Your animals deserve the best!
Verm Oust is an all-natural herbal wormer feed supplement formulated for horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, fowl, and dogs. Our time-tested formula consists of a synergistic blend of herbs that work together to create a hostile environment for parasites in your pet while, at the same time, creating a soothing effect on your pets’ organs.
Why use herbs when chemical wormers are so effective and proven?
Unlike traditional dewormers, our product contains no poison, and the parasites cannot develop immunity or resistance to it. There are two major problems with chemical wormers:
Chemical wormers are poisonous, and prolonged use over time damages your pet’s internal organs. In fact, spring colic death can often be connected to chemical dewormers.
They create resistant superbugs and parasites that become increasingly difficult to control. This is a challenge that scientists have been attempting to address.
Numerous studies have found that parasites are developing resistance to anthelmintic medications. One such study examined nematodes (roundworms) in equines and concluded:
“Clear indications of emerging resistance against ivermectin and moxidectin emphasises the need for fundamental changes in the way that nematodes are managed in horses.”Read the equine nematode resistance study
So why are these chemicals still used? Often, it’s simply because vets and pet owners aren’t aware there’s a better alternative. They’re doing the best they can with the information they have. But once we know better, we can choose better—and make safer, smarter decisions for the animals we love.
The same research paper recommended “limiting use of anthelmintics”—which means reducing the use of chemical dewormers.
“I have heard that herbal wormers are snake oil!”
“Okay, so chemical dewormers can create resistant bacteria and parasites, but I have heard that herbal wormers are snake oil!”
You may have seen diatomaceous earth (DE) recommended as a natural dewormer—and perhaps even tried it. While DE is widely used, studies have consistently found it ineffective for deworming horses, goats, sheep, and other large animals. You can read a couple of those studies here:
Diatomaceous earth research in sheep and goatsThe research on poultry is more mixed. Some studies have found DE effective in certain breeds of hens but not others, and many poultry owners report success using it with fecal testing confirmations. You can read one such study here:
Read the poultry studyWe believe DE may be effective for certain poultry, either on its own or in combination with other ingredients. However, the research we have reviewed does not support its use as a dewormer in horses, goats, sheep, or other large animals. DE can be fed safely when used appropriately, but care should always be taken to prevent animals from inhaling the dust.
We chose not to include diatomaceous earth in Verm Oust because the overwhelming research does not support its effectiveness as a dewormer for large animals. We are also not interested in adding cheap fillers simply to bulk up a formula. DE is inexpensive and adds volume, which, in our opinion, is one reason it is so commonly found in deworming products. You will find nothing but high-quality herbs in Verm Oust.
Verm Oust was designed to do more than expel worms.
Every ingredient in Verm Oust was chosen for a specific purpose—and often for several. We selected herbs not only for their individual properties, but for how they work together as a complete formula in synergy. The primary purpose of an herbal wormer is to kill and expel adult parasites. That is great—but most products stop there. A truly effective formula should also help dissolve and eliminate parasite eggs and neutralize toxins released during die-off. Our formula was designed to address every aspect:
Address the parasites
Kill and expel adult parasites and help dissolve and eliminate the eggs.
Address the die-off
Neutralize toxins and support elimination so the animal can pass the parasite load.
Support the system
Support circulation, digestion, and the immune environment that discourages worm presence.
We addressed those concerns. Then, on top of that, we added two ingredients to combat bacterial and viral infections and aid in blood circulation, ensuring nutrients are reaching all areas of the body. This is absolutely crucial in creating a hostile environment for parasites. Parasites thrive in a depressed immune system where circulation is slow and sluggish. Chemical wormers suppress the system. Verm Oust aids the system.
The purpose of Verm Oust is not simply to expel the worms or even kill them, but to create an environment that is not inviting for them and to assist the immune system, which discourages worm presence. It is a widely known fact that, in a herd of horses, goats, cows, or pigs, you can test each animal and find widely different fecal counts.
This is not random chance; it is based on the animal’s immune-system strength. Worms will naturally leave hosts that have a strong immune response and seek out depressed hosts. Unfortunately, chemical dewormers compromise the immune system and negatively impact the gut bacteria, hindering the body’s natural ability to defend itself against parasites, which creates a downward spiral.
Let’s talk about the ingredients.
As we have previously maintained, our formula is based on research and analysis of studies over the past 100-plus years. We spent five years testing, refining, and carefully formulating each ingredient at a specific amount to create the most effective product possible. So let’s look at what matters most: the facts, supported by scientific research.
Wormwood
Wormwood is a primary ingredient in Verm Oust—and for good reason. It has been the first ingredient in nearly every effective herbal deworming formula throughout history and has long been regarded as one of the most powerful deworming herbs available. No truly effective herbal deworming formula would be complete without it. But wormwood is also a synergistic herb. Its greatest effectiveness comes when it is used in the correct amounts and combined with the right supporting herbs in a properly balanced formula.
In a study on chickens, wormwood (Artemisia annua) produced significant results:
“…had a significant reduction in faecal oocysts (95.6%; P = 0.027) and in lesion score (56.3%; P = 0.005) when compared to the positive control.”
