Herbalism for rabbits

Herbalism, also known as herbology, herbal therapy, herbal medicine, botanical medicine, or phytomedicine, is the use of plants for medicinal purposes. It is recognized as a form of alternative medicine.

Risks

As Brennen McKenzie, DVM, writes:

Herbs and dietary supplements are among the most plausible and likely to have real physiologic effects of all CAM therapies. This also means, they are the most likely to have potential risks. As things currently stand, most of these products, particularly herbal remedies, should be viewed as drugs that have not been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy (as pharmaceuticals are) and that are not regulated for quality to any meaningful extent (again, unlike pharmaceuticals). Under these circumstances, there are unknown but potentially significant risks to using these products.

Mint (Mentha)

There are over two dozen species and hundreds of varieties of mint.

Some of the benefits of the herb:

• Digestion: The aroma of mint activates the salivary glands of the mouth as well as the glands which secrete digestive enzymes which facilitate digestion, ease nausea, provide relief from flatulence (gas) and soothe the stomach.
• Respiratory Disorders: The strong aroma of mint can ease nasal congestion and give relief from mild symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory disorders.
• Skin Care: Leaves can be ground into a posder and applied topically to soothe itching and help clear up skin infections. Mint has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that are helpful in treating a variety of conditions.

Further reading

• Colorado House Rabbit Society. (2012). Warning About On-Line Alternative Pet Medicine Site
• VCA Animal Hospitals. (2009). Veterinary Herbal Therapy
• Rise and Shine Rabbitry. (2012). Medicinal Herbs for rabbits

See also

• Homeopathy for rabbits