Thyme for horses has been considered a tried and tested natural herb in animal husbandry for centuries – especially when it comes to respiratory health.
In this article you will learn how thyme is useful for horses, what to consider when dosing it and why the herb is so popular for horse coughs.
What is thyme - and what makes it so special?
True thyme (Thymus vulgaris) belongs to the labiate family and is originally from the Mediterranean region. Its small, intensely fragrant leaves contain essential oils – especially thymol, which is responsible for the herb’s special properties. Thyme has been used in phytotherapy since ancient times – not only for humans, but also in horse feed.
Thymol: almost an all-rounder
Thymol is the main component of thyme essential oil and gives the herb not only its intense fragrance but also its functional properties. In animal nutrition, thymol is valued for its expectorant and soothing properties for the respiratory tract.
It supports the natural release of secretions in the bronchial tubes, making it easier to remove mucus – a clear advantage when coughing or when exposed to dust. Thymol also has an antibacterial and antioxidant effect, which makes it particularly valuable for stabilizing the mucous membranes and supporting the immune system.
Thyme for horse coughs and to stabilize respiratory function
Thyme essential oil is known for its secretion-dissolving properties. It supports the natural processes of the respiratory tract by helping to loosen stuck mucus. Thyme can help to stabilize respiratory health, particularly in cases of cough irritation, irritation caused by stable dust or during the winter months.
Thanks to its soothing and nourishing effect on the mucous membranes, thyme is a proven companion for horse coughs – for both leisure and sport horses.
Feeding thyme to your horse - the right way to do it
Whether as a tea, loose herbs or in pellets – thyme can be fed to horses in various ways. An infusion is often used for respiratory problems.
When using the product, always select the dosage according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also important: Observe a waiting period of at least 48 hours before competitions – as recommended by the German Equestrian Federation (FN).
Good to know:
Thyme is harvested during flowering and the essential oil is extracted. The content of the individual components of thyme can vary greatly depending on the flowering period, region and climate.
This makes it all the more important to only feed thyme from reliable, reputable cultivation. We only source our thyme essential oil from a certified supplier to ensure consistently high quality and safety.
Why EQUISOLVAN® RESPIREPLUS is a useful supplement
For simple, safe and effective use, we recommend EQUISOLVAN® RESPIREPLUS from DOSTOFARM®. This feed supplement is based on high-quality thyme essential oil and combines it with other proven ingredients such as aniseed oil and licorice root extract.
The advantages of EQUISOLVAN® RESPIREPLUS at a glance::
- Contains purely natural essential oils
- Supports the respiratory health of your horse
- Particularly easy to use thanks to the dispenser
- Developed by DOSTOFARM® – with over 25 years of experience
