Something is wrong with my ducks leg

[Amiga]

If it's a sprain, it can be helped by applying an Epsom salt compress to the leg and foot. Soak a clean cloth in Epsom salt and water. Don't let the duckling ingest Epsom salt, it is a laxative. Just wrap the foot and leg and hold the compress on for several minutes a few times a day.

I would follow up with a tiny dab of T-Relief or Comfrey Salve.

 

[kmullett11]

We have been doing the compresses. I really think that is what helped the most! Thank you all so much

 

[Duck Drover]

We grow comfrey for medicinal purposes but we mostly use the roots. The ducks like to nibble on the comfrey leaves but it grows so well that they are not able to deplete the plants. Comfrey is good for treating inflamation.

I like drying small root pieces in my dehydrators and then grinding it into a powder with a coffee grinder. Then I can use the dry powder to make a poultice by simply adding water. It works extremely well on mosquito and spider bites.

 

[Amiga]

Good to know, Duck Drover. I find it's great topically for sprains and pulls. Our ducks also nibble on the comfrey leaves.

I soak the leaves in warmed olive oil overnight, then strain and store in the frij. When I have time, I add beeswax and make salve.

 

[Duck Drover]

Good to know, Duck Drover.  I find it's great topically for sprains and pulls.  Our ducks also nibble on the comfrey leaves.

I soak the leaves in warmed olive oil overnight, then strain and store in the frij.  When I have time, I add beeswax and make salve.

Does the acid in the olive oil break down the hairs on the leaves? I have heard of people using the raw leaves but they are somewhat scratchy feeling to me, not as soft as they look. I have added powdered comfrey to pure aloe gel as a salve and even to a cucumber lotion to make a cream but I have not tried beeswax.

 

[Amiga]

I see I was vague again. Y'all, please bear with me. . .

I soak the leaves in warmed olive oil, strain them, compost the leaves and use the oil. The scratchy hairs stay on the leaves.

Now, for a fresh compress, I smash the leaves up really well with just a little bit of olive oil.

 

[Duck Drover]

I see I was vague again.  Y'all, please bear with me. . . 

I soak the leaves in warmed olive oil, strain them, compost the leaves and use the oil.  The scratchy hairs stay on the leaves.

Now, for a fresh compress, I smash the leaves up really well with just a little bit of olive oil.

Okay, I probably need your recipe now!

 

[Amiga]

Folk recipe (quite imprecise!)

I gather five to seven large comfrey leaves - a big handful.

I let them wilt overnight - I lay them out flat, not touching, on a clean towel.

Next day, I warm up - in a double-boiler - a quart of the best olive oil I can get ahold of. Warm it up to about 100 degrees or so.

I place the leaves into the oil, and keep the heat on low under the double boiler for about 20 minutes.

I lift the lid and let the steam out. Once or twice after that, I lift the lid again, and if there is condensation, I wipe that off (trying to get as much water out as possible).

Then I let the oil and comfrey sit again till next day.

I strain the leaves out of the oil. The oil now looks nice and golden green. I compost the leaves.

I add about 400 units of vitamin E by squeezing a vitamin E gelcap into the oil and stir it in. I am told this is a natural preservative as well as good for ya.

The oil can be reheated, and beeswax added to make salve, or can be stored in a glass jar in the frij.

For adding beeswax, I add it half an ounce at a time till it's the right thickness. To test, I put a little salve in a spoon, set the spoon in the freezer and wait a few minutes.

If it comes out too thick, more comfrey oil can be added. Too thin, more beeswax can be added. It just needs to be heated up and stirred.

 

[Duck Drover]

I just transplanted my comfrey since the planter it was in finally fell apart. I have it in four smaller planters now so it will need to grow more leaves before I can try this. I saved the recipe. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Amiga]

Sure.

Ours is growing pretty quickly now. I have it in a raised bed near the driveway.