Agnus Castus has been used and recommended since the fourth century BC for helping women to regulate their menstrual cycle, increase milk production and balance their hormones during the `change of life`. It is reputed to be an anaphrodisiac and was laid at the feet of novices as they entered the monastery, hence its name Monk`s Pepper. In more recent years it has undergone extensive trials in Germany and England and has been used with great succes on women for both PMT (PMS) and menopausal problems.
How can this help horses ? This is obviously not the answer to all hormonal problems in mares, but this herb has been used on a number of mares who have been diagnosed as having `hormonal inbalances`, and it has worked as an alternative to implants and drugs. Very often only a short course of the herb is necessary to restore the hormones to their correct balance. Some mares can become dangerous and unpredictable just before they come into season, and many owners have been given the option of either destroying the horse or putting her in foal to try and resolve the matter. Breeding from those mares is not the answer. It can encourage breeding from unsuitable stock, and the mental and physical problems that disappear during the pregnancy can reappear after the foal has been weaned. Agnus Castus can also be used in stallions and geldings with hormonal problems. DOSAGE: 15 grams daily in feed. Agnus castus has no indications for use during pregnancy. Therefore if the intention is to breed from the mare it would be wise to discontinue the use of the herb during pregnancy. It can be used prior to stud to help regulate the seasons if this is a problem.
