Zoopharmacognosy is the word used to describe an animal’s innate ability to self-medicate on the
therapeutic properties of plants and other natural substances. A skill that we all possess and
developed over thousands of years, but often gets forgotten and neglected in the western world.
Animals in the wild have been using plants, clays, algae and other natural sources to prevent and cure illnesses since the dawn of time.
In the past couple of decades scientists have started to really observe and research this in the wild, bringing self-medication into our awareness. Their findings are that animals seem to know not only which plants they need exactly, but also how to use them in order to address challenges like parasites, insect bites, worms, digestive problems and infections.
I first learned about zoopharmacognosy when I became interested in essential oils and plant medicine in my early 20`s. I attended a couple of courses with Rachel from My Animal Matters and learnt so much about the power and ability of self selection in our pets.
If you’d like to learn more about Zoopharmacognosy visit Rachel’s website, where you can get advice and purchase self selection products.
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