inflammation
View our 100% natural herbs for: DogsHorses

 

Marigold (Calendula) Flowers

Found in: Cleavers & Marigold, Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Healthy Coat, TumEaze

Calendula is a stunningly beautiful flower; the deep orange and yellow petals form a colorful contrast with the greenery in any herb garden. Is it little wonder that Calendula, called "Marygold" or "sunbride" in the herbals of the middle ages, was ascribed magical powers and healing virtues. Calendula flower oil heals the skin so well, The German Commission E has verified the effectiveness of calendula in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.

Calendula is a particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds. Calendula is antifungal and so can help to cure thrush (Candida albicans). The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula make it a good face wash for dry, irritated skin and acne.

Traditionally known as ‘the homoeopathic antiseptic’, wounds treated with calendula extracts healed cleanly and rapidly without one drop of pus. In recent times, this has been backed up by research confirming Calendula’s anti-bacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis both commonly found on the skin and in the nares and throat, using a dry hydroethanolic extract. (Dumenil G et al., Evaluation of antibacterial properties of marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and mother homeopathic tinctures of Calendula officinalis Re: Annual Pharm French 1980).

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Shop Dog Herbs   Shop Horse Herbs

Meadowsweet

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Harmonious Valerian Free, Senior, TumEaze

Mild, but effective anti-inflammatory herb used to treat arthritis and other aches and pains. Meadowsweet leaves and flowers contain salicylates, compounds that are converted by the body to aspirin. Meadowsweet is especially helpful for those arthritis sufferers who have gastritis, (inflammation of the stomach lining) from years of taking NSAIDs. While it may seem contradictory at first, since aspirin and salicylates are know for causing stomach upset, but years of observation and historic use confirm that meadowsweet is effective in a wide range of digestive problems, including diarrhea in children. This makes a strong case for the whole herb being much more than just the sum of its "active" ingredients. 

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

Milk Thistle Seed

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Immune Support, Liver Support, Mellow Girl (Valerian Free), Senior, Vitex

This handsome plant has been used for liver ailments for thousands of years, but until recently was one of herbal medicine's best kept secrets. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle, is now listed in The Mereck Index as a liver protector and actually helps to regenerate liver cells and protects against damage by toxins and viruses. Whole seeds of milk thistle or a tincture made from them are now used in the United States as well as Europe for both protection and regeneration of the liver. Powdered seeds are also available in capsules. A frequent drinker, recovering alcoholic, or anyone taking harsh drugs long term, prescription or otherwise, should take milk thistle extract on a daily basis. Milk thistle combines well with dandelion, peppermint or bitters thus combining hepatropic (liver) and choleretic (gallbladder) herbal actions to support better digestion.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Peppermint

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support

An antispasmodic that calms nausea and aids in digestion. Most horses relish the taste of peppermint, and it can be added to unfamiliar drinking water to help horses accept it.

The peppermint oil that is found in the plant has a carminative action, helping to relax sphincters and the smooth muscles of the digestive system, assist in the expulsion of intestinal gas, tone mucous membrane surfaces and increase peristalsis. The oil has a cooling, soothing and anesthetic effect on the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, which makes it one of the key herbs to choose when dealing with horses prone to colic, gastric or duodenal ulceration, smooth muscle spasm, trapped gas, digestive cramping or poor appetite.

Peppermint contains a bitter quality that increases bile secretion and helps stimulate the appetite as well as tannins, which can help with horses who suffer from loose droppings or bouts of diarrhea.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Shop Dog Herbs   Shop Horse Herbs

Plantain

Plantain natural herb for dog health and holistic horse care

Found in: Respiratory + Immune Support, Respiratory Support

Plantain is a common weed found throughout most of North America. It is a moist cooling herb. It is used to pull splinters, dirt, pus and infection out of wounds. Leaves are used on bee stings, insect bites, and snake bites to draw out the venom, as well as taken internally. If you or your animal gets stung by a bug while out riding, just hop off and grab a leaf, chew on it and apply to the bite. Within moments, you can feel the itch dissipate. It also helps to reduce the swelling typically left behind.

