Medicinal Herbs For Rabbits
Please remember, even with "safe" foods, too much can be a bad thing. Introduce all new food slowly with small amounts. This is not an all inclusive list, and some sources do not agree. We try to use information from the most reliable sources. We will try to update it periodically. If you have a question on a plant, please ask.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ALDUR (Alnus glutinosa) - Swelling
Uses: Green leaves used as a poultice for swellings of breast and legs.
AGRIMONY - This has iron, Vitamins B and K. Digestive problems, Abscesses.
Uses: Make a tea for tonic for digestive system as is a bitter. 1/4 oz of dried herbs in a teapot with 1 point of boiling water, wait ten minutes and then take out leaves and use tea for abscesses.
ALFALFA/LUCERENE- Kidney cleanser, nervine (nerve tonic).
ALMOND (Prunus dulcis) - Skin irritation, Sores, Lung Ailments, Sickly Young.
Uses: Nut kernels and oil. Act as a skin soothing remedy. Treats sores which refuse to heal on young animals and others.and lung ailments. Oil is good for sore eyelids and cracked noses/lips and sore teats in milking animals. Kernels can be fed to young sickly animals - finely grated kernels. One teaspoon of grated almonds given twice daily. For very sick animals, almonds should be blanched (skins removed by dipping in hot water), or fed extracted oil at dose of a few drops of oil in a tablespoon of tepid milk.
ALOE (Aloe communis) - Mastitis, Skin ailments, Eye ulcers, Sores, Tumors.
Uses: As an external lotion. Some controversy over how safe aloe is for internal use (licking). Used for eye ulcers, wounds and sores even tumors.
APPLE (Malus domestica) - Diarrhea, Constipation
Uses: Apple pulp is rich in pectin. It works in either direction, plugging up the bowels when loose or loosening them up if constipated.
ARNICA - Paralysis, Bruising, Stiffness
Uses: POISONOUS as plant so use homeopathic tincture only. For shock - emergency. Only 1-2 drops for small rabbits, 3-4 for large breeds.
ASPARAGUS - Reduces Milk Yieldm, Drys Up Milk In Nursing Does, Diuretic
Uses: Can be used to reduce milk yield. Used to help reduce chance of getting blockages of the kidneys and bladder and also jaundice. Dose is a handful of raw shoots twice daily.
BALM/BEE BALM: see lemon balm
BASIL - Insect Bites, Increases Internal Warmth/Temperature, Nervous Exhaustion, Ringworm, Skin Itch, Retained Placenta/Afterbirth, Eye inflamation
Uses: Leaves can be rubbed on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation. Leaves can also be taken as a warming and uplifting tonic for nervous exhaustion or any cold condition. Mixing the juice with an equal quantity of honey can be used for ringworm and itching skin. An infusion (tea) of Basil combined with Wood Betony can be given immediately after birthing to prevent a retained placenta or afterbirth. Also good for inflammation of the eyes - humans and rabbits. Cautions- do not use essential oil externally or internally during pregnancy. Harvest before flowering.
BILBERRY & BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium, various species) - Diarrhea
Uses: Dried berries (fruits) help relieve diarrhea because they are rich in tannins and pectin.
BIRCH – Chewing, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, diuretic.
Uses: Sticks, twigs, and branches.
BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEEDS – Coat Condition.
Uses: Feed 1-2TBSP per day
BLACK CURRENT - Aids against miscarriage, Dysentery, Fevers, Bladder Problems
Uses: Feed fruit and leaves.
BLACKBERRY – Used for pregnant does, summer cooling, stimulate appetite, diarrhea and safe introductory green for young kits use leaves and fruit.
Uses: The whole plant, fresh or dried.
BLUE COHOSH - Similar to Shepard’s Purse. Birthing trouble, inducing labor, healing after birthing.
Uses: Use sparingly, do not feed to pregnant does, unless to induce labor.
BORAGE – Mild Laxative, Increases milk flow of nursing does, helps with fevers, reduces stress.
