27 Common Herbs that Are Good for Rabbits (and some that are not)

Rabbits happily munch on hay for hours a day and their favorite is usually Timothy hay.

So, what about herbs? Fresh herbs have many wonderful medicinal properties for humans as well as rabbits.

Table of Contents

27 Great Tasting Herbs For Rabbits (with Medicinal Properties)

Herbs have been used for centuries for a natural healing process instead of medications for many different ailments and some just for better health.

Some common herbs that are good for your rabbit include:

Oregano

Oregano is used in both American and Italian dishes for its flavor and aroma.

This herb provides your rabbit with potassium, copper, and zinc to strengthen all of the connective tissues in the body, such as the blood, cartilage between bones and the bones.

Oregano is also an immune booster to protect against many carcinogens and tumors as well as reoccurring infections and secondary bacterial infections.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass provides large amounts of vitamin C for your bunny.

It can help slow the spread of cancerous cells and it gives you beta-carotene to strengthen eyesight and treat eye inflammation quickly.

Peppermint

Peppermint has a large amount of potassium, calcium, and vitamin B in it.

It’s been proven for centuries to treat indigestion very well.

This could be why many restaurants offer peppermints when you pay your bill, so you can have a settled tummy after eating their food and you will return to the restaurant too.

As an added note, if you decide to grow peppermint in your own little herb garden at home, it’s convenient to feed your rabbit, but also, the oil in the crushed leaves is a natural pesticide as well to keep your outdoor seating areas mosquito-free.

Catnip

Catnip is a natural stimulant for felines, but it has other great properties as well.

It is a diuretic and laxative to help eliminate waste materials easily from the body without causing any harm.

If your bunny is constipated, this herb can give him great relief in a gentle way.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a fragrant herb that is part of the olive family.

It packs a great dose of antioxidants and phytonutrients to promote good digestive health.

Chamomile

Chamomile has many different medicinal uses for your rabbit. It contains minerals, phytonutrients, and other compounds that can calm your rabbit.

This herb also treats nausea, gas and reduces inflammation of the body. It can also reduce pain, fever, and inflammation in rabbits.

Fennel

Fennel provides the body with potassium, zinc, and vitamin A for your rabbits.

It aids in digestion because it reduces gas and it can help calm the symptoms of respiratory illnesses as well.

Some studies show that the fennel seed extract can help to prevent kidney disease.

Cilantro

This herb may be called Chinese parsley, cilantro, or coriander, depending on what part of the country you live in.

It has properties to speed up the healing process from any type of ailment for a quick recovery.

It’s also a natural diuretic that can flush out excess salt, toxins, and pollutants from the body.

In addition, it aids in digestion, reduces stress, and alleviates the pain associated with urinary tract infections.

Thyme

Thyme is used in French, Mediterranean, and Italian dishes.

It contains many natural nutrients and enzymes to maintain your metabolism and can help your bunny if he happens to be a bit on the pudgy side.

Thyme also has blood-thinning properties to prevent cardiovascular diseases and it alleviates respiratory illnesses as well as reduces fever.

Rosemary

Rosemary herb can be used for rabbits to soothe and calm a nervous bunny, as well as promote concentration by cleansing the mind.

In the case that something changes for your rabbit, such as an additional pet in the household, it can calm his nerves.

It’s also good for arthritis, prevention of heart disease, aiding in digestion and health, and can help to prevent tumors.

Sage

Sage reduces inflammation in the joints when it’s consumed.

You can also crush sage leaves to get the oil from them and use it to stop the spread of bacteria on small cuts on your rabbit.

Dill

Dill has long been used to treat and prevent indigestion and, as an added bonus, it also freshens the breath while reducing muscle cramps and swelling in the joints for rabbits.

Mint

Mint is one of the best herbs for bunnies to soothe stomach ailments, such as diarrhea.

It reduces inflammation with the addition of naturally occurring vitamins and nutrients.

Mint is used quite often for older rabbits with arthritis to reduce inflammation in the joints and make them more comfortable.

It is also used to help with reducing fever, preventing infections, and as a treatment for urinary tract infections.

It also freshens their breath, but be aware that if you are growing your own mint, it spreads quickly and it’s advisable to plant it in a container.

Parsley

Parsely has many different benefits as an herb for bunnies. It keeps stomach issues from developing and it also treats both nausea and diarrhea.

It soothes mouth issues like ulcers and body inflammation while providing vitamin A and C. Parsley can also alleviate arthritis pain and prevent infections.

