Giving animals the opportunity to heal themselves is a wonderful tool.

What is it?

Also known as Applied Zoopharmacognosy. Applied Herbal Choices (AHC), is a term that describes enabling self-medicative behaviours in domesticated and captive animals. Animals instinctively know what their bodies need and so, by offering them a selection of plants, powders, etc, we can help to facilitate potential physical and emotional healing. There have been many studies on animals in the wild self-medicating such as the Sumatran orangutan treating a wound with chewed leaves and elephants seeking out a cave to consume salt, but the power of taking this knowledge and using it to help our domestic and captive animals is relatively new. Caroline Ingraham has been a pioneer in treating animals in this way and to her I will be forever grateful.

Benefits:

• General wellbeing to support a healthy animal

• Release/Healing from past abuse or trauma

• Separation anxiety and grief

• Immune system support

• Behavioural issues

• Physical issues including pain, inflammation, digestion

• Support for animals with chronic illnesses

• End of life support

• Enrichment for horses on box rest

Before the session:

I will send you a document to fill in to give me an idea of the history of your animal. The more information you give me beforehand the better I can plan my time with you. You will also need to get consent from your vet.

During the session:

At the beginning of your first session I will talk you through all of this, go through the form and answer any questions you might have. I’ll then tell you what I’m planning to offer your animal and explain the reasons why.

When possible it’s best to hold the session at a quiet time as they will get more out of it and have better releases. For example it makes it more difficult when they are watching their friends being turned out.

Whilst I’m working I will keep chatting to you, explaining what I’m doing and observing, so you’ll always be able to ask me more questions as I work.

After the session:

I’ll leave some samples of their favourite choices with a guide sheet to let you know what to do for the few days after.

Other Information:

I have full professional insurance with Baylens.

Please note that AHC does not intend to replace treatment from your vet and is not meant for diagnosing. I adhere to the Veterinary Act 1966.