For your interest, I have included photographs showing the herbs, I have listed their common names as well as the botanical one, information regarding the nutrients they contain and the benefits they may provide. This information is a general guide. Herbs should only be a small part of your cavies diet and should be gradually introduced. I hope that this post will inspire you to research further and learn more about these fantastic plants. If you intend to use the herbs for yourself or your animals I also recommend checking with your doctor and/or vet for further information and advice.
~ Anise ~ Perennial Coriander ~ Chervil ~ Burdock ~ Dill ~ Plantago Major ~
~ Cleavers ~ Dandelion ~ Fennel ~ Calendula ~ Endive ~ Comfrey ~ Kale ~ Oregano ~
~ Nasturtium ~ Roman Chamomile ~ Yarrow ~ Sweet Violet ~ Lovage ~ Borage ~
~ Basil ~ Cat Grass ~ Mint ~ Parsley ~ Strawberry ~ Coriander ~
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| Anise, Perennial Coriander, Chervil. |
Anise
Pimpinella anisum
Contains calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese zinc and magnesium. It also contains good amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. The seeds are an excellent source of many essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin.
It has a sweet, aromatic taste that resembles black licorice. It is an anti-spasmodic that is helpful to ease cramps, coughs, aches, diarrhea, nervous afflictions and convulsions. It is also antimicrobial, antiseptic and has narcotic effects that make it useful to treat anxiety, insomnia and stress. It is an expectorant that can ease respiratory conditions, can stimulate circulation and helps promote digestion.
Contains calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese zinc and magnesium. It also contains good amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. The seeds are an excellent source of many essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin.
It has a sweet, aromatic taste that resembles black licorice. It is an anti-spasmodic that is helpful to ease cramps, coughs, aches, diarrhea, nervous afflictions and convulsions. It is also antimicrobial, antiseptic and has narcotic effects that make it useful to treat anxiety, insomnia and stress. It is an expectorant that can ease respiratory conditions, can stimulate circulation and helps promote digestion.
Perennial Coriander / Sawtooth Coriander / Thai Coriander / Culantro
Eryngium foetidum
Rich in iron, carotene, riboflavin and calcium.
Used to treat diarrhea, flu, fevers, chills, vomiting, diabetes, constipation, stomach pain, hypertension, headache, earache, asthma, arthritis, malaria and epilepsy.
Rich in iron, carotene, riboflavin and calcium.
Used to treat diarrhea, flu, fevers, chills, vomiting, diabetes, constipation, stomach pain, hypertension, headache, earache, asthma, arthritis, malaria and epilepsy.
Chervil / Cicily / Gourmet's Parsley
Anthriscus cerefolium
A great source of fiber, magnesium, selenium, potassium, manganese, calcium and many vitamins including vitamin B. It is also a good source of vitamin C and beta carotene.
It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is also a diuretic.It can benefit circulation, treat varicose veins, improve hemorrhoids, lower high blood pressure and relieve the symptoms of cold or flu.
It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is also a diuretic.It can benefit circulation, treat varicose veins, improve hemorrhoids, lower high blood pressure and relieve the symptoms of cold or flu.
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| Burdock, Dill, Plantago Major. |
Burdock
Arctium lappa
Rich in calcium, falvinoids, chlorogenic acid, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin and taraxosterol. Significant amounts of fiber. Contains phytosterols and essential fatty acids.
It is a diuretic, diaphoretic and blood purifying agent. It can be used to treat rheumatism, ulcers, gout, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to improve hair strength, shine and body as well as promoting a healthy scalp and increasing hair growth.
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Contains vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as trace amounts of folate, iron, and manganese. It contains monoterpenes like limonene, carvone, and anethofuran, as well as flavonoids like vicenin and kaempferol. It also has antibacterial properties and can help to fight of both internal and external infections.
It aids digestion, bone health and the immune system. It can be used to treat insomnia, diabetes, dysentery, arthritis and respiratory disorders. It increases strength and urination, it is carminative, antispasmodic and anti-flatulent as well as stimulating lactation and endocrinal secretions. It enhances the libido and helps to freshen breath.
Plantago Major / Plantain / Ribwort
Plantago Major
High in vitamins A, C and K as well as calcium.
The root, leaves and flowers can all be eaten. It is used to treat skin issues, urogenital tract disorders, respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal tract disorders, blood system disorders, problems of the nervous system, cardiovascular system disorders and rheumatism. It can help to stimulate the immune system.
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| Cleavers, Dandelion, Bronze Fennel. |
Cleavers
Galium aparine
Contain organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid.
It is an effective diuretic making it useful for helping to rid the kidneys and bladder of gravel and stones, clearing infections and inflammation in the genitourinary system and alleviating prostate disorders. It can also soothe the gastrointestinal tract and help clear skin irritations.