Uses: no special notes.
BRAMBLE - Scours, Bacterial Enteritis, Diarrhea
Uses: Leaves. Check that none of the leaves show raspberry mosiac - a disease peculiar to this plant.
BURNET - Astringent, Reduce bleeding
Uses: Put on wounds. Use leaves only. Leaves do not dry well but may be picked in winter as is a hardy creeper. Pick center leaves as outer ones are tough and unpleasant.
CALENDULA (marigold) - Burns, Wounds, Sores, Antiseptic
Uses: This is the HOMEOPATHIC solution. It is safe for rabbits to lick.
CARAWAY - Bronchitis, Respiratory Problems, Colic
Uses: Seed and leave are appetizer and good for colic. Also good for bronchitis and respiratory problems. Best to use young plants as older plants have much less protein.
CARROT (Daucus carota) - Diarrhea
Uses: Use cooked carrots, when they're cooked, carrots may soothe the digestive tract which helps control the diarrhea while also providing nutrients that are lost.
CATNIP - Chronic bronchitis, Calming Effect
Uses: NOT CATMINT.
CELERY - Urinary Antiseptic
Uses: Stalks and tops only. Watch as it increases amount of urine being peed.
CHAMOMILE – Pain relief, calm nervous rabbit, weepy eye (combine with a little honey in a tea/wash or compress).
Uses: Feed the flowers, Make a tea with honey for an eye wash.
CHICKWEED – Anti-inflammatory, healing of cuts, molt, Constipation
Uses: It is full of copper but very laxative so be very careful. Use in a mixed feed when feeding generally. If used as an eye lotion - one handful brewed in 3/4 points of water.Has white flowers and not red like Scarlet Pimpernel (poison) which looks like it.
CHICORY - Gastritis, lack of appetite
CHIVES - Skin Trouble, Infections
Uses: Feed the green stem only.
CLEAVERS/STICKYWEED (Galium aparine) – Healing of cuts, laxative, blood cleanser, abscesses.
Uses: Feed fresh plant. Not all rabbits like it. Feed a small handful of fresh herbs finely cut and mixed with hay twice daily. If used as a poultice, prepare as for Chamomile.
COLTSFOOT – Respiratory expectorant, Appetite Stimulant, Tonic, Laxative.
Uses: As a feed plant, laxative in quantity.
COMFREY – Healing, bone formation, ill rabbits, stressed and weak rabbits, rabbit off feed, source of vitamin A, digestive aid, wool block, boost the immune system, good for the stomach, feed as a general tonic.
Uses: BE CAREFUL. Use with care with dwarfs as it also contains chemicals that can be dangerous as well as being medicinal. Some breeders will use it and some will not. In extreme doses, comfrey can cause diarrhea! This is its effects working too hard and if left unnoticed, the rabbit may dehydrate BUT IT IS SAFE WHEN used with common sense as it possesses "Cholin", a very powerful healing agent. Great herb for sickly, stressed or weakened bunnies. Feed both root and foliage or apply compress externally to bruised or sprained area.
DANDELION – Blood purifying, respiratory ailments, anti-inflammatory, bladder infections, diarrhea, milk flow of nursing does, good treat for does after having a litter.
Uses: You can feed the WHOLE plant, leaves, flower, root. Root is especially nutritious.
ECHINACEA - Immune system stimulant and broad spectrum antibiotic. In the lower doses it’s the stimulant and in higher doses acts as an antibiotic. Anti-inflammatory with anti-viral properties.
ELDER FLOWER – Respiratory expectorant, fevers.
EUCALYPTUS – Dried and powdered, and sprinkled repel fleas.
EYEBRIGHT – Weepy eye wash
FENNEL – Bloating, gas, milk flow of nursing does.
GARLIC – Immunize against disease, antiseptic, antibiotic, bloating and gas, wormer, respiratory expectorant.
Uses: Use VERY sparingly, in extreme cases only. Can cause anemia.
