Dandelion Leaf

The people of Europe have been using dandelion leaves as part of their diet for centuries.  The bitter elements of this herb encourages the production of stomach acids and digestive enzymes while an infusion of the dandelion leaf, which becomes even more bitter with age, is claimed to help people who are feeling run-down.

The leaves of the dandelion plant are generally fed to horses during spring as the herb assists with cleansing the blood by stimulating the bladder, kidneys and liver.  The leaves are high in potassium, iron and calcium as well as vitamins A, the B group, C and D and are traditionally used as an overall tonic.

Being a diuretic, dandelion leaf helps to purge the body of wastes by causing an increase in urination, thereby eliminating excess fluids.

Dandelion Root

Stronger in its action than dandelion leaf, dandelion root is one of the safest and most popular herbal remedies for cleansing the body.  It strengthens the liver and gallbladder by reducing inflammation and promoting the flow of bile. 

The dandelion root contains high amounts of potassium, which helps balance any excessive loss of this mineral due to its diuretic effect, as well as being rich in magnesium and vitamins A, the B group, C and D.

Dandelion Root will assist horses recovering from illness and is beneficial to use if your horse has had an adverse reaction to being vaccinated.  Because of its beneficial effect on the liver, bladder and other organs of elimination, both the leaves and the root of the dandelion plant can assist with post-viral recovery.

The fact that dandelion is an invaluable herb for horses can been illustrated by reports that horses have been seen self medicating by digging up their paddock in order to reach and eat the root.

Helen Nicolaou

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