Saturday, November 14, 2009

Colostrum

There was some concern in the Somerset Amish churches. A family had started with the whooping cough and everyone knew it would only be a matter of time before it spread through out each district.

Daddy immediately hitched Jim to the buggy and Mom gave him a gallon jar and he went from one dairy farm to the next to find someone who had a heifer that had freshened and was on the first or second milking.

With all the dairies scattered though-out the community it didn't take him long to find someone who was willing to give him a gallon of colostrum. When he came home Mom lined us up and carefully measured the thick nasty stuff in a small barrel shaped mug.

Since I was the oldest I had to take the first dose. I managed to get it down and then it was John and David's turn. They didn't like it any better than I did. We all felt sorry for Mahlon but he happily guzzled it down and asked for more.

From that evening on we each had to take a dose before we went to bed. I was looking forward to the day when it got all. But it didn't do me any good. By the time our supply got low Daddy went to find some more.

It must have worked though because even though we were all exposed to it we never got it. But even after all these years I still shudder at the thought of having to choke down my dose every evening.
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Disclaimer: I am not suggesting that anyone should try the same remedy. If colostrum from a cow that had been treated with "Tomorrow" should happen to be used the results could be fatal.

17 comments:

  1. sounds gross but probably alot better for you than what is in the shots everyone gets for various diseases! i love your memories.

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  2. I remmember back when that cure came around, although I never drank any, for I was already an adult and the mere thought made me gag. This was supposed to cure my sinus infections.

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  3. Amazing!
    I never in fact knew cows produced colostrum!
    I know it is amazing stuff in human babes.

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  4. Oh yuck - I don't know if I could have choked it down. Makes you wonder though. That's a home remedy I had never heard of before.

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  5. Yes I have heard about it we call it biest. My mother in law warms is gently in a pan and then it becomes thicker like a custard. My husband loves it with a bit of sugar.

    Lisette

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  6. I guess colostrum does a body good. Any things better than getting sick.

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  7. Wow, I always learn something from you. I knew it was good for babies from the mom, but sharing it never entered my mind. It doesn't sound too great, but neither is Pepto-Bismol or any of that other thick icky stuff - but it works!!

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  8. I'd never heard of cow colostrum to prevent illness, but it actually makes a lot of sense. I'll bet it tasted gross, though, but worth it if it kept you healthy.

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  9. wow...I always feel like i learn something new when i read your blog...

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  10. Sounds gross...interesting story! :)

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  11. I knew colostrum was good stuff, but to ward of whooping cough!!! I'm spreading the news!

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  12. Eww sounds nasty! We were in Lancaster county Amish country this past weekend. They were skinning a cow near the road and gutting it - that was nasty too. I know they do it every day , but it's not something that I see every day.

    I enjoy reading your posts.

    Leann

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  13. I always wondered what that stuff tastes like. The only reason I know what it is is because I breast fed my bambino within the last year. TMI? ah ha ha

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  14. Re Kate Scott:

    If this remedy is ever used it is important to use colostrum from either a heifer or a cow that has not been treated with "Tomorrow" when she was dried off.

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  15. O.K. I have to ask. What is "Tomorrow" ?

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  16. My mom-in-law buys colostrum in pill form for us to take. It seems to work.

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  17. We are raw milk drinkers and have used fresh colostrum to prevent or treat illness. Works like a charm! Truly a pure, whole, healing food.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.