The Horse therapist, equine Orthomolecular nutritionist & herb specialist

31/03/2026

Timothy balancer and sainfoin nuts available at .ie 🤩

30/03/2026

To wrap up March Mushroom Month, our final spotlight is on a topic that affects the mood, energy, and overall well-being of so many: Hormonal Imbalances. ⚖️✨

Hormones are the "master controllers" of the body, and when they are out of sync, it can feel like a constant uphill battle. Whether it's a "moody mare" showing irritability or a human dealing with cycles of fatigue, medicinal mushrooms offer a natural way to bring the system back into homeostasis.

🍄 The Hormone Balancing Squad
1️⃣ JELLY EAR (The Circulation & Fluid Balancer):
Also known as Wood Ear, this mushroom is prized for supporting healthy blood flow and cardiovascular health. In hormonal balance, it helps ensure that nutrients and hormones are transported efficiently throughout the body. It’s also excellent for cooling systemic "heat" often associated with hormonal shifts.
2️⃣ TURKEY TAIL (The Gut-Hormone Guardian):
A healthy gut is essential for hormone regulation. Turkey Tail is packed with prebiotics that nourish the microbiome, which plays a key role in metabolizing and eliminating excess hormones (like estrogen). By supporting the "gut-brain-hormone axis," it helps stabilize moods and energy.

3️⃣ CORDYCEPS (The Vitality Booster):
Cordyceps is a powerful ally for the endocrine system. It supports the adrenal glands—the command centre for stress—and helps combat the exhaustion and irritability that come with hormonal imbalances.

🐴 Moods, Cycles & Balance
For Horses: Perfect for "moody mares," over-reactive gelding, or those with metabolic-linked hormonal issues.
For Humans: Provides deep support during stressful periods, menopause, or perimenopause.
For Pets: Supports overall vitality and balance in aging dogs and cats.
Bring back the balance today!

Not sure which blend is right for your "moody mare" or your own health journey? We specialize in creating custom mushroom mixes that target these delicate systems.
👉 Get started at: Natural Animal Solutions

23/03/2026

🍄 Mushroom Monday: Peak Performance & Golden Years

Whether you are supporting a senior animal struggling with stiff joints or a top athlete needing to stay at the top of their game, medicinal mushrooms offer incredible structural and systemic support. 🐎🐕🏆

This week, we look at how to keep bodies moving fluidly and minds staying sharp, no matter the age or the level of competition.
The Mobility & Performance Team:
1️⃣ MAITAKE (The Connective Tissue Specialist):
Maitake is excellent for supporting the health of connective tissues and joints. For seniors, it helps manage the chronic inflammation that leads to stiffness. For athletes, it supports the integrity of tendons and ligaments under high pressure.
2️⃣ REISHI (The Natural Anti-Inflammatory):
Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Reishi is a powerful ally for joint comfort. It helps reduce the "heat" and swelling in joints after heavy training or due to age-related wear and tear. It keeps the body supple and moving freely. 🌬️
3️⃣ CORDYCEPS (The Athlete’s Secret Weapon):
Cordyceps is a game-changer for high-performance animals and humans. It increases oxygen utilization and ATP production (cellular energy), leading to better stamina and faster recovery.
Bonus for Competitors: Cordyceps is an adaptogen that helps athletes manage performance stress, keeping them focused and calm under the pressure of shows or events. 🧠✨

Why this combination?
For Seniors: Reduces stiffness, supports bone density, and improves overall quality of life.
For Athletes: Enhances endurance, protects joints from repetitive strain, and aids in rapid post-exercise recovery.
Safe for all champions! 🐎🐕🐈👤
From the retired pony in the field to the Grand Prix jumper, and from the aging family dog to the marathon runner—these mushrooms provide the foundation for movement.
Need a custom performance or senior plan?
Don't guess which one is right. We specialize in Custom-Made Mushroom Mixes designed for your animal's specific workload or age.

