Herbal Remedies

These notes should be used only as a starting point.  If you are interested in using herbs to treat your rabbit, we suggest further research, such as A Modern Horse Herbal, by Hilary Page Self, from which much of this information was collected.

Be sure to consult your vet before embarking on any herbal treatments!

Burdock  The roots (dried or fresh) are used as a digestive aid, as an immune system stimulant for blood disorders, liver and kidney problems, or toxic conditions which result in skin problems.  You can also make a poultice of the root and apply it to wounds to reduce inflamation and speed healing.

Calendula The flowers have antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory qualities.  Use to calm your rabbit when stressed, as a blood tonic, and for urinary infections.  Topically, calendula is used in tincture for cuts and burns and in lotion form to soothe the skin around sore and inflamed eyes.

Celery Seed  Use the seeds and stems as an anti-inflammatory and tonic for digestion, appetite stimulant, and urinary antiseptic.

Chamomile  Use the flowers to calm an upset animal, to relax the GI track, and to soothe inflamed areas.

Cider Vinegar  Yes, it’s not an herb, but we love it, so…  Add a tablespoon or so to the drinking water as a general cure-all when symptoms first appear, such as sneezing or a drippy nose.

Comfrey   There are arguments that comfrey is toxic when injested, so we recommend avoiding it.

Cranberry  Cranberry may be used to help with urinary tract infections.

Dandelion  Use the roots and leaves as a laxative or tonic for liver and kidney problems or blood cleanser.

Echinacea  Use the roots to stimulate the immune system for viral and bacterial infections, and it is used topically in poultices and compresses for skin problems.

Euphrasia (Eyebright)  Use the aerial parts both internally and externally to easy weepy or inflamed eyes.

Lavender  Use the flowers externally as a relaxant or as a stimulant for the circulatory system.

Liquorice  Use the dried root as a laxative or anti-inflammatory, for respiratory problems and gastric ulceration.  Use  with comfrey as a preventative for bloat.

Mint  Use the leaves as a digestive aid and for gas.

Parsley  Use the whole plant as a diuretic or as a digestive tonic.

Rosehips  Use rosehips as a tonic or after long illness.

Rosemary  Use the leaves to calm the g.i. tract, especially if caused by stress, to stimulate circulation or to cleanse the blood.

Salvia (Sage)  Use the leaves for mouth ulcers or infection, especially if the rabbit is not responding to traditional antibiotics.

Tea Tree Oil  Tea tree oil is found in many over-the counter creams and salves.  However, it can be toxic in large doses, and cats have been known to get a bit wobbly after being treated with tea tree oil.  We therefore recommend that you do not use products that contain it for rabbits.

Thyme  Use the leaves and flowers for chest infections, for digestive problems, or as a urinary antiseptic.  May be used externally for skin infections.

Willow  Use the bark and foliage to reduce pain and inflammation.

Yarrow  Use the whole plant for urinary infections, fevers, appetite stimulant, or topically to staunch wounds.