GINGER – Infertility in bucks
GOATS RUE – Milk flow in nursing does
GOLDEN ROD – Anti-inflammatory
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT- Wormer - 10 drops in a gallon of water for 2 weeks, coupled with raw pumpkin seeds this mix should clean out your rabbits.
LAMBS QUARTERS- Wormer (Rabbits generally prefer it younger). Overall good green.
LAVENDER – Mild tranquilizer, circulation problems, nervous stress, exhaustion, induces labor. Use with caution/sparingly/in extreme cases only.
LEMON BALM – Anti-bacterial, antiviral, bloating and gas, diarrhea, reduce stress.
LICORICE – Gastric inflammation, coughs.
LINSEED – Laxative, helps with molting.
MALLOW (Common) - Increases Milk Flow In Does.
MARIGOLD – Bruises, slowly healing wounds, ulcers, skin diseases, digestive problems.
MARJORIM – Coughs, inflammation of mouth, throat. Digestive problems, uterine discomfort, calm nerves
MEADOWSWEET – Weepy eye wash
MILK THISLTE – Helps take ammonia from the blood and protects both the liver and the kidneys, increases milk flow in nursing does
MINT – Firms loose stools, decreases the milk flow of does during weaning, Good herb for treating mastitis. Safe as food for dry does and bucks DO NOT FEED to lactitating does. Used for colds, eye inflammation, liver stimulant, and used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulate bile flow so mint is useful for indigestion, gas and colic. Avoid prolonged use, it can irritate the mucous membranes. Do not give any form of mint to young babies. Should be harvested just before flowering.
MOTHER WART – Weepy eye wash.
NASTURTIUM – Strongly antiseptic.
NETTLES – Increases milk flow in nursing does.
OATS – Digestive problems, diarrhea, kidney and bladder problems. Watch small kits as they may not be able to swallow oats and may actually choke on them.
PARSLEY – Enriches the blood, urinary problems. Roots are used for constipation and obstruction of the intestines. Good for the cure of inflammation of bladder & kidneys, digestive disorders, fertility in bucks, productivity in does.
PAPAYA - Wool block.
PINEAPPLE - Fresh Pineapple cores are good for diarrhea and wool block.
PLANTAIN – antimicrobial, antispasmodic, healing of cuts, respiratory expectorant, fevers, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, lung infections, inflammation, sores, wounds. Safe introduction of young kits to greens.
PURSLANE- Purslane contains more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable plant know of. There was a study where they fed Purslane to rabbits with high cholesterol and it lowered it.
RASPBERRY – Prevention and treatment of kindling problems like retained afterbirth. Improves condition during pregnancy, ensuring speedy and strong birth. Feed during the last two weeks of pregnancy as a great preventive prenatal supplement. Also wonderful cure for digestive ailments including diarrhea, infertility in bucks, fevers, and a safe introductory green for young kits
RED CLOVER – weepy eye
ROSEMARY – Lowers blood pressure, Ideal for exhaustion, weakness, and depression in rabbits. The stems and leaves invigorate the circulation, stimulate the digestion, and are good for cold conditions.
SAGE – Dried and powdered, and sprinkled repel fleas, dry up does who’s kits have been weaned. Reduces lactation when weaning, digestive stimulant and a uterine stimulant. This herb should be used with caution and should be avoided during pregnancy.
SASSAFRASS – Dried and powdered, and sprinkled repel fleas.
SCOTCH PINE – bronchitis, sinusitis, neuralgia, rheumatism.
SHEPHERDS PURSE – Uterine disorders, A strong medicine for diarrhea. Use sparingly.
SORREL – Very cooling and soothing, it is a much cherished treat in the summer.
STRAWBERRY – Whole plant is antiseptic and cooling. Leaves are rich in iron and are supposed to prevent miscarriage. Externally used for inflamed areas, rashes and sore eyes.
THYME – Good for diarrhea The stems and leaves are ideal for a useful as a digestive remedy, warming for stomach ache, chills and associated diarrhea. Expels worms. Harvest before and during flowering in summer discard the woody stems
WILLOW – Intestinal inflammation. Willow twigs and leaves. Useful winter food, easily gathered and stored. Also a pain-reliever and possible natural coccidiostat.
