Two Hunnyz Rabbitry

Family: Rosaceae                                                   

A safe food for even young animals. Agrimony has been used in Veterinary medicine for its haemostatic and alterative properties. Sheep and goats eat it, too.

Constituents: Coumarins; flavanoids including apigenin and quercitin; glycosidal bitter; nicotinic acid; silicic acid; iron; vitamins B & K; essential oils.

Actions: Astringent, tonic, diuretic, vulnerary, cholagogue.

Family: Rosaceae 

Used for a variety of intestinal disturbances and conditions affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Powerful heart tonic. Strengthener of the stomach and intestines. Cleanser of the liver and spleen.

Constituents: Essential oils with gein and eugenol; tannins; bitter principles; flavone; resin; organic acids.

Actions: Astringent, styptic; diaphoretic; aromatic.

Family: Boraginaceae 

Powerful tonic and nervine. Borage is rich in calcium, phosphorous and mineral salts. The seeds are a rich source of GLA. Borage is particularly useful when fed during drug treatment, recovery and periods of stress as it acts on the adrenal cortex, restoring and reviving the function of this important gland. Will greatly increase milk flow. Used externally for general eye ailments and as a ringworm remedy.

Constituents: Saponins; mucilage; tannins; essential oil.

Actions: Diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, galactagogue.

Family: Compositae 

Calendula flowers are a safe food  for rabbits. They are tonic and a good heart medicine, having restorative powers over the arteries and veins. Makes miserable and fretting animals cheerful. Sought out by goats and sheep. Reduces muscle tension and spasm. Promotes wound healing and stops bleeding. Calendula ointment, cream and gel are good for rabbits with sore skin; the ointment being water resistant and useful for paws, the gel and cream are more easily absorbed into the skin.

Constituents: Triterpenes; carotenoids; saponins; flavanoids.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, mucilage, antiseptic, antifungal.

Family: Caryophllacae                                            

Not a great favorite as a green food, but can be safely fed in small amounts and is particularly valuable for dry, itchy skin conditions when used externally. Highly tonic food for the digestive system. Chickweed is very high in calcium with a Ca:P of 3:1. One of the few edible herbs rich in copper.

Constituents: Saponins; coumarins; flavanoids; triterpenoids; carboxylic acids; vitamin C; calcium.

Actions: Anti-rheumatic, vulnerary, emollient, astringent and stops itching.

Family: Rubiaceae
Also called Goose Grass or Sweetheart Plant

A useful tonic and astringent, but the seed pods can get tangled in long coats and should not be fed. Cleavers has a long history of medicinal use, human and veterinary. Particularly valuable in a wide range of problems which involve the lymphatic system and in dry skin conditions.

Constituents: Iridoid coumarins including glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid, citric acid.

Actions: Diuretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, astringent, may inhibit and combat development of tumours.

Family: Compositae 

A safe plant to feed, much loved by guinea pigs. Aids in coughs and pneumonia. Do not over-feed as Coltsfoot contains alkaloids.

Constituents: Flowers- Mucin; flavanoids rutin and carotene; taraxanthin; rnidiol and faridiol; tannin; essential oil. Leaves- Mucin; tannin; glycosidal bitter principle; inulin; sitosterol; useful levels of zinc.

Actions: Expectorant, anti-tussive, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic.

Family: Rubiaceae 

A useful plant, but must not be fed to excess due to the alkaloids it contains. The young shoots are especially nutritious. Aids internal hemorrhage, including uterine. Amazing ability to aid a speedy and firm uniting of fractured surfaces- skin wounds and bones. It encourages the natural healing process and speeds formation of new bone cells, probably due to the allantoin, known to promote granulation and the making of epithelial cells, and the powerful healing agent choline.

Constituents: Mucilage; gum; allantoin; tannins; saponins; pyrrolizidine alkaloids; phenolic acids, including rosmarine, cholergenic and caffeic; choline; resin; volatile oil.

Actions: Vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, expectorant.

Family: Compositae 

Powerful nervine properties not excelled by any other plant. Valuable tonic and digestive aid. Mildly laxative.

Constituents:

Actions:

Family: Gramicea 

The threads that lie between the corn cob and the outer leaves are not only good food for rabbits and cavies, but are also a valuable herbal remedy for the urinary tract. The soft, brown, dried, fibers can also be used as bedding.

Constituents: Saponins; sterols; polyphenols.

Actions: Increases urine production, soothes internal body surfaces.

