Introduction

Applied Zoopharmacognosy (AZ) enables self-medicative behaviour in domesticated or

captive animals by offering plant extracts that would contain the same or similar

constituents to those found in an animal’s natural environment. This is done by closely

observing self-medicative behaviours exhibited by the animal.

The practice encourages and allows an animal to guide its own health, since unlike their wild

counterparts captive and domesticated animals rarely have the opportunity to forage on

medicinal plants. The extracts offered include a variety of essential oils, absolutes, plant

extracts, macerated oils, tubers, clays, algae, seaweeds and minerals.

Once the animal has selected its plant extract, it will then guide the session by inhaling it,

taking it orally, or by rubbing a part of its body into it. Self-selective behaviour modulates

individual dose of each extract.

At no time are extracts administered covertly in either feed or treats. Animals are given

complete opportunity to select or refuse all extracts.

The word Zoopharmacognosy is derived from the Greek 'zoo' (animal), 'pharmaco' (remedy)

and 'gnosy' (knowing), and Applied Zoopharmacognosy is the application of this knowledge

for animals who do not have access to an environment rich in their natural resources.

Ingraham, C. (2014)

Referral

Came via contact made in July 2015 by Michael’s guardian, Karen to the Ingraham Academy

of Zoopharmacognosy, with whom I am currently a student practitioner.

Reason for Referral

Michael had in total 4 sarcoids:

1. Above the right eye – see photographs at the end of this report

2. Right cheek – approximately the size and shape of a pencil end eraser

3. Below right elbow crease – approximately thumbnail sized

4. Left inner thigh – approximately thumbnail sized

Previous treatment using bloodroot ointment as prescribed by Michael’s veterinarian

practitioner had proved unsuccessful and Michael’s case was referred to the University of

Liverpool for radiation therapy.

Process

Between 12th July and 15th September 2015, Michael received weekly AZ sessions from me.

Sessions typically lasted approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours. My sessions were consistently

supported by daily offering of key extracts from Karen, adhering to the same principles of

offering / self-selection.

While the focus for sessions was unmistakably the physical presentation of the sarcoids, like

most complimentary approaches, AZ aims to incorporate an understanding of behavioural /

emotional traits to capture a whole picture of the animal.

As a qualified equine shiatsu practitioner I have also combined the use of specific

acupuncture points where relevant and appropriate. However, Applied Zoopharmacognosy

has remained the foremost focus for Michael’s sessions.

Summary of Key Extracts Selected

Essential Oils (EO)

Commentary & Key Properties

Thuja Michael selected this via inhalation and orally in preference to other

essential oils for initial sessions

Thuja, in many forms is commonly used to treat sarcoids, warts and melanomas

Bergamot Initially Michael selected this via inhalation, later sessions Michael allowed

topical application

Selection stopped (inhalation & topical) after session 11

Angelica Root Initially Michael selected this via inhalation, later sessions Michael allowed

topical application

Selection stopped (inhalation & topical) after session 11

Lime Lime was not available to Michael until session 9, when he selected it via

inhalation, orally and topically with a stronger preference to both Bergamot

and Angelica Root

Like the previous two photo-reactive oils selection stopped after session 11

Bergamot, angelica root and lime are photo-reactive oils and all can kill tumour

cells in a similar way. Although perfectly harmless to cells in the dark, as soon as

they are exposed to UV light these oils can have a cytotoxic effect. Bergapten

(also known as Methoxypsoralen) found in bergamot and lime and Angelicin

found in angelica root become highly reactive in the presence of UV light

(Tessman et al 1985; Piette & Hearst 1983). Upon UV exposure these molecules

attach themselves to the DNA, damaging it. When such extensive DNA damage

occurs cells stop growing and are prevented from making necessary proteins

and so eventually die.

Lemon Limonene found in lemon EO, works in two ways. Firstly it has been shown to

prevent tumour cells from developing their own blood vessels (Lu et al; 2004).

Developing new blood vessels is essential for bringing nutrients to tumour cells,

allowing them to grow. Limonene also helps to prevent the establishing of their

own nutrient supply. Preventing blood vessel development is useful in

preventing the tumour from getting worse but does not directly get rid of it.

Limonene and some of its metabolites, such as Perillic acid also have immune

supporting properties. The immune system can recognize and destroy certain

tumour cells and so lemon oil may have an indirect tumour cell killing effect

through its enhancement of the immune system (Del Toro-Arreola et al 2005).

Carrot Seed Michael selected this during early sessions via inhalation and then again, topically during latter sessions

Carrot seed has immune stimulant properties and is indicated with cell repair.

German Chamomile

Michael selected this from session 11 topically

German Chamomile is indicated with inflamed and healing tissues (including scar tissue).

