Zoopharmacognosy: What animals can teach you about natural medicine!

Healing, it seems, has always been written into nature. Zoopharmacognosy is the way in which non-human animals instinctively heal themselves using plants, minerals, and other natural substances as medicine. Animals have been practising this for millions of years, selecting plants with medicinal properties to support their health. It’s believed that humans have looked to the self-medicating behaviours of animals for millennia, using their instincts as guidance for discovering safe natural remedies.

Researchers have observed that, under natural conditions, sick animals will often seek out plants and substances that are not part of their usual diet and have no nutritional value, but do contain active compounds that help improve their health.¹https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal/article/selfmedication-and-homeostatic-behaviour-in-herbivores-learning-about-the-benefits-of-natures-pharmacy/7FF0F9E891DC6D583F05066BE45B3037

Recent studies suggest that some of the very same substances animals use may offer therapeutic benefits to humans too. By studying how animals self-medicate, we can deepen our understanding of herbal medicine – and even uncover new, natural treatment options. It’s a powerful reminder that nature provides, and that healing can come from the wild wisdom that surrounds us.

Examples of self-medication in the wild

Western lowland gorillas: These gorillas consume the bark of certain native trees as part of their self-medication behaviour. One study found that these same plants may be effective in treating diseases caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and oxidative stress.²https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0306957

Butterflies and medicinal leaves: Monarch butterflies have been observed laying their eggs on milkweed plants. This isn’t random – milkweed contains compounds that help protect their larvae from parasites.³https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01901.x

Chimpanzees of Budongo Forest, Uganda: Researchers studying chimpanzee communities in Uganda found them eating specific plant species with known medicinal properties. Many of these extracts showed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and interestingly, are also used in traditional Gabonese medicine.⁴https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0305219

Dogs eating grass: A common behaviour among domestic dogs, grass-eating is believed to aid digestion or help them expel something that’s upsetting their stomach.⁵https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288656215_Why_do_dogs_and_cats_eat_grass If you’re a dog owner, you may have noticed this!

Elephants and labour-inducing plants: Pregnant elephants in Kenya have been spotted eating specific plants believed to induce labour. These same plants are traditionally used by local communities during childbirth.⁶https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874119346720

How can you incorporate nature’s wisdom into your life?

We’re not suggesting you head out and start sampling the nearest wild plants! But there’s a lot we can learn from how animals use nature to restore balance. Many herbs and natural remedies used instinctively by animals now have scientific backing and have been used by humans for centuries in traditional medicine.

Here are a few simple ways to bring nature’s wisdom into your own routine:

• Adaptogens: Used traditionally to help the body adapt to stress, support hormone balance, and strengthen immune resilience..
• Herbal tinctures: These plant-based extracts can support digestion, aid recovery from infections, and promote healthy lymphatic flow. Check out our Premium Herbal Tinctures!
• Medicinal mushrooms: From cognitive support to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, these fungi have long been valued by both animals and humans. Try our diverse Mushroom Blend!
• Probiotics and prebiotics: Because gut health sits at the centre of everything from digestion to mood, this duo deserves a permanent place in your wellness toolkit. We’ve got you sorted here with our award-winning probiotic kefir and Complete Prebiotic.

Nature has always had the answers – we’re just learning to listen more closely. For more on how nature can heal, read here.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.

References

• 1
  https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal/article/selfmedication-and-homeostatic-behaviour-in-herbivores-learning-about-the-benefits-of-natures-pharmacy/7FF0F9E891DC6D583F05066BE45B3037
• 2
  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0306957
• 3
  https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01901.x
• 4
  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0305219
• 5
  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288656215_Why_do_dogs_and_cats_eat_grass
• 6
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874119346720

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