Borage (Borago officinalis)
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.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
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.
"Dandelion is an excellent food given fresh in unlimited quantities. Fermenting or wilted plants can cause bloat. Dandelions are one of the most nutritious food plants for rabbits. Being rich in protein and poor in fiber. The digestibility percentage is high at an estimated 70%. Well known for it's curative powers. The bitter milky sap stimulates the working of all glands, including the milk glands of lactating does. The plant has both laxative and astringent qualities and regulates constipation and diarrhea.
Dandelion is good for many things in people and can be used for rabbits with these problems also: preventing osteoporosis (for the old bunny), bladder infections, lactating, liver problems, swelling, tonsillitis, warts, and pneumonia.
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.
Dill
Increases milk production, increases appetite, increases intestinal health. Leaves work, but seeds are stronger. Sprinkling of seeds over pellets.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
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.
Goat's Rue (Galega officinale)
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.
Nettles (Urtica dioica)
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

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.
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