See this video with Eloy Rodriguez PhD explaining zoopharmaconosy and how animals self medicate in the wild Zoopharmacognosy explained
What is Zoopharmacognosy?
Zoopharmacognosy is the study of self-medicative behaviour in animals; the word is a composite of the ancient Greek words for animal (zoo), medicine (pharma) and knowing (cognosy).
It refers to the process by which animals self medicate in the wild and naturally forage plants and their essential oils, clay, algae and other natural remedies. This is the evolutionary mechanism which enables animals to maintain their health in their natural environment.
It is this in built ability which is the key to maintaining their health in a domestic environment.
What does a Zoopharmacognosy Practitioner do?
In the wild, animals have access to a wide variety of medicinal plants and minerals. Therefore when they become afflicted with an ailment they have the opportunity to select what they need from their natural environment.
Working on this principle and that an animal knows how to heal itself even before symptoms become apparent, a trained practitioner works by offering your animal appropriate secondary compounds (such as essential oils) for self selection. The oils offered generally depend on condition and species. Working with nature’s powerful plant medicine in this way enables the animal to self-select, self medicate and self dose.
This practice allows the animal the opportunity to look after themselves as they would have done in the wild. In other words, this practice allows an animal to use its innate ability to prevent disease.
Allowing captive animals to select from a range of their natural remedies as well as determining their own dosage and route of administration, gives them the chance to enhance their own health in a way that suits their individual needs.
A Zoopharmacognocist does not medicate, diagnose, dose, treat or prescribe.
Not to be confused with Aromatherapy; Zoopharmacognosy works on ethological observations rather than medical diagnoses.
How can Zoopharmacognosy help my animal?
Zoopharmacognosy can help with a plethora of issues and ailments which may include anything from the release of emotional trauma to promoting the healing of wounds.
Offering essential oils and other selected remedies can also have an instant profound effect on behaviour.
For more information contact eleanorgoold640@hotmail.com
In keeping with the law, a self-selection practitioner should be called out after a vet.
Click on link for Hungarian translation/Magyar fordítás Magyar fordítás
To read an interview with Caroline Ingraham; pioneer of Zoopharmacognosy, click on the following link Interview with Caroline Ingraham ~ The Star Ruby – Autumn 2010