Herbs for Mare Fertility

Some mares experience difficulty when attempting to become pregnant. Herbal remedies can work in a variety of ways to support the natural process of conceiving a foal, such as supporting hormonal cycles, toning reproductive muscles and relaxing the nervous system without using sedatives. Herbs are slow and steady in their action and may take time for the effect to build up in the mare's system. Be patient, and you and your mare can look forward to a happy, healthy pregnancy.

  1. Dong Quai

    • Mixing dried or fresh herbs into the horse's feed is the easiest way of using them.

      When a mare is having troubles conceiving, dong quai is your first port of call. According to Catherine Bird, author of "A Healthy Horse the Natural Way," donq quai is specific for mares with problems conceiving, as it benefits their hormone cycles and tones their uterine muscles. Start with 1 teaspoon of the dried herb mixed into the feed daily, says Bird, and build to 2 or 3 teaspoons a day. Once the mare has been served by a stallion or becomes pregnant, stop using dong quai.

    Licorice Root

    • Licorice root can be purchased as a dry powder.

      Licorice root is a traditional European and Chinese herb with a long history of use in treating hormonal problems, conception and fatigue in humans and animals. The powdered root is a rich source of natural chemicals with mild steroidal properties that help support fertility and hormone levels in mares. Licorice is also an emmenagogue, an herb capable of bringing on menses, so do not give it to a mare after it has been served or when it has become pregnant.

    Cardoman

    • Cardamon seeds have a range of medicinal health benefits.

      Cardamon is a spicy seed from which a powerful medicinal oil can be extracted. The essential oil of cardamon has a range of uses, from eliminating parasites to reducing gas to stimulating libido. If the mare is nervous around a stallion or refusing to mate, rubbing cardamon oil into her coat works as an aphrodisiac and could help the courting process. Essential oils are irritants when used neat, so dilute it well into a carrier oil or a base of aloe vera gel. Once the mare has been served or become pregnant, stop using the herb.

    Clary Sage

    • Clary sage oil can support relaxation and reduce anxiety in mares.

      Clary sage is a useful, calming plant that helps to soothe the nerves and reduce stress. When conception problems in a mare are related to nervous tension or an anxious nature, clary sage oil can be mixed into a carrier oil or aloe vera gel base and massaged into the mare's coat. Once the mare has been served or becomes pregnant, stop using the herb.

    Raspberry Leaf

    • Raspberry leaves are a rich source of calcium and other minerals.

      Raspberry leaves are a traditional uterine tonic, capable of aiding the conception as well as the birth of foals. According to Hilary Self, author of "A Modern Horse Herbal," raspberry leaves benefit the general condition and health of the uterus in a mare. They can be used to promote fertility as well as to prepare the uterus for birth in the last three months of pregnancy. Use raspberry leaves again one month after birth, as this will promote the healing of the uterus and help milk production. Use 1 cup daily, recommends Hilary, mixed into the feed of the horse. The leaves can be either fresh or dried, depending on what is easiest for the horse to eat.

    Caution

    • When choosing herbal remedies for your mare, check with both an herbalist and a veterinarian to ensure that the herbs are right for your horse. Many herbs may cause interactions with prescription medications and should be used with caution. Store herbs in a dark, cool place away from ultraviolet light and in an airtight container. If your mare does not like the herbs, start with a third of the dose and gradually increase. If your mare experiences any digestive troubles, discontinue usage.