Plantain is an excellent general tonic for the gums, pulling out infection and toning the tissue. It is rich in vitamins C, K, and factor "T" which helps to stop bleeding.

Plantain soothes inflamed nerves and can help bring back damaged nerve function. It is turned to often for use with neuralgia. It is also used to ease cough because of its mucilaginous properties. Horses will seek out the leaves of this plant when they feel digestive discomfort. It has been used for impacted digestion and for internal hemorrhaging.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Rosehips

Rosehips for dog health

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Garlic & Rosehips, Immune Support, Skin & Paws (Seaweed & Rosehips), TumEaze

An accessory fruit of the rose plant, the rose hip can be used to lower cholesterol, improve conditions of Rheumatoid Arthritis, lower blood sugar levels aiding in diabetes treatment, aid in digestion and treat inflammation. Full of flavonoids and antioxidants, rosehips protect the body against heart disease, enhance blood circulation and improve kidney health.  

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Slippery Elm

Found in: Eat Well, TumEaze®

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a smaller tree up to 60 feet high that is native to the eastern part of Northern America. It was used medicinally by the native Americans, who shared their knowledge with American settlers. 

The tannins in the bark reduce inflammation, and the oily mucilage components lubricate the digestive tract and assist in waste elimination. Slippery elm bark can be used to help with both diarrhea and constipation. Coating the lining of inflamed mucous membranes such as the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract, it helps soothe digestive issues and throat problems. Slippery Elm can also be used topically in poultices. 

Because of its "at risk" status on the United Plant Saver's list, Big Sky Supplements exclusively uses organically grown slippery elm bark, which is grown just for this purpose. 

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle herb supplement for natural dog and horse animal health

Found in: Daily Health, Daily + Liver Support, Flex Joint Support, Immune Support, Healthy Coat, Immune Support, Lamina, Liver Support, Senior

Stinging nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Nettle is one of nature's best nutraceuticals, containing protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, along with vitamins A,C, D, and B complex, all in a form that is easy for the body to use.

Nettle balances blood sugars which helps to prevent sugar spikes. The compound in the nettle that helps this is called glucoquinone and has the same benefit for humans with diabetes. Vitamin C improves the body’s absorption of iron, which aids in alleviating anemia and fatigue. This herb also contains a considerable amount of potassium, a mineral that reduces tension in arteries and blood vessels, all of which benefits blood circulation and cardiovascular health.

The stinging comes from the presence on the bristles of histamine that delivers a stinging burn when the hairs on the leaves and stems are touched. Stinging nettles contain natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that, when ingested, help ease allergic reactions.

Nettle is a reliable diuretic that encourages excretion of uric acid, it also benefits humans with gout. It helps prevent water retention and is a superb nourisher of the kidneys and adrenals, which ultimately assists the removal of waste from the body.

The anti-inflammatory substances combined with the rich concentration of the minerals boron, calcium and silicon ease arthritic pain while helping to build strong bones. One reason may be that nettles contain large amounts of magnesium, which helps to moderate pain response.

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)

VitexFound in: Endocrine Support, Mellow Girl

Vitex is a normalizing herb for the female reproductive system, a regulator of
the hormonal balance of estrogen and progesterone. This normalizing of hormones is what makes the herb valuable in treating painful and irregular menses, PMS, menopause and infertility. For chronic problems, it is most effective when taken over a prolonged period of time.

Vitex berry tinctures were also traditionally prescribed for pain and weakness in the limbs.

Should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals. 

View our 100% natural herbs for: Dogs, Horses

 

More herbs coming soon. 

 

Shop Dog Herbs   Shop Horse Herbs

 

Join our Pack

Stay up to date with the latest news, sales & products.

Purchase options
Select a purchase option to pre order this product
Countdown header
Countdown message


DAYS
:
HRS
:
MINS
:
SECS