Sauerkraut - a Versatile Home Remedy and Natural Health Cure

Several years ago I read that the "Old Germans" always kept a jar of sauerkraut juice on hand to cure indigestion. Since we like sauerkraut, we decided to give it a try, and sure enough - it works.

Instead of chemical antacids that sometimes work and sometimes don't, if one of us feels a little queasy, we just get a little dish of cold sauerkraut and soon the indigestion is forgotten. I keep a jar in the refrigerator all the time.

But this week I learned about a second use: Curing "Scratches" on equines.

My neighbor's horse developed this condition - which is identified by a heavy gray, lumpy crust - it actually looks like dried mud. I've been going every day to help them tend to it, so I've been doing some research.

What I've been able to learn from talking with veterinarians and other horse people is that it is caused by damp footing and is a fungus. I suppose it starts with a scratch, but no one said so.They did say it is always on a white foot - meaning that it affects pink skin, but not dark skin. Apparently pigment affords some resistance?

Anyway, first you use Bag Balm to soften the crust so it can be scrubbed off, then wash it daily with an antibacterial scrub, rinse, re-apply the bag balm, and wrap it to keep it clean. Then, according to the vet, you use a cortisone cream to let the tissue underneath heal. But it doesn't always cooperate.

My farrier said he knew a horse with this condition on all 4 feet, and it just wouldn't heal no matter what they used - until an old Montana cowboy told the owners to make a poultice of sauerkraut. Then the horse got well.

Oddly enough, another friend mentioned the same remedy.

We're not at the stage yet of wondering if she'll heal, but I'm keeping sauerkraut in mind, just in case!

I'm also keeping this in mind for the next time a friend mentions having a toenail or fingernail fungus. If it kills fungus on a horse, I'll bet it would do the same for a human.

P.S. Just in case you aren't familiar with it: Bag Balm was first used by dairy farmers to keep cow's udders soft and antispectic. It's a great healing cream to use on severely dry skin on humans - but very thick and greasy. If you use it to heal your feet, apply it and then put on a pair of heavy white sox until it has a chance to soak in well. Our grocery store carries it, so yours might too.

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