Uses: Green leaves used as a poultice for swellings of breast and legs.
AGRIMONY - This has iron, Vitamins B and K. Digestive problems, Abscesses.
Uses: Make a tea for tonic for digestive system as is a bitter. 1/4 oz of dried herbs in a teapot with 1 point of boiling water, wait ten minutes and then take out leaves and use tea for abscesses.
ALFALFA/LUCERENE- Kidney cleanser, nervine (nerve tonic).
ALMOND (Prunus dulcis) - Skin irritation, Sores, Lung Ailments, Sickly Young.
Uses: Nut kernels and oil. Act as a skin soothing remedy. Treats sores which refuse to heal on young animals and others.and lung ailments. Oil is good for sore eyelids and cracked noses/lips and sore teats in milking animals. Kernels can be fed to young sickly animals - finely grated kernels. One teaspoon of grated almonds given twice daily. For very sick animals, almonds should be blanched (skins removed by dipping in hot water), or fed extracted oil at dose of a few drops of oil in a tablespoon of tepid milk.
ALOE (Aloe communis) - Mastitis, Skin ailments, Eye ulcers, Sores, Tumors.
Uses: As an external lotion. Some controversy over how safe aloe is for internal use (licking). Used for eye ulcers, wounds and sores even tumors.
APPLE (Malus domestica) - Diarrhea, Constipation
Uses: Apple pulp is rich in pectin. It works in either direction, plugging up the bowels when loose or loosening them up if constipated.
ARNICA - Paralysis, Bruising, Stiffness
Uses: POISONOUS as plant so use homeopathic tincture only. For shock - emergency. Only 1-2 drops for small rabbits, 3-4 for large breeds.
ASPARAGUS - Reduces Milk Yieldm, Drys Up Milk In Nursing Does, Diuretic
Uses: Can be used to reduce milk yield. Used to help reduce chance of getting blockages of the kidneys and bladder and also jaundice. Dose is a handful of raw shoots twice daily.
BALM/BEE BALM: see lemon balm
BASIL - Insect Bites, Increases Internal Warmth/Temperature, Nervous Exhaustion, Ringworm, Skin Itch, Retained Placenta/Afterbirth, Eye inflamation
Uses: Leaves can be rubbed on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation. Leaves can also be taken as a warming and uplifting tonic for nervous exhaustion or any cold condition. Mixing the juice with an equal quantity of honey can be used for ringworm and itching skin. An infusion (tea) of Basil combined with Wood Betony can be given immediately after birthing to prevent a retained placenta or afterbirth. Also good for inflammation of the eyes - humans and rabbits. Cautions- do not use essential oil externally or internally during pregnancy. Harvest before flowering.
BILBERRY & BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium, various species) - Diarrhea
Uses: Dried berries (fruits) help relieve diarrhea because they are rich in tannins and pectin.
BIRCH – Chewing, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, diuretic.
Uses: Sticks, twigs, and branches.
BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER SEEDS – Coat Condition.
Uses: Feed 1-2TBSP per day
BLACK CURRENT - Aids against miscarriage, Dysentery, Fevers, Bladder Problems
Uses: Feed fruit and leaves.
BLACKBERRY – Used for pregnant does, summer cooling, stimulate appetite, diarrhea and safe introductory green for young kits use leaves and fruit.
Uses: The whole plant, fresh or dried.
BLUE COHOSH - Similar to Shepard’s Purse. Birthing trouble, inducing labor, healing after birthing.
Uses: Use sparingly, do not feed to pregnant does, unless to induce labor.
BORAGE – Mild Laxative, Increases milk flow of nursing does, helps with fevers, reduces stress.
Uses: no special notes.
BRAMBLE - Scours, Bacterial Enteritis, Diarrhea
Uses: Leaves. Check that none of the leaves show raspberry mosiac - a disease peculiar to this plant.
