NATURAL REMEDIES
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarins nor is any information contained on this site intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning any herbal treatment. We give no guarantee for the results obtained from the use of any herbal remedy herein and disclaim all liability in connection with any information cited on this website.
I wish I could sit here and tell you that you’ll never need to give your goats any type of chemicals (wormers, antibiotics, etc.). Unfortunately, for all of us there comes a time when this becomes a necessity.
When a goat is ridden with a high number of parasites, it must be dealt with immediately. As is in the case in the presence of a high fever. The holistic objective is to bring the body into a healthy state with a strong immune system to avoid these situations. Unfortunately, as in the case of worm overload, many times management and living conditions play a huge part in the resulting situation.
Herbs and plant materials are fed to our animals to strengthen their immune systems. Some herbs and plants (Anthelminities or vermifuges) rid the body of parasites. They either actually kill the parasite or expel them from the body. Analgestic herbs reduce pain and can be applied either externally or internally, depending on the herb and condition. Anti-inflammatory, as the name implies, help to reduce inflamation. The list goes on and on. It should be noted that the use of medicinal herbs, as with any prescription drug, should be done with caution. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning any herbal treatment to ensure that it is appropriate for your individual animals. Many herbs are unsafe for pregnant animals, be sure to investigate thoroughly any herb prior to administering to any pregnant animal.
There are many excellent herbal references on the market to help assist you in determining which herbs are appropriate for any given condition. Illustrations help with identification of the herbs. It is highly recommended that herbs be obtained by a very reputable source or you can grow them yourself from plants or seeds purchased from reputable nurseries. Wildcrafting, or gathering from the wild is discouraged for the novice as many plants are similar in appearance. Many plants are toxic and can produce tragic results--so an error of mistaken identification can be lethal. Additionally, if you are not growing them yourself or obtaining from a reputable source, you cannot be certain they have not been treated with chemicals.
Below are some of the categories of herbs grouped for easy reference. This is in no way intended to be a complete listing, as we would not have the space on our website to endeavor such an undertaking.
Analgesic:
Herbs with pain reducing qualities:
(External or internal) Bee Balm, Cayenne, Ginger, Lavender, Tumeric
Anti-Bacterial:
Aloe, Calendula, Elecampane, Garlic, Lavender
Anti-inflamatory:
Alfalfa, Borage, Calendula, Cayenne, Chamomile (German), Cleavers, Coltsfoort, Comfrey, Corn Silk, Couchgrass, Dandelion, Feverfew, Goldenrod, Ginger, Gravelroot, Grindelia, Oregon rape, Plantain, Slippery Elm, Yarrow, Yucca
Anti-spasmodic:
Prevents or Eases cramps/spasms:
Catnip, Chamomile (German), Coltsfoot (cough spasms), Sage, Skullcap, Thyme, Valerian
Anthelminities or Vermifuges:
The following herbs/plants help to rid the body of parasites:
Broom (internal and external parasites), Buckbean, Buckthorn, Burdock (skin parasites), Castor Bean, Elecampane, Fern (Male)(esp. tapeworm), Flax, Garlic, Honeysuckle (in moderation), Horseradish, Lemon (seeds crushed in honey mild for young animals), Nasturtium, Parsley, Pine, Potato (raw juice FRESH ONLY), Pumpkin Seed, Purslane, Santolina, Southernword, Thyme, Walnut (Black) (Green hulls), Wormwood. (Note: Wormwood is not safe for pregnant animals---nor for extended use.)
Astringent:
Tightens and reduces discharges and secretions of the skin:
Black Walnut, Bugleweed, Cleavers, Comfrey, Corn Silk, Couchgrass, Goldenseal, Juniper, Lavender, Mullein, Nettle, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Shepherds Purse, Thyme, Uva Ursi, Wormwood
Carminative (Digestive Supporting Herbs):
Aids Digestion and helps to expel intestinal gas:
Angelica, Lemon Balm, Cinnamon, Chamomile (German), Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Hyssop, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Valerian
Emmenagogue:
Tonic for female reproductive system:
Red Raspberry
Expectorant:
Borage, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Garlic, Grindelia, Mullein, Thyme, Yarrow
Febrifuge:
Feverfew, Yarrow
Note: In the case of high fever, consult your veterinarian/
Galactogogue:
Herbs that help nursing mothers to increase flow of milk:
Borage, Dill, Fennel,
Immunostimulant :
Herbs to build up immunity in the body and strengthen it:
Astragalus, Echinacea, Licorice, Marshmallow, St. Johns Wort,
Styptic:
Herbs to reduce or stop bleeding:
Cayenne, Yarrow, Oxeye Daisy
Note: Cayenne and Yarrow have been reported to be excellent in stopping excessive bleeding. A powder made of half dried cayenne and dried yarrow is said to be superb. This remedy is intended only to aid in getting the bleeding under control until you can get your animal to your veterinarin.
Tonic:
Herbs to help build up and strengthen the body either as a whole or systematically:
Cayenne, Chickweed, Cleavers, Dandelion, Flax, Garlic, Goldenrod, Hawthorn, Horsetail, Juniper, Lavender, Oregon Grape, Rosemary, Yarrow
Note: Dandelion is considered to be one of the most complete plant foods available. This herb, considered by most as an annoying weed, contains the following nutrients in a one cup serving: approx. 2,000 IU of Vitamin A, 20% protein, Vitamins C, K, D and B complex, iron, manganese, phosphorus and numerous other trace minerals. It is also rich in potassium. Best of all, they are all available in one fully absorbable source!! The only drawback is to be sure that any dandelions you harvest have not been contaminated with any herbicides or chemicals. The best time to harvest is in the spring when these herbs are young and tender. They have a tendency to become bitter later on in the season. The roots may be harvested in the fall and dried for use later on. They contain an excellent, safe liver tonic.
References:
Herbs for Pets by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford
Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann
The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm
And Stable by Juliette de Bairacli Levy
More to come!!
