Herbs contraindicated in animal pregnancy | Natural Therapies and Pet Products, Horses, Dogs, Herbs, Aromatherapy, Clay

Latest for our Pets

Clay 4 Pets

Clay is not widely used in Anglophone countries whilst in Francophone ones, nearly every household will have a packet in its cupboard. Clay is part of any good horse stud, agistment properties and equine rehabilitation places and is readily available in saddleries or produce stores in various forms.

Aromatherapy 4 Pets

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an excellent natural therapy for horses and dogs, not for cats though. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as a therapy to certain physical and mental ailments. When essential oils penetrate the bloodstream, they release their components that act on the various systems of the body and promote self-healing.

Animals react well to it and it is easy to use as long as you know which essential oils to use on your pets.

Herbs 4 Horses

Herbs for horses are part of a natural diet, but do you know which herbs are not recommended for the pregnant mare or any other pregnant mammal? Here is a list compiled from various resources that you might find useful.

Plant Name	Effects
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)	Uterine stimulant
Angelica (Angelica spp.)	Uterine stimulant
Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)	Emmenagogue
Black and Blue Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)	Uterine stimulant, abortifacient, hormonal effects
Burdock (Arctium lappa)	Uterine stimulant, oxytocic
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or recutita)	Possible abortifacient, emmenagogue, uterine stimulant
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)	Uterine stimulant
Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata)	Abortifacient
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)	Teratogenic, mutagenic, fetotoxin
Fennel (Foeniculum officinale)	Uterine stimulant
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)	Oxytocic, emmenagogue, abortifacient
Garlic (Allium sativum)	Large doses can be uterine stimulating, can have emmenagogue effects, will pass in the milk then to the foal, which may upset its fragile digestive system
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)	Be cautious during early pregnancy as it can be uterine stimulant
Ginseng (Panax spp.)	May adversely affect the foetus
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue
Juniper (Juniperius communis)	Uterine stimulant
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia and all other species)	Emmenagogue
Mint - all species - (Mentha spp.)	Reduces milk flow
Motherwort (Leonurus spp.)	Uterine stimulant
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue
Red clover (Trifolium pretense)	Abortifacient, emmenagogue
Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus)	Uterine stimulant and should be avoided at the beginning of pregnancy, but are all right at the end for birth preparation and in small dose
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient
Sage (Salvia officinalis)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)	Emmenagogue
Turmeric (Curcuma longa aromatica)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient
Vervain (Verbena officinalis)	Uterine stimulant
Wormwood and Mugwort (Artemisia absinthum & vulgaris)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)	Uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, abortifacient