I feed mine dry herbs mixed into their pellets on occasion.
I try to avoid powders to keep down dust and sneezing. Most of the herbs I use are from my garden and air dried in the kitchen out of direct sunlight, with good airflow, etc., and crushed but not powdered. Things like cinnamon I buy as sticks, and ginger and turmeric I buy fresh, slice thin and serve some fresh while the rest dries. Our house is usually pretty dry either due to heating or it just being naturally warm and dry in the summertime, but I do have a humidifier that runs in our bedroom and a little diffuser (clean, never used for oils) that I run in the bird room because it puts off enough humidity for the size of the space.
I know there is something sold as “bird salad” or something like that, which is a mix of herbs that are supposed to be for birds to use to “self-medicate”, or pick out what they want. You can look at the ingredients list to see what they use also. I just make my own with what is available and change what is in it for each batch. The “salad” is supposed to be kept in a separate dish for them to use as needed and change out once a week, kinda like dry egg food or mineral grit. I have never used it myself, but it is what gave me the idea to use herbs - plus reading that most spices are safe too. Always check of course. I know you do! <3
Edit: here’s a link to “Herb Salad” There are others too, “bird greens”, etc.
www.allparrotproducts.com/herb-salad-for-birdsIngredients
Astragalus Root astragalus membranaceous – removes free radicals, improves digestion, helpful during times of stress (including breeding, molting or travel), firms loose stools
Barberry Root berberis vulgaris – contains alkaloids which assist the digestive tract, improves respiratory health, works to suppress harmful yeasts which can rob your bird of important nutrients and supports healthy crop health. Works to improve liver health.
Basil ocimum basilicum – disease-fighting antioxidants, an anti-inflammatory. Contains antimicrobial properties that fight viruses and infections. Helpful to stimulate appetite in underweight or difficult to feed birds.
Burdock Root arctium lappa – blood purifier, wound healer, aphrodisiac
Calendula Flower calendula officinalis – anti-fungal
Chickweed Herb stellaria media – C, B, D, anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, respiratory
Dandelion Leaf taraxacum officinale – stomach, vitamins, potassium, calcium, kidneys, aids digestion
Echinacea Herb echinacea angustfolia – antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, stimulates immune system, vitamins
Elder Berries & Elder Flower sambucus nigra – respiratory, anti-inflammatory, blood, appetite, improves heart health
Garlic allium sativum – antifungal, antioxidant, fertility, heart
Ginger zingiber officinale – loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
Kelp Granules macrocystis pyrifera – iodine, thyroid, stimulant, mucous membranes
Lavender Flower lavandula angustifolia – aids digestion, essential oils, stress, metabolism
Lemongrass cymbopogon – improves crop function, boosts feather quality and appearance, anti-oxidant
Licorice Root glycyrrhiza glabra – expectorant, supports liver function, anti-inflammatory, yeast infections
Marshmallow Root althaea officinalis – wounds, calcium, diuretic, demulcent, tonic
Milk Thistle Seed silybum marianum – protects liver health, heart, lungs, circulation, worms
Oatstraw avena sativa – calcium, magnesium, yeast infections, thyroid
Olive Leaf olea europaea – feather problems, immune support, fights infection, anti-parasitic, tranquilizer
Papaya Leaf carica papaya – improves digestion, benefits eye health, immunity booster
Parsley Leaf petroselinum crispum – high Source of flavonoid antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
Pau d’arco Bark tabebuia avellanedae – blood cleanser, fights infections, liver, candida, feather/skin problems
Plantain Leaf plantago major – kidneys, appetite, diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds
It does contain garlic I noticed, which some say is bad for birds due to being related to onion. Same for dogs, however I have found many sources saying it is safe in moderation as a medicinal, also same for dogs. Onions are definitely toxic for both though.
I try to avoid powders to keep down dust and sneezing. Most of the herbs I use are from my garden and air dried in the kitchen out of direct sunlight, with good airflow, etc., and crushed but not powdered. Things like cinnamon I buy as sticks, and ginger and turmeric I buy fresh, slice thin and serve some fresh while the rest dries. Our house is usually pretty dry either due to heating or it just being naturally warm and dry in the summertime, but I do have a humidifier that runs in our bedroom and a little diffuser (clean, never used for oils) that I run in the bird room because it puts off enough humidity for the size of the space.