Lavender Michael selected this from session 11 topically

Lavender is indicated with scar tissue, proud flesh and skin regeneration.

Dried Herbs / Powders

Commentary & Key Properties

Rosehip Shells Michael consistently selected between 1 – 3 kg per day (sequentially in

combination with barley grass)

Quantity selection started to reduce at session 12

Rosehips offer a rich source of vitamin C, offering valuable support to immune

function and opportunity for cell regeneration / collagen repair. They also

contact vitamin A & K, iron, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin.

Barley Grass Powder

Michael consistently selected on average 50g per day and on occasions up

to 100g (sequentially in combination with rosehip shells)

Michael often selected dry meaning absorption route was via the buccal

membrane

Organic barley grass offers a balanced source of nutrients and minerals. Horses

that are run down, off their food or on poor grazing often select barley grass. It

is especially high in calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and

potassium. As well as essential amino acids, barley grass contains 11 x more

calcium than cow’s milk, 5 x more iron than spinach and 7 x more vitamin C than

an orange.

Lemon Peel Powder

Michael consistently selected on average between 2 – 8 table spoons during sessions with me

Lemon has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Also see Lemon Essential Oil.

Macerated Oils Commentary & Key Properties Calendula Michael often selected this orally in early sessions, taking between 50 –

100ml at any one time

Latterly Michael selected this topically onto healing skin (in combination with German Chamomile and Lavender essential oils)

Calendula has been frequently selected by animals with skin problems.

Outcome

Without doubt the success of this work has been team work, with Karen following a daily

routine of offering key extracts under my guidance (rosehip shells and barley grass).

Apart from a small amount of wound healing evident at session 5, significant physical

changes were not obvious until session 7, when Michael was notably able to open his right

eye wider and the open wound was clearly smaller and flatter.

By sessions 3/4, two of the smaller sarcoids (right elbow and left groin) had reduced in size

(not photographed).

During and after sessions 2/4 the large sarcoid above the eye bled (NB no topical

applications were made).

Anecdotally, Karen reported less obvious changes in Michael around his personality, seeing

him more communicative, outward and engaged, and willingness when working. There also

appeared to be positive changes occurring with his body awareness and movement.

The left groin sarcoid was the first to completely disappear around session 5.

From session 7 onwards, the eye sarcoid changed shape and size (reductions) at a significant

rate. This coincided with Michael selecting and allowing consistent topical application

directly onto this sarcoid of photo-reactive essential oils.

Between session 9 and 10 the cheek sarcoid dropped off.

It is worth noting that no topical work was completed on the 3 smaller sarcoids.

At session 12 (approximately 2 months after starting) Michael started to show no interest in

key extracts (photo-reactive essential oils) while interest in both barley grass and rosehip

shells became less consistent in frequency. At the same time Michael showed increased

interest in topical extracts that would indicate scar tissue healing.

From between 26th October 2015 and February 2016, Michael continued to receive

fortnightly AZ sessions. Quantities of rose hip shells and barley grass fluctuated from day to

day with occasions of complete refusal. The 3 small sarcoids did not return. The facial

sarcoid scar continued to change and heal albeit much slower. Some very fine new hair

growth was evident. The focus moved on and Michael enjoyed successes with regards to

nerve damage repair / regeneration in the neck, poll and muzzle areas.

Photographic progress see appendix 01.

References / Sources of information

Del Toro-Arreola S., Flores-Torales E., Torres-Lozzano C., Del Toro-Arreola A., Tostado-Pelayo

K., Ramirez-Duenas MG., Daneri-Navarro A., (2005). Effect of limonene in immune response

in BALB/c mice with lymphoma. INT. IMMUNOPHARMA 5: 829-838.

Ingraham, C., (2014). How Animals Heal Themselves. Orphans Press.

Lu X., Zhan L., Feng B., Qu M. and Yu L., (2004). Inhibition of growth and metastasis

GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission in cultured cortical neurons. EUROEAN JOURNAL

OF PHARMACOLGY 502: 241-46.

Tessman JW., Isaacs ST., Hearst JE. (1985). Photochemistry of the Furan-Side 8-

Methoxypsoralen-Thymildine Monoduct Inside the DNA Helix. Conversion to Diadduct and

Side Pyrone-Monoadduct. BIOCHEMESTRY 24: 1669-1676.

Appendix 01

12th July 2015 – Session 1

29th July – Session 5

10th August – Session 7

17th August – Session 8

27th August – Session 9

4th September – Session 10

11th September – Session 11

15th September – Session 12

28th September 2015 9th October 2015

20th October 2015

26th October 2015

18th December 2015 6th Feb 2016