What is Zoopharmacognosy?
Animal self-medication
Zoopharmacognosy comes from Greek words meaning "animal", "medicine", and "knowing". It is the study of how wild animals choose and use certain plants to heal themselves.
All animals have this natural survival strategy. For example, caterpillars infected with larvae will forage on different plants depending on the larvae type (wasp or fly) and the severity of infestion (Smilanich et al 2011), and orangutans have been seen treating head wounds with leaves that have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties (Laumer et al 2024).
Applied Zoopharmacognsy
Offering self-medication to domestic animals
Our pets and captive animals generally don't have the opportunity to forage for a variety of natural medicinal plants.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy gives them this chance by offering essential oils, hydrosols, and herbal powders from plants in their evolutionary history that they could encounter in the wild.
We don't prescribe or diagnose. Instead, we let the animals instinctively select what they need by smelling, applying to their skin/fur, or taking the remedies orally.
Each animal will pick different remedies based on their specific condition, their unique physical makeup, and how severe their issue is.
The Ingraham Method of Innate Medicine (IMIM)
Innate and individualised plant medicine
IMIM was created by Caroline Ingraham, the founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy. It uses special techniques to match an animal's condition and its severity with the right remedies.
Knowing where to start, what to offer, and how to interpret the animal's responses requires a skilled practitioner. This approach is different from traditional behavioural training and involves understanding the subtle signs animals use to communicate their needs.
Animals are always free to move away and are never forced to take any remedies. They decide what to work with and how much they need, based on their condition, its severity, and their individual physiology.
"Our recent experience with Catherine was nothing short of amazing.
What fascinated me the most was watching Dylan instinctively choose the oils he was drawn to, which I then learnt were also ones which specifically target his current health challenges.
After the session, his appetite noticeably improved and he slept more soundly than before. It was clear he had benefited from the experience. I am so grateful and highly recommend it to any pet owner looking for natural ways to support their pets."
Denice with Dylan
“It’s been a joy and wonder to work with Catherine and my two rescue dogs. The treatment is tailored to the dog’s needs and Catherine clearly explains what is happening as she works with different oils and powders and why your dog may be choosing to work with them or not. I was never sidelined to the role of purely observer but fully involved and encouraged to do so by Catherine. Watching my most reactive pup become calm and quiet within a short time was so precious and amazing.
I cannot recommend her enough. This treatment is very valid and important in complimentary health for animals”
Caroline with Bruce and Harley
About me
I have been passionate about IMIM since first coming across it in 2020 whilst researching the safety of essential oil use in a home with dogs.
Since then I have been studying with Caroline Ingraham, finishing with a Diploma in Applied Zoopharmacognosy using the IMIM techniques. I am delighted to now offer this to the dogs of Guernsey. I work holistically to support your dogs natural healing journey, using the plants they have evolved with and allowing them to be the lead in selecting their remedies, dose and application.
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