For a more detailed account of the herbs below visit here: http://earthnotes.tripod.com/ckbkmenu.htm

NATURE'S LORE HERBAL MIX
 Rich in minerals and trace elements that act as co-vitamin,
co-mineral and co-enzymes and is important for proper metabolism and satisfies the chinchillas natural
 foraging instincts adding variety and mental stimulation for caged animals
This is the original herbal mix we used to years ago with just 3-4 additional herbs

We are feeding our own 17 chinchillas on this every other day for a 'well being tonic' - they all love it - one teaspoon per chinchilla
Or if you have a few - sprinkle that amount over their food pellets or put a small clump on the shelf for them to find

Agrimony
Safe food for young and old animals
Agrimony has been used in veterinary medicine for its haemostatic and alterative properties.

Astringent, tonic, diuretic, vulnerary, cholagogue.

Chickweed

Safely to feed in small amounts, very high in calcium with a Ca:P of 3:1

Anti-rheumatic, vulnerary, emollient, astringent and stops itching.

Coltsfoot

A safe plant to feed - guinea pigs like this herb - small amounts as it is high in alkaloids

Expectorant, demulcent, anti-catarrhal, diuretic.

Dandelion

Not to be fed in large amounts as it can act as a diuretic - Dandelion contains potassium

Actions: Diuretic, cholagogue, laxative, anti-rheumatic, tonic.

Golden rod

Rabbits, chinchillas and guinea pigs like Golden rod, adds flavour to the herbal mix

Anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carmative, diuretic.

Kelp

Kelp is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, plus amino acids.

Because the plant’s nutrients come in a natural form, they are easily assimilated by the body.

Lemon balm

Safe for rabbits and guinea pigs
Has a calming action and is good for the digestive system, sedative, promotes sweating

Nettle
Good source of protein and iron, high calcium level and good Ca:P ratio
 Ideal source for convalescent animals - silicia source keeps bones and fur in good condition

Astringent, diuretic, and tonic.

Parsley
Stimulant - small amount in mix only as high dosage should be avoided by pregnant animals
Also a very powerful urinary stimulant

Actions: Diuretic relieves wind, reduces muscle tension and spasms

Plantain
Valuable addition to the green food diet of rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas
Rich source of vitamins and minerals when fed fresh
Valuable healing plants for a range of conditions used both internally and externally.
Expectorant, demulcent, astringent, and diuretic

Raspberry leaf

High calcium level and a very high Ca:P ratio
 Raspberry leaves also contain high levels of vitamins A and C.
Actions: Astringent, tonic, cooling

Red clover flower
Rabbits and guinea pigs enjoy all clovers.
Good for chronic skin conditions
High calcium level and a very high Ca:P ratio.with high levels of Vit. A and C
Stimulates nutrition and elimination, dermatological agent, reduces muscle tension and spasm, sedative.

Sheperd's purse

A safe food for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas -Good Ca:P ratio.

Actions: Uterine stimulant, diuretic, astringent.

Yarrow
Urinary antiseptic which can also be used externally to help heal wounds
 Good for young Chinchillas, rabbits and guinea pigs

Good level of calcium and a Ca:P ratio.
Actions: Diaphoretic, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic.

Chamomile
Diuretic and tonic properties - calming for nervous or stressed chinchillas

It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-bacterial herb

Chicory root
Often used in the grazing mixes for horses and other animals
chinchillas love the dried root, but must be fed in small amounts because of the Ca:P level of 2:3
best mixed with a calcium rich herb
Increases flow of bile in digestive tract - acts as an appetite stimulant
Mild laxative, mild bitter tonic which aids the liver and digestive tract - used for rheumatic conditions

Bilberry leaf
Support cardiovascular and retinal health
Known as a calming effect on muscle tissue and good for a nervous stomach
Nourishes the respiratory tract - leaf - small amounts only

White willow bark
Although contains salicylates it is a less concentrated form
Not to be used for Degu - but the bark encourages use of the back molars
The amount in the mix is low and is only there for encouraging chewing
Pain Reliever. Fever reducer and anti-inflammatory.

Hawthorn leaf
One of the most valuable herbs for the heart and circulation
A heart herb from the rose family.

Stimulate the immune system to produce complement to fight infection.

Marshmallow leaf
All part of the marshmallow flower, leaf and root are edible
Chinchillas like the flower and leaf - it is a rich source of calcium with a
 high Ca:P ratio andgood vitamin C content
Demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, and emollient

Life everlasting flower
Properties and uses: Astringent. Irritations of the mouth and throat are said to be relieved by chewing the leaves
and blossoms. The leaves are also applied to bruises and other local irritations. very efficacious
Small amount only used in the herbal mix