Fences and Roots

I hate, hate, hate to see animals penned up, cooped up or otherwise crammed into small spaces. I like them to be able to free range as much as possible. In the wild west, I would have been one of those fighting for no fences!

When we brought our goats home we separated and isolated them for a while until we managed the parasite situation. Then I moved them into the new barn and holding pen along with their guard, Rocky, and kept them there for a day. Then, I tested the new electric fence, held my breath and opened the gate. They love it. LOVE IT. There is lush pasture, thick brush, hanging limbs still filled with leaves. Goat heaven. I was afraid they might head for the hills, literally, as there is a LOT of land on the OTHER side of the fence. But, they graze and browse for awhile, then they always come back to the barn and holding pen to relax and hang out. The "browsing" ...eating tree leaves and brush adds so much to their natural diet and contributes to their over-all health.

In the evening, when they hear me calling the chickens in, they come flying into their pen for supper, Belle's bell clanging in the cold air. I lock them in the holding pen at night for safety. We have coyotes running out our ears and a couple of bobcats for good measure. Cougars, too. They nestle in their straw bed in the barn. I couldn't be happier with the fence. It only took a couple of little zaps for the goats and Rocky to learn to keep away from it. I test it every morning before I let them out to make sure it's working. One day a sycamore branch had blown across it but that was an easy fix. Now my beauties can roam to their little goat-hearts content.

Rocky (Anatolian puppy) is learning not to chase and nip at the goats hind legs. He has a log and chain attached to his collar for an anchor. It sounds awful, but it slows him down just enough that he tires easily and gives up the chase. We are on day four. The man where we bought him suggested this treatment. Rocky's mother also had the idea to chase and bite the goats and this remedy worked like a charm.

Tomorrow is HERB CLASS. The Herbalist is in....the field. Come on out and we'll DIG herbs! Increase your knowledge of herbalism. You can take the herbs you dig home and we will also make a remedy in class. FIRST FROST HERB CLASS. Tuesday 11-1 10 am to noon. $20

Herbal Antibiotics

Actually, that is such a misnomer...antibiotic means against life and herbs are anything but. However, folks know what that means...herbs that kill germs! This is one of my more popular classes so thought I would share some of the info here.

Cornell University did a study on several herbs and determined what percentage of bacteria they actually killed. Go Cornell. Let's discuss the top four: Garlic, onions, allspice and oregano. I like to call them the fantastic four. They kill 100% of bad bacteria. Yes, 100%. So, if you are coming down with cold or flu, eat all you can of these wonderful herbs. Garlic and onions will go on practically anything. When someone in our household starts to "feel" it, you know what I mean, that vague itch in the back of your throat, unexplained soreness or eyes that just don't want to stay open, we load up on garlic and onion. It goes in the main entree, in the salad, on the sandwich, in the soup. Infuse some garlic and onions in a bit of olive oil (please, never use mineral oil) for a few hours and massage it onto the bottoms of your feet, heat some socks in the microwave (one of the few things I approve for its use!), pull them on your feet and slip into bed. If you are prone to earaches, just use the garlic and olive oil and put one drop into your ear--warm it first.

I like to use allspice in my winter warming stovetop simmer. Throw in any spices that please you...I like allspice, clove, cinnamon & vanilla but you can use anything. Let it gently simmer on a back burner diffusing its moisturizing, healing properties, germ killing power and heavenly scent into your air. It will smell like the holiday season!

Oregano can be purchased in a small dropper bottle. It's great at getting flu germs. Remember, a little goes a LONG way. We got a little over enthusiastic in my family one time and ended up with blisters in the mouth. Ouch. That happens to guinea pigs occasionally in an herbalist family! It's worth the trial. I guess I can say that since it wasn't my mouth!

So, get to the store and stock up. You never know when something will hit you and yours.

Oregano in my winter window...