👉 Get your custom advice here: naturalanimalsolutions.ie

19/03/2026

Does your horse ever get a small wound? ❤️‍🩹

Accidents happen. With spring just around the corner, your horse will be spending more time in the pasture again. It is a lovely period, but also a time when wounds can occur more easily.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
First, examine the wound carefully. Does it appear small and shallow? Then rinse it clean with lukewarm water for a few minutes. Keep the area as clean as possible and treat it with a caring spray like our HorseFlex Skin & Wound Spray.

The spray is a 100% natural formula of organic avocado oil and tea tree oil. These ingredients:
Cleanse and soothe the skin effectively.
Support the skin's natural healing and regenerative capacity.
Keep insects away from the irritated area thanks to its fresh, eucalyptus-like scent.

Natural Animal Solutions offers natural, antibacterial Skin & Wound Spray to cleanse, protect, and promote healing in minor equine wounds while repelling insects. For more stubborn, itchy skin issues, the Skin Care Spray provides targeted support for the skin's microbial balance. Explore the full range of natural solutions at Natural Animal Solutions: https://naturalanimalsolutions.ie/product-category/skin-care-products/

18/03/2026

Also available here: https://naturalanimalsolutions.ie/product/jiaogulan-herb/

All about jiaogulan from Dr. K's Horse Sense:

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a vine in the cucumber family, native to southern China. It is nicknamed the “immortality herb” because people who regularly consume it as tea or as a vegetable are known for their longevity. It has wide-reaching effects that trace back to its ability to modulate what is perhaps the most important messenger molecule in the body – nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide, NO, is a simple gas, one nitrogen and one oxygen atom. In the horse’s body, it is produced from the amino acid arginine by three nitric oxide synthase enzymes:

eNOS: endogenous NOS, located in the lining of blood vessels (the endothelium)
nNOS: neuronal NOS, in the nervous system
iNOS: inducible NOS, activated by injury, infection or disease

The eNOS and nNOS are always active and produce low levels of NO. The iNOS is normally turned off unless a trigger is present. Once activated, iNOS produces very high levels of NO.

The active components of Jiaogulan, the gypenosides, have been shown to directly cause the release of nitric oxide from the lining of blood vessels. Nitric oxide released from the endothelium of blood vessels is a potent vasodilator, diffusing easily out of the vessel lumen, which results in relaxation of the smooth muscle. It also activates tissue growth factors in the area.

Nitric oxide is the natural antagonist to endothelin-1, the horse’s body’s most potent constrictor of blood vessels. Endothelin-1 is elevated in endocrine-related laminitis , which makes Jiaogulan a potent weapon against pasture laminitis, fall seasonal rise laminitis and winter laminitis in metabolic horses.

Nitric oxide is also involved in healing processes of tendons/ligaments and also bone . This makes Jiaogulan a valuable support for things like tendon or ligament injuries, DSLD and suspensory problems originating below the hock which are common in dressage and western performance horses.

Research now also points to a potential role for Jiaogulan in horses with osteoarthritis . It offers dual lines of support by helping maintain the positive effects of low level nitric oxide while opposing the harmful effects of activating of the inducible nitric oxide system at the same time. Activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme is involved in the degenerative pathophysiology of osteoarthritis.

Benefits of Jiaogulan have been found in virtually every body system where it has been examined and this likely explains the general invigorating effect this herb can have. I vividly remember the owner of one aged Spanish stallion telling me excitedly, “He’s gaiting for the first time in years!”

We appreciate our ECIR Group Inc. Benefactors carrying jiaogulan:
Forageplus (UK)
Mad Barn (CA, US)
HorseTech, Inc. (US)
My Best Horse (US)

Tanner MA, Bu X, Steimle JA, Myers PR The Direct Release of Nitric Oxide by Gypenosides Derived from the Herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum Elsevier, Vol 3, Iss 5, October 1999 https://doi.org/10.1006/niox.1999.0245

Gauff F, Patan-Zugaj B, Licka TF Hyperinsulinaemia increases vascular resistance and endothelin-1 expression in the equine digit Equine Vet J 2013 Sep;45(5):613-8. doi: 10.1111/evj.12040. Epub 2013 Mar 12.

