Dandelions Are Worth More Than Wishes To Your Horse

Some See A Weed, Some See A Wish, While Your Horse Sees Health Potential…

Although many see the dandelion as a common weed, it actually should be seen as a valuable nutrient source and medicinal herb. The entire dandelion is safe for you horse to eat, the leaves and roots are the most beneficial when it comes to promoting your horse’s health.

The dandelion root is great for promoting liver health and cleansing, while the leaves serve more as a kidney and urinary tract tonic and detox aide.

Nutrient wise dandelion is high in Vitamins A, B, C, and D. It is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium making it a natural electrolyte option.

According to a published medical study on Pubmed.gov–

“Dandelion may exhibit various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. We analyzed the leaves and roots of the common dandelion (T. officinale) using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine its sesquiterpene lactone composition. The main compound of the leaf extract taraxinic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), a sesquiterpene lactone, was isolated and the structure elucidation was conducted by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. The leaf extract and its main compound 1 activated the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in human hepatocytes more significantly than the root extract. Furthermore, the leaf extract induced the Nrf2 target gene heme oxygenase 1. Overall, present data suggest that compound 1 may be one of the active principles of T. officinale.”

Although it might not reduce oxidative stress by 40% like the Nrf2 Synergizer we share in our Health Activated Horse Group… the leaf extract as stated above has been proven to activate Nrf2 and it has antioxidant properties… add that to the other benefits shared and you have a vitality supporting herb that you can utilize for your horse.

When in season in your area you can feed it fresh, as long as you are cautious that you harvest it in an area that has not been sprayed with herbicides… there are also species of “false dandelion” like Flatweed that look similar to dandelion, that is toxic to horses. I prefer to get an organic dandelion dried leaf options from herb professionals like Mountain Rose Herbs or Monteray Bay Herbs.

Best if used in moderation and like with many herbal remedies it’s beneficial to cycle the horse off or give the body breaks between use. Always read your horse and seek professional guidance when needed. The serving size I most often utilize is 1/4 cup of dried dandelion leaves added to a clean forage/hay pellet (no synthetics or additives).

Times To Turn To Dandelion Leaves-

As shared above, dandelion leaves and/or root can make affordable health-boosting option for your horse when they are in health. Other suggested times of use can be when the body is struggling to clear toxins (after any chemical dewormers, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, etc.), when edema, water retention, or the urinary tract needs to be stimulated or cleansed.

For my mare Pokey, she will be going on dandelion leaves for a period of time, to support the balance of her Water element, water metabolism, and recent concerns of edema in her legs. You can read more about other options to support similar concerns with the posts below:

Are you ready to unlock the health potential of your horse? If so I’ve got you covered! You can get started on supporting your horse to vibrant health right now, by grabbing your copy of my book Healthy as a Horse and discover the forgotten framework of care that can transform your horse’s health. Click here to reserve your copy now.

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