Post by Karen R Quinn on Jul 18, 2009 9:13:08 GMT -7
Owning parrots for many years has taught me a lot. I have found a few tricks that can help with all types of problems. I wanted to share some of the health benefits of using natural foods and herbs to help with all types of problems and maladies. Here are some of my all time favorites for their medicinal qualities:
Things you'll need:
Refrigeration
Any of the foods or herbs mentioned in this article
GINGER-Called the "wonder drug", the ginger root is actually a rhizome which is similar to several foods known to be consumed in the wild by parrots. It has been used for two thousand years by the Chinese to treat nausea and upset stomach. It is no coincidence that the Japanese serve fresh ginger slices with sushi as insurance against the parasites sometimes found in raw fish.
Ginger is a wonderful remedy to use with baby parrots that go through brief periods of colic or throwing up their formula. I've mixed their formula in ginger tea instead of water and the problem is solved immediately. You can make the tea by steeping two or three slices of fresh ginger root in the water for ten or fifteen minutes. If your parrot must travel and is prone to motion sickness, ginger to the rescue! Add fresh ginger to the food and drinking water several hours before the trip and put a few slices in the carrier. Parrots seem to have an innate sense of what they need and will munch on the ginger to "quell their queasiness" during the trip.
GARLIC-Currently being studied by the National Cancer Institute for its anti-tumor properties, garlic has been shown to contain eighteen anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial substances. It is a mild natural antibiotic which is safe for parrots in small amounts. It also stimulates the immune system and kills parasites. It can help to eliminate lead, zinc, and other toxins from body tissues. If you offer your feathered friends garlic, give them one or two thin slices of a fresh garlic clove, or save them one of the tiny cloves in the middle of the large garlic bulb so that they can peel it, which is a favorite sport of parrots!
ALFALFA--The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. It alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver, and it contains an anti-fungal agent. It is an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic and an excellent source of chlorophyll and vitamins. Treating birds with alfalfa leaves is perfectly safe, but alfalfa seeds contain a slightly toxic amino acid unless used in sprouted form. Try keeping chopped organic alfalfa leaves and use it on your parrots' soft food mix twice a week.
CAYENNE-Also known as capsicum, it is an overall digestive aid containing liberal amounts of Vitamins A, C, B-complex, calcium, phosphorous and iron. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps arthritic conditions. Parrots love the fiery taste of cayenne and will try new and unfamiliar foods, such as sprouts, when you sprinkle on this healthful herb.
CHAMOMILE-A mild tea made of this popular herb can be substituted for the drinking water of parrots when they need a calming influence. It is a wonderful natural tranquilizer which soothes the nerves and the digestive tract. As an added bonus, it contains calcium in an easily-assimilated form. This is an excellent natural alternative to tranquilizers for a parrot that is upset by traveling. "Night thrashing" in cockatiels can be treated by offering a bedtime tea of chamomile.
ALOE-Known as the medicine plant, aloe vera is excellent for the treatment of wounds, burns, bites, cuts, abrasions and rashes. It helps to prevent infection in injured skin and it is an exceptionally effective pain killer. Many cases of feather plucking in parrots have been treated successfully with a spray of water and aloe vera gel or powder. It also can be used internally as a powerful detoxifying agent. There are several documented cases of complete recoveries in parrots treated with an aloe concentrate and detoxifying herbs, even though the birds had been considered terminally ill!
Tips & Warnings
There are many more natural substances which can aid us in our quest to maintain our parrots in a healthy state. Nature's time-honored remedies can cure or help to cure many maladies, as well as bolster immunity. We are beginning to rediscover that a humble vegetable, fruit, weed, leaf, flower, bark, root, or seed can offer a solution. We need not wait until illness strikes but instead can introduce herbs into our parrots' diets as a preventative measure. Treating our birds' minor injuries and common ailments will give us a wonderful sense of empowerment and it connects us with a venerable tradition practiced for thousands of years all over the world. To quote Hippocrates once again, "Nature is the healer of all disease."
As with any illness or injury to your feathered friend, I would always advise seeking the advice of your avian vet. These remedies are also very helpful.....but please seek professional help when dealing with any serious problems. Birds do hide their illness well, because in the wild they would be subject to loosing their place in the flock, as well as other animals that may prey on them. Please keep that in mind when dealing with any strange or unusual behaviors that your pet may exhibit. The smallest change in behavior, such as fluffing of feathers, or inactivity can be a sign that your bird is not well.