Bokhari AR, Murrell GAC, The role of nitric oxide in tendon healing. J Shoulder and Elbow Surg Volume 21, Issue 2 p238-244 February 2012

Wimalawansa, SJ Nitric oxide and bone 2010, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1749-6632.2009.05230.X

Hee-Geun Jo, Chae Yun Baek, Yeseul Hwang, Eunhye Baek, Chanyoon Park, Ho Sueb Song, Donghun Lee, Investigating the Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Chondroprotective Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino in Osteoarthritis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study Int J Mol Sci 2024 Sep 4;25(17):9594. doi: 10.3390/ijms25179594

Chun-Yan Shen , Jian-Guo Jiang , Man-Man Shi , Hui-Ling Yang, Hong Wei , Wei Zhu, Comparison of the Effects and Inhibitory Pathways of the Constituents from Gynostemma pentaphyllum against LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response J Agric Food Chem 2018 Oct 31;66(43):11337-11346. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03903. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

16/03/2026

🍄 Mushroom Monday: Managing EMS & Metabolic Health
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a major concern for many horse owners, often linked to insulin resistance, weight struggles, and the risk of laminitis. 🐴⚖️
This week, we explore how specific medicinal mushrooms can act as "metabolic tuners" to help manage sugar levels and support a healthy weight.
The Metabolic Support Team:
1️⃣ MAITAKE (The Sugar Balancer):
Maitake is a superstar for metabolic health. Research shows it can help improve insulin sensitivity and support the body in maintaining stable blood glucose levels. For horses with EMS, this is a vital tool in preventing dangerous sugar spikes.
2️⃣ COPRINUS (The "Insulin" Mushroom):
Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane) is famous for its hypoglycemic effects. It specifically supports the pancreas and helps lower blood sugar naturally, making it an excellent addition for animals (and humans!) struggling with metabolic imbalances.
3️⃣ AGARICUS:
Agaricus blazei is a powerhouse for the immune system and metabolic support. It is particularly effective at working on insulin receptors, helping the body's cells respond more efficiently to insulin. Its high concentration of beta-glucans also provides a massive boost to overall vitality.
Why Mushrooms for EMS?
Insulin Sensitivity: They help the body's cells (receptors) respond better to insulin.
Weight Management: By stabilizing blood sugar, they help curb excessive fat storage (like those stubborn neck crests!).
Inflammation Control: They reduce the low-grade chronic inflammation that often leads to laminitis.

Looking for a tailored approach?
Metabolic health is complex. We can create a custom-made mushroom blend tailored specifically to your animal's needs—perfect for providing support all summer long when they are out on grass!
👉 Order a Mushroom Check or Custom Mix here: naturalanimalsolutions.ie

09/03/2026

🍄 Mushroom Monday: Supporting the Fight Against Lyme’s Disease

Lyme’s Disease is a complex challenge for both humans and animals (especially horses and dogs). It often leaves the body in a state of chronic inflammation, fatigue, and immune dysfunction. 🛡️

This week, we are highlighting the mushrooms that act as "biological response modifiers" to help the body fight back and recover.

The Lyme’s Support Team:
1️⃣ CHAGA (The Immune Guardian):
Chaga is one of the highest sources of antioxidants in the world. It helps reduce the systemic inflammation caused by Lyme’s and supports the immune system in identifying and targeting pathogens. It’s also incredibly soothing for the gut, where much of the immune system lives!
2️⃣ TURKEY TAIL (The Defender):
Famous for its potent polysaccharides (PSP and PSK), Turkey Tail helps "re-train" an exhausted immune system. For animals or humans dealing with the long-term effects of Lyme's, it provides the strength needed to rebuild cellular health.
3️⃣ LION’S MANE (The Nerve Regenerator):
Lyme’s often affects the nervous system. Lion’s Mane is unique because it stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), helping to support cognitive function and repair nerve damage associated with chronic infections. 🧠

Why Mushrooms for Lyme’s?
They are Adaptogens: They help the body adapt to stress and find balance.
They are Anti-inflammatory: Crucial for joint and muscle pain often seen in Lyme’s cases.
They support Detoxification: Helping the liver and kidneys process the "die-off" of bacteria.

