How Aniseed Can Be Helpful For Your Horse's Natural Healthcare

What is Aniseed?

Anise is a herb from the parsley family, and is native to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean region. However, it also grows in other parts of the world, such as areas in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

It contains several properties including: acetophenone, anethole, anise alcohol, estragole, limonene, p-anisaldehyde, and pinene.

Why Use Aniseed With Your Horse?

Aniseed Powder is often fed to horses for several reasons, including to help:

• Support the respiratory system - for instance to alleviate coughs and sinus issues
• Support the digestive systems
• With lactation
• Encourage fussy eaters - as it has a sweet smell which some horses enjoy (see the linked research by Perry and Fenton and Francis et al, listed below which both looked at this fact)

Research relating to Anise and Animals

Safety and efficacy of feed additives obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L.: anise oil for use in poultry and horses and anise tincture for use in poultry, dogs, cats and horses (FEFANA asbl) - - 2023 - EFSA Journal - Wiley Online Library https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7976

E. Perry, J. Fenton,  An assessment of olfactory influence on equine feeding preferences, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Volume 100, 2021,103508, ISSN 0737-0806,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103508.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080621001386)

Jesse M. Francis, Caitlin R. Neander, Mikelle J. Roeder, Erin B. Perry,
The Influence of Topically Applied Oil–Based Palatants on Eating Behavior in Horses, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, Volume 91, 2020

The effect of anise seed powder (Pimpinella animus) on performance, nutrient digestibility and infectious microbes on suckling calf intestine Journal of Veterinary Research 2016 Vol 71 No.1

Is It Safe To Feed Aniseed To Your Horse?

As with any herb OR actually any food or supplement, consider if your horse will actually benefit from it. Moderation can be key for any food or supplement, it is possible to use too much of something - even if it's a natural product.

If you're unsure, do speak to your veterinary surgeon or a specialist equestrian nutritionist for advice.

There are many veterinarians who specialise in holistic health, so if your vet is unsure, it maybe worth speaking to a specialist holistic equine veterinarian for advice.

Where Can You Buy Aniseed For Your Horse?

Many health supplements contain some aniseed. But for best results of it, buy either the straight herb or tincture. Or a product where it is one of the main ingredients. For instance specialist equine health companies like Horse Health and Equus Health both supply aniseed. With it as a main (or sole) ingredient.


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Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

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About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse.