Zoopharmacognosy & Innate Botanical Selection

Zoopharmacognosy & Innate Botanical Selection

What is Zoopharmacognosy?

Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals self-medicate using plants, minerals, and other natural substances to maintain their health or treat illnesses. The term is derived from:

  • "Zoo-" (animal)
  • "Pharma-" (drug/medicine)
  • "Cognosy" (knowledge of medicinal substances)

This behavior has been observed in a variety of species, including primates, birds, insects, and domestic animals like horses and dogs.

Innate Botanical Selection

Innate botanical selection refers to an animal’s natural ability to select medicinal plants based on its individual needs. This is an instinctive behavior, not learned, and allows animals to address specific health conditions by choosing particular herbs, clays, or other natural substances.

Application to Equines & Canines

Equines (Horses, Ponies, Donkeys)

Horses have retained strong self-selection instincts due to their evolution as foraging herbivores. When given the opportunity, they will:

  • Select herbs, bark, or clays that aid digestion, relieve pain, or support immunity.
  • Seek out bitters and astringents when suffering from parasites or stomach upsets.
  • Consume specific flowers or roots for calming effects during stress.

Examples of Equine Self-Medication:

  • Dandelion: Chosen for its liver support and detoxification.
  • Hawthorn berries: Selected by horses with heart or circulatory issues.
  • Willow bark: A natural pain reliever (contains salicin, similar to aspirin).
  • Clay (Kaolin, Bentonite): Consumed by horses to help with digestive upsets and toxin binding.
Practical Application for Equines
  • Owners can provide a selection of dried or fresh herbs and observe which ones a horse chooses.
  • Offering access to natural foraging areas improves equine well-being and self-regulation.
  • Used in rehabilitation programs for horses with chronic health conditions.

Canines (Dogs & Wolves)

Dogs also retain the innate ability to self-select herbs and natural remedies. This is more limited compared to horses due to domestication, but canines will still:

  • Eat grass when experiencing stomach discomfort.
  • Chew on bark or leaves for pain relief or inflammation.
  • Roll in or ingest certain plants (e.g., lavender, mint) for calming effects.

Examples of Canine Self-Medication:

  • Chamomile: Chosen for digestive issues and anxiety relief.
  • Milk Thistle: Consumed when liver support is needed.
  • Nettle: Dogs will sometimes seek out nettle leaves to support joint health and circulation.
  • Garlic (in small amounts): Occasionally self-selected for its natural antiparasitic properties.
Practical Application for Canines
  • Providing herbal choices in a safe environment (dried herbs, teas, or essential oils for sniffing).
  • Allowing dogs to select their own remedies under controlled guidance.
  • Used in holistic veterinary practices to aid digestion, anxiety, and inflammation naturally.

Conclusion

Zoopharmacognosy and innate botanical selection demonstrate how horses and dogs instinctively seek out medicinal plants for health maintenance.

By observing and supporting this natural behavior, owners can enhance equine and canine well-being through herbal self-selection and natural remedies.

It's important to note that equine zoopharmacognosy should be practiced under the guidance of trained professionals, such as zoopharmacognosy practitioners or veterinarians, who understand horse behaviour, anatomy, and the properties of natural substances. They can help ensure the safety and effectiveness of using natural remedies for horses' health and well-being.