We’ve had rabbits around the homestead for over 4 years now. For the most part, raising rabbits been something that I have really enjoyed. Bunnies are adorable and soft. Their poop is excellent fertilizer. Cutting greens for them twice daily keeps me disciplined to weed the paths and garden beds. Occasionally, our family is nourished by their meat too. Though admittedly we don’t butcher our rabbits often. I tend to…
Ghee, or clarified butter, is a fragrant, flavorful oil that is well suited for cooking, as it doesn’t burn easily. It’s more shelf stable than butter and can be stored outside of the fridge for up to 6 months. In the process of turning butter into ghee, the milk solids are removed. So, even folks who have a milk protein intolerance can consume ghee without issue. Ghee is made by…
“Placentophagia is not such an unusual behavior for most mammilian mothers in the perinatal period. Animals of all the mammilian groups […] most all will injest the placentas of their newborn young. Animals are not aware of the biochemical benefits, yet instinctually they find the placenta extremely palatable immediately after giving birth,” says midwife & author, Robin Lim (120). There are many wise women, doulas, mothers, and midwives, like Lim,…
In most of the developed world, once a baby is delivered and their umbilical cord has been severed, the placenta, or “afterbirth,” is thoughtlessly disposed of as medical waste. However, many traditional cultures have beliefs and customs that honor the placenta and its important role in the bringing a child into the world. “In Bali, for example, the placenta, or ari-ari, is said to live on in spirit as one…
The placenta plays a vital role in the well being of mom & baby throughout pregnancy and the immediate post-partum period. “During pregnancy and after birth, the placenta makes maternal and child survival possible. It provides for our nutritional needs and aids in our development. It acts as a barrier guarding us against harmful bacteria and most foreign molecules,” says midwife, Robin Lim [1]. After the birth, the baby and…
This pretty cocktail was inspired by beautiful Michigan strawberries and some gorgeous lavender that is currently blooming in my mom’s garden and is a tasty twist on the popular mint julep. The fruity, floral flavor makes it the perfect drink for enjoying with friends on a summer evening. It is also a lovely way to preserve fresh strawberries while they are in season. If you like, you can make a…
These calming herbal treats are perfect for toning a goat’s nervous system and will help them better cope with situations that normally cause them stress. I like to feed these to my girls before trimming their hooves, doing any other type of grooming, or while they are in heat. They would also be helpful for goats during transport as this can often make them anxious. Making treats is simple and my goats…