Slippery Elm for Horses

Slippery elm supports your horse's digestive tract.

Herbalists value slippery elm for its inner bark, which has medicinal and nutritional value. Horse owners have popularized the herb for its ability to support the digestive systems in horses, even treating equine ulcers. Slippery elm grows in North America and is listed as a drug in the United States Pharmacopeia. It is readily available through herb product providers and holistic veterinarians.

Benefits

A horse's complex digestive tract can make them prone to ulcers, so good digestive support is important.

Slippery elm has a gelatinous secretion and is also high in fiber, both beneficial characteristics for horses' complex digestive tracts. It regulates intestinal bacteria, soothes irritated digestive systems and can soothe ulcers, perhaps even healing ulcerated membranes. Some holistic veterinarians compare its benefits to that of aloe and may recommend combining slippery elm with aloe or chamomile to achieve maximum results for your horse. Regulating the bacteria can help promote overall good digestive health and perhaps prevent colic and diarrhea, or even treat diarrhea episodes.

Dosage

You can administer slippery elm to your horse with an oral syringe, or mix it in its feed.

Whether you combine slippery elm with any other supplement or substance, such as aloe, marshmallow or chamomile, veterinarians and herbalists generally recommend dosing your horse anywhere from one to three times a day for up to 12 weeks. You can put it in an oral syringe or add as a top dressing to feed. Dr. Madalyn Ward, a popular holistic veterinarian and author of "Holistic Horsekeeping," recommends two ounces of aloe mixed with one to two teaspoons of slippery elm at least twice a day, and even three times a day. You should consult your veterinarian or herbalist for the recommended dosage for your horse.

Other Uses

You can use slippery elm as a poultice to treat inflammation, soreness or wounds on your horse.

You can also use slippery elm as a poultice for your horse's wounds or for calming inflammation. Mix it with water, aloe or marshmallow root herb for topical relief.

Side Effects

Slippery elm has no known side effects.

To date, slippery elm has no known side effects or toxicity, even when administered over long periods of time. It is also cost-effective, compared with some conventional treatments, making it particularly suitable for long-term use. In fact, Ward cautions that some traditional horse ulcer treatments can have a negative long-term impact on your horse's digestive tract, even though those treatments may provide your horse with faster, short-term relief.

Warning

Purchase slippery elm from a reliable source, looking for USDA-certified organic.

As with all herbs, it is important to buy only high-quality herbal products from a reputed seller. Look for herbs that are USDA-certified organic. Powdered slippery elm should not be too red or dark, ideally being gray or a fawn color. A finer powder is suited for ingesting, while a coarser powder is fine for poultices.

References

• Botanical: A Modern Herbal
• Holistic Horsekeeping: Natural Ulcer Relief for Horses
• Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments: Slippery Elm Bark Powder
• My Horse: Natural Medicines for Horses

Resources

• Holistic Horsekeeping: Online Store
• Frontier Natural Products Coop: Your Source for Natural and Organic Products