 Traditional Chinese herbal formulas are more than a collection of herbs, they are carefully balanced combinations that have been refined through centuries of observation and use.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, two horses may share the same symptoms, yet the underlying pattern of imbalance can be very different. That's why herbalists focus on the whole horse, looking at both the outward signs and the root cause of the problem. Each herb in a formula has a purpose. Some address the primary imbalance, while others support, harmonize, and enhance the action of the formula. Together, they create a balanced approach that is often more effective than relying on a single herb alone. At Whole Horse Herbs, we offer both time-tested traditional formulas and custom formulations tailored to the unique needs of the individual horse. Interested in a custom herbal consultation for your horse? Click here
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire Element, the season of warmth, growth, activity, and abundance. The Fire Element is connected to the Heart, which is considered the "seat of the mind," or Shen. The Heart governs not only circulation, but also awareness, emotional balance, joy, and our ability to remain calm and present. Just as nature reaches its peak during summer, Fire represents maximum energy and activity. Its movement is upward, expansive, and expressive. When the Fire Element is balanced, we experience joy, connection, enthusiasm, and harmony between the heart and mind. When out of balance, there may be restlessness, agitation, nervous exhaustion, or difficulty settling. In Chinese herbal medicine, certain herbs have traditionally been used to nourish the Heart and calm the Shen. One such herb is **Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed)**, a key ingredient in our Calm Shen™ formula. Summer invites us to embrace the energy of the season while maintaining balance. For horses that become anxious, reactive, or overstimulated during periods of increased activity, supporting the Heart and calming the Shen can be an important part of seasonal wellness. Learn more about Calm Shen™:   Creating a simple herbal enrichment water bar is one of our favorite ways to support hydration, curiosity, and sensory enrichment during the warmer months.
Try offering a few separate buckets alongside fresh plain water with gentle herbal infusions like: - Peppermint -Chamomile -Hibiscus -Lemon balm You may be surprised by what your horses choose. In the wild, horses naturally seek variety through plants, minerals, scent, and seasonal browsing. Offering herbal waters is a beautiful way to honor that instinct, encouraging autonomy, engagement, and whole-body wellness. A few reminders: Always provide plain fresh water alongside Keep infusions light and simple (even adding 1 handful of herbs to a bucket of water will work) Observe preferences without forcing intake Refresh herbal water daily or at the end of each day, herbs will begin to ferment in warm weather and spoiled water should never be left for your horse to drink Let us know in the comments if you try this with your horse!  Show season is hard on more than just your schedule. Trailering, schedule changes, new water, performance pressure, it all adds up, and your horse's digestive system feels every bit of it. Stress is one of the leading triggers for gastric ulcers in performance horses, and most owners don't catch it until they're seeing attitude changes, poor performance, or weight loss. Our Equine Gastric Support formula was built for horses that live this life, reformulated with herbs for inflammation, mucosal protection, and hind gut support. Licorice free and show safe, so you can use it all season long without worry. Shop Equine Gastric Support here: Questions about what's right for your horse? Call us at 559-683-4434 we love talking horses!
 .Tick Tips for Spring: Prevention is the Best Medicine
Spring brings green pastures, longer days… and an increase in ticks. With warmer temperatures and seasonal moisture, tick populations can rise significantly, bringing a higher risk of Lyme exposure for horses across many regions. A few simple ways to reduce risk for your horse: • Check your horse daily, especially along the mane, tail head, under the jaw, between the legs, and around the ears • Avoid dense brush and wooded edges when possible, especially during peak tick season • Groom regularly to help spot ticks early • Support your horse’s overall resilience and immune health At Whole Horse Herbs, we focus on supporting the whole horse, helping maintain balance, strengthen immune function, and build resilience during higher-risk seasons like spring. If you find a tick, remove it carefully and completely. Some owners choose to save the tick for identification or testing if concerns arise. A few small, consistent practices can go a long way in protecting your horse. Check out our Lyme Support formula!  Introducing Our Newest Formula!
Our Post Marquis / Protazil Herbal Formula is thoughtfully designed to support your horse’s recovery following pharmaceutical treatment for EPM. Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. This formula helps: • Support the nervous system after EPM • Address residual inflammation • Aid in rebuilding strength and coordination over time Because true healing is about restoring the whole horse—not just addressing the condition. Give your horse the support they need to come back stronger, more balanced, and more resilient. To get yours:  Laminitis Season is Here, Let’s Talk Prevention
After a wet winter here in California, spring grass is coming in fast, and with it, an increased risk of laminitis. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, laminitis is often connected to deeper imbalances in the spleen, liver, and kidney systems. These patterns can be influenced by: • High-sugar intake (lush pasture, grain) • Stress or overwork • Underlying conditions like PPID or insulin resistance Prevention and support go hand-in-hand. With the right combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and thoughtful management, we can support horses through laminitis, and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. Every horse is different, which is why individualized care matters. We offer consultations and custom herbal formulas tailored to your horse’s unique constitution. Learn more & book a consult to get the right formula for your horse!  Herb of the Week: Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
Botanical name: Vitex agnus-castus Chinese name: Man Jing Zi Vitex is one of the most well-known and widely used herbs for supporting hormonal balance in horses. Unlike hormone therapies, Vitex does not contain hormones. Instead, it works by supporting the pituitary gland, the regulatory center of the endocrine system, helping the body maintain healthy estrogen and progesterone levels naturally. This makes it especially helpful for: • Mares with difficult or irregular cycles • Behavioral changes associated with hormonal fluctuation • Horses needing long-term endocrine support (Cushing's) Vitex has also been shown to influence dopamine pathways and support natural beta-endorphin release, which may help with mood and comfort during challenging cycles. Because it works through endocrine regulation, Vitex is not a fast-acting herb. Consistent use for 8–12 weeks is typically recommended for best results. Vitex is a key ingredient in our Mare Mix and Stallion Mix, thoughtfully formulated to support hormone balance in mares, geldings, and stallions. Get your horse support with Vitex:  Strength doesn’t have to come with tension.
Whole Horse Stallion Mix is formulated to support balanced behavior, steady focus, and a calm, trainable mindset, without synthetic hormones. By supporting the endocrine system naturally, this formula helps stallions, and geldings who need additional hormonal support, stay focused, responsive, and manageable in their work. For competitive riders, it’s important to note that the FEI no longer allows the use of Regumate in stallions or geldings. This has made natural hormonal support an important consideration for many owners and trainers seeking compliant options. Hormonal balance isn’t about suppression. It’s about regulation. 🌿 Learn more about Stallion Mix here:  Formula Spotlight: Whole Horse Gastric Support!
When life changes, a barn move, travel, injury, or the loss of a herd mate, stress often shows up in the gut first. The digestive and nervous systems are closely connected. During times of transition, you may notice decreased appetite, subtle weight shifts, girthiness, tension, or a horse who just feels “off.” Whole Horse Gastric Support is formulated to soothe and protect the stomach lining, support healthy acid balance, and promote digestive resilience during stress. If your horse is navigating change, this formula offers steady all natural support. Learn more or order here: |
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Gloria Garland, L.Ac, Dipl. Ac. & CH.. of Whole Horse Herbs. She has 30 years of experience
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