Safe Herbs List For Rabbits & Guinea-pigs
Herbs contain too much calcium?
Herbs contain essential minerals that are needed by the body. Normally excesses are not an issue due to the 80% water content of the herbs which dilutes the calcium. However, when hardly any fresh food is fed, the calcium is not diluted and can accumulate in the organs. As long as the diet is rich in fresh foods, herbs are completely harmless and are necessary to the diet. They have a high content of phytochemicals which stabilises digestion and a high vitamin and mineral content which is needed in the diet. Herbs contain essential oils which are needed for healthy digestion and healthy airways.
Safe Herbs
The Herbs in this list are common in supermarkets, however if you grow your own herbs then you will have a much wider choice beyond this list. You can easily grow some of these on the windowsill if you don’t have a garden.
Basil - Basil is good for worming, is anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, stimulates the appetite and is good for the digestion.
Dill - Dill is also appetite stimulating and anti-spasmodic, is great for upset stomachs and well liked.
Tarragon - Tarragon is kidney stimulating and good for worming and digestion.
Coriander - Coriander is also good for digestion and has an anti-spasmodic effect.
Cress - Cress stimulates the appetite, is good for the digestion and has a blood purifying effect.
Oregano - Oregano has an anti-bacterial effect, soothes the digestion, is anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating and purifies the blood. Should be fed regularly.
Parsley - Parsley is very popular, anti-spasmodic, digestion soothing and blood purifying.
Mint - The mint family (including lemon balm) is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating, germicidal, antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-convulsant. They also have a calming effect, soothe the digestion and promote blood circulation!
Rosemary - Rosemary stimulates the appetite and kidneys, enhances the circulation, is anti-fungal, helps with wound healing and is good for the digestion.
Sage - Sage also promotes the appetite and is good for the digestion. It is an astringent, anti-bacterial, germicidal, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antispasmodic and analgesic.
Thyme - Thyme is antispasmodic, bile-promoting, anti-inflammatory, good for the digestion and against coccidia, antibacterial, soothing, hemostatic, disinfecting, fungicidal and analgesic. Thyme should be fed regularly.
Chives - Chives can be eaten in small quantities in an ad libitum diet and given in a good mix of herbs. In small amounts chives are safe and have many health promoting properties. They will be eaten as needed with this type of diet and are appetite stimulating, antiviral, good for the digestion and against worms. Chives also have antibiotic properties, help prevent cancer and boost the immune system.
