Garlic is believed to be expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-bacterial, anthelmintic, anti-allergic, disinfectant, alterative and aromatic. The aromatic compounds are excreted via the skin and act as a valuable insect repellent. Its high sulphur content makes it useful for good hoof nutrition. The blood-cleansing properties make it a good supplement in laminitis and sweet itch, but its other many properties make it almost a panacea. Such is its value that some recommend garlic for daily use, either as fresh cloves or, if this is impractical, as a pure powder. However, beware proprietary supplements that contain large quantities of inactive ‘carrier’ – an all-too-common occurrence.

    Note: During the last decade, the use of garlic has significantly increased. In the last two years it is becoming less popular due to increasing negative publication (click on the link below). In my younger days, garlic was not used as an herb for horses, hence I am not about to defy the many years of experience of my older predecessors fellow horsemen.