Lavender

Lavender contains geraniol with anti-tumor properties as well as an anti-fungal and blood thinner.

It reduces cholesterol in rabbits and you can use it as a topical anesthetic.

Rabbits don’t usually like this herb too much because of the strong and sweet scent.

Yarrow and Lavender

The combination of yarrow and lavender can help to impede bleeding immediately if your rabbit happens to get a cut on something.

It works on the same properties of a septic stick that humans use when they cut themselves shaving.

Red Raspberry

The leaves of red raspberry help to soothe inflammation and it can treat issues that arise in the digestive tract that lead to upset tummies.

Sweet Marjoram

This herb is a great source of vitamin C to boost the immune system so it can combat bacteria in the body and it promotes overall health benefits for a rabbit’s body.

Basil

Basil has a large concentration of phytochemicals with a lot of nutritional value for rabbits.

It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory content to make it a mild pain reliever.

Basil can also prevent frequent and reoccurring infections in rabbits and it maintains their fur and skin.

Dandelion Greens

This herb has a high vitamin and mineral content to strengthen the immune system. It also prevents frequent infections and reduces pain and inflammation.

Dandelion greens are said to aid in digestive issues and prevent heart disease as well.

Echinacea

This herb is well known for greatly boosting the immune system in rabbits as well as humans.

It helps rabbits that have frequent infections to boost the vitality and general health of your rabbit.

Goldenseal

This herb is an all-natural antibiotic that can help to treat bladder infections in rabbits.

It has anti-inflammatories that help rabbits with frequent infections as well.

Kava

This is a calming herb used for bunnies that are stressed out or anxious.

It will help to lessen the effects when one rabbit is more aggressive than another and can prevent fighting when two rabbits are bonding with each other.

Rose Petals and Rose Hips

The petals of roses may help to prevent cancer from developing as an anti-carcinogen.

Rose petals can also help to prevent infections and respiratory diseases as well as calm a rabbit by the reduction of anxiety and stress.

Rose hips can also work as a great digestive aid.

Willow Bark

This isn’t exactly an herb, but the medicinal properties are great in willow bark.

It has immensely strong anti-inflammatory properties to greatly relieve arthritis pain in bunnies.

Willow bark makes a great chew toy for older rabbits with joint issues and, as a double-duty item, it helps keep those ever-growing teeth in good shape.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

This is again not what you would think of as an herb, but it’s made this list for its great properties.

Black oil sunflower seeds will condition and make your bunny’s coat very soft and silky to aid in protecting the skin.

If your rabbit has hair loss from an injury or disease, this will help his coat grow back quickly.

Blackberry Leaves

This is a great leaf for pregnant does in the summer.

It cools the body in the summer by increasing its circulation and it has soothing properties as well.

Are Some Herbs Not Safe for Rabbits?

Yes, there are just a few types of herbs that are not safe for your rabbit.

You should never give your rabbit chives, garlic or onions, or anything within the onion family as they are poisonous to rabbits.

Other than this group of herbs, all others are safe for rabbits and give them some variety in their meals.

Should I Feed Dried or Fresh Herbs for Rabbits?

You can use fresh herbs from the grocery store or you can plant a small herb garden and grow your own herbs for your bunny.

Dried herbs are also good, but you should pour them in your hand and rub your hands together to release the natural oils, scents, and flavors for your rabbit.

How Much Herbs Should a Rabbit Eat?

A rabbit’s main diet should consist of about 85% Timothy hay along with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rabbit pelleted food per day.

In addition to these foods, you can add 2 cups of fresh herbs, which is about 2 handfuls or 1 cup of dried herbs.

You can simply place the fresh herbs on their hay or near it or crush the dried herbs and add them to their pellets.

If you feed and water your rabbit once a day, then they should get the entire amount of their daily ration at one time.

If you are feeding and watering twice a day, then divide the amount of all types of food into 2 equal meals per day.

Final Thoughts

As you can now see, there is a very long list of herbs that are readily available in grocery stores for your rabbit.

It can change up their food on a daily basis to give them some fresh greens and it can also alleviate many different medical conditions.

You should get to know your rabbit’s normal behavior so you will know if he becomes ill.

If you suspect your bunny is sick, you should not just use herbal remedies, but take him to your vet’s clinic first for an evaluation.

You can then ask your vet if you should supplement his food with herbs to help with his condition.

If your rabbit is young, only allow them a small number of herbs per day, such as a half-cup.

Young rabbits have sensitive stomachs and they may have digestive issues from too many different greens at once.

Other articles you may also like: