CUSHTONIC *Organic herbal blend for horses - endocrine-ease, hormone-harmony, everyday-vitality
An organic herbal formula of regenerative phytonutrients, CushTonic is specifically formulated to bring gentle functional support to horses navigating Cushing’s/PPID.
CushTonic supports the endocrine system, helping to balance pituitary function, nurture dopamine activity, and restore inner vitality. Whether your horse is managed naturally or alongside medication, CushTonic offers calm, steady support for better energy, smoother coat changes, and a renewed sense of wellbeing.
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Two formulas - one mission
Because every horse’s Cushing’s journey is unique, we’ve created two CushTonic options to ensure safe, effective support whether your horse is on medication or not.
| Version | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
CushTonic-1 |
Horses not on Prascend | Includes Mucuna pruriens – a natural source of L-Dopa to support dopamine levels. |
CushTonic-2 |
Horses on Prascend | Formulated without L-Dopa, for safe use alongside medication. |

Overview
Whether your horse is on Prascend or managed naturally, CushTonic supports hormonal balance, dopamine regulation, and metabolic health - helping them feel brighter, steadier, and more comfortable.
One of the many symptoms of Cushing's is reduced levels of dopamine, which impacts pituitary function leading to increased cortisol levels.
The recognised pharma drug, Prascend, is designed to improve dopamine levels, but it doesn't suit all horses, whereas Mucuna pruriens is a renowned natural dopamine stimulant; equally the amino acid Tyrosine is also known to support dopamine production.
Cushing’s disease, also known as PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), occurs due to changes in the pituitary gland, which plays a vital role in the endocrine system. Often, this leads to an imbalance in hormone production, particularly adrenaline and cortisol, which can disrupt your horse’s overall health and comfort.
Our two Cushings' blends are carefully formulated to help manage these challenges naturally. With adaptogenic herbs and nutrient-dense ingredients, this blend supports the body’s ability to regulate hormone production, promote dopamine levels, and maintain a healthier metabolism.
If your horse is showing symptoms such as increased thirst, excessive coat growth, or changes in energy levels, our two Cushings' blends provide targeted nutritional support for their overall wellbeing.
For the latest Cushing's insights, see our main A-Z Equine Conditions/Cushings page in our Advice Centre above.
Is CushTonic Right for My Horse?
🌿 Ideal for horses who...
- Have been diagnosed with or show early signs of Cushing’s / PPID — such as delayed coat shedding, thirst, lethargy, or changes in topline.
- Need gentle, natural endocrine and pituitary support to help maintain healthy hormone balance.
- Experience seasonal coat changes, laminitic tendencies, or fat deposits along the crest or tail head.
- Are showing metabolic overlap(EMS/IR-type symptoms) and would benefit from adaptogenic, hormone-balancing herbs.
- Are not thriving on medication alone and need extra nutritional and herbal support for overall vitality.
CushTonic-1 will be suitable if your horse...
- Is NOT ON Prascend or other dopamine agonists.
- Is managed naturally with n atural dopamine support(via Mucuna pruriens and Vitex agnus-castus ) to help normalise pituitary signalling.
CushTonic-2 will be suitable if your horse...
- Is ON Prascend (Pergolide) or a similar medication and requires safe, non-interfering support.
- Needs gentle endocrine balancing and resilience without additional dopamine stimulation.
- Shows residual or seasonal Cushing’s symptoms despite medication - such as coat dullness, energy dips, or persistent laminitic risk.
🚫 Not suitable for horses who...
- Are pregnant or nursing mares, due to hormonally active botanicals.
- Are receiving multiple adaptogenic or dopaminergic products without professional guidance.
Comparisons - which blend?
CushTonic or MetaTonic
- both blends support hormonal balance and metabolism - but they work on different parts of the system:
→ CushTonic – targets the pituitary–adrenal axis, supporting healthy dopamine and cortisol regulation in horses with Cushing’s / PPID. It focuses on the endocrine control centre , helping to steady hormone rhythms and ease the downstream effects of imbalance such as coat changes, thirst, and muscle loss.
→ MetaTonic – supports the insulin–glucose axis, helping regulate metabolism in horses with EMS / insulin resistance or prone to laminitis and fat storage. It focuses on the metabolic engine , aiding insulin sensitivity, energy utilisation, and weight stability.
In short?
- If your horse has PPID or Cushing’s symptoms - start with CushTonic.
- If your horse has EMS, IR, or weight/metabolic issues - choose MetaTonic.
