Herbs for Goats!
Raising goats naturally means ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients to prevent deficiencies and common health issues. Since we raise goats on our farm, Horse -n- Bear Ranch, we’ve had to find ways to use natural remedies to ensure they get what they need. As long-time Nature’s Sunshine Products (NSP) independent consultants (since 1997!), we naturally gravitate to using their products for not only ourselves but also our animals. We know we can count on NSP supplements for consistency and high quality. We used to support our goats’ health. These supplements, originally designed for people, contain high-quality, natural ingredients that work well for livestock, too. In this article, I’ll share how we use NSP supplements for parasite control, nutritional deficiencies, and overall well-being. Please note that links to the products are provided within this article. You are free to purchase from whomever and wherever you like, but if you purchase from us, we greatly appreciate your support. And if you send us a message after you do, we’ll provide you with a free consultation session 🙂
Why Supplementing Goats Is Important
Even with quality hay, forage, and minerals, goats can develop nutritional gaps due to soil depletion, stress, parasites, or seasonal changes. Two key deficiencies you may see in your goats include:
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Deficiency – Can cause Polioencephalomalacia (PEM), leading to neurological issues.
- Vitamin E & Selenium Deficiency – Can result in white muscle disease, weak kids, reproductive issues, and immune challenges.
Nature’s Sunshine Products for Goat Health
1. Herbal Deworming Support
Chemical dewormers are often overused, leading to parasite resistance. We use natural herbal support to help keep parasite loads under control.
- Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) – Naturally supports a healthy gut and helps combat parasites.
- Garlic (Allium sativum) – Known for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. It also helps deter parasites.
- Artemisia Combination – Contains elecampane root, mugwort aerial parts, clove flower buds, garlic bulb, ginger rhizome, spearmint leaves and flowers, turmeric root, olive leaf extract and sweet wormwood aerial parts that help to promote digestive health and parasite resistance.
2. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Support
Thiamine deficiency can cause neurological symptoms like staggering, blindness, or seizures. While injectable B1 is needed in acute cases, we use herbal support to help prevent deficiencies:
- Nutri-Calm – Contains B vitamins, valerian root, and passionflower, supporting the nervous system and stress response.
- Bee Pollen – A natural source of B vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes that promote overall health.
3. Vitamin E & Selenium Deficiency Prevention
Selenium-deficient soil can lead to weak kids, reproductive issues, and muscle problems. Since we prefer a natural approach, we use:
- Vitamin E with Selenium – Provides a bioavailable source of these essential nutrients to support muscle strength, immunity, and fertility.
- Non-NSP Supplements:
- Brewer’s Yeast – A natural source of selenium, B vitamins, and amino acids to support overall health.
- Sunflower Lecithin – High in vitamin E, helping with neurological function, muscle health, and immune support.
4. Digestive & Immune System Support
A healthy gut microbiome is key to overall health and disease prevention.
- Probiotic Eleven – A diverse probiotic blend that helps maintain gut balance, especially after antibiotic use or stress.
- Silver Shield – Supports immune function and helps combat infections.
- Pau D’Arco – A powerful antifungal and immune booster that helps with digestive health.
5. Stress & Recovery Support
Goats experience stress during kidding, weaning, or transportation. We use:
- Adrenal Support – Helps regulate cortisol levels and improve stress resilience.
- Licorice Root – Supports adrenal function and energy levels.
- Supplements to strengthen the heart and circulation, great for older goats or those recovering from illness.
- Red Beet Root formula – Supports circulatory health and the liver.
- HS II – Supports the heart and circulation.
Final Thoughts
Nature’s Sunshine Products have been a valuable part of our holistic approach to goat care. These high-quality herbal and nutritional supplements help us to support parasite resistance, address deficiencies, and enhance overall health in our goats.
If you’re looking for natural ways to boost your goats’ health, I highly recommend trying NSP supplements! You can order directly through my Nature’s Sunshine link and get access to these amazing products. Don’t forget! Send us a message after you place your order and we’ll provide you with a FREE consultation. In addition to being NSP Independent Consultants, we are Master Herbalists and Doctors of Naturopathy, so you can feel confident in the information we provide.
Disclaimer:
We are not veterinarians. This article is for informational purposes only. You may want to consult with a qualified vet before adding new supplements to your goat’s diet, especially for treating deficiencies or health conditions.