Family: Compositae 

One of the most valuable plants known to the herbalist. Blood cleansing and tonic, it has an important effect on the hepatic system. The leaves strengthen the enamel of teeth. Goats graze well on it, too. The presence of potassium makes dandelion a very balanced diuretic, but it should not be fed in large amounts due to its laxative properties.

Constituents: Glycosides triterpenoids; choline; up to 5% potassium; sesquiterpene lactones; bitter principle; taraxin; triterpines including taraxol and stigmasterol; phenolic acids; polysaccharides; carotenoids.

Actions: Diuretic, cholagogue, laxative, anti-rheumatic, tonic.

Family: Compositae

A native plant of North America where it is grazed by most animals and considered by the indigenous peoples to be their most valuable medicinal herb.

Constituents: Volatile oil; glycosides; echinaceine; phenolics.

Actions: Anti-microbial, alterative.

Family: Caprifoliaceae 

The flowers are beneficial in the cure of almost all common ailments in animals. Very cooling. The dried, powdered leaves act as an external insecticide. Do not feed the leaves or bark. The raw berries are unsuitable for herbivores, although the extract is a rich source of vitamin C.

Constituents: Flavanoids; volatile oil; phenolic acid; triterpenes; sterols; mucilage; tannins.

Actions: Diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic.

Family: Compositae 

Known also as Inula. Valuable as a food for its inulin content. Inulin is a fructo-oligo-saccharide (fos) which acts as a prebiotic. Elecampane root is a good source of calcium with a high Ca:P ratio. Used in human herbal medicine in cough preparations and by the Romans as a digestive.

Constituents: Inulin; volatile oil; saponins; sterol.

Actions: Digestive, expectorant, induces sweating, antiseptic.

Family: Umbelliferae 

Sweet Fennel is a valuable food for rabbits. An excellent vegetable for lactating Does and sows as it increases milk production. Produces an abundance of sweet milk in dairy animals, too. Fennel is an important medicinal plant possessing highly antiseptic and tonic properties. For digestive ailments including colic, constipation, fever and worms.

Constituents: Volatile oil; flavanoids; coumarin.

Actions: Stimulates and soothes the stomach, relieves wind, galactagogue.

Family: Leguminosae 

Fenugreek benefits cases of diabetes in rabbits and rats and helps protect the liver. The seeds have powerful disinfectant and emollient lubricant properties. An important appetizer and great fattening herb in cases of wasting. Rich in vitamins, including E. High in nitrates, calcium and phosphorous. Seeds should not be fed during pregnancy other than to stimulate delayed labor.

Constituents: Volatile oil; alkaloids; saponins; vitamins A, B1 and C; mucilage; protein and minerals.

Actions: Stimulates uterine contractions, lactation and appetite, encourages weight gain.

Family: Lilacae

Garlic is one of the most effective anti-microbial plants available, acting on bacteria, viruses and alimentary parasites. It supports the development of natural bacterial gut flora whilst killing pathogenic organisms. A general cleansing and protective herb. Supreme immunizer of stock against infectious disease. Used externally, diluted garlic juice is a useful wound wash and a few drops added to drinking water will help prevent infection and act as a mild wormer. Garlic juice diluted 1:10 in water, use on areas where a rabbit has become soiled to encourage the rabbit to clean itself. A fertility herb for both sexes. *Do not use garlic every day. Only when there is need to combat or prevent disease organisms. Long term use of garlic has been reported as causing a form of anemia in dogs.*

Constituents: Volatile oil containing sulfur compounds, particularly alliin which converts to allicin and then aloen when a clove is crushed; geraniol and linalool; mucilage; glucokinin; germanium; crotonaldehyde.

Actions: Antiseptic, anti-viral, diaphoretic, cholagogue, febrifuge, vermifuge, hypotensive, antispasmodic.

Family: Leguminosae 

Goat's Rue is the most powerful of all herbs for increasing milk supply and it may also stimulate the development of the mammary glands.

Constituents: Alkaloid saponins; flavone glycosides; bitters; tannin.

Actions: Reduces blood sugar, galactogogue, diuretic, diaphoretic.

Family: Compositae 

Golden Rod is enjoyed by rabbits and guinea pigs for its aromatic, pleasant taste. Useful to disguise disagreeable taste of other herbs. In addition, it grows back thicker when the tops are harvested. A wonderfully aromatic plant, Golden Rod adds taste and flavor to fresh herb salads. A digestive aid. Used externally and internally to induce sweating. Externally to stop bleeding of wounds.

Constituents: Saponins; essential oil; bitter principle; tannins; flavanoids.

Actions: Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carmative, diuretic.

