Fenugrec is one of the oldest medicinal plants in history. We find in fact mentions of its natural properties to embalm the bodies from ancient Egypt and Hippocrates also spoke of its digestive qualities.
As with many natural remedies used in herbal medicine, fenugrec also has many benefits for the horse. Here are 9 good reasons why your pet should be given to improve its health and well-being.
What is fenugrec?
Fenugrec, by its scientific name "Trigonella foenum-graecum" is a legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This herbaceous plant 20-50 cm tall is easily recognizable by its yellow or white flowers and its leaves are very similar to those of the clover.
It grows mainly in mild and dry climates. It is therefore mainly found in Egypt, but also in Lebanon and even in the south of France, since fenugreec particularly appreciates Mediterranean sweetness.
In fenugrec, it's the whole plant that can be used in herbal medicine. From its fruits (with a very special smell) to its oblong seeds, all the legumes can be dried, crushed and then presented as capsules. But it is especially the seeds (which are found in the pods of the fruit) that have a strong therapeutic interest.
The nutritional composition of fenugrec
Fenugrec is considered a superfood because of its impressive nutritional value.
Indeed, in 100 grams of fenugrec, we find 58 grams of carbohydrates (including 40 grams of mucilages) and 23 grams of protein, which makes it a very good vegetable substitute for animal meat.
Fenugrec is also particularly rich in minerals and trace elements, including:
- Phosphorus;
- Potassium;
- Calcium;
- Iron;
- Zinc.
It is also a very good natural source of vitamin A and provitamin A, group B vitamins (in particular B12) and vitamin C. The seed also closes many mucilage actives (up to 40%) soothing for the digestive tract, saponin steroids (3%), sterols, protective flavonoids, soothing coumarins ...
In what cases is fenugrec indicated for horses?
Especially rich in nutrients and active ingredients, fenugrec seed is therefore considered to be very effective treatment for many conditions.
In addition to promote appetite and weight gain (we will come back a little later), fenugrec is very useful for:
- Stimulate the neuromuscular system and general metabolism of the horse;
- Boost your appetite thanks to its aperitif properties;
- Regulate the secretions of the pancreas (and thus promote better fat and sugar management);
- Stimulate digestive functions;
- Fight fever, pain and cramps (due to its antiphyretic, anagesiant properties and quinine content).
- Promote lower levels of bad cholesterol in the blood;
- Boosting lactation (due to its galactogenic effects);
- Regulate inflammatory reaction;
- Release tissues with emollient effects.
The fenugrec will therefore be a very interesting complement if your horse is undernourished (due to age, illness or convalescentness). It is also very useful for Control of anaemia and to improve lactation in the following mares.
Fenugrec, appetite and weight gain in horses
As you will understand, the main reason to give fenugrec to his horse is to promote his weight gain. Indeed, your animal may be difficult to maintain due to illness or injury, or simply because of its morphology.
Some horses go indeed have a lot of difficulty gaining weightespecially when they age. An environmental change can also cause your horse to lose weight quickly and it will be difficult to restore its original weight.
Fenugrec will then be particularly useful as a dietary supplement, since it will help the horse to have more appetite, regain weight and gain muscle mass. Even if your animal does not have a weight problem, a Fenugrec cure can be interesting to help it develop its muscle masses after a stop or if it has difficulty to muscle.
The plant will act in several ways:
- She will stimulate her appetite;
- Its high protein content will promote muscle mass gain;
- Rich in fiber, fenugrec will also facilitate the digestion of the horse.
- Associated with Flax oil (rich in essential fatty acids) or Cod liver oil, the plant will promote healthy weight gain.
Fenugrec to accelerate the recovery of a sick horse
Fenugrec seeds contain proteins, vitamin C, niacin, potassium and diosgenin (which have properties similar to those of estrogen). They are also rich in L-tryptophan and therefore a wonderful tonic for tired or depressed horses.
Fenugrec also contains steroid saponins, which have expectorant action. If you have a horse recovers from a disease or just got sick, This is a good way to speed up recovery.
Fenugrec and reproductive health
Due to its diosgenin content, fenugrec is an effective tonic for the reproductive system. It can increase libido or help a mare suffering from mood swings when she is in heat. The breeding standards also an excellent quality sperm when they are regularly supplemented with fenugrec.
If your mare is late to pummel and your veterinarian believes that the time has come, you can give her a tablespoon every half hour until the beginning of the work. Once the foal is born, give the mother a tablespoon of fenugrec every hour for 72 hours. Its milk production may increase up to 500 %.
The benefits of fenugrec for digestive health
Fenugrec improves digestionmaintain healthy metabolism. Horses subject to digestive ulcers and colic may benefit in particular from fenugrec. Indeed, its seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which will participate in soothe gastrointestinal inflammation by reducing the mucosa of the stomach and intestine.
Fenugrec also participates in lower blood glucose levels which may be useful in the case of EMS (equin metabolic syndrome).
Fenugrec and skin health
If your horse has a skin problem, such as eczema, flea allergy or abscess, a topical application of This grass will bring relief.
Take a tablespoon of seeds and grind them into powder. Then gently add warm water. Put the dough on a clean piece of fabric and apply directly to the affected area or skin. However, be careful that she is never in contact with the eyes.
How to use our fenugrec for horses?
To make your horse enjoy aperitif properties and protein content fenugrec, you can opt for our 100% natural supplement without additives.
All you have to do is sprinkle on your horse's ration, 15 to 40 g per day for 3 weeks. If possible, distribute fenugrec supplementation in 2 daily doses. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice before use or extension.
