Zoopharmacognosy
The word Zoopharmacognosy was coined by Dr.Eloy Rodriguez - a biochemist at Cornell University, NY. The word is derived from ancient Greek- 'zoo' (animal), 'pharmaco' (remedy) and 'gnosy' (knowing). Zoopharmacognosy refers to the process by which animals in the wild self-medicate by instinctively foraging for plants, algae's, clays and minerals for their medicinal properties. This survival trait allows an animal to use its innate ability to prevent disease as well as regain health. There is nothing new about animals self-selecting the medicinal compounds present within herbs – it has always been an essential survival trait used by animals in the wild in order to maintain health. Domesticated animals have not lost this ability – just the opportunity! Your horse is already self-selecting every time it chooses between one plant in the field and another.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy then, is an observational science involving offering plant extracts according to presenting symptoms enabling domestic and captive animals to self-medicate effectively in environments devoid of therapeutic plants. The founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy is Caroline Ingraham based in the UK. Through a life-time of passion, service and dedication Caroline has molded and honed the Applied Zoopharmacognosy approach which has not only resulted in countless animals restoring health, but also in a new line of communication opening up between horse and carer that up until now remained undiscovered. Caroline has published several informative books on Applied Zoopharmacognosy.
Whitethorn Equine Health Ltd has then taken this concept one step further and incorporated this approach into an Equine Health care system establishing themselves as the global experts in the field. Using the Applied Equine Zoopharmacognosy approach along with an environmental land enrichment program at Whitethorn Farm, we provide a space where equines disease and conditions can be addressed and resolved. We also run a student program teaching students how they can incorporate this approach into their own equine management systems.
Other experts in the field include Professor Huffman based at Kyoto University, Japan. Professor Huffman has contributed much through his work with Primates.
Click on the video below to see Professor Huffman's 18minute Tedx talk:
Applied Zoopharmacognosy then, is an observational science involving offering plant extracts according to presenting symptoms enabling domestic and captive animals to self-medicate effectively in environments devoid of therapeutic plants. The founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy is Caroline Ingraham based in the UK. Through a life-time of passion, service and dedication Caroline has molded and honed the Applied Zoopharmacognosy approach which has not only resulted in countless animals restoring health, but also in a new line of communication opening up between horse and carer that up until now remained undiscovered. Caroline has published several informative books on Applied Zoopharmacognosy.
Whitethorn Equine Health Ltd has then taken this concept one step further and incorporated this approach into an Equine Health care system establishing themselves as the global experts in the field. Using the Applied Equine Zoopharmacognosy approach along with an environmental land enrichment program at Whitethorn Farm, we provide a space where equines disease and conditions can be addressed and resolved. We also run a student program teaching students how they can incorporate this approach into their own equine management systems.
Other experts in the field include Professor Huffman based at Kyoto University, Japan. Professor Huffman has contributed much through his work with Primates.
Click on the video below to see Professor Huffman's 18minute Tedx talk:
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If you wish to check out peer reviewed controlled studies on self-medication by other herbivores please go to the following links:
Domesticated goats self-medicating
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030440171300513X?via%3Dihub
Sheep and lambs self-medicating
digitalcommons.usu.edu/behave/119/
Domesticated goats self-medicating
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030440171300513X?via%3Dihub
Sheep and lambs self-medicating
digitalcommons.usu.edu/behave/119/