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Zoopharmacognosy

Zoopharmacognosy is a behaviour in which non-human animals self-medicate by selecting and ingesting or topically applying plants, soils, insects, clays and psychoactive drugs to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of pathogens and toxins.

 Animals have an innate ability to forage for plant and mineral extracts, in order to look after their own emotional and physical health. This is true for the humble caterpillar all the way through to the mighty elephant. If however, an animals environment is devoid of these substances, animal care givers can enrich their lives by offering many of these extracts for self-selection.


Applied Zoopharmacognosy provides a behavioural method of helping animals. It involves offering choices of essential and macerated oils, and dried plants for self selection. Animals utilize the plant extract as they need it; via inhalation, ingestion or sometimes topically.
The animal’s body language indicates appeal or lack of appeal for the plants and oils they are being offered. It is therefore vital to be aware of facial and body language responses when offering.

Animals with a wide variety of issues have responded well to this method, including behavioural / emotional problems, physical problems, poor digestion, poor coat, skin problems and low immune system.
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