- If both overlap (as they will eventually) use both together, feeding CushTonic in the morning and MetaTonic at the opposite end of the day for balanced endocrine support.
Composition & Feed Guide
Each herb works in synergy to support healthy pituitary, adrenal, and metabolic function. This functional, adaptogenic formula helps maintain hormonal balance, dopamine activity, and overall vitality.
CushTonic is a nutritional, functional food supplement and not veterinary medicine. For more on this, see Dr Kellon's article - Nutrition is not 'Alternative' Therapy .
- Vitex agnus-castus – Supports natural pituitary rhythm, healthy hormone balance, and stable mood. (CushTonic-1 only)
- Withania somnifera – Adaptogenic root helping to sustain calm energy, emotional steadiness, and adrenal resilience during times of stress.
- Astragalus membranaceus – Strengthens vitality and immune function while helping to sustain natural energy and endocrine balance.
- Bacopa monnieri – Neuroprotective tonic that supports clarity, calm focus, and balanced neurological signalling across the pituitary–adrenal axis.
- Taraxacum officinale Folia – Mineral-rich tonic that aids gentle detoxification, fluid balance, and healthy liver support.
- Ginkgo biloba – Supports oxygen delivery and circulation, particularly to the brain and pituitary gland, nurturing clarity and focus.
- Galega officinalis – Traditionally recognised for supporting glucose metabolism and healthy pancreatic function, complementing pituitary balance.
- Silybum marianum – Protects and nourishes the liver, aiding detoxification and hormone metabolism.
- Urtica dioica – Rich in trace minerals that restore vitality and endocrine tone, supporting overall metabolic health.
- Mucuna pruriens – Natural source of L-Dopa, supporting dopamine production and pituitary communication for improved vitality and comfort. (CushTonic-1 only)
- Smilax ornata – Traditional endocrine and liver tonic that harmonises hormonal pathways and supports detoxification.
Feed Guide
💧Organic Tincture Blend
- Feed 6ml/100kg bodyweight per day, i.e. 30ml for a 500kg horse.
🌿Dried Herb Blend
Human grade, produced to ecological standards and free from agro-chemicals. See our Quality page for Organic Certification Documents.
- Feed 5g/100kg bodyweight per day, i.e. 25g for a 500kg horse.
- Cush-1 - 1-level 75ml scoop = 15g
- Cush-2 - 1-level 75ml scoop = 20g
Fussy Eater?
Horses may have their own opinions (and strong tastebuds!), so now and then a new blend might need a little extra encouragement. This doesn’t reflect the quality or efficacy of the product, but rather their natural instinct towards new flavours.
- Check out our Fussy Eaters page, or send us a message - we've many helpful tips to make introducing new supplements easier.
Footnotes
- Laboratory tested for identification and compliance to the British and European Pharmacopoeia standards.
- Human grade.
- ♻️ Eco Note: Our packaging is recyclable and refillable.
- 🧊 Storage Tip: Keep cool and dry.
Clinical Considerations
CushTonic is intended as gentle, nutritional endocrine support and may be used alongside veterinary management where appropriate.
Advisories
- Allow 3–4 weeks for endocrine and metabolic rhythms to adjust.
- Introduce gradually over 5–7 days, especially in sensitive or elderly horses.
- Monitor your horse for expected signs of endocrine adjustment such as mood balance, coat-softening, or steadier energy.
- If your horse has combined PPID + EMS/IR, you may pair CushTonic with MetaTonic, feeding them at opposite ends of the day for balanced support.
- CushTonic-1: Contains Mucuna pruriens (a natural L-Dopa source). Best fed in the morning for optimal alignment with natural dopamine cycles.
- CushTonic-2: Designed for safe use alongside Prascend (Pergolide) or other dopamine agonists - contains no L-Dopa or dopaminergic herbs.
- Continue to monitor water intake, appetite, hoof comfort, and coat changes, especially during spring/autumn transition periods.
Contraindications
- Pregnant or nursing mares: Not recommended due to hormonally active botanicals.
- Horses on dopamine agonists (e.g., Prascend): Use CushTonic-2 only- avoid CushTonic-1 because of its L-Dopa content.
- Avoid concurrent use of additional dopaminergic herbs or medications as this may overstimulate dopamine production. Always check with your vet.
- Use caution in horses receiving steroid-modifying medications; seek veterinary guidance if unsure.
Potential drug interactions
- Pergolide / dopamine agonists:
- CushTonic-1 should not be used due to additive dopaminergic effects.
- CushTonic-2 is the correct version.
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