Herbs and Bleeding
A large number of herbs have been found to increase clotting time by a variety of mechanisms. This rarely, if ever, leads to spontaneous bleeding problems (like nosebleeds), but could be a problem in high doses if the horse is injured, requires surgery or is prescribed a drug that also influences blood clotting. The herbs known to influence clotting include:
- Ginkgo
- Hawthorn berry
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Bilberry
- Dong quai (angelica)
- Feverfew
- Ginseng
- Turmeric
- White Willow
- Devil's Claw
- Meadowsweet
- Red clover
- Chamomile
- Fenugreek
Herb: Kava Kava
Used For: Calming.
Drug Interactions: Uncertain. Potential for interaction with sedatives/tranquilizers, narcotics and anesthetics.
Herbal Interactions: Uncertain. Use caution with other calming herbs.
Herb: Licorice
Used For: Stomach complaints, stimulant.
Drug Interactions: Diuretics, can lead to increased loss of the electrolyte potassium in the urine. May increase side effects of corticosteroids.
Herbal Interactions: Do not combine with herbs that can increase blood pressure, such as ginsengs.
Herb: Valerian Root
Used For: Calming.
Drug Interactions: Uncertain. Potential for interaction with sedatives/tranquilizers, narcotics and anesthetics.
Herbal Interactions: Uncertain. Use caution with other calming herbs.
Herb: Vitex Agnus Castus (Chastetree Berry, Monk's Pepper)
Used For: Mare-cycling abnormalities, aggressive/irritable behavior (both sexes). High doses may help control symptoms of Cushing's disease.
Drug Interactions: In low dose may worsen some Cushing's symptoms, like udder filling and lactation in mares. Potential for interaction with domperidone, the drug used to treat tall fescue toxicosis. Low dose may increase domperidone effects; high doses may counteract. Possibility for interactions with drugs given to induce ovulation, estrogens (used for stifle problems) or progestins like Regumate.
Herbal Interactions: Uncertain, but possible interaction with red clover (estrogen effect).
Herb: White Willow
Used For: Pain relief, inflammation.
Drug Interactions: Aspirin, heparin, Coumadin.
Herbal Interactions: Meadowsweet (enhanced effect) and any herb that decreases coagulation (blood clotting, see herbs and bleeding sidebar above).