It is an effective diuretic making it useful for helping to rid the kidneys and bladder of gravel and stones, clearing infections and inflammation in the genitourinary system and alleviating prostate disorders. It can also soothe the gastrointestinal tract and help clear skin irritations.
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Very high source of beta-carotene.Rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Also contains B complex vitamins, trace minerals, organic sodium, and vitamin D. Even contains more protein than spinach. The whole plant contains high levels of antioxidants.
It has been eaten for thousands of years. The leaves, flowers, and roots are all edible. It has a slightly bitter flavor that can be minimized by cooking and by harvesting in the fall or spring. It is a great addition to salad and can be used to treat anemia, scurvy, skin problems, blood disorders, and depression.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Rich in vitamin B3, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and fiber.
All parts are edible including the roots, stems, leaves and seeds.It is antibacterial and antiviral. It contains phytoestrogens and promotes lactation. It is carminative by nature helping to prevent gas and ease bloating. It benefits eyesight and has been found to help animals with glaucoma. It also helps to freshen breath, prevent gout, ease nausea and is a diuretic. It deters fleas but attracts butterflies.
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| Calendula, Endive, Comfrey. |
Calendula / Pot Marigold
Calendula officinalis
The flower contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, including carotenoids and lycopene.
It can be used to treat sore throats and mouths, ease menstrual cramps as well as stomach and duodenal ulcers. It is most widely known for its topical applications for healing wounds and ulcers. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, anti-fungal, antiviral, and immuno-stimulant properties. It also repels many common garden pests.
The flower contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage, including carotenoids and lycopene.
It can be used to treat sore throats and mouths, ease menstrual cramps as well as stomach and duodenal ulcers. It is most widely known for its topical applications for healing wounds and ulcers. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, anti-fungal, antiviral, and immuno-stimulant properties. It also repels many common garden pests.
Endive / Sugarloaf
Chicorium endiva
It contains vitamin A, K and C. Endive is high in fiber, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, thiamin, potassium and folic acid, vitamin B5, B6 and B3. It also contains essential amino acids, fiber and fats.
It is an effective tonic for digestion and is also used to treat fever. It can be used to help treat asthma, skin diseases, bloat, gall-stones, stomach irritations and urinary tract diseases. It is an immunity system booster.
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Known to contain proteins, mucilage, steroidal saponins, tannins, pyrolizidine alkaloids, inulin.
It is both a vulnerary and an astringent, so it is useful to heal minor wounds both internal and external. It can ease upset stomachs including those with ulcers, ease persistent coughs, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and sore throats. It is also great to add to the compost to induce decomposition of materials.
Known to contain proteins, mucilage, steroidal saponins, tannins, pyrolizidine alkaloids, inulin.
It is both a vulnerary and an astringent, so it is useful to heal minor wounds both internal and external. It can ease upset stomachs including those with ulcers, ease persistent coughs, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and sore throats. It is also great to add to the compost to induce decomposition of materials.
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| Dwarf Blue Curled Kale, Tuscan Kale, Red Russian Kale. |
Kale / Borecole
Brassica oleracea acephala
Rich in vitamin A, K and C. It is a source of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Kale also contains potassium, Vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, calcium, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
It freezes well and tastes sweeter and stronger after frost. It is filled with powerful antioxidants and is great for cardiovascular support. It is also a fantastic detox food and assists in maintaining a healthy liver.
Rich in vitamin A, K and C. It is a source of two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Kale also contains potassium, Vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, calcium, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
It freezes well and tastes sweeter and stronger after frost. It is filled with powerful antioxidants and is great for cardiovascular support. It is also a fantastic detox food and assists in maintaining a healthy liver.
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| Variegated Oregano, Empress of India Nasturtium, Roman Chamomile. |
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
An excellent source of vitamin K, oregano also contains manganese, iron and calcium. It is a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
The oils in oregano inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is very effective against Giardia, MRSA, Listeria and Staphylococcus Areus.The antioxidants it contains prevent oxygen-based damage to cells throughout the body. It can help reduce the risk of colon cancer and may also be beneficial for metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.The high carvacrol concentration encourages sweat production assisting in detox and reducing phlegm in the lungs.
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Rich in vitamin C and also a natural antibiotic. They also contain iron.
An ornamental plant with edible flowers, leaves and buds. Helpful for easing the symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTI's), swollen airways, coughs, colds, flu's and bronchitis. Also used to help treat bladder and kidney ailments and as a hair-growth supplement.
Roman Chamomile / English Chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
The primary benefits come from its daisy-like flowers, which contain volatile oils (including bisabolol, oxides A and B, and matricin) as well as flavonoids (particularly a compound called apinegin) and other therapeutic substances.
It is used to treat digestive disorders, anxiety, morning sickness and painful menstrual periods. It is also used for pain and swelling of the lining of the nose and mouth, sinusitis and joint disorders.
