Is Milk Thistle Good For Horses?

According to some researchers, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) confers health benefits to horses, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What does milk thistle do for a horse?

Milk thistle for horses, the powdered seed is rich in antioxidants and can be used to promote a healthy equine liver. Milk thistle will help to support the body’s natural regeneration of new liver cell growth and, as a result, give nutritional support for healthy hooves, healthy skin and the whole immune system.

How much milk thistle can you give a horse?

It is recommended to begin feeding ground milk thistle seed powder at a rate of ~2 grams per day for a 500kg horse. You can gradually increase the feeding rate over a few weeks to the recommended maintenance dose of 4.5 grams per day for a 500kg horse.

Can you give a horse too much milk thistle?

The best part is there is no known toxicity to feeding milk thistle as a supplement to horses although if too much of the herb is given, it can cause a horse to scour because it might upset their digestive systems.

Is milk thistle good for laminitis?

Veterinarians can recommend milk thistle for the treatment of equine liver disease and laminitis.

How quickly does milk thistle work?

How Long Does Milk Thistle Take to Work. There isn’t an exact science behind this, but generally it can take around 3 to 4 months before someone will see any benefits of milk thistle on their health, and this is after daily intake of some form of milk thistle.

What is the side effects of milk thistle?

Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache.

How can I improve my horses liver?

Suggested diet for a horse with a compromised liver would be; Ad-lib hay and grass if thin (restricted if over weight/at high risk of getting laminitis). Hay is better than haylage but high fibre haylage is ok. If grass is short and intake of hay is too low then Readigrass is a good addition.

What happens if a horse eats thistle?

Ingestion of these plants causes irreversible neurological damage to the horse, and if left untreated, they will usually die from starvation, inhalation pneumonia, or dehydration. Yellow star thistle causes the same clinical signs as Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens), but is considered more toxic.

What happens if you take milk thistle everyday?

Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people at dosages up to 420 mg 3 times a day. However, it may cause allergic reactions, such as itching, headaches, and joint pain, or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.

Can milk thistle make liver worse?

Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.

Can milk thistle reverse liver damage?

Milk thistle will not reverse existing liver damage, and it will not cure infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Milk thistle should not be used by people who have complications from cirrhosis (such as variceal bleeding or ascites).

How much milk thistle is recommended daily?

Milk thistle supplements are commonly sold as in capsule form but are also available as tablets, tea bags, and liquid extracts. Doses range from 175 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. Milk thistle is considered safe to take daily at doses of 150 to 175 mg, three times a day.

What is the best thing to give a horse with laminitis?

For a laminitic prone horse/pony, low sugar roughage sources may include Teff hay, Rhodes grass hay, lucerne hay, beet pulp or soaked grass hay. Some specialist feed suppliers have analysis available. Look for less than 10-12% NSC.

Is apple cider vinegar good for horses with laminitis?

Improves digestion
Because of this, using apple cider vinegar for horses with laminitis can help to reduce the risk of it reoccurring, along with proper care.

What do you feed a horse to prevent laminitis?

Hay – The Core Feed For A Laminitis Diet
The basis of any diet for a horse or pony prone to laminitis or suffering acute laminitis is hay. The best choice of forage is one that is low in sugar, starch, and fructans (non-structural carbohydrates or NSC).

What does milk thistle cure?

Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions.

Is milk thistle good for liver repair?

Liver healing and regeneration
Milk thistle helps stop oxidative stress and free radical damage in the liver. Research shows milk thistle restores damaged cells. Silymarin also protects the liver against damage from alcohol and some prescription drugs.

How is milk thistle best absorbed?

Milk thistle can be taken on an empty stomach. Some believe this makes it work faster; however, very sensitive individuals should consider taking milk thistle with a meal instead. Milk thistle can be taken in herbal capsules or liquid extracts.

Does milk thistle detox the liver?

Supports liver health
The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production. Scientists think this creates a detoxifying effect, which is why milk thistle may be beneficial for liver problems.

What organs does milk thistle help?

Milk thistle (Silymarin marianum) is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and pancreatic function.