Things you'll need:
Refrigeration
Any of the foods or herbs mentioned in this article
GINGER-Called the "wonder drug", the ginger root is actually a rhizome which is similar to several foods known to be consumed in the wild by parrots. It has been used for two thousand years by the Chinese to treat nausea and upset stomach. It is no coincidence that the Japanese serve fresh ginger slices with sushi as insurance against the parasites sometimes found in raw fish.
Ginger is a wonderful remedy to use with baby parrots that go through brief periods of colic or throwing up their formula. I've mixed their formula in ginger tea instead of water and the problem is solved immediately. You can make the tea by steeping two or three slices of fresh ginger root in the water for ten or fifteen minutes. If your parrot must travel and is prone to motion sickness, ginger to the rescue! Add fresh ginger to the food and drinking water several hours before the trip and put a few slices in the carrier. Parrots seem to have an innate sense of what they need and will munch on the ginger to "quell their queasiness" during the trip.
GARLIC-Currently being studied by the National Cancer Institute for its anti-tumor properties, garlic has been shown to contain eighteen anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial substances. It is a mild natural antibiotic which is safe for parrots in small amounts. It also stimulates the immune system and kills parasites. It can help to eliminate lead, zinc, and other toxins from body tissues. If you offer your feathered friends garlic, give them one or two thin slices of a fresh garlic clove, or save them one of the tiny cloves in the middle of the large garlic bulb so that they can peel it, which is a favorite sport of parrots!
ALFALFA--The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and carotene. It alkalizes and detoxifies the body, especially the liver, and it contains an anti-fungal agent. It is an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic and an excellent source of chlorophyll and vitamins. Treating birds with alfalfa leaves is perfectly safe, but alfalfa seeds contain a slightly toxic amino acid unless used in sprouted form. Try keeping chopped organic alfalfa leaves and use it on your parrots' soft food mix twice a week.
CAYENNE-Also known as capsicum, it is an overall digestive aid containing liberal amounts of Vitamins A, C, B-complex, calcium, phosphorous and iron. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps arthritic conditions. Parrots love the fiery taste of cayenne and will try new and unfamiliar foods, such as sprouts, when you sprinkle on this healthful herb.
CHAMOMILE-A mild tea made of this popular herb can be substituted for the drinking water of parrots when they need a calming influence. It is a wonderful natural tranquilizer which soothes the nerves and the digestive tract. As an added bonus, it contains calcium in an easily-assimilated form. This is an excellent natural alternative to tranquilizers for a parrot that is upset by traveling. "Night thrashing" in cockatiels can be treated by offering a bedtime tea of chamomile.
ALOE-Known as the medicine plant, aloe vera is excellent for the treatment of wounds, burns, bites, cuts, abrasions and rashes. It helps to prevent infection in injured skin and it is an exceptionally effective pain killer. Many cases of feather plucking in parrots have been treated successfully with a spray of water and aloe vera gel or powder. It also can be used internally as a powerful detoxifying agent. There are several documented cases of complete recoveries in parrots treated with an aloe concentrate and detoxifying herbs, even though the birds had been considered terminally ill!
Tips & Warnings
There are many more natural substances which can aid us in our quest to maintain our parrots in a healthy state. Nature's time-honored remedies can cure or help to cure many maladies, as well as bolster immunity. We are beginning to rediscover that a humble vegetable, fruit, weed, leaf, flower, bark, root, or seed can offer a solution. We need not wait until illness strikes but instead can introduce herbs into our parrots' diets as a preventative measure. Treating our birds' minor injuries and common ailments will give us a wonderful sense of empowerment and it connects us with a venerable tradition practiced for thousands of years all over the world. To quote Hippocrates once again, "Nature is the healer of all disease."
As with any illness or injury to your feathered friend, I would always advise seeking the advice of your avian vet. These remedies are also very helpful.....but please seek professional help when dealing with any serious problems. Birds do hide their illness well, because in the wild they would be subject to loosing their place in the flock, as well as other animals that may prey on them. Please keep that in mind when dealing with any strange or unusual behaviors that your pet may exhibit. The smallest change in behavior, such as fluffing of feathers, or inactivity can be a sign that your bird is not well.