“Herbal remedies,
used in conjunction
with modern science,
have proven to be extremely beneficial
to our four legged friends”
Jim Powell, New
Zealand vet from
“Vet’s Corner” |
Relief for Moody Mares and PMS
Does your mare show signs of irritability and mood swings? It could be that
she is suffering from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
PMS affects an estimated 30-50 per cent of women in their
childbearing years and who knows how many of our horses. It
is a monthly episode of unpleasant symptoms that occurs approximately
two weeks before the menstrual period begins.
Researchers have shown that taking chaste tree over a period of
several months helps normalise hormone levels to alleviate the symptoms
of PMS. Although
researchers are not entirely certain what causes PMS, they believe that
many of the problems are related to cyclic fluctuations in hormone levels
and chaste tree may counteract this by gently regulating hormone levels.
Recent studies
have shown the effectiveness of chaste tree (also known as Vitex) in treating
premenstrual syndrome (PMS). More than 1500 women participated in the
studies. Of this number, 33% experienced complete relief from the symptoms
while another 57% reported significant improvement.
We have also experienced these improvements in moody mares that appear
to be suffering from the same problem. Chaste
tree imitates the action of the hormones estrogen and progesterone with
its phytohormonal actions. This hormonal balancing act helps to regulate
the menstrual cycle and thus alleviate PMS symptoms.
A recent German study found chaste tree to be more effective than Vitamin
B6 for PMS. The researchers reported that while both treatments were effective,
patients taking chaste tree had greater relief of many PMS symptoms including
abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and irritability.
If you suspect your mare is suffering from PMS then why not try her on
this herb. Brookby Herbs' Steady Mare
is a combination of chaste tree and chamomile which just might be the
answer to those nasty mood swings.
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version of this article.
Brookby Herbs recommends seeking
veterinary advice when an animal is unwell.
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