Is there a superior herb? Are herbs really necessary? What are the benefits of the most common foliage? Read more to find out.
There are many different ways to get herbs such as purchasing them in pet stores, getting lose unprocessed tea and making your own mix, dehydrating your own personalized mix, etc. No matter which of these options you chose they all boil down to the same benefits.
But is there a superior herb? One that has the most benefits overall? Let's find out!
Chamomile; I assume we have all have heard of this magical herb as it is not only common in forage mixes but also in every day life! "It is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae) This flower has a yellow central disc surrounded by silvery-white petals which when crushed give an apple-like smell." [1] It is known to help reduce stress and help sleep in humans but do these effects also apply to our precious rodents?
In 2018 study was run with the purpose of to investigate the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil of dried flowers of Chamaemelum nobile (Asteraceae L. All) in Swiss mice and Wistar rats.
The study was run on both mice and rats to find the calming and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile. The study showed not only did the essential oil reduced stress but also helped reduce inflammation in mice similar to the effects of ibuprophen
The conclusion of said study is as follows; "The three main compounds in C. nobile essential oil were α-bisabolol, farnesene and spathulenol. Biological tests showed that the essential oil of C. nobile is not toxic on acute use and possesses both analgesic and anti inflammatory properties, thus validating the use of the plant for alleviating inflammation-related diseases in South African traditional medicine." [2]
Rose Petals; If you have ever owned a forage mix it is easy to assume you have owned these at some point as they are not only included in different forage mixes but also provide a nice pop of color to your enclosure!
"The rose family is arguably one of the six most economically important crop plant families, and includes apples, pears, quinces, medlars, loquats, almonds, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, sloes, and roses among the crop plants belonging to the family."[3]
In 2018 a study on the effects of rose water in rats was run by Dr. Mumin Polat. The study was conducted to detect preventive effects of rose water against toxicological effects of chlorpyrifos-ethyl, a pesticide used on crops, rodents and insects which acts on the nervous system of insects.
"The results showed that comparing to the CPE group, there was a significant (p<0.001) decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) levels and a significant (p<0.001) increase in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and insulin levels in the CPE+GS group. Between the control and WR groups, insulin, WBC, catalase (CAT), lipase and amylase levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher, while TOC and OSI levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower in the WR group" [4]
The conclusion of the study showed positive effects on the enzymes of pancreas and hematological parameters in rats, and it reduced in toxic effects of CPE, even though these effects are not specifically related to hamsters it is interesting to see how a simple flower ike a rose can show so many benefits to a single animal.
Cornflowers; Another common botanical not only found in hamster mixes but it is also commonly found in some German rabbit and guinea pig food as well as various flower toppers for reptiles. These vibrant flowers don't only provide that nice pop of color for your enclosure but also stimuli your hamsters brain as it is not only natural but also a great form of carbohydrates for your companion animal.
Sadly these lack a bit in scientific research to know their exact benefits like we do with chamomile and lavender but that does not make them any less of a must have in your foraging mix! If we look at the ecological profile of this flower you see these also provide a large benefits for humans!
Cornflowers; also known as zyane, blue hat and hunger flower are part of the Daisy Family just like chamomile! This flower can come in a few colors but the most common are blue and red variations.
The centaurea cyanus is known to help issues such as bladder problems, indigestion, nervousness, fever, constipation, water retention, and chest congestion. They are commonly used in different dishes due to their flavor and sightly spicy aroma and can even be used to decorate a dish or for pigmentation!
In 1999 there was a study done on the anti-inflammatory and immunologic benefits of the hunger flower. In the study, a water-soluble ethanol-insoluble (WSEI) fraction was obtained from C. cyanus. "The anti-inflammatory and anti-complementary effects of this fraction were examined using carrageenan and zymosan-oedema tests in rats, croton oil test in mice, inhibition of total haemolytic activity and formation of anaphylatoxin activity" [5]
Sadly the observations cannot specify the precise mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. "On the other hand, the WSEI fraction induced the formation of an anaphylatoxin-like activity, in vitro and at low concentration, in rat serum as do other polysaccharides (Hugli and Muller-Eberhard, 1978). At higher concentrations, the WSEI fraction reduced the haemolytic activity of rat serum. These observations would indicate that this fraction first activates some complement factors and at higher concentrations can interfere with the complement and thus develops an anticomplementary activity" [6] In other words it is believed the serum/extract of cornflowers does have benefits but when gave in larger amounts can develop some "cons".
Even though there is no precise answer as for anti-inflammatory mechanisms of this botanical it still provides benefits for your rodent may this be through foraging, stimuli due to a interesting new scent and texture or the plain fact they are a tasty midnight snack!
More Information on The Ecological Profile of The Cornflower: https://www.kraeuter-buch.de/kraeuter/Kornblume.html
Lavender; This is a less known of herb in the hamster community, it pertains to the mint family and has 47 known of species in said genus. Lavendula is known for its natural violet color which is appealing to the human eye.
It is commonly used in aromatherapy and is known to help sleep and create a calm, soothing environment and is even used to reduce anxiety! But do any of these effects apply to our furry critters?
In a study run on mice in 2013 the effects of lavender essential oil in mice wee studied. The results showed not only did it boost serotonin levels but also helped reduce anxiety in our furry companions.
It is easy to say this is a nice addition to any for any forage mix!
But let's go back to our original question, "Is there a superior herb?" and to that the answer is no. Just like with any diet -may this be human or animal- the key is variety; and for me to say X herb is better and poses the best benefits would be both incorrect of me to do and a plain out lie.
I know what you are thinking. Why would I make you read a of this and not provide a solid answer? Well you see, you now know the benefits of some of the most common flowers used in forage mixes so I assume you know agree that these shouldn't be left out of a hamsters diet.
Herbs not only provide a nice form of carbs and fiber but they promote foraging, stimuli your hamsters brain, make a cage smell REALLY good and can provide multiple benefits to your furry friend.
So what should you take from this post? Herbs are not optional and provide a large amount of enrichment due to flavor, texture and scent. Herbs provide such a large list of benefits to hamsters the simple action of not providing them to them is stripping them from one of there 5 freedoms (post about this will be done in the future).
No matter where you live herbs are easy accessible! May this be through DIY, lose leaf tea or from pet stores and small businesses; these can be found everywhere! It is just a matter of searching. I highly encourage every owner to invest in herbs for your furry friends!
