Cicely, often called sweet cicely, is a popular herb in many herbal remedies. Can horses consume this plant safely? Though it does have some health benefits, there are also dangers—exercise caution before giving cicely to your horse.
This article covers the safety for horses, the risks and benefits, and tips on how to use it responsibly:
- Safety for horses
- Risks and benefits
- Tips on how to use it responsibly
Cicely
Cicely, also known as Sweet Cicely, Common Myrrh, Myrhise Odorante, or Scent-of-Myrrh, is an aromatic herb native to Europe and western Asia. In modern herbalism, it’s usually referred to simply as ‘cicely.’
Traditional medicine has been used to treat various ailments, such as digestive disorders. Its active ingredients – like myrcene, terpenoids, and flavonoids – are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Thus, it’s often used in herbal preparations for dyspepsia (stomachache), bloating, and flatulence caused by indigestion. It can also be taken as an appetite stimulant and mild antiseptic astringent for the mouth.
Regarding safety, Cicely is generally safe for horses when given appropriately. It has few side effects at moderate doses, but very high doses may cause gastric irritation or convulsions.
When giving your horse cicely, start with a small dose first and, if needed, increase the dose gradually over time. It’s important to always consult with a horse veterinarian or other animal health professional before beginning any herbal treatments.
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Nutritional Benefits
Cicely is superb for horse feed! It contains carbs, proteins, and fats that give horses energy. Furthermore, it has essential vitamins and minerals for their health.
Let’s delve into the nutrition of Cicely!
Nutritional Value
The seed of the Cicely plant is excellent for horses. It contains nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and C, and protein. This protein content is much higher than in hay and oats.
Plus, Cicely is easy to digest. Its dietary fiber helps break down food in the horse’s stomach. Vitamin A supports the vision and cell growth. Vitamin C prevents inflammation, damage from free radicals, and environmental stress.
It’s also an excellent choice for horse health.
- Iron aids bone growth and neck strength.
- Copper keeps arteries healthy.
- Zinc helps antioxidant enzymes.
Follow guidelines when using Cicely as a supplement for your horse.
Vitamins and Minerals
Cicely is a fantastic agricultural feed for horses. It is very palatable and nutritious. It has proteins, carbs, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it contains a lot of vitamin A, folate, and calcium.
These are great for a horse’s vision, bones, and muscle growth. Magnesium and phosphorus are also present, helping with hair, skin, and hooves.
Zinc is moderate, which can help the horse’s immune system and aid healing. Lastly, cicely can be a great energy source for horses that don’t have access to grains or hay.
Potential Health Benefits
Cicely, or sweet cicely, is a herb that’s been around for centuries. It grows in Europe and Asia and has long been used to treat various health problems. Recently, it’s been used for horses too! This article looks into the potential health benefits of cicely for horses.
These include its anti-inflammatory abilities and its use in holistic horse care.
Digestive Health
Cicely is great for horse digestion! Studies say it lowers the chance of colic, a common cause of death in horses. Cicely is also suitable for treating specific stomach problems like ulcers and colitis. This leads to fewer digestive issues and better overall digestion.
Cicely contains tannins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. This minimizes inflammation and helps keep harmful bacteria from growing. Check with your vet before adding new plants to your horse’s diet. Some may be dangerous or not fit for your horse’s health.
Respiratory Health
Cicely is known to aid with lung health and respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. Its seeds can relax the muscles around the lungs, making breathing easier.
Compounds in cicely can also help you clear congestion. It’s traditionally used to treat asthma and other breathing problems, such as coughing, sneezing, and sinusitis.
Horses can benefit from cicely too. It can help clear a mucosal blockage caused by allergies and irritants. Cicely also increases gas exchange during exercise.
And it helps regulate pulmonary circulation and limit fluid accumulation – which can reduce fatigue caused by exercise.
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Skin Health
Cicely, also known as Myrrhis odorata, belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to Europe. Its leaves, flowers, and essential oil possess a sweet, anise-like aroma. This herb has been used for ages to help skin health in horses and for human consumption.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, due to terpenes, make it ideal for skin health. These terpenes also have anti-bacterial properties, eliminating skin irritation-causing bacteria.
Cicely has been proven to reduce the skin’s sensitivity to environmental irritants, like heat or cold.
Further, cicely is beneficial for the digestive health of horses. It helps to balance good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to better digestion and absorption of nutrients from feed and supplements, resulting in improved overall health.
Safety Considerations
Cicely is an excellent feed option for horse owners. It’s from the parsley family and is found globally. There are some benefits to feeding cicely to horses, yet safety must be considered.
Cicely Poisoning
Cicely poisoning is a risk for horses and other livestock that graze in areas where the herb grows. Every part of the plant is poisonous when eaten. This can lead to a reaction known as “mentagra,” causing weight loss, weakness, or even death from malnutrition.
Symptoms like dilated pupils and incoordination can indicate poisoning.
The primary toxic chemical in cicely is anethole. It is present in all parts, but the levels depend on the environment. Early recognition and action are essential for successful treatment.
Here are some tips to avoid cicely poisoning of horses:
- Do not allow grazing on or near plants you suspect may be cicely.
- Carefully monitor the pasture for any new or suspicious growth.
- Fence off any known patches of wild cicely near pastures used by horses.
- Regularly remove any seed heads before they disperse.
- Check with local weed experts for updated information about cicely risk areas near pastures.
Interactions with other Herbs
When giving herbs to horses, it’s vital to grasp potential interactions. These can be additive or counteracting effects. For example, it is adding vitamin K to anise, fenugreek, and garlic mixtures or using astringents or mucilages to reduce inflammation.
Also, oils like black seed oil can affect side effects and efficacy.
The horse’s age and weight and any existing medical issues should be considered. To offer safe and successful treatment, you need to know cicely and any other supplement used with it.
Conclusion: Is Cicely Safe For Horses
The overall opinion on using Cicely for horses is generally safe – if used carefully. But, since there’s not enough research and it could have bad reactions, it’s best to be cautious.
Always ask the vet if you are using any herb supplement first and follow their instructions. If any reactions happen, stop using it and check with a vet.
Talk to a qualified equine veterinarian for more details on Cicely and how it affects horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Cicely safe for horses?
A1: Yes! Cicely is safe for horses. It is a natural herb that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments in horses. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
Q2: What benefits does Cicely provide for horses?
A2: Cicely can help to reduce inflammation and pain, improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, and provide anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits. It can also help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of colic in horses.
Q3: Is Cicely safe to give to horses over a long period?
A3: Yes! Cicely is safe to give to horses over a long period. It is natural, non-toxic, and has no known side effects. However, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving any supplement to a horse.
