GOAT'S RUE (Galega officinalis) *Organic herb for horses - metabolic ally, bitter balance, grounded vitality
Benefits of Organic Goat's Rue for Horses
Goat’s rue might look dainty – but it has a long and fascinating history in traditional herbal practice.
It’s also one of the plants that drew scientific interest during the early 20th century, with research into its natural compounds later helping inform the development of modern pharmaceutical approaches.
Today, Goat’s Rue remains valued as a functional botanical within seasonal and metabolic-support routines – particularly for horses who benefit from steady nutritional support around weight, appetite, and overall metabolic resilience.
Please note this is a nutritional, functional food supplement and not veterinary medicine. For more on this, see Dr Kellon's Horse Sense - Nutrition is not 'Alternative' Therapy
.
Find Organic Goat's Rue in the EquiNatural range
You’ll also find Goat’s Rue included within our broader seasonal metabolic-support blends:
- MetaTonic - EMS-steadying, insulin-balancing, metabolism-supportin
- MetaCOMBO - our deeper comprehensive 3-in-1 seasonal metabolic support (the permanently hangry horse / stubborn crest (aka leptin resistance)
Composition & Feed Guide
💧Organic Goat's Rue Tincture
Our human-grade, certified organic tinctures provide a concentrated source of phytonutrients for immediate absorption.
- Galega officinalis, Herb
- Infused 1:3 25%
- Organic Cultivated
~ Feed Guide - 6ml/100kg bodyweight, daily in feed.
🌿Organic Dried Goat's Rue Herb
Grown, harvested and dried without the use of agri-chemicals, non-irradiated and GMO free - see our Quality page for Quality Management & Certification Documents.
- Galega officinalis, Herb
- Organic Cultivated*
- Origin UK
* Grown especially for EquiNatural organically and biodynamically by Organic Herb Trading Co.
https://www.biodynamics.com/what-is-biodynamics
~ Feed Guide - 5g/100kg bodyweight per day, thus for an average 500kg horse add 25g daily to feed.
Footnotes
- Laboratory tested for identification and compliance to the British and European Pharmacopoeia standards.
- Human grade.
- Please note: our dried botanicals are cut to appropriate sizes for feeding to horses.
- ♻️ Eco Note: Our packaging is recyclable and refillable.
- 🧊 Storage Tip: Keep cool and dry.
Functional Nutritional Value
Constituents: Alkaloids: Galegine (derivative of guanidine), peganine (derivative of quinazoline); Saponins: Triterpenoids and β-sitosterol; Flavonoids: Kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, astragalin; Tannins, Hydroxycinnamic acids (11,12)
These constituents are part of what makes Goat’s Rue a traditionally valued herb in broad metabolic and digestive routines.
Clinical Considerations
Advisories
- Always introduce new botanicals gradually over several days.
Contraindications
- Always seek veterinary advice before feeding to pregnant or nursing mares.
- Always seek advice for use alongside veterinary metabolic medications.
Goat's Rue in History & Tradition
Goat’s rue ( Galega officinalis ) is one of those herbs that looks soft and unassuming… right up until you chew a leaf. Then you discover its true personality: bold, bitter, and completely unapologetic about it. That bitterness, though, is exactly where herbalists have always found its strength.
Its name comes from the Greek for “to bring milk,” and although it wears delicate, pea-like flowers, this plant has a surprisingly long and impressive CV. It’s been valued since the Middle Ages for helping the body feel more steady and comfortable during times of metabolic strain - and fun fact: early investigations into goat’s rue eventually inspired the creation of the Metformin drug in the 1920s. Not bad for a hedgerow plant with a slightly mischievous name.
A little history, a lot of old-world wisdom
Traditional herbalists across Europe and Africa reached for goat’s rue during times when the body felt parched, tired, or overworked - those tell-tale signs that things inside were struggling to maintain their usual rhythm. It was also held in high regard during fevers and periods of great stress; its old German nickname, pestilenzkraut , literally means “pestilence herb.”
Culpeper described it as "refreshing", and even recommended a foot bath of goat’s rue for weary travellers - an early version of a spa day. Parkinson, the 17th-century apothecary, noted its strong aromatic qualities and its usefulness when body systems needed a little tidy-up.
And of course, there’s its namesake connection: goat’s rue has a long tradition of being used to support milk flow in nursing mothers and livestock. The name wasn’t chosen by accident.
How herbalists view it today
Herbalists still appreciate goat’s rue for the same reasons our ancestors did - especially when the body is looking for steadiness during times of metabolic pressure or dietary imbalance. In modern herbal energetics, goat’s rue is seen as a plant that:
- Brings gentle digestive support with its characteristic bitterness
- Helps the body feel more grounded after periods of excess
- Supports the body’s natural metabolic rhythm
- Encourages comfortable fluid movement via the kidneys
Its traditional cooling, clearing qualities also make it a useful companion when the system is feeling overheated, stagnant, or weighed down.
This is a herb that works quietly and steadily rather than dramatically - a slow-and-sure companion rather than a quick fix.
Researchers have explored goat’s rue for its role in supporting healthy metabolic processes, including the body’s natural handling of glucose and how cells use it for energy. It has also attracted interest for its gentle action on fluid balance and its historical use during times of strain on the immune system.
In short
Goat’s rue is a herb with history, character, and a surprisingly steadying presence. With its earthy bitterness and deep traditional roots, it has long been valued for giving the body a sense of support during times of metabolic busyness, digestive heaviness, or seasonal demands - and for its time-honoured role in supporting healthy milk flow.
A lovely plant with a long story to tell - and always dependable in the herbal toolkit.
© EquiNatural 2026. All content is original work protected under copyright, and may not be re-published, duplicated, or rewritten for commercial use without permission.
