Horse nettle (Solanum carolinense) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family, native to the southeastern United States. It is a invasive species in other parts of the country. The horse nettle plant is armed with sharp spines and contains a toxic sap. The unripe fruit is especially poisonous. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
Despite its poisonous nature, horse nettle has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The Cherokee and other Native American tribes used horse nettle to treat a variety of conditions, including toothache, colds, and digestive problems. The plant was also used as a topical treatment for wounds and skin conditions.
Horse nettle is still used today in herbal medicine. Its toxins are thought to have medicinal properties when used in small amounts. Horse nettle is used as a Folk or traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including:
Toothache: A poultice made from the leaves of the plant is applied to the affected tooth.
Colds and flu: Horse nettle tea is drunk to help relieve symptoms.
Digestive disorders: Horse nettle tea is drunk to help relieve indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Skin conditions: A poultice made from the leaves of the plant is applied to the affected area to help relieve inflammation and itching.
Wounds: A poultice made from the leaves of the plant is applied to the affected area to help promote healing.
Horse nettle is a powerful plant and should be used with caution. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before taking horse nettle for any reason.
How does horse nettle work?
Horse nettle (Solanum carolinense) is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it is found in woodlands and roadside habitats. The horse nettle plant is a perennial herb with whitish or purple flowers. The fruit is a green berry that turns yellow when ripe.
The horse nettle plant has a long taproot and produces a white latex when cut. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and have toothed margins. The flowers are borne in clusters of 2-6 at the leaf axils. The fruit is a green berry that turns yellow when ripe. Each berry contains several seeds.
The horse nettle plant is poisonous to humans and animals. The berries are the most toxic part of the plant and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea if eaten. The leaves and stems can also cause irritation if they come into contact with the skin. Horse nettle is sometimes used as a weed control measure, but it should be done with caution due to its toxicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can horses be allergic to Nettles?
Yes, horses can be allergic to nettles. Symptoms of an allergy include constipation and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.
What are the side effects of nettle?
Some potential side effects of nettle consumption may include: lightheadedness, a sensation of warmth, dizziness, headache, heartburn, decreased strength or energy, nausea and vomiting.
What does nettle root do for horses?
Nettle root is an old-fashioned medicine used to help horses control benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Nettle also can be used as a sugar balancer to prevent sugar highs and lows, which horses are prone to at certain times of the year.
Can horses eat netnettles?
Yes, horses can eat nettles. They have been known to enjoy them and find them mildly stinging.
How to treat Nettles allergy in horses?
prevention- If you are able to avoid contact with Nettles in the environment, then your horse will have a much smaller chance of developing an allergy. Try to keep hay clean and uncontaminated as Nettles can be found on pasture grasses . If possible, try to groom your horse outdoors where there is less vegetation. Treatment of Nettle Allergy in horses: If you are currently experiencing an allergic response, you should avoid contact with all types of nettle. Your veterinarian may recommend avoiding feeding hay containing nettle, or injecting your horse with steroids to stop the allergic reaction. Antihistamines can also help to stop the allergic reaction.
