EPM - equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.
Horses become infected when they ingest feed or water contaminated with opossum feces. The feces carry a disease that affects the central nervous system of horses. It is caused by a protozoal infection that is brought about by the apicomplexan parasites Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi. Most cases are caused by S. neurona.
EPM presents itself sometimes as obscure lameness, stumbling and incoordination. If the brain stem is involved, usually a head tilt is present. Clinical signs may include: Ataxia (incoordination) and weakness: Generally centered in the rear limbs, symptoms worsen when the head is elevated, or the horse moves up or down slopes.
EPM is treatable. In most cases horses with weaker immune system are affeced the most.
This blend has been carefully put together to support the horse diagnosed with EPM and also can be used while you are waiting on results from the EPM test.
It took me sometime to really decide what herbs I felt were the strongest and would work synergistically together for the best results.
Please know, feedback on this blend is very important in case I need to tweak the recipe.
Equine EPM Support
Feeding based on a 1000lb horse.
100% Organic and kosher
Cut/Sifted herbs
Olive Leaf: This herb has proven useful when combined with other herbs in treating EPM horses. Olive Leaf has been found to stimulate phagocytosis, an immune system response in which cells ingest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter. Its active compound oleuropein is thought to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids, oleuropein, and flavone luteolin-7-glucoside—that have attracted interest and which show promise in possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties
Eleuthero - stimulates the immune system and helps the body cope with the stress caused by the symptoms of EPM.
Pau D'Arco - helps build the immune system and has anti-protozoal properties. These properties destroy protozoa or inhibit their growth and ability to reproduce. They damage the protozoal DNA to limit the spread of infection. They inhibit a fundamental pathway of energy metabolism (inhibition of parasite dehydrogenase activity) in the protozoa, thus making them unable to grow and reproduce. Pau D'arco also has strong antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
Dandelion Root: supports the liver while the body rids toxins and parasites. This is a very import process for horses with EPM. This root also boosts immune function and fights off microbes and fungi while being very nutritional, A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc.
Cleavers: known as a lymphatic healer, rich in vitamins and minerals, and contains flavonoids, coumarins and various alkaloids. It has strong affinities to the lymphatics, kidneys and nervous system. Cleavers is a gift to the lymphatic system, supporting the movement of lymph fluids and easing congestion of swollen glands.
White Willow Bark: nature's asprin, white willow bark has anti inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.
Cascara Sagrada - contains chemicals that stimulate the bowel and have a laxative effect which is needed for the body to rid toxins and parasites. This herb also supports intenstinal stress from parasites and weakend intestinal wall.
Rosehips: due to its high levels of antioxidants, vitamin C and E, rosehips boost the immune system, reduce joint pain, support healthy-looking skin, and protect against heart disease and much more. The seeds in rosehips are also an anti-parasitic and can help expel them from the body. This little bud is a wonderful addition for horses with EPM.
Ashwagandha: a powerful adaptogen for use in the horse to counter the effects of stress, encourage healing and support the immune system. This herb acts as an analgesic that soothes nervous system from pain response. Ashwagandha are now widely accepted and documented; it is furthermore found to be effective as antipyretic as well as analgesic also.
Calendula: a prime remedy for conditions effecting the lymphatic system. This little flower fights inflammation, viruses, and bacteria. Calendula is high in vitamin C (immune support), vitamin A (healthy organ functioning support), antioxidants to reduce inflammation and protect the cells against free radical damage.