 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!
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 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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