Chamomile Flowers

Chamomile is generally treated as a herbal feed material rather than a prohibited substance, but FEI and other regulators do periodically review natural ingredients. To stay safe, withdraw at least 48 hours before competing and always check the current prohibited substances list for your discipline.

Yes. Pouring hot (not boiling) water over a measured portion of flowers, letting it cool, and then adding both the liquid and softened flowers to a damp feed is a popular way to feed chamomile. This format can also help win over fussy or older horses.

Generally yes. Chamomile works through different pathways to magnesium, tryptophan or valerian, so it's commonly layered alongside these without issue. Introduce one new product at a time so you can judge what is making the difference.

For the best result, begin feeding 2 to 3 days before the stress (long transit, show, vet visit, change of yard) so that intake is steady rather than relying on a single dose on the day. For ongoing support, daily feeding builds a more even baseline.

Chamomile is gentle enough for ongoing daily feeding in most horses. Many owners do choose a "three months on, two to three weeks off" rotation to keep the body responsive; this is a general herbal feeding principle rather than a specific safety requirement.

Dried whole flowers and tinctures both have their place. Tinctures concentrate the actives into a smaller dose, while whole flowers provide a slower, steadier release alongside foraging enrichment. For day-to-day stable use, the dried flowers are usually the more practical choice.