Discover the innate power animals have to self-medicate using natural plant medicine
What is Zoopharmacognosy?
Zoo (“animal”), pharma (“remedy”), and cognosy (“knowing”)—is the natural ability animals have to self-medicate using plants, algae, clays, and minerals found in their environment. In the wild, animals instinctively detect, select, and use these substances for healing, wellness, and disease prevention.
This innate survival mechanism has been key to animal evolution. Without it, animals would not have been able to thrive and adapt into the rich diversity of species we see today.
Domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, still retain this instinct. A common example is when dogs eat grass—sometimes to help purge, support digestion, or control parasites. However, modern pets often lack access to the wide variety of botanicals available in the wild. That’s where the practice of Applied Zoopharmacognosy comes in.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy is a gentle, animal-led therapy that works with an animal’s natural instinct to self-select plant-based remedies. As a zoopharmacognosist, I collaborate with both the animal and their guardian to assess physical, emotional, or behavioural concerns. I then offer a carefully curated range of natural remedies—including essential oils, dried herbs, plant oils, and powders—for the animal to explore and select from.
Each session is entirely guided by the animal. Their choices determine the direction of the session, ensuring the therapy meets their individual needs.
How It Works
A typical session lasts around 2 hours and is entirely led by the animal.
I begin by offering a selection of botanicals—such as essential oils, dried herbs, herbal macerates, nutritional powders, and hydrosols—all carefully chosen based on the animal’s presenting needs.
The animal then explores and interacts with the remedies through inhalation, ingestion, or topical application, depending on what feels right for them.
This process taps into the animal’s natural ability to self-medicate. While many pet owners rely on supplements or pre-mixed blends, these don’t always match the animal’s specific needs in the moment. Zoopharmacognosy allows the animal to guide their own healing, choosing what their body and mind are asking for—nothing more, nothing less.
How Do We Know Animals Self-Medicate?
Even in domestic settings, animal behaviours give us clues of their deep-rooted knowledge of nature’s pharmacy
- Taking time to select a specific blade of grass
- Rolling on or eating fragrant herbs like lavender or rosemary
- Licking or eating clay or soil
- Foraging wild plants like nettles, rosehips, cleavers, and brambles
Vetinary Care
Applied zoopharmacognosy is not a replacement for veterinary care. It is a complementary therapy that supports the animal’s natural ability to self-heal using botanical remedies. By working with this innate wisdom—hardwired into their DNA—animals can address physical, behavioural, and emotional issues, and maintain overall wellbeing through preventative care.
What clients say
Types of conditions treated
Here are some of the most common issues zoopharmacognosy can support. This list is not exhaustive, but gives a good sense of its versatility:
Physical Conditions
- Allergies
- Digestive issues
- Hormonal imbalances
- Immune deficiencies
- Infections
- Kidney & urinary health
- Liver support
- Mobility & nerve issues
- Pain & inflammation
- Respiratory conditions
- Skin & coat problems
- Tumours & growths
- Wounds and burns
Consulting my vet
Applied zoopharmacognosy is not a replacement for veterinary care. It is a complementary therapy that supports the animal’s natural ability to self-heal using botanical remedies. By working with this innate wisdom—hardwired into their DNA—animals can address physical, behavioural, and emotional issues, and maintain overall wellbeing through preventative care.
Case studies
Please see our blogs section for lots of interesting case studies