Safe for all! 🐎🐕🐈👤
Whether it’s a horse struggling with stiff joints or a human dealing with "brain fog," these mushrooms offer a natural, holistic path to recovery.

Unsure which combination is right for your situation?
Don't navigate this alone. We offer specialized advice and custom blends to target specific symptoms.
👉 Book a Mushroom Check or order your Custom Mix here: naturalanimalsolutions.ie

02/03/2026

It’s Mushroom Monday! 🍄 To kick off our Medicinal Mushroom Month, we are focusing on a struggle many owners face: Chronic Coughs & Allergies. 🤧🐴
When the seasons shift, allergies and respiratory issues can take a toll on our animals (and ourselves!). Whether it's pollen, dust, or a persistent cough, nature has the perfect answer.
The Power Duo for Airways:
1️⃣ REISHI (The Master Modulator): Reishi is a powerhouse for respiratory health. It acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to calm the body's overreaction to allergens, while actively supporting and opening the airways.
2️⃣ THE BOOSTER (Shiitake or Cordyceps):
Shiitake: Excellent for building long-term immune resilience and soothing inflamed mucous membranes.
Cordyceps: Known for enhancing oxygen utilization and lung capacity—perfect for horses or dogs that get easily winded or suffer from deep-seated chest issues.
Who is this for?
These mushrooms are safe and effective for horses, dogs, cats, and humans! Whether it’s Equine Asthma, seasonal hay fever, or a sensitive respiratory system, these fungi provide deep, cellular support.
Not sure which one fits your animal best?
Every animal is unique! We are here to help you find the perfect match.
✨ Order a Mushroom Check
✨ Get a Custom-Made Mushroom Mix
👉 Visit: https://naturalanimalsolutions.ie or contact us directly for advice!

23/02/2026

Get ready to dive into the magical world of fungi! Throughout the month of March, we are celebrating the incredible healing power of Medicinal Mushrooms. 🌿
These ancient superfoods aren’t just a trend—they are potent health modulators that have been used for centuries to restore vitality and balance. The best part? Their benefits extend to all living beings, including humans, horses, dogs, and cats.

📅 What to Expect:
Every Monday, we will spotlight 1 or 2 specific mushrooms and break down exactly how they can support your (and your animal’s) health journey.
From boosting immunity to managing complex conditions, these "sidekicks" for the immune system can help with:

Allergies & Inflammation 🤧
Lyme’s Disease Support 🦠
EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) 🐴
Hormonal Imbalances ⚖️
Cognitive & Nerve Health 🧠
Whether you're looking to help an aging pet, support a performance horse, or simply supercharge your own wellness, this month is for you! 🌟
Stay tuned this Monday for our first mushroom reveal! 🍄✨

06/01/2026

Check it out here > https://naturalanimalsolutions.ie/product-category/workshops/

05/12/2025

Please note that we will be closed from the 19th of December until the 5th of January. Last shipment date for Ireland is the 19th and for the UK the 17th of December. Happy Holidays everyone!🎄✨

11/11/2025

Have you heard the news?

A new Irish law requires a prescription from a veterinary surgeon to purchase horse wormers, making them Prescription Only Medicines (POM) from December 1, 2025. This change is part of the Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2024 and aims to combat the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance by encouraging more strategic and careful use of anti-parasitics. Horse owners can no longer buy wormers over the counter without a vet's prescription.

Read our new blog on how to help your horse fight off parasites naturally:

https://naturalanimalsolutions.ie/help-my-horse-has-parasites/

And check out our new product: Go away parasites! > https://naturalanimalsolutions.ie/product/go-away-parasites-equine/