Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) – Key Benefits

🐾 For Small Animals (when you’ve positively identified the plant and pick it young)

• Gentle bulk feed – leafy tops add safe, low-oxalate roughage that bulks out daily greens and helps normal gut movement. UK National Angora Rabbit Club

• Natural vitamin-C source – useful for guinea pigs and rabbits that can’t make their own; fresh leaves contain notable levels of the vitamin plus iron and calcium. The National Allotment Society | The NAS

• Mild appetite-booster – the aniseed aroma tempts fussy eaters and can reignite interest during recovery. rabbitwelfare.co.uk

• Light laxative action – classed as “wonderful bulk feed, laxative” in traditional rabbit lists, handy for easing sluggish guts. UK National Angora Rabbit Club

• Foraging enrichment – the hollow stems and fern-like leaves give texture variety, encouraging chew time and natural nibbling behaviour.

Serving tip: offer small, fresh sprigs mixed into other safe greens; avoid flowering or woody stems and never feed if you are unsure of identification (it resembles toxic umbellifers).

👩‍🦰 For Humans (young leaves & stems)

• Edible herb – mild, parsley-meets-anise flavour brightens salads, soups, sauces and pestos. The National Allotment Society | The NAS

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants – supports immune function and helps neutralise free radicals. The National Allotment Society | The NAS

• Traditional diuretic & kidney tonic – folk medicine used cow parsley infusions for urinary stones and general fluid balance. eatweeds.co.uk

• Digestive soother – historic use to ease gas and mild stomach upset; modern herbalists note gentle carminative effects. Terra Whisper

• Anti-inflammatory compounds – emerging studies on wild chervil (same species) report flavonoids that may reduce inflammation. Health Benefits

Safety note: correct ID is crucial – cow parsley can be confused with poisonous hemlock and fool’s parsley. Pick before flowering and only if you’re 100 % confident.

Use cow parsley sparingly, blend with other safe plants, and enjoy its crisp, vitamin-rich lift for both pets and people.