What is Applied Herbal Choices?

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Applied Herbal Choices is a behaviour-led method based on animals' natural ability to self-select medicinal plants, minerals and algae for their health (also called herbal self-selection or 'applied zoopharmacognosy').

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Zoopharmacognosy ('zoo' = animal; 'pharmaco' = remedy; 'gnosy' = knowing) refers to the process by which wild animals naturally forage and self select plants and plant extracts to self medicate. The Ingraham method of applying this to domesticated animals is a growing area of interest in animal wellbeing, and is the subject of a number of scientific studies. The practice encourages and allows animals to guide their own health, since unlike their wild counterparts, captive and domesticated animals rarely have the opportunity to forage on medical plants. The extracts offered include a variety of essential oils, absolutes, infused oils, tubers, clays, algae, seaweeds and minerals. Once the animal has selected its remedy, it will then guide the session by inhaling it, taking it orally, or by rubbing a part of its body into it.

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Sarah trained to become a consultant in Applied Herbal Choices for Animals in 2021 with Rose Holistic Therapies and Training in 2021 (Level 4 Diploma, over 400 learning hours). 

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What happens in a Herbal Choices session?

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A range of plant extracts are offered to your animal to self-select from according to their needs. The extracts may include dried herbs, powders, floral waters, essential oils and powders. The body language and behaviour of the animal is observed to see whether or not they are interested in the extracts offered. If interested the animal may sniff, inhale, ingest or sometimes rub against the herb extracts they choose as a way of absorbing the phytochemicals in the plant. 

 

Each session is based on the information provided by the owner on a consultation form. This helps structure the session, though ultimately the animal selects what they need. Your animal may not select to support the issue or problem that is of most concern to you, and perhaps the reason for you booking the consultation. Animals will always select to support what they sense to be their priority and at their own pace. For example, an animal may choose to work with emotional/behavioural issues before selecting to support physical problems and vice versa.

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The owner will be fully involved in the session and I will show you how to offer the extracts to your animal in a safe way. This process in not usually a one off, quick fix solution and may require a follow up or series of consultations, plus you, the owner, continuing to offer the remedies beyond the session in order to provide the best possible outcome.

 

At the end of the session, samples of the key extracts selected by your pet are provided for you to continue offering at home.  A consultation includes guidance on this method and a post-session summary report.

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What can Applied Herbal Choices be used for?

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Introducing and using Applied Herbal Choices with an animal allows them to guide their own health and can strengthen the bond between them and their owner. It can also help support an animal through the natural fluctuations that occur in the body with the rhythm of the seasons. Here are some conditions which can be improved using Applied Herbal Choices:

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Physical Issues

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pain - inflammation - arthritis - respiratory problems - digestive system - cardiovascular system - nerve damage - 

skin and coat problems - tumors and growths - recovery from surgery/illness/injury - pests/parasites - infections, wounds and burns - endocrine system (hormones) - eyes/ears - immune deficiency - end of life support

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Behavioural and Emotional Issues

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anxiety - depression/withdrawal - fear - insecurity - adjustment to new environments - seperation - shock - grief - trauma (past/present) - stress - ​rescue cases - aggression 

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How many sessions will be needed?

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To get the maximum benefit I recommend you book two sessions within the first month. The first Consultancy session includes a comprehensive assessment of your animal’s history, health, diet and current problems. A flexible plan is formulated and a full session can take up to 2 hours giving your animal the time to work at their own pace to self select the extracts offered.

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The number and frequency of sessions your animal will need depends entirely on their health status and needs. Benefits may be seen after one or two sessions and provides the education on methods, advice on how to use herbs and oils safely, allowing you to continue to care for your animals health and well-being. However, some issues may require ongoing sessions on a recurring basis in order to bring back balance and harmony.

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A session usually lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on the animal. I will leave you with a sample of herbs/essential oils that your animal has shown most interest in for you to continue to offer in the days after the session.

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Pricing   £80 Horses  £65 Dogs

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Discount available for combined bodywork and herbal choices session

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