Pregnancy herbs
July 18th 2008 09:43
If you are thinking about getting your mare in foal this year, now is the time to be preparing her with herbs:
Raspberry Leaf
Rubus idaeus
For easing and improving the efficiency of labour, taken increasingly through the last three months of pregnancy. Also useful prior to serving, possibly 3 months before hand if mare has been barren or has had her uterus graded as poor. If you have not been giving raspberry prior to pregnancy avoid in the first trimester. It is an astringent and may interfere with medication absorptions so give at different time of day. I also continue for 2 to 3 months after delivery to help with restoring tone to the uterus.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Traditionally used to enhance breast feeding and promote milk production so a useful herb to give after foaling, only a small dose require ie 1 teaspoon a day. Though if the mare is given antibiotics fennel has been noted to reduce the bioavailability of certain antibiotics.
It is one herb I will give 3 to 6 months prior to service then stop if a history of difficulties in conceiving.
Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Just be careful with this one as it may inhibit iron absorption so don't give if the mare is slightly anaemic.
This is another one useful in stimulating lactation. Folklore advises to avoid during pregnancy due to traditional abortive actions. It is another herb good for helping to prepare a mare for service. It is also indicated for for debility and convalescence so may be useful if a mare is not recovering from labour reasonably.
Chamomile
botanical name varies
Normally used as a nervine, but chamomile has a great affinity with the female reproductive system and one herb I will also consider with other preparation herbs. I avoid early pregnancy due to its mild diuretic action, but is compatible with breast feeding.
Chaste Tree Berry
Vitex agnes-cactus
Insufficient lactation, and useful as a preparatory herb, however never give if mare being given any kind of hormone therapy.
Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus
Compatible with breast feeding, will promote lactation, and is used to promote conception in both sexes. Sexual tonic. Shatavari is used in traditional Ayurvedic medications to promote conception, and preparations based on shatavari are often recommended for threatened miscarriage (other cultures use a different dose to promote abortion so you need to be careful).
This blog is for educational purposes only, please check with your vet or animal herbalist.
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