Digestive Health Herbs
1. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Benefits: Aids digestion, reduces gas, relieves stomach cramps, and freshens breath. Contains menthol which can help open airways for horses with respiratory issues.
Growing Guide: Sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil, moderate water. Highly invasive – grow in containers to prevent spreading. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Hardy in zones 3-11. Grows 1-3 feet tall.
2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Benefits: Calming effect, anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, soothes stomach upset. Can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil, moderate water. Sow seeds after last frost. Harvest flowers when fully open. Annual that self-seeds. Grows 8-24 inches tall. Prefers cool weather.
3. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Benefits: Improves digestion, reduces gas and bloating, supports milk production in broodmares.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established. Sow seeds directly outdoors after frost danger passes. Harvest leaves and seeds. Perennial in zones 4-9. Grows 4-6 feet tall. Attracts beneficial insects.
4. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Benefits: Soothes digestive tract inflammation, helps with ulcers, diarrhea, and constipation. Contains mucilage that coats and protects digestive tract.
Growing Guide: Not typically grown in gardens as it’s a large tree. Inner bark is used medicinally. If planting, needs full sun to partial shade. Moist soil. Hardy in zones 3-9. Grows 40-60 feet tall at maturity.
5. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Benefits: Soothes irritated digestive tract, helps with ulcers, contains mucilage that protects gut lining.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Rich, moist soil. Sow seeds in spring after frost danger. Harvest roots from 2-year-old plants in fall. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 3-4 feet tall. Beautiful white/pink flowers attract pollinators.
Respiratory Support Herbs
6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Benefits: Supports respiratory health, natural expectorant, antibacterial, helps with coughs and congestion.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Plant in spring after frost danger. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor. Perennial in zones 5-9. Grows 6-12 inches tall.
7. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Benefits: Natural antibiotic, supports immune system, repels insects, helps with respiratory infections, may help control internal parasites.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, fertile soil. Plant cloves in fall for spring harvest. Harvest when leaves begin to yellow and fall over. Hardy in zones 3-8. Grows 1-2 feet tall.
8. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Benefits: Immune system support, helps fight infections, anti-inflammatory, beneficial for respiratory health.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Sow seeds in spring after frost danger. Harvest flowers and roots (roots after 2-3 years). Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 2-5 feet tall.
9. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Benefits: Soothes irritated respiratory passages, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, supports adrenal function.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, rich soil. Plant seeds or root cuttings in spring. Harvest roots after 3-4 years in fall. Perennial in zones 7-10. Grows 3-4 feet tall. Needs space as it spreads through underground rhizomes.
10. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Benefits: Soothes irritated respiratory passages, expectorant, helps with coughs and congestion.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil, tolerates poor soils. Biennial that self-seeds readily. Sow seeds in spring or fall. Harvest leaves in first year, flowers in second year. Grows 6-8 feet tall in second year. Drought-tolerant.
Calming Herbs
11. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Benefits: Natural sedative, helps reduce anxiety and stress, beneficial for nervous horses or during stressful events.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Rich, moist soil. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest roots in fall after 2 years. Perennial in zones 4-9. Grows 3-5 feet tall. Flowers have sweet scent, but roots have strong odor.
12. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Benefits: Mild calming effect, aids digestion, repels insects, pleasant lemon scent.
Growing Guide: Partial shade to full sun. Rich, moist soil. Plant seeds or cuttings after frost danger. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Perennial in zones 4-9. Grows 1-2 feet tall. Can spread aggressively – consider container planting.
13. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Benefits: Calming, stress-reducing, antiseptic, insect repellent.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Plant in spring. Drought-tolerant once established. Harvest flower stalks when blooms first open. Perennial in zones 5-9. Grows 2-3 feet tall. Prune in spring to maintain shape.
14. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Benefits: Calming effect, helps reduce anxiety, mild pain relief.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil. Plant seeds or cuttings after frost danger. Harvest leaves and flowers throughout growing season. Perennial vine in zones 6-9, will die back in winter. Grows 8-12 feet tall with support.
15. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Benefits: Mild sedative, helps with anxiety, mild pain relief, non-addictive and non-narcotic.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, poor to average soil. Drought-tolerant. Sow seeds in fall or early spring. Harvest whole plant while flowering. Annual that self-seeds readily. Grows 12-18 inches tall. Beautiful orange flowers.
Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief Herbs
16. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Benefits: Powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports joint health, helps with arthritis and digestive health.
Growing Guide: Partial shade. Rich, moist, well-draining soil. Plant rhizomes after frost danger when soil is warm. Harvest rhizomes in fall after leaves yellow. Perennial in zones 8-11, grow as annual or indoors in colder climates. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
17. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, particularly beneficial for joint issues and arthritis.
Growing Guide: Not typically grown in gardens as it requires specific desert conditions. Native to southern Africa. In suitable climates, needs full sun, extremely well-draining sandy soil, and very little water.
18. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Benefits: Accelerates healing of tissues, anti-inflammatory (external use only – not for internal consumption).
Growing Guide: Partial shade to full sun. Rich, moist soil. Plant root cuttings or divisions in spring. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 3-5 feet tall. Very deep roots make it difficult to remove once established.
19. White Willow Bark (Salix alba)
Benefits: Natural pain reliever (contains salicin, similar to aspirin), anti-inflammatory, reduces fever.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Moist to wet soil. Plant cuttings in spring. Harvest bark from young branches in spring. Tree grows 30-80 feet tall at maturity. Hardy in zones 3-8. Consider dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
20. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Benefits: Natural pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, helps with digestive issues, contains salicylic acid (like aspirin) but is gentle on the stomach.
Growing Guide: Partial shade. Moist to wet soil. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest flowers and leaves in summer. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 3-4 feet tall. Sweet-smelling flowers that attract beneficial insects.
Immune System Support
21. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Benefits: Immune system strengthener, supports respiratory health, increases stamina and energy.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil. Sow seeds in spring after frost danger. Harvest roots after 2-3 years in fall. Perennial in zones 4-10. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
22. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, supports overall health, anti-inflammatory, helps with allergies and respiratory issues.
Growing Guide: Partial shade to full sun. Rich, moist soil. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest young leaves with gloves before flowering. Perennial in zones 3-10. Grows 3-4 feet tall. Highly invasive – consider contained area.
23. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports wound healing, supports immune system.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, average soil. Sow seeds after frost danger. Harvest flowers throughout growing season. Annual that self-seeds readily. Grows 12-24 inches tall. Deadhead to encourage more blooms.
24. Rose Hips (Rosa species)
Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, supports immune system, anti-inflammatory.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, fertile soil. Plant in spring or fall. Harvest rose hips after first frost. Perennial in zones 4-9 (varies by species). Grows 3-6 feet tall depending on variety. Prune in early spring.
25. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Benefits: Supports liver health, mild diuretic, rich in vitamins and minerals, aids digestion.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Any soil type. Already grows wild in most areas. Harvest leaves in spring before flowering, roots in fall. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 6-12 inches tall. Spreads easily by seed.
Hoof & Coat Health
26. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Benefits: Rich in silica which strengthens hooves, bones, and connective tissue. Supports coat health.
Growing Guide: Partial shade to full sun. Moist to wet soil. Plant spores or divisions in spring. Harvest stems throughout growing season. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 1-2 feet tall. Can be invasive – consider container planting.
27. Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids support skin, coat, and hoof health. Anti-inflammatory properties.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, fertile soil. Sow seeds in spring after frost danger. Harvest seeds when seed heads turn brown. Annual. Grows 1-3 feet tall. Pretty blue flowers.
28. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Benefits: Stimulates circulation, antibacterial, supports hoof health, natural preservative for feed.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Plant cuttings in spring. Harvest leaves throughout year. Perennial in zones 7-10, grow as annual or bring indoors in colder climates. Grows 2-4 feet tall.
29. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium. Supports overall health, coat condition, and hoof strength.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil. Sow seeds in spring or fall. Harvest before flowering for best nutrition. Perennial in zones 4-8. Grows 1-3 feet tall. Deep-rooted, drought-tolerant once established.
30. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Benefits: Blood purifier, supports liver function, helps with skin conditions, supports healthy coat.
Growing Guide: Partial shade to full sun. Deep, well-draining soil. Sow seeds in spring. Harvest roots in fall of first year. Biennial. Grows 3-5 feet tall. Can become weedy – remove flower heads before they go to seed.
Topical Healing Herbs
31. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Benefits: Cooling, soothing for burns, wounds, and skin irritations. Accelerates healing, antimicrobial.
Growing Guide: Bright indirect light to partial sun. Well-draining, sandy soil. Plant offsets or young plants. Harvest outer leaves as needed. Perennial in zones 9-11, grow indoors in colder climates. Grows 1-2 feet tall.
32. Plantain (Plantago major)
Benefits: Draws out infection, soothes inflammation, stops bleeding, promotes wound healing.
Growing Guide: Full sun to partial shade. Any soil type. Already grows wild in most areas. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 6-12 inches tall.
33. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Benefits: Stops bleeding, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent, promotes wound healing.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, average to poor soil. Drought-tolerant. Plant seeds, divisions, or young plants in spring. Harvest flowers and leaves when in bloom. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 2-3 feet tall.
34. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, promotes healing of wounds, burns, and muscle injuries.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest flowering tops when in full bloom. Perennial in zones 5-9. Grows 1-3 feet tall. Can be invasive in some areas.
35. Arnica (Arnica montana)
Benefits: Reduces bruising and swelling, relieves muscle soreness, anti-inflammatory (external use only).
Growing Guide: Partial shade. Well-draining, acidic soil. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest flowers when fully open. Perennial in zones 4-9. Grows 1-2 feet tall. Endangered in wild – cultivate responsibly.
Insect-Repelling Herbs
36. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
Benefits: Repels flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Pleasant lemon scent.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil. Plant young plants after frost danger. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Perennial in zones 9-11, grow as annual or in containers in colder climates. Grows 2-4 feet tall.
37. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Benefits: Insect repellent, particularly effective against flies. Pleasant lemon scent, aids digestion.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, fertile soil. Plant young plants or divisions after frost danger. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Perennial in zones 9-11, grow as annual or in containers in colder climates. Grows 2-4 feet tall.
38. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Benefits: Strong insect repellent, particularly effective against flies and mosquitoes. May help with some internal parasites.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining, poor to average soil. Drought-tolerant. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest leaves before flowering. Perennial in zones 4-9. Grows 2-4 feet tall. Silver-gray foliage adds garden interest.
39. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Benefits: Repels flies, ants, mosquitoes, and other insects. May help with some internal parasites.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil. Plant seeds or divisions in spring. Harvest flowers when in full bloom. Perennial in zones 3-9. Grows 2-4 feet tall. Can be invasive – consider container planting.
40. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus species)
Benefits: Repels flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Supports respiratory health, antiseptic.
Growing Guide: Full sun. Well-draining soil. Plant seeds or young plants in spring. Harvest leaves throughout growing season. Perennial tree in zones 8-11, grow as annual or in containers in colder climates. Grows 10-60 feet tall depending on variety (dwarf varieties available).
Safety Notes for Horse Owners
- Introduce herbs gradually into your horse’s diet to monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Use in moderation – herbs are concentrated sources of active compounds.
- Consult with your veterinarian before using herbs, especially if your horse is on medication or has health conditions.
- Pregnancy caution – some herbs are not safe for pregnant mares.
- Competition restrictions – some herbs may be prohibited in competition due to their effects.
- Proper identification is crucial – many plants have toxic look-alikes.
- Growing your own ensures quality and proper identification.
- Organic growing practices prevent contamination with herbicides or pesticides.
