Home Remedies for the Rancher

Short on supplies? Looking for a new route to try for a long term problem? We’ve been collecting the best home remedies that work on the ranch! Whether you think of it as a homeopathic option, or just something that works in a pinch, these are tried and true methods - some that have been passed down generation to generation. It’s important to remember that home remedies aren’t a substitute for having a good health program in place, but sometimes circumstances aren’t perfect and it’s good to have options!

Most of these quick fixes can be prepared at home using supplies you likely have on hand, or can find easily at a grocery store. Many of these items are good to have in stock right alongside any drugs and vaccines you already keep in stock for treating your herd or other animals on the ranch. And let’s be honest, sometimes doing something rather than nothing, makes you feel better! The important thing to remember is to research your options and document what works for you, so you know if the method is successful in your situation and if you should try it again.

• Crushed pineapple for an infected uterus

  The theory here is that the bromelain - an enzyme in pineapple - has a healing “antibiotic” effect

• Plain white sugar on eyes to treat pink eye, on a prolapse, or a swollen tongue

  The sugar is used to reduce swelling, which can help reduce fluid drainage as well. In the case of pink eye, this may help reduce it’s transmission throughout your herd. In the case of a prolapse, with reduced swelling, you have a better chance of getting it back in the cow.

• Tide powdered laundry soap as a bloat block or mix a bag of salt with 1 cup tide detergent - courtesy of @cassidyjdavis

  Since bloat is caused by an accumulation of gases in the stomach - often from a more acidic stomach environment in the rumen , the basic pH level of detergent can help neutralize the acids and return the stomach to a more neutral pH level.

• Bacon grease for sore spots on horses from cinches, pack saddles, etc. - courtesy of @burkedrycreekinc

  Bacon grease helps protect the sore from additional rubbing and further injury while also adding salt to the wound to help prevent infection.

• Turpentine on navel for colic - courtesy of @burkedrycreekinc

  It’s not clear why this sometimes works as a treatment for colic, but it does seem to help the horse pass gas and relieve the symptoms of colic.

• Automatic transmission fluid for a cut or laceration (also dissolves proud flesh) - courtesy of @meganlunak

  This is another mystery one, but it is used to clean the wound and may also help reduce pain. We’ve been told some folks even use it as a catch-all on their own wounds, even diaper rash!

• Apple cider vinegar added to chicken water to fight parasites - courtesy of @egraveley6

  This one also sources back to pH levels. Many parasites seem to thrive on a more acidic environment, so utilizing something consumable to keep the pH more alkaline will create a less desirable environment for the parasites.

• Garlic juice for lambs to kill parasites (use as a last resort) - courtesy of @egraveley6

  Mixing 1 tsp garlic juice diluted with water to make a 1-oz. dose, delivered by syringe is one suggested option. We have also heard this can be used regularly as a preventative method for parasites in sheep or as a de-wormer in many animals.

• Apple Cider Vinegar for calf scours

  Once again, the idea of this is to adjust the pH in the stomach, and fight the bacteria that is causing the scours, but has added benefits in this situation by aiding in digestion so the calf has a better chance of getting the nutrition it needs.

We would love to add to our list! What home remedies do you use around the ranch? Leave us a comment or let us know on social media!

Interested in learning more creative solutions and getting expert advice in the cattle industry? Our community at Cattleman U is a group of farmers and ranchers from all across the U.S. and Canada who are committed to learning new methods from each other and industry experts on topics like cattle nutrition, marketing calves, futures and hedging, and ranch finances. Check it out at CattlemanU.com!