Family: Labitae 

A safe food for rabbits and guinea pigs. Lemon Balm has a calming action and is good for the digestive system. Strong tonic properties.

Constituents: Volatile oils; flavanoids; polyphenols.

Actions: Soothing, sedative, promotes sweating, increases milk yield, prevents miscarriage.

Family: Malvaceae     

The whole plant is edible and has a long history of use. Used in the pharmaceutical industry, Marshmallow root is particularly valuable in inflammation of the mouth, throat, digestive and urinary tracts. It can also be used externally. Marshmallow is high in calcium with a high Ca:P ration and good vitamin C content.

Constituents: Root- 25-35% mucilage; tannins' pectins; asparagine; quercitin and kaempferol; phenolic acids such as salicylic acid. Leaf- Mucilage; flavanoids; essential oil.

Actions: Root- Demulcent, diuretic, emollient, vulnerary. Leaf- Demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, emollient.

Family: Rosaceae 

A good Spring tonic. Natural source of salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. An important fever and diarrhea herb. Meadowsweet's tannins and other ingredients act to protect the lining of the stomach and intestines against ulceration. It acts to reduce acidity in the stomach, which in turn helps reduce acidity levels in the rest of the body. Eaten plentifully by sheep and goats.Unsuitable for people and animals sensitive to aspirin.

Constituents: Flavanol and phenolic glycosides; volatile oil; polyphenols.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, astringent, diuretic, eases stomach pain.

Family: Leguminosae

An important tonic herb and anti-colic. Liked by all animals and should be encouraged in pastures. For treatment of most stomach and intestinal disorders. Should be used immediately or dried if harvested as it is toxic if spoiled.

Constituents: Flavanoids; coumarins; tannins; volatile oil; melilotic acid.

Actions: Mildly sedative, antispasmodic.

Family: Compositae 

In herbal medicine the seeds are used, but the whole plant can be fed to rabbits and cavies. A safe food for all ages, but particularly nursing Does and sows. Only the leaves and softer young stems should be fed as animals normally refuse the harder stems. Very tonic. For treatment of debility and female complaints.

Constituents: Flavones silybum, silydianin and silychristin; essential oils; bitter principles; mucilage.

Actions: Cholagogue, galactagogue, demulcent.

Family: Urticacea 

When dried, nettles loose their sting. One of the richest sources of chlorophyll in the vegetable kingdom. Excellent forage being rich in iron, lime, sodium and chlorine. It is a preventative against many contagious ailments, also a worm preventative. Increases milk yield. A long famed fattener of poultry. Also aids poor appetite. Nettle hay is particularly valuable to rabbits and cavies as food, especially for convalescent stock. It must, however, be carefully dried and free from mold. As well as being high in protein and iron, nettles are said to be useful in cases of poor elimination such as eczema, rheumatism and arthritis. Nettles have as extremely high calcium level and a good Ca:P ration. Nettles are a good source of silica which can help keep the rabbit and guinea pigs fur and bones in good condition.

Constituents: Indoles including histamine and seratonin; formic acid; acetylcholine; chlorophyll; glucoquinine; iron; silica; potassium; vitamins A (15,700 IU per 100gm dried herb) & C (83 mg/100gm dried herb).

Actions: Astringent, diuretic, tonic.

Family: Umbelliferea 

A great enricher of the blood, being rich in iron and copper. Important in the treatment of all ailments of the urinary system, female and rheumatic ailments. Parsley is a stimulant for both Bucks and Does, which when fed ten days prior to and during mating will increase the egg and sperm count, resulting in larger litters. Breeders may find this of help if they have a Doe who has previously only produced one or two large Kits. Those already producing large litters might be better to avoid parsley during breeding. Well liked by sheep and goats. Improves milk yield. *Parsley should be avoided in high doses until later in pregnancy as it is also a womb stimulant*

Constituents: Essential oil including apiol, myristicin, limonene, eugenol, pinene and terpinene; vitamins A & C; flavanoids including apiin, lueolin and glycosides of apigenin and luteolin; starch.

Actions: Diuretic, relieves wind, reduces muscle tension and spasm, galactogogue, carminative, aperient.

Family: Plantaginaceae  

Both Greater and Lesser Plantain are valuable green foods for rabbits. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals when fed fresh and are good healing plants for a range of conditions used both internally and externally. In Germany, Plantain is the herb of choice for scouring. Psyllium is the name of the Plantain seeds and husk used both as a laxative and to combat diarrhea. The whole plant yields a soothing mucilage similar to Linseed. Goats and sheep enjoy its foliage, poultry its seeds.

