Muddy benefits

By Christine Tailer
HCP columnist 

I have been thankful that the water trough down by the pasture has not frozen these past few days. I've not had to undertake any special maneuvers to water my little herd, but I'm not really sure that thankful is the best word to use. Mud has returned to the creek valley.

Greg and I know how to take off our chore boots, or wipe our feet, when we return inside the cabin, but our dear dog does not. Muddy paw prints decorate the wooden floors. She loves to run across the fields and plow through muddy runs and puddles. She delights in the spray of mud-colored droplets that spread in her wake. Often, she’ll return inside house and only then, wiggle her body from nose to tail, happily shaking muddy water everywhere. Sometimes, she runs up to me, sits at my feet, and places a muddy paw on my leg, begging ever so properly for me to give her a treat. Sadly, when I taught her such manners, I did not envision wearing mud-encrusted pant.

Last week, I wore my quilted overhauls. This week, I am wearing my mud protection gear, a pair of rubberized rain pants. I have even considered wearing them inside the house, for our dear dog can come and go as she pleases through her doggie door. My mud protective pants would work just as well inside as outside, and then at the end of the day, when I'd finally take them off, I'd be wonderfully mud-free.

I really don't care for mud season, but being the glass-is-half-full kind of person that I am, I decided to give mud the benefit of the doubt. I settled in to do some research and see if mud might have some redeeming values.

I should have realized, that much like walking across snow covered ground, walking through slippery mud causes us to engage our core muscles, far more than when we walk on solid, dry surfaces. Well now, this is a good thing! This time of year, my muddy chores and creek walks will give me an even better workout. No need to pay for a gym membership living here in the creek valley.

I also have no need to join a spa. My research revealed that mud therapy, the practice of applying mud to our skin, is believed to both draw toxins out of our bodies and rejuvenate our skin. This is due to mud's mineral-rich content. I learned that mud from various parts of the world contains different minerals, has thus has differing therapeutic effects. Mud from the Dead Sea is particularly prized due to its high potassium content.

Well, all right. All I need to do is remove my mud protective rain pants and let my dog splatter me with our creek valley mud. I will be rejuvenated. I might even invite everyone, yes dear reader, you are included, down to the creek to join me in enjoying these muddy benefits. I was curious, however, just which specific minerals were present in our creek valley mud, and which specific benefits we might enjoy.

I learned that the valley's limestone bedrock results in alkaline souls that are rich in calcium and magnesium. Calcium facials are said to improve skin texture and tone, enhance hydration, and support cell regeneration. This is awesome. Magnesium facials help detoxify the skin, and remove excess oil and impurities, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion. This is absolutely wonderful! Thus, it has occurred to me to start doing my mud season chores dressed in a tank top and shorts, but only after I've smeared a good coating of mud across my cheeks and forehead.

I was all set to start my new muddy chore routine, but I checked the morning temperature before I stepped outside. It was still only 36°, though the by the late afternoon the high would climb to 62°, but alas. My chores could not wait until late afternoon. The cattle stood patiently at their gate. The goats bleated by the feeder. 

The horses ran up and down the fence line. It seemed that my more radiant complexion would have to be put on hold, though if any of you should care to stop by and indulge in some creek valley mud, I have plenty to spare. Feel free to bring home a bucket or two to use at your leisure. I'll be glad to show you to the muddiest spots. I know them well.

Christine Tailer is an attorney and former city dweller who moved several years ago, with her husband, Greg, to an off-grid farm in south-central Ohio. Visit them on the web at straightcreekvalleyfarm.com.