You’ll spot narrowleaf plantain growing in fields, along roadsides, and pretty much anywhere the soil is right. Out in the wild, rabbits munch on it all day long, so it’s definitely safe for our furry friends at home. In fact, it’s more than just safe—plantain is incredibly healthy for rodents like rabbits and guinea pigs.
Narrowleaf Plantain: A Healthy Treat for Your Bunny
Wild rabbits thrive on it, and for our pet bunnies, this herb is a total delicacy. During the growing season, you can feed it to them fresh every single day. When the weather turns cold, dried herbs are a great substitute and still pack a healthy punch. You can find dried plantain in most well-stocked pet supply stores these days. Of course, if you’re growing it in your own garden, you can use your own homegrown harvest. It’s at its most flavorful and potent when harvested during its flowering period from May to September. To get ready for the winter months, you can start drying a good supply as early as mid-summer.
Boosting Your Pet’s Health
In the world of natural remedies, narrowleaf plantain is a go-to for treating coughs and bronchial issues. Rabbits and guinea pigs benefit from its expectorant properties just as much as we do. If your pet comes down with a respiratory infection, plantain helps soothe that irritating cough. But you don’t have to wait for them to get sick to serve it up! It’s a great daily addition to their diet in moderation, whether you’re using fresh leaves or the dried version. It honestly seems like animals instinctively know just how good this plant is for them.
Nutrients and Benefits
Narrowleaf plantain is loaded with good stuff, including:
- Mucilages (soothing agents)
- Saponins
- Glycosides
- Tannins
- Silica
- Vitamin C
- Natural antibiotic compounds
- Essential oils
It’s not just for coughs and bronchitis, either—it works wonders for digestive issues too. Plantain is anti-inflammatory, helps with kidney and bladder problems, purifies the blood, and has antibacterial properties. You can even use a poultice made from crushed leaves to help minor scrapes heal faster. Plus, those soothing mucilages protect the delicate lining of a rabbit’s mouth. With so many benefits, narrowleaf plantain really should be a staple in the daily diet of any rabbit or guinea pig.