| Term | Echinacea |
| Category | Herbs |
| Definition | Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a traditional medicinal plant used primarily to support the immune system. Echinacea purpurea is typically used in horse feeding. |
| Effects & Benefits | Echinacea is primarily fed to support the body's natural defenses. It contains various phytochemicals that are associated with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used for limited periods during phases of increased stress. |
| Application | Echinacea is usually fed dried, cut, or as part of a feed supplement. It can be mixed directly into regular feed. Boiling is generally not necessary. It makes more sense to feed it as a course of treatment rather than on a long-term basis. |
| Fresh or dried? | For horses, Echinacea is offered predominantly dried or processed. Fresh plant parts play almost no role in targeted feeding and are more difficult to dose consistently. |
| Important to know | Caution is advised in case of known allergies to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae). In the case of chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, or concurrent medication, use should be clarified with a veterinarian beforehand. Long-term feeding without a specific reason is not recommended. |
| Related terms | Immune system · Defenses · Inflammation · Chamomile · Herbal course |
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