“At the end of experiment, chickens treated with A. annua leaf powder (wormwood) had the highest body weight gain.”
“Our results suggest that A. annua leaf (wormwood) powder (Aa-p), at 1.5% of the daily diet post-infection, can be a valuable alternative for synthetic coccidiostats, such as lasalocid.”
This indicates that wormwood is not simply a preventative against parasites but is effective in post-infection, meaning an existing parasite load.
Read the Artemisia annua chicken studyThere is another important study involving wormwood, malaria, and an immunosuppressive drug. When wormwood was used alone, it was effective. When it was combined with the immunosuppressive drug, it was ineffective.
The takeaway is important: use caution when combining chemical dewormers with herbal dewormers, or herbal remedies with immune-suppressing drugs, because the two approaches can work against one another. Our goal is to aid the animal’s own system in doing what nature designed it to do.
Drugs are designed to suppress, and while they can be effective in suppressing infections and worms, they also suppress the body’s innate ability to fight, which increases the risk of disease and reinfection.
Read the wormwood and immunosuppression studyPeppermint Leaf
Often taken for granted and seen merely as a flavoring, peppermint actually possesses compounds that are quite fascinating. According to the Journal of Phytomedicine, peppermint can improve exercise performance.7 It has shown promise in a study published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences for digestive-related complaints and IBS.8
The Veterinary Herbal Medicine handbook by Susan G. Wynn notes that, historically, peppermint has been used as a carminative for colic and flatulence and as an antiseptic. The book also notes that it has been shown in some studies to suppress gastric spasms and may offer benefits for gastrointestinal-related distress. Peppermint has a soothing action on the stomach and the whole system, which is important when dealing with worms.
Gentian Root
This herb strengthens the digestive system over time. It works synergistically with peppermint to aid in digestion. Gentian can be beneficial in cases of gas and helps to alleviate the pain. One of the chemicals in gentian, called carvacrol, is a phenol that is similar to oregano and has a similar effect of expelling worms. It also aids cayenne in cleansing the bloodstream and removing toxins. Gentian works with olive leaf to address infection.
Fennel
This herb is also a digestive aid—and there is a reason we picked antiparasite herbs with digestive benefits. The die-off and expelling of worms can be very hard on an animal, and improper and incomplete digestion attracts worms. It is like throwing your garbage on the lawn; you are sure to attract some unwelcome visitors.
Our aim was not simply to try to address the parasites but also to help address causes of colic. Especially in horses, colic claims a lot of lives, mainly because it is very misunderstood.
Fennel is used in cattle for flavor, but it also can naturally improve milk production and has antimicrobial properties.2
Fennel is also a good source of nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, and calcium, which are important and in proper forms that are easily used by your animal.
Fennel may also have a small anticancer benefit, as well as strong protection against cell damage, and may assist in free-radical cleanup.
Psyllium
Many people do not know that psyllium belongs to the same family as plantain—the herb, not the banana. This may explain why they share a few similar health benefits.
Psyllium is a soluble fiber, which is why we recommend mixing Verm Oust with feed and water and ensuring your animals have proper access to clean water. This compound can improve constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. People often underestimate the need for psyllium in a deworming product. When eliminating worms, there is a distinct and very real issue of die-off and constipation inhibiting a full exit. Psyllium works to ensure that the animal can pass these loads as easily as possible.
Psyllium is one of the most well-tolerated sources of fiber available, hence why we chose it.
But beyond that, psyllium works synergistically with clove in a very interesting and special way. It actually expands and drags the parasites and their eggs off the intestinal wall and out of the body. Flaxseed can have a similar effect and is often fed to horses. If you use flaxseed, we would recommend grinding it fresh before feeding. It tends to be very susceptible to rancidity, and this is why, even though it is an amazing herb, few herbal products utilize it.
Psyllium, on the other hand, does not possess this drawback.
Clove
This herb—or spice—is one of the few compounds in the universe that can effectively remove and neutralize eggs from the intestinal wall. Historical use of clove for this purpose dates back thousands of years. For smaller animals, clove oil may be the most effective form and can be used alongside Verm Oust. However, we freshly grind potent clove just before packaging our product to ensure the best results.
Most dewormers will not use cloves because they are expensive and the makers do not understand how to capture the volatile oils properly. We chose the best ingredients even though they are expensive to source.
Clove can also benefit candida-overload issues, and it is said to repel worms.
Quassia
Quassia works with psyllium and clove to rid the intestines of worms in a purgative fashion. While clove dissolves the eggs, breaking the life cycle, quassia works to purge the adult worms. For life-threatening cases of parasite infection, an enema of quassia has sometimes been effective. However, this is labor-intensive, does require an experienced person to be involved, and should be supervised by a vet.
Olive Leaf
This is an herb you will not see in many, if any, wormers for pets. But this leaf has amazing antibiotic, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
In fact, in one study, animals with tumors were given an olive-leaf isolated extract, and the tumors regressed and disappeared in only 9–12 days.3 Parasites cause damage and can increase the risk of tumors and cancer as they suppress the immune system. Herbs such as olive leaf are imperative to an effective wormer, as they aid in addressing infection and helping ensure the die-off does not kill the animal.
