ASAFOETIDA (Ferula assa-foetida) Major ingredient in PEGASUS HEALTH ANTACID MIX

Also known as 'Devil's Dung' because of the smell which puts horses off, but mixed in our Antacid Mix this is overcome.  The part of the plant used is the Olea-gum-resin which has to be cut with rice flour to form a manageable powder. The exudate (gum) contains 6.17% volatile oil which in turn contains approximately 58% disulphides.  This has an expectorant action (helps bring up mucus).  The oil also settles the digestion.  The resin contains sesquiterpenoid coumarins including foetida.

In Middle Eastern and Indian herbal medicine asafoetida is most often used for digestive problems such as colic, wind, bloating, indigestion and constipation.  It is widely used in the Indian catering industry as a flavour enhancer and our asafoetida is of domestic quality.  The volatile oil is similar to that of garlic and has components that leave the body via the respiratory system and aid the coughing up of congested mucus.  Taken in tablet form usually for people, it is also used for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough and other chest problems.  Asafoetida can also lower blood pressure and thin the blood. The herb also has a reputation for helping in neurotic states.

While safe for adults it can be harmfull to young babies, but there is no contra-indication in equines.  If used on it's own for horses it is best given in a drench by a competant operator Otherwise it is best mixed with other herbs to improve palatability.

Feeding

5 grams per 100 kg bodyweight - an average 16.2hh horse = 500kg  mixed with water as a drench.

1kg will last an average 500kg, 16.2hh horse about 40 days  Safe under rules

For more information about herbs:  Feeding Herbs to Horses, Jenning New Lad and The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Chevalllier FNIMH published by Dorking Kindersley (currently out of print but obtainable through www.beaverbooksearch.com)