BURNET - Astringent, Reduce bleeding
Uses: Put on wounds. Use leaves only. Leaves do not dry well but may be picked in winter as is a hardy creeper. Pick center leaves as outer ones are tough and unpleasant.
CALENDULA (marigold) - Burns, Wounds, Sores, Antiseptic
Uses: This is the HOMEOPATHIC solution. It is safe for rabbits to lick.
CARAWAY - Bronchitis, Respiratory Problems, Colic
Uses: Seed and leave are appetizer and good for colic. Also good for bronchitis and respiratory problems. Best to use young plants as older plants have much less protein.
CARROT (Daucus carota) - Diarrhea
Uses: Use cooked carrots, when they're cooked, carrots may soothe the digestive tract which helps control the diarrhea while also providing nutrients that are lost.
CATNIP - Chronic bronchitis, Calming Effect
Uses: NOT CATMINT.
CELERY - Urinary Antiseptic
Uses: Stalks and tops only. Watch as it increases amount of urine being peed.
CHAMOMILE – Pain relief, calm nervous rabbit, weepy eye (combine with a little honey in a tea/wash or compress).
Uses: Feed the flowers, Make a tea with honey for an eye wash.
CHICKWEED – Anti-inflammatory, healing of cuts, molt, Constipation
Uses: It is full of copper but very laxative so be very careful. Use in a mixed feed when feeding generally. If used as an eye lotion - one handful brewed in 3/4 points of water.Has white flowers and not red like Scarlet Pimpernel (poison) which looks like it.
CHICORY - Gastritis, lack of appetite
CHIVES - Skin Trouble, Infections
Uses: Feed the green stem only.
CLEAVERS/STICKYWEED (Galium aparine) – Healing of cuts, laxative, blood cleanser, abscesses.
Uses: Feed fresh plant. Not all rabbits like it. Feed a small handful of fresh herbs finely cut and mixed with hay twice daily. If used as a poultice, prepare as for Chamomile.
COLTSFOOT – Respiratory expectorant, Appetite Stimulant, Tonic, Laxative.
Uses: As a feed plant, laxative in quantity.
COMFREY – Healing, bone formation, ill rabbits, stressed and weak rabbits, rabbit off feed, source of vitamin A, digestive aid, wool block, boost the immune system, good for the stomach, feed as a general tonic.
Uses: BE CAREFUL. Use with care with dwarfs as it also contains chemicals that can be dangerous as well as being medicinal. Some breeders will use it and some will not. In extreme doses, comfrey can cause diarrhea! This is its effects working too hard and if left unnoticed, the rabbit may dehydrate BUT IT IS SAFE WHEN used with common sense as it possesses "Cholin", a very powerful healing agent. Great herb for sickly, stressed or weakened bunnies. Feed both root and foliage or apply compress externally to bruised or sprained area.
DANDELION – Blood purifying, respiratory ailments, anti-inflammatory, bladder infections, diarrhea, milk flow of nursing does, good treat for does after having a litter.
Uses: You can feed the WHOLE plant, leaves, flower, root. Root is especially nutritious.
ECHINACEA - Immune system stimulant and broad spectrum antibiotic. In the lower doses it’s the stimulant and in higher doses acts as an antibiotic. Anti-inflammatory with anti-viral properties.
ELDER FLOWER – Respiratory expectorant, fevers.
EUCALYPTUS – Dried and powdered, and sprinkled repel fleas.
EYEBRIGHT – Weepy eye wash
FENNEL – Bloating, gas, milk flow of nursing does.
GARLIC – Immunize against disease, antiseptic, antibiotic, bloating and gas, wormer, respiratory expectorant.
Uses: Use VERY sparingly, in extreme cases only. Can cause anemia.
GINGER – Infertility in bucks
GOATS RUE – Milk flow in nursing does
GOLDEN ROD – Anti-inflammatory
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT- Wormer - 10 drops in a gallon of water for 2 weeks, coupled with raw pumpkin seeds this mix should clean out your rabbits.
