-Katherine Drovdahl MH CR CEIT DipHIR- Oregon

 

Did you know that you can plant an herb garden for your beloved furry and feathered friends? Did you know that many herbs are easy to cultivate in a garden bed or even containers on an apartment balcony? You may already be knowingly (or unknowingly!) growing several of them. If you have never gardened before or you are looking for a way to cut some (a lot!) of the work in gardening, consider Square Foot Gardening.

 

Growing your own herbs gives you some freedoms. It gives you the freedom to choose organic (non-toxic) methods of raising them. It gives you the freedom to have access to them whenever you need them. It also gives you the satisfaction and security of knowing that you can indeed raise, and keep on hand, some of the herbs you may want or need in the care of your creatures (or humans).

 

Now what might one grow? Garlic of course is one plant I highly recommend. I use it a lot in situations involving viral or bacterial origins. But, do you know how to use it safely and in correct doses and timing for your animal(s) of choice? A few other herbs that I like to keep handy in my gardens include cayenne, comfrey, thyme, rosemary, lavender, stinging nettle, wormwood, carrots, white onions, apples and of course many, many more. All of these are easy to use with your creatures and all of them are easy to grow. Even cayenne can grow in cooler climates with a few 'microclimate' gardening tricks.

 

I have used lavender leaves and stems numerous times, infused in olive oil and wiped onto infected areas copiously to watch infected areas cleanse and begin to repair themselves in as fast as a day in people, dogs, goats and horses.

 

I have an entire chapter in my 28 chapter book covering over 60 herbs that you can grow in your garden. I discuss what they are, why you may want to include them, information on harvesting some of them as well as helpful hints on growing. Another chapter covers dosing so you know how much your hen, rabbit, dog, cat, pig, horse, ox, goat, alpaca or other creature will need for their situation. The book also covers foundational information that teaches you why you are doing what you are doing and gives you confidence in whole herb and essential oil use in your creatures. All body systems and every stage of your creature's lifecycle are covered in layman's terms. "The Accessible Pet, Equine and Livestock Herbal" is available through Christopher Publications.

 

Recipe by Kat Drovdahl MH, CR, CEIT, DipHIr

 

We know the increased bioavailability of nutrients when grains sprout for themselves. Once they are sprouted, and the phytic acid is washed away, you are left with greatly increased bioavailability. I use this blend with my poultry, dairy goats, horses and alpacas and they LOVE it. Animals used to pelleted processed feeds may take time to adjust to eating this. The first week mix their previous grain 3/4 to 1/4 of the sprouts. One week later go half and half, then the following week 3/4 new mix and 1/4 old. ALWAYS take AT LEAST 10 days to switch to a new feed program from an old feed program.

 

 

 

I mix:

 

1 part whole oats to 1 part whole barley. 

I then add 1/8 to 1/4 part of mold free black oiled sunflower seeds and put these into a food grade container.

 

I add hot water (distilled is best) until I cover the grains at least one inch over the top. I let this sit for 12 hours then strain and rinse well. Then I put this into food grade containers and level to no more than 1 to 2 inches thick. I do this every 12 hours. By day three I stir the sprouting grains up with my hands so they don't turn into a 'hard to break apart' mat, and start feeding. I feed the same volume that I was feeding before, but these grains are expanded so you will be feeding less grain weight. This cuts my feed bill by 30- 40% and gives my animals much more nutritious feed. I also mix kelp and any other herbs I want to mix with their grain. Then serve. My critters are always begging for seconds and their coats SHINE.

• Herbal Legacy - http://www.herballegacy.com - Our free information website
• The School of Natural Healing  - http://www.snh.cc - Quality Education since 1953
• Christopher Publications - http://www.christopherpublications.com - Dr. Christopher's books and more
• Christopher Websites - http://www.christopherwebsites.com - Find all Christopher websites and other great resources
• A Healthier You Radio Show - http://www.ahealthieryouradio.com - Free weekly radio show