Constituents: Glycosides including aucubin; mucilage; cholergenic; ursolic and silicic acids; flavanoids including apigenin, luteolin, scutellarin and baicalein; tannins; inorganic fumaric and benzoic acids.

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, astringent, and diuretic.

Family: Rosaceae 

As well as strengthening and toning the tissue of the womb, Raspberry leaf is typically taken during the last third of pregnancy's duration to help ease labor and support lactation. The foliage possesses a very active principle called fragrine, which exerts powerful influence on the pelvic muscles especially during parturition. Improves condition during pregnancy ensuring speedy and strong expulsion at birth. Raspberry becomes especially potent for female use when blended with Feverfew at a 3:1 ratio. Also an acclaimed tonic for all male animals. A cure for sterility. Highly tonic and cleansing. Its astringent action (like blackberry leaves) in cases of diarrhea. Raspberry leaf is also good for mouth and throat problems.

Raspberry leaves have an extremely high calcium level and a very high Ca:P ration. As well as high levels of vitamins A & C. Most forages contain manganese, but Raspberry leaves contain more than any other herb at 14.6mg per 100gm dried herb. Manganese deficiency can lead to bone abnormalities and retarded growth because manganese is required for the formation of the mucopolysaccharide which forms the organic matrix of bone.

Constituents: Flavanoids including kaempferol and quercetin; polypeptides; fragrine; tannins; fructose; volatile oil; pectin; citric and malic acids.

Actions: Astringent, toning, cooling and parturient.

Family: Leguminoseae 

Rabbits enjoy all clovers. One of the most useful internal remedies for chronic skin conditions. Possible anti-neoplastic action in animals. The whole plant is a sedative. Treatment of general debility and infertility. Clover hay is a valuable feed to help animals through molt, but it must be kept dry and in good condition as mold in the clover family can be particularly toxic. Red Clover flowers are powerfully tonic and have an extremely high calcium level and very high Ca:P ration. They also contain high levels of vitamins A & C. *Mold in plants of the Clover family can be particularly toxic.*

Constituents: Phenolic glycosides; isoflavones; flavanoids; coumarins; cyanogenic glycosides.

Actions: Alterative, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, stimulates nutrition and elimination, dermatological agent, reduces muscle tension and spasm, sedative.

Family: Rosaceae 

Rosehips are a good natural source of vitamins A, C and bioflavanoids. Rabbits should have the cut shells of Rosehips, not chopped whole or the whole Rosehips themselves. Rosehip powder is a valuable syringe feed ingredient for all small herbivores which normally synthesize their own vitamin C but may need extra during times of illness or stress. In addition to being a good source of dietary and crude fibers, Rosehips also have a good calcium content and Ca:P ratio.

Constituents: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and K; flavanoids; tannins; invert sugar; pectin; plant acids; polyphenols; carotenoids; volatile oil; vanillin.

Actions: Astringent, mildly diuretic, reduces thirst and alleviates gastric inflammation.

Family: Crucifereae 

An excellent astringent herb and safe food. Shepherd's Purse is a useful first aid measure to help prevent excessive post-partum bleeding, although if there is any doubt about an animals condition, veterinary help should be sought immediately. Shepherd's Purse has a good Ca:P ration.

Constituents: Tyramine; choline; acetylcholine; tannin; essential oil; resin; saponins; flavanoids; polypeptides; fumaric and bursic acids; glucosinolates; diosmine; potassium.

Actions: Uterine stimulant, diuretic, astringent.

Family: Compositae 

A valuable urinary antiseptic. Can be used externally to help heal wound. Yarrow is often planted in permanent pasture for its medicinal properties and is good rabbit food when young and tender. Treatment of all fevers. A famed wound herb to stop excess bleeding. Yarrow has a good level of calcium and a good to high Ca:P ratio.

Constituents: Up to 0.5% volatile oil containing azulene; flavanoids including apigenin and rutin; tannins; a bitter alkaloid.

Actions: Diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, febrifuge.

Family: Valerianaceae 

Valerian is a safe, non-addictive relaxant that reduces tension and promotes restful sleep. Its effect is sedative without being narcotic. Its relaxant properties are particularly useful for easing over-contracted shoulder and neck muscles, in asthma, colic and muscle spasm.

Constituents: Volatile oils; iridoids; alkaloids; resin; valeric acid.

Actions: Sedative, relaxant, relieves anxiety, anti-spasmodic, lowers blood pressure, febrifuge, vermifuge.

Vintage botanical images from: "Flora von Deutshcland Osterreich und der Schweiz" (1885) by Otto Wilhelm Thome.
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