These Are Some DIY Herbal De-Wormers

Many conventional de-worming products sold at big box farm and agriculture stores contain harsh synthetic chemicals designed to kill internal parasites plaguing homesteading livestock. However, these chemicals don’t just affect worms—they can also have unintended negative consequences on the animals consuming them and your homestead land. Some of the most concerning chemicals in commercial livestock de-wormers include:

• Ivermectin – While effective in controlling parasites, ivermectin can remain in manure and harm beneficial insects like dung beetles, which play a crucial role in breaking down livestock waste.
• Fenbendazole – Although considered safe for most animals, this de-wormer has been associated with resistance buildup in parasites, making it less effective over time.
• Levamisole – This chemical can cause neurological side effects in some animals and may lead to toxicity if overdosed.
• Moxidectin – Like ivermectin, this drug can persist in the environment, potentially affecting soil health and water sources.
• Albendazole – This chemical has been linked to birth defects and toxicity concerns, making it risky for pregnant animals.

Additionally, many commercial de-wormers contribute to drug-resistant parasites. Overuse of chemical de-wormers leads to stronger, more resistant strains of worms, making them harder to eliminate over time. This results in a vicious cycle where more potent and potentially harmful drugs become necessary to combat increasingly resistant parasites.

Switching to herbal de-wormers is a natural and effective way to manage livestock parasites on your homestead without the risks associated with synthetic chemicals. Here’s why making your own herbal de-wormers is a superior option:

Herbs have been used for centuries to manage parasites naturally. Unlike chemical de-wormers, herbal treatments don’t create drug-resistant parasites and don’t pose a threat to soil health, water quality, or beneficial insects.

Many effective homestead livestock de-worming herbs can be grown at home or foraged, making them a renewable resource that doesn’t rely on industrial production. Herbs like garlic, wormwood, black walnut, pumpkin seeds, and diatomaceous earth are easy to source and grow no matter where you are homesteading.

Herbal de-wormers can be made in bulk and stored on your homestead for extended periods, reducing reliance on costly store-bought products. Unlike commercial de-wormers that often require frequent repurchasing, many herbal options can be dried and stored for months or even years – making them a handy and economical part of your homesteading barnyard care routine.

One major downside of chemical de-wormers on the homestead is that livestock often require a withdrawal period before their meat, milk, or eggs can be safely consumed. With herbal remedies, there is no withdrawal period, ensuring continued production without waste.

Many de-worming herbs for homesteading livestock offer additional health benefits. For example:

• Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and immune booster.
• Wormwood stimulates digestion and improves gut health.
• Pumpkin seeds provide essential nutrients while acting as a natural anti-parasitic.
• Diatomaceous earth helps eliminate internal parasites while supporting digestion.
• Black walnut hulls contain juglone, a powerful anti-parasitic compound.

Creating a homemade herbal de-wormer for use as part of your homesteading livestock health routine is simple and can be tailored to the needs of your specific livestock. Here is a basic recipe that can be used for goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and poultry:

Ingredients:

• 1 part ground pumpkin seeds
• 1 part dried wormwood
• 1 part dried black walnut hull powder
• 1 part dried thyme
• ½ part garlic powder
• ½ part diatomaceous earth (food grade)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
2. Dosage:
   • Goats & Sheep: 1 tablespoon per 50 lbs of body weight, given in feed once a day for a week.
   • Cows & Pigs: 2 tablespoons per 100 lbs of body weight.
   • Chickens: Sprinkle a small amount over feed daily for maintenance.

1. Administer every 6-8 weeks or as needed based on parasite load.

• Combine herbal de-wormers with rotational grazing on your homestead to reduce reinfestation.
• Observe your homesteading livestock’s behavior and fecal consistency to gauge effectiveness.
• Adjust dosages if needed and consult with a holistic veterinarian if unsure.

• 1/2 cup whole or powdered Cloves
• 1 cup Anise Seed powder (optional)
• 1 cup Black Walnut hull powder
• 1 cup Cayenne Pepper powder
• 1 cup Cinnamon powder
• 1 cup Garlic (powder or minced)
• 1 cup Ginger Root powder
• 1 cup Mustard seed powder
• 1 cup Psyllium seed powder
• 1 cup Rosemary leaf powder
• 2 cups Sage leaf
• 2 cups Thyme leaf
• 2 cups Wormwood
• 2 cups Diatomaceous Earth

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and store in a glass jar. Keep in a cool, dark place.

Administer for 7 days, morning and evening, every 6-8 weeks and as needed. Do not add Wormwood or Black Walnut for pregnant homestead livestock; do not add Black Walnut at all for equines.

If Wormwood and Black Walnut have been left out of main batch:

Individual dosage of Wormwood is 1/4 tsp per 30# at the same rate as a herbal de-wormer (7 days, 2x per day, etc.)

Individual dosage of Black Walnut is 1/8 tsp per 30# at the same rate as a herbal de-wormer (7 days, 2x per day, etc.)

Worming Kid, Calves, and Lambs: Administer the 3-day dose starting at 3 weeks of age and repeating every 3 to 4 weeks until the kids/lambs/calves/etc., are 6 months of age, then begin them on the 8 week cycle. If you see any diarrhea, immediately administer three days in a row. This also helps prevent coccidiosis – so I toss some in the chick and duckling feed too, and never purchase medicated chick feed.

Switching to herbal de-wormers is a practical and effective way to manage livestock parasites on your homestead while avoiding the risks associated with synthetic chemical treatments. Not only are herbal remedies safer for your animals, but they are also better for the environment, more sustainable, and significantly cheaper in the long run. By taking control of your livestock’s health with natural remedies, you’re ensuring a healthier farm, stronger animals, and a more self-reliant homestead.

Start integrating herbal de-wormers into your homesteading livestock care routine today and experience the benefits of natural, chemical-free parasite management on your homestead or farm!