LAMBS QUARTERS- Wormer (Rabbits generally prefer it younger). Overall good green.
LAVENDER – Mild tranquilizer, circulation problems, nervous stress, exhaustion, induces labor. Use with caution/sparingly/in extreme cases only.
LEMON BALM – Anti-bacterial, antiviral, bloating and gas, diarrhea, reduce stress.
LICORICE – Gastric inflammation, coughs.
LINSEED – Laxative, helps with molting.
MALLOW (Common) - Increases Milk Flow In Does.
MARIGOLD – Bruises, slowly healing wounds, ulcers, skin diseases, digestive problems.
MARJORIM – Coughs, inflammation of mouth, throat. Digestive problems, uterine discomfort, calm nerves
MEADOWSWEET – Weepy eye wash
MILK THISLTE – Helps take ammonia from the blood and protects both the liver and the kidneys, increases milk flow in nursing does
MINT – Firms loose stools, decreases the milk flow of does during weaning, Good herb for treating mastitis. Safe as food for dry does and bucks DO NOT FEED to lactitating does. Used for colds, eye inflammation, liver stimulant, and used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulate bile flow so mint is useful for indigestion, gas and colic. Avoid prolonged use, it can irritate the mucous membranes. Do not give any form of mint to young babies. Should be harvested just before flowering.
MOTHER WART – Weepy eye wash.
NASTURTIUM – Strongly antiseptic.
NETTLES – Increases milk flow in nursing does.
OATS – Digestive problems, diarrhea, kidney and bladder problems. Watch small kits as they may not be able to swallow oats and may actually choke on them.
PARSLEY – Enriches the blood, urinary problems. Roots are used for constipation and obstruction of the intestines. Good for the cure of inflammation of bladder & kidneys, digestive disorders, fertility in bucks, productivity in does.
PAPAYA - Wool block.
PINEAPPLE - Fresh Pineapple cores are good for diarrhea and wool block.
PLANTAIN – antimicrobial, antispasmodic, healing of cuts, respiratory expectorant, fevers, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, lung infections, inflammation, sores, wounds. Safe introduction of young kits to greens.
PURSLANE- Purslane contains more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable plant know of. There was a study where they fed Purslane to rabbits with high cholesterol and it lowered it.
RASPBERRY – Prevention and treatment of kindling problems like retained afterbirth. Improves condition during pregnancy, ensuring speedy and strong birth. Feed during the last two weeks of pregnancy as a great preventive prenatal supplement. Also wonderful cure for digestive ailments including diarrhea, infertility in bucks, fevers, and a safe introductory green for young kits
RED CLOVER – weepy eye
ROSEMARY – Lowers blood pressure, Ideal for exhaustion, weakness, and depression in rabbits. The stems and leaves invigorate the circulation, stimulate the digestion, and are good for cold conditions.
SAGE – Dried and powdered, and sprinkled repel fleas, dry up does who’s kits have been weaned. Reduces lactation when weaning, digestive stimulant and a uterine stimulant. This herb should be used with caution and should be avoided during pregnancy.
SASSAFRASS – Dried and powdered, and sprinkled repel fleas.
SCOTCH PINE – bronchitis, sinusitis, neuralgia, rheumatism.
SHEPHERDS PURSE – Uterine disorders, A strong medicine for diarrhea. Use sparingly.
SORREL – Very cooling and soothing, it is a much cherished treat in the summer.
STRAWBERRY – Whole plant is antiseptic and cooling. Leaves are rich in iron and are supposed to prevent miscarriage. Externally used for inflamed areas, rashes and sore eyes.
THYME – Good for diarrhea The stems and leaves are ideal for a useful as a digestive remedy, warming for stomach ache, chills and associated diarrhea. Expels worms. Harvest before and during flowering in summer discard the woody stems
WILLOW – Intestinal inflammation. Willow twigs and leaves. Useful winter food, easily gathered and stored. Also a pain-reliever and possible natural coccidiostat.