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| Red Yarrow, Sweet Violet, Wooly Yarrow. |
Yarrow / Bloodwort
Achillea millefolium
It contains tannins and flavinoids that enhance vitamin C absorption,
Yarrow is known to repel beetles ants, and flies. It is helpful in relieving fevers and due to its bacteria fighting abilities it can shorten the duration of cold and flu. It also helps improve relaxation during sickness and can alleviate cramping from illness or hormones. It is a decongestant, astringent and expectorant. It's anti-inflammatory properties make it popular for treating arthritis. It also improves digestion and promotes good appetite.
It contains tannins and flavinoids that enhance vitamin C absorption,
Yarrow is known to repel beetles ants, and flies. It is helpful in relieving fevers and due to its bacteria fighting abilities it can shorten the duration of cold and flu. It also helps improve relaxation during sickness and can alleviate cramping from illness or hormones. It is a decongestant, astringent and expectorant. It's anti-inflammatory properties make it popular for treating arthritis. It also improves digestion and promotes good appetite.
Avoid giving yarrow to pregnant sows as it does have a history of being used as an abortifacient and stimulating uterine contractions.
Sweet violet / Garden Violet / English Violet
Viola odorata
A good source of vitamin C as well as A. It also contain the phytochemical rutin which helps neutralize damaging free radicals within the body.
Sweet violet stimulates the immune system and reduces infection. As a result, it is used for a range of treatments including nervous strain, exhaustion, menopause, hysteria, depression, irritability, digestive disorders, respiratory tract conditions, joint pain, fevers, skin diseases and headaches. It promotes detoxification within the body and can help reduce congestion of the lymphatic system.
A good source of vitamin C as well as A. It also contain the phytochemical rutin which helps neutralize damaging free radicals within the body.
Sweet violet stimulates the immune system and reduces infection. As a result, it is used for a range of treatments including nervous strain, exhaustion, menopause, hysteria, depression, irritability, digestive disorders, respiratory tract conditions, joint pain, fevers, skin diseases and headaches. It promotes detoxification within the body and can help reduce congestion of the lymphatic system.
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| Lovage, Borage. |
Lovage
Levisticum officinale
Rich in vitamin C, B complex vitamin’s and the antioxidant, quercetin.
Tastes like celery and is edible from root to leaves to seeds. It is a diuretic that can help prevent kidney stones. It is also used to treat indigestion, bloating, heartburn, gout, rheumatism and respiratory conditions.It can also increase appetite. Contains quercetin, which is a bioflavonoid that acts as an anti-inflammatory and is believed to help prevent heart disease.
Borage / Starflower
Borage officinalis
It contains potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, gamma-linolenic acid, iron and also high levels of the vitamins C and A.
All parts of the plant are beneficial and the leaves taste like cucumber. The flower and leaves are used for gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. It can also be used to combat fever and depression. It can help increase breast milk production and can improve seborrheic dermatitis.
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| Basil and Catgrass |
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Contains Vitamins A, C, and B6. Also Omega 3 fats, flavonoids, Calcium, iron, folate, potassium and magnesium.
The leaves have a taste similar to anise and are sweet smelling. Basil has anti-bacterial properties and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a useful remedy for the relief of symptoms in individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and bowel disorders.
Cat Grass
Dactylitis Glomerata or Avena sativa
It contains folic acid and vitamin C.
The juices in cat grass contain folic acid which assists in the production of hemoglobin, which is the protein that moves oxygen in the blood. It also works as a natural laxative helping to move the bowels and counteract indigestion.
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| Variegated Apple Mint and Spearmint |
Mint
Mentha
It is rich in vitamins A and C and also contains B2. It contains antioxidants as well.
Used as an air freshener, the strong aroma of mint makes it easily discernible from other herbs. It is a great digestion aid and can also reduce the symptoms of heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. It is antibacterial and a decongestant making it a great flu remedy. It has calming properties, is a good blood cleanser, relieves minor aches and pains and can combat bad breath.
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| Curly Parsley |
Parsley
Petroselinum
It is very high in vitamin C. It also contains iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, vitamin A, protein, fiber and potassium.
The stems, leaves and roots are carmative and antiseptic. It has an established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and is also used to help control heart rate and blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium.
It is high in oxalic acid though, so should be fed very sparingly or avoided by cavies that have a history of stones in the urinary tract.
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| Strawberry |
Strawberry
Fragaria X ananassa
Strawberries are high in vitamin C, whilst containing small amounts of fiber, potassium, iron and magnesium.
They are filled with vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infection, inflammation and harmful free radicals.
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| Coriander |
Coriander / Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
It contains antioxidants, fiber, potassium, calcium, mangansese, iron and magnesium. It also contains folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin a, beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K.
The leaves, root, stem and seeds all have antiseptic and carmative properties. It is has analgesic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, depurative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidant and stimulant properties. It can modulate blood sugar, assist in lowering high blood pressure and optimize cholesterol levels.
Great blog, fantastic information. Love your piggybank cages.
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