Zoopharmacognosis... it seems like a complicated term, what exactly does this therapy consist of?
Animals that live in the wild self-medicate by taking certain plants, roots, algae, clays, etc. They are elements that Nature provides them. Applied zoopharmacognosis follows this behavior, it is a therapy that provides the animals that live with us the remedies that they themselves would find and choose in Nature to heal themselves. It allows them to choose which remedy they most need to solve the problem they are suffering from.
What benefits does it produce? Is it useful for all types of diseases?
The benefits of zoopharmacognosis occur both physiologically, mentally and emotionally. In this technique, it is the animal who decides the element it needs to take care of itself and the necessary quantities. Zoopharmacognosis gives domestic animals back the right and the possibility of enjoying the elements present in Nature that they do not always have access to.
It sounds great, but is it really effective for problems such as allergies, fears, kidney or liver failure...?
This therapy is effective for the complementary treatment of various health problems that can affect our colleagues. I don't want to go too much into biological topics, I think it may be simpler to explain the activity of biological chemical elements produced by plants called metabolites. Metabolites are divided into primary and secondary. While the former are necessary for the development of plants, for their growth, for them to have energy, etc., the secondary ones play a role in the correct maintenance of their functions. They increase life expectancy and general health. Among plants there are some that are richer in secondary metabolites and, for this reason, they are the most used in zoopharmacognosis. Although I always recommend a prior veterinary visit to evaluate the severity of the disease and the most appropriate treatment, zoopharmacognosis offers effective weapons to “fight” physical and behavioral problems. In any case, I want to emphasize that zoopharmacognosis does not replace veterinary care.
The approach of the animal choosing what can heal it seems fantastic and really “natural” to us. However, human companions are very concerned about two things when starting a treatment for their animals: Will it be too expensive? How long is it going to take?
The time of each session is decided by the patient. As it happens to us when we go to a good doctor who wants to help us and listen to us. Each animal has its needs and requires individual care, which is why the session can last 40 minutes or three hours. He or she will know how to tell us what he or she needs most. It is always the animal who decides how long the session will last and how many times it will need to attend therapy.
What type of natural products are used in zoopharmacognosis?
Essential oils, macerated or cold-pressed oils, waters, algae, roots, berries, powders, beeswax, chalk, etc. are used. The animal decides on one or the other by sniffing, inhaling (in the case of oils), ingesting or, why not, wallowing in some of the extracts. As I said before, once chosen they can also be applied to the skin in case of dermatological problems.
Can you briefly describe what a zoopharmacognosis session is like?
The session can be done at the patient's home or in the therapist's office. The important thing is that the animal feels comfortable in the environment where the therapy takes place. First of all, the animal is allowed to “take a look” at the therapy room, which must be well ventilated and without elements that distract it. Once you have gained confidence in the new environment, the oils are presented separately and the signals it offers us that indicate your needs and preferences are analyzed. The same is done with powders, algae, roots and berries. By observing the animal's reactions we can determine when to end the session and define possible future therapeutic encounters. I advise not to repeat the therapy at home without a good knowledge of the technique and animal communication. I remember that the word “natural” does not mean that we can make uncontrolled use of the products that nature offers us. What can heal, taken in excessive or unnecessary quantities, could become toxic. The special ingredients of zoopharmacognosis are respect and affection, seasoned with essential oils 😉
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