I am very happy to be able to share with you a tip that may very well save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars, allowing you to support your horse as well as yourself!
For several years now, I have forgone the purchase of liquid Chastreeberry (Vitex) because I could not afford the two brands currently being made in England and sold in America. The shipping costs incurred in having the product shipped overseas and then to the consumer, were simply beyond my means. Reluctantly, I gave it up.
Since then, I have tried many times to feed the powdered herb, but my horse, Vashka, could not tolerate it. (It gave him severe flatulence). During a consultation with equine veterinarian and nutritionist Dr. Eleanor Kellon, I learned that sometimes horses with sensitive digestive systems react that way to the dry herb. I tried making tinctures and extracts and even teas. But I couldn't find a way to get the herb to actually dissolve. Two years later a friend gave me a recipe to turn a natural wormer that she uses into a liquid extract. It was extremely palatable and effective and my horses loved it.
So tried the same recipe with the Chastreeberry, an herb famous for helping to reduce Cortisol levels as well as supporting the pituitary gland -- incredibly important functions in middle aged to senior aged horses with metabolic issues. The results have been terrific. No stomach upsets! Just the wonderful power of the Chastreeberry in a liquid form that is easily digested and assimilated into the horse's bloodstream. The liquid is made with specific proportions of organic whole food of apple cider vinegar and purified Spring Water.
Here is the recipe:
You can buy the Apple Cider Vinegar in a health food store and the organic Chastreeberry powder at
www.mountainroseherbs.com. I caution you not to skimp with non-organic ingredients. There IS a difference.
Mix ingredients in an insulated cooler, preferably with a spout at the bottom. I found one made by Rubbermaid that I absolutely adore (though it is a ghastly orange color).
Allow to sit for two days.
A sludge-like sediment will want to form at the bottom of the container. Simply stir every few days. The good news is that the apple cider vinegar will help to preserve the formula.
I feed about 1/2 cup a day to Vashka, who is Insulin Resistant but does not have Cushings. Please note that if your horse has Cushings, this recipe is not meant to treat the disease so I can not give you any advice as to the amount that you should feed. Please be sure to support your Cushings horse with a professional veterinarian or herbal consultation. My two highest recommendations are Dr. Eleanor Kellon DVM (who can be reached drkellon@gmail.com) and Catherine Bird, certified herbalist, who can be reached at: happyhorses@iinet.net.au
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SUPPORT OTHERS
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