We take a look at Zoopharmacognosy

Dogs and other animals will self medicate in their natural environment. Last weekend we looked at a subject close to our hearts, in the company of Caroline Ingraham of the Ingraham Academy of Zoopharmacognosy. The word comes from the Ancient Greek, Zoo (animal) Pharma (remedy) Cognosy (knowing), and is the process by which animals self medicate in their natural environment by seeking out plants, herbs and essential oils to maintain their health. Early humans once shared their innate ability but sadly, modern civilisation has done much to diminish our natural instincts.

A simple example can be the way dogs seek and eat grass to purge their stomachs when they are feeling queasy or off colour. Years ago I watched one of my horses going around the perimeter of his field picking and eating blackberries which I discovered were helpful in treating diarrhoea. We also had a westie that asked to go into the garden to eat a Lungwort plant. At first we found this behaviour bizarre until we realised that herbalists use the plant to treat chronic chest infections and coughs – Daisy suffered from breathing problems! (Chamomile) – Animals have an innate ability to seek out the plants and herbs that they needThis westie is seeking out Chamomile, known to be comforting in sensitive nervous dogs, including of course rescue dogs. Many dogs seek garlic, either the bulb or the leaves of the wild garlic plant. Garlic is an anthelmintic (dispels worms) as well as discouraging fleas and other parasites.

A fascinating subject, why not investigate Zoopharmacognosy for yourselves? We have already ordered some remedies for the dogs.

For further information and your nearest practitioner click the link  –  http://www.ingraham.co.uk