A Natural Option for Worm Control
If you farm in New Zealand, you’ll know that internal parasites are one of those never ending jobs. Whether you’ve got hundreds of ewes on rolling country, a few dairy cows, or just a handful of goats and alpacas on a lifestyle block — worms can cause real headaches. Scouring, poor weight gain, lowered immunity, and that general “doing no good” look are all signs you’ve got a worm problem on your hands.
To make matters trickier, chemical drenches are losing their punch. Worm resistance is now widespread across NZ, which means many farmers are rethinking their parasite control plans. That’s why we developed our Herbal Digestive Drench — a natural blend designed to support your animals’ health while helping to keep worms in check.
Parasites in NZ Farming
NZ’s climate is perfect for growing grass, and unfortunately, just as perfect for breeding worms. Our mild, wet Springs and Autumns mean worm larvae survive well on pasture. Lambs, kids, and calves are especially vulnerable, but even older stock can suffer when parasite pressure is high.
On big farms, resistance to chemical drenches is one of the fastest growing animal health issues. But small blocks aren’t immune either, in fact, lifestyle properties often see just as many problems. Overgrazed paddocks, set stocking, and frequent use of the same drench all give parasites the upper hand.
The Problem with Resistance
Chemical drenches work, until they don’t. Over time worms that survive a treatment pass on their resistant genes and soon enough that once reliable drench is barely making a dent. This is now a major concern in NZ sheep and goat flocks, with resistance to multiple drench families becoming the norm.
For farmers and block owners, that means we can’t just keep reaching for a chemical solution. We need to look at the bigger picture: grazing management, mixed species grazing, avoiding overstocking, and increasingly, natural alternatives that support animals from the inside out.
Our Herbal Digestive Drench
That’s where our Herbal Digestive Drench comes in. It’s a unique combination we produce ourselves, drawing on both traditional knowledge and modern farming needs. Instead of hammering the parasites with chemicals, this blend supports gut health, immunity, and resilience so your animals are better equipped to handle parasite challenges.
What’s Inside – And Why It Works
Harakeke – a NZ native, long valued for its soothing effect on the gut and assisting with expulsion of internal parasites.
Wormwood – a classic herb for internal parasites, used for centuries worldwide.
Koromiko – another NZ native, well known for helping with scours and general gut health.
Black Walnut – anti-parasitic that is high in tannins that make the gut environment less inviting for worms.
Herbal AB – a mix of Echinacea, Golden seal, Pokeroot, Dandelion, Yarrow, and Liquorice. Together, these help immunity, liver health and recovery from gut stress.
Homeopathic Chelidonium – supports the liver, helping animals process toxins and stay in balance.
Homeopathic Vermis Complex - contains numerous internal parasites that have been developed into a Homeopathic remedy.
Agrisea Animal Tonic – a natural source of trace minerals and a booster for digestive function.
This is not just a “worm hit” — it’s a full system support. Healthier guts, stronger immunity, and more resilient stock all mean less impact from parasites.
Timing is Everything – Why the Full Moon Matters
Here’s a tip some farmers swear by: drench around the full moon.
Traditional practice says parasites are more active and closer to the gut lining during this time, making them easier to target. Think of it as working with nature’s rhythms. While science hasn’t fully explained the “why,” plenty of farmers notice they get better results when they follow the moon cycle.
For lifestyle block owners, it’s also a handy calendar marker. Instead of trying to remember exact drenching dates, just plan it around the moon. It’s simple, natural, and keeps you consistent.
Using Herbal Digestive Drench on Farm
This drench works best as part of a whole parasite management plan. Use it alongside good practices such as:
Rotational grazing (giving paddocks a proper rest).
Grazing different species together where possible (worms tend to be host specific).
Avoiding overstocking, which quickly builds parasite pressure.
Follow up with our Vermis complex for maintenance in between drenches for situations where there is a heavy worm or they have been prone to that
It can be used proactively to support animal health, not just as a rescue remedy when things are already looking rough. Many farmers use it at key stress points (weaning, shifting, after illness) as well as part of their routine drenching cycle, to keep the gut health in good shape and worms under control.
A Note for Lifestyle Farmers
Small mobs, big worm problems, that’s often the case. When animals are grazing the same small paddocks over and over, worm burdens can build fast. Many lifestyle farmers also want to avoid heavy chemical use, especially if the animals are pets or homekill.
That’s where a natural option like this is ideal. It’s safe, supportive, and can fit neatly into a low-input farming style.
Worms aren’t going anywhere — but the way we manage them is changing. With chemical resistance on the rise, farmers across NZ are looking for alternatives that support long term animal health.
Our Herbal Digestive Drench brings together NZ plants, traditional herbs, homeopathy, and seaweed based tonics in a blend that helps stock cope with parasite pressure while strengthening their overall health. Used alongside good grazing management and timed with the full moon if you really want to get the best out of it. It’s a tool that works with nature, not against it.
If you’d like to try our Herbal Digestive Drench on your farm or lifestyle block, get in touch — we’re happy to help you find the right approach for your animals.