Olive leaf has a protective effect on the brain, which helps to address or mitigate parasite damage to this area, but also decreases brain-tissue death by up to 55%.4 It also may help inhibit spinal-cord damage, so it has a very distinct possibility for use in animals such as horses involved in stress and sport.5
Olive leaf works very synergistically with our next herb, turmeric, to combat inflammation. Where there is inflammation, healing is hampered and hindered. It is imperative that the inflammation and damage caused by the parasites be alleviated. We cannot cover everything olive leaf does, but this is a truly miraculous herb, and this formula is not complete without it.
Turmeric
This herb—or spice—is, as mentioned above, a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Thousands of studies have discussed its many benefits, from inflammation to cancer to brain improvement. Turmeric does possess antiparasitic effects6, but only at relatively high doses, unless used in synergy with olive leaf, cayenne, and clove. You can add black pepper to improve efficacy.
We did not because some animals seem to react to black pepper, and much of the black pepper sold is processed in a manner inconsistent with our values. But black pepper does increase the efficacy of turmeric by up to 1000%. A fat source, such as whole grain, also increases the benefits of turmeric. You may add black pepper to Verm Oust if you wish.
Turmeric is also a heavy metal chelator and synergistically works with several other of our herbs to address heavy metals which also attract parasites.
Black Walnut
This herb, alongside wormwood, delivers the first punch to the parasites. It is the pungency that immediately disturbs the parasites and makes them susceptible to all the other herbs. Continued use over time creates a hostile environment for the parasites, where they will seek an exit.
Much research in the past 10 years has discussed the amazing benefits of oxygenating the blood, but there is still much concern about doing so safely. Black walnut oxygenates the blood, which helps kill the parasites. Parasites, viruses, and cancer cannot live in clean, oxygen-rich blood. Black walnut is said to be effective against pinworms, ringworm, tapeworm, most intestinal parasites, and many variants.
Black walnut is a potent and effective antiparasitic but should be used in a formula such as Verm Oust, which deals with the die-off and aids the body in elimination.
Are black walnut hulls safe for horses?
Black walnut shavings can be toxic to the animals. Horses should never consume or be around black walnut wood. But the hulls can be eaten in a proper formulation. Verm Oust has been most heavily tested on horses, and we have never had an issue.
Silver Lining, Wild Horse Products, Fiasco Farm, and Equine Natural Care all use black walnut hulls in their horse dewormers and, between all these companies, have sold in excess of 100,000 units with not one complaint, that we are aware of, related to black walnut hulls. Myths are often perpetuated as though they are fact by well-meaning individuals. Studies on black walnut shavings are often passed around as proof that the hulls are bad, which is ludicrous because they are not the same thing.
In the medical book Veterinary Herbal Medicine, only the shavings are considered toxic, and it is recommended not to use moldy hulls. Horses should also not consume moldy apples but are fine eating an apple once in a while.
We highly recommend keeping activated charcoal on hand in case of accidental toxicity, whether it be from a medicine, overeating a substance, or a form of colic. While charcoal is not effective in all forms of colic, it will benefit those based in toxemia and is considered relatively safe by the medical establishment.
Cayenne
This herb is underused, underappreciated, and undervalued. It has minor antiparasitic value when given alone, but when combined with other herbs, it becomes a giant. It aids blood circulation, helps to clean the blood, and addresses heart-related issues. It has a protective effect on the heart, according to much literature and herbalist research, and encourages regrowth. It works well with hawthorn for this purpose.
Cayenne also ensures the herbs get all through the body. Many herbs are effective but, alone, will never make it to problem areas, especially if there are any blood-circulation issues. Cayenne has over a million cited medicinal benefits, ranging from anticancer to anti-inflammatory to stopping internal bleeding—which can be a major issue with worms and deworming.
Comfrey with ginger is a milder approach to internal bleeding. Cayenne takes the effectiveness of the other herbs and essentially takes it to the next level.
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References
- Stimulatory effects of Fennel on milk production in dairy cows: a perspective in sustainable economy.
- Hamdi HK, Castellon R. Oleuropein, a non-toxic olive iridoid, is an anti-tumor agent and cytoskeleton disruptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Sep 2;334(3):769–78.
- Mohagheghi F, Bigdeli MR, Rasoulian B, Hashemi P, Pour MR. The neuroprotective effect of olive leaf extract is related to improved blood-brain barrier permeability and brain edema in rat with experimental focal cerebral ischemia. Phytomedicine. 2011 Jan 15;18(2–3):170–5.
- Khalatbary AR, Ahmadvand H. Neuroprotective effect of oleuropein following spinal cord injury in rats. Neurol Res. 2012 Jan;34(1):44–51.
- Curcumin: A Natural Herb Extract with Antiparasitic Properties. Chapter, June 2011. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-19382-8_6.
- Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014 Jan–Feb;4(1):72–78.
- A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61:560–571. Published online